The Portland daily press., 1889-01-21
MONDAY MORNING, JAN. 81.
THE STATE CAPITAL.
Portland Should be the Place and
the State House Should De riaceo
on Bramhall Hill.

To the Editor Of the Press:
DENNYsvILLE, Jan. Is.
Maine is my pet State and have an abid-
ing desire that her interests may be well
cared tor We came into existence about the
same time-one years children. / have got
ten past my prime, while she is just coming
out" In lusty, vigorous and comedy woman
hood. Her sponsor" wiser than they knew
perhaps, in the external fitness Of things"
christened her "Dirigo." They named her
well, and in the fullness of her beauty and
her dignity she should have an almost regal
presentation to her sister States. No meager
'plemishing should be bestowed upon her.
The "Star in the East" should shine. Her
estate should be according to her birth and
condition among existing things.
In my humble opinion, and would by no
means counsel waste and extravaganza in
either public or private expenditures, the
State Of Maine requires and should have a
good round million to place her where Of
right and well-being she ought to be. But
OH OIL oh thunders in my ears from "ali
over our broad State, in spots Whenever
can do that" I'VE are too poor" What
burdens of taxation that would bring upon
u.s." ut won't do to think Of 1t. III we can
get that, say 100000 from Uncle Sam, we
might do something about State House at
some future time, and perhaps patch up the
Insane Hospital and State Prison. but q
million right out of our bones and sinew sit
can't be DONE 1t can be done, l repeat, 1t
can be done. We need State House, sub
stantial, commodi0us, beautiful. A new
State Prison such as the time, and times TO
come demand, the thorough fitting up of
the Insane Hospital. and the building of one
or two new ones, perhaps another General
Hospital for the sick, good library building
by itself or in connection with the State
House, with appropriations for needed books,
and salaries OF the requisite librarians-ap-
preparations that shall secure a full and cor
rect statement of all the capacities, qualifica-
tons and advantages OF the State as the
dwelling place-permanent or occasional-for
men, women and children, the printed docu-
ments to be scattered in other States with
wise liberality. These do not consider to
be ''utopian" ideas, but. rather a common
sense view of the matters under considera-
ton, just what thoughtful, level-headed,
energetic man, with means in his wallet,
would do in laying the foundations of large
increasing and permanent business.
The people of Maine are doubtless actual
IN worth today not less than $500, 0O0, 900, and
the raising of a million on that sum only
means taoo mills on dollar, and the State OF
Maine can't pay 1t. Nonsense. With such
outlay well expended for the purposes Iabove
named, but little more would be required I'M
til near the year A. ID. 1000. 1t is not of
course necessary ii these expenditures were
to be made, that the State should at once tax
itself to that xtent. Doubtless many''bloat-
ed bond holders" are ready at any moment
to advance the needful dollars at net 3 per
cent. for as long as any would desire. 1t is
well enough that coming generation should
bear proportion OF expenditure made in
part for its benefit.
Now about location. only speak of
State House. From the extreme Down
East look upon Portland rs the place.
Deering desires to be annexed to Portland
perhaps, and if she gets there may tell about
the beautiful and commanding hill just over
the apex of which Editor Adams of the Ar
gus resides. And State House there would
be in full view of a considerable portion of
creation. A city" that couldn't possibly
'be hid" Down in the quiet fields where
pretty place, but Bramhalls Hill takes my
eye. with all its pleasant surroundings and
glorious Notwithstanding even to the White
Mountains, and its convenient position. |
think dwelling here from time to time
would have tendency to improve our legis-
lators, broadening, extending, deepening
their views OF things useful and important.
Will any down easter or Aroost0ok county
men who chance to be sent by and by to the
''great and general court" complain that a
State House IN Portland is too far away?
My answer, taking pocket view of the mat
ter would be that the mileage" is the most
satisfactory portion of the legislators COM
pensation, for his arduous and long protract-
ed labors. sincerely hope for one, that
selves in the matter of the State House and
will conclude and make overtures in that d.
rectiOn which cannot be matched by any 9TH
er city from ''Kittery to Quoddy." They are
liable, 1t is hoped they will be willing"
p. e. VOsE.