The Portland daily press., 1885-01-09
Gov. Robes Address.

Gov. Robes Address.
Gov. Robie's address should receive the
careful attention of every citizen of Maine.
1t has been carefully prepared with view
to giving the people of the State full and ac-
curate information, not only concerning the
condition and workings of their government
and institutions, but also in regard 10 the
condition and needs of the pursuits,
agricultural, industrial and CONNER
clal, in which they are engaged and on the
prosperity of which their welfare SO largely
depends. The picture which the address
presents is on the whole very cheering one.
Maine is not advancing with rapid strides,
but she is doing considerably better than
holding her own.
During the past two years our population
has increased Is. 1877, and the taxable valua.
tlon Of estates, $4,917, 1897. And while we
have been increasing our property, we have
been paying off our debts with commeuda-
BILE rapidity. During 1883 our State debt
was reduced $57l, 207 and last year $751;, 7OS,
reduction for tho two years of nearly three
quarters of million. Meanwhile, county
and municipal Indebtedness also has been
rapidly diminishing. During the year
ending December 81, 1882, $61, 4S9. 81
OF county Indebtedness was paid off, and in
1888 nearly $35, 900, total for the two years
of over $4,000. For the year ending March
1888, the reduction In our municipal in
debtedness amounted to 1890, 655. 81, and the
subsequent year it reached S428, 1868 O5, a
total for the two years of over 100000,
and an average of over $500, 900 per annum
or about one twenty-third of our entire mu-
nicipal indebtedness. These facts are un-
mistakable signs of prosperity and thrift.
But there are Others equally significant,
During the past two years the deposits in
our savings banks have risen nearly
three and one-half millions, and the number
of the depositors has steadily increased until
they now amount to 105,6So or one-sixth Of
our entire population. These figures afford
indispu.abe proof that the condition of our
wage workers is steadily improving.
The industrial depression of the year seems
TO have been felt much less in Maine than
elsewhere. Our cotton mills have added
done profit able business. The lumber
business has declined somewhat, and the
leather business good deal, the result
chiefly, no doubt, of the failure of the Shaws
and The consequent closing of the Eastern
tanneries. But the granite and the lime
business have held their own, and the boot
and shoe manufacture has shown marked
improvement.
WIN the condition and needs of our agrl-
cultural population no man is more tamilia-
or more competent to speak than Gov. Ro-
bic. In his capacity of master of the State
grange he has had exceptional facilities to
become familiar with their wants, and he
has improved them. Agriculture is confess
aedly the largest interest of the State, and
nearly one-half of our population derive
their livelihood directly from its pursuit.
Obviously, therefore, the prosperity of this
interest is of the highest importance, and 1t
Is the duty of the legislature to foster it in
all legitimate ways. In the past, as Gov.
Robe suggests, agriculture has been left too
often to struggle alone. One of the press
ing needs OF the Maine farmer at present is
an agricultural experiment station. Some
provision is demanded for an inspection of
the fertilizers low sold in the State to pro-
tect the farmer against the adulteration
whichis now practiced by dishonest manu-
facturers. Both of these matters are hear
tily commended by the Governor to the at
tention of the legislature. He also recon-
mends the appointment of State veterin-
airy surgeon and the enlargement of the
powers of the cattle commissioners. Pc
cuniary assistance could well be afforded
State dairy and genealogical societies.
The cause of education receives exhaus-
tive and earnest treatment at the hands of
the Governor. The tables OF statistics relat-
ing to this subject which form part of the
address show conclusively that Maine is
steadily advancing in her school system. 1t
is apparent that the money appropriated
for schools is carefully applied to the pnr-
poses for which it is intended and that the
best possible use is made Of it. The normal
schools and the schools for the deaf and
dumb receive kindly and appreciatiye treat
ment at the Governors hands.
The condition of our State institutions. pe
nal and charitable, is very gratifying, re-
fecting great credit upon the gentlemen in
whose charge they are, as well as upon the
administration on which the responsibility
for their conduct ultimately rests What
recommendations the Governor makes in
regard to them are evidently the outgrowth
of thorough understanding and apprecia-
ton of their needs and deserve the care
full consideration of the legislature.
The State prison is nearer self sustaining
than it ever was before. The accommoda-
tions OF the Insane Hospital will prove sufic-
lent for the insane for many years to come.
Inc mechanical department of the Reform
School has worked well and bids fair to be a
permanent success. The Governor speaks
In praise of the family system and COM
mends 1t to the attention of the legislature.
The constant decrease in tho number OF
soldiers orphans will make it necessary to
extend the scope of the Bath Asylum if the
institution is TO be kept filed up.
The Governor believes the efficiency of
the militia should be preserved by suitable
appropriations. He points out that our ex-
penditures in this direction are much less
per man than those of the other New Eng
land States. He recommends larger ap.
preparation for State pensions than last
year. He faVors an appropriation for the
Grand ArmyTeunion, suggests that in view
OF the probability of the arrival of the chol-
era next season that the Governor be given
powe7>te appoint State board of health 10
case an exigency arises; asks the legislature
to consider the expediency of organizing
State board of charities; recommends the
rigid enforcement of the laws fixing the hours
of labor; and urges legislation recognizing