Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1889-02-20
THE STATE CAPITOL.
York Couaty Man who Doesn't Want II
At Portland.
Editor Times :

Editor Tunes
For many years with every session of our
Legislature has been raised the question of
q change of location of the State capitol.
Ii has soon been lost sight OF as the business
of pressing importance has claimed atteBy
ton, and like measles or other periodical
ailment incident to humanity. has left no
serious impression. The present session
seems to be an exception 10 most others.
The cry for change was made early and
loud and has taken definite shape by the in
PRODUCTION of an order by Senator Libby of
Portland which provided for committee to
consider the matter and report at this session
of the Legislature.
As it is not a matter which alone Affects
Legislators. but the whole people of the
State. it will be well to consider the grounds
upon which such proposed action has been
or may now be based and whether it is proba-
Bile that the people of the State demand a
change to Portland or elsewhere.
IL must be evident to anyone who has been
in frequent attendance upon legislative ses-
sions that for many years the chief reasons
mentioned have been that the hotel accom-
modations were insufficient and the charges
therefor exorbitant.
At this time in addition to these things we
have heard the complaint that the streets are
not properly paved. that it is dull and has not
so much business or means for entertain ment
az Portland has. etc. There has been felt
for the past ten years. need of more room
for State officers, and this fact resulted in
definite action looking to an enlargement of
the State House about the beginning of that
period Plans were made by competent
architect at an expense of over $500 which
contemplated the addition of wing in the
rear, which would be ample for all purposes
at an estimate cost of about Sl25 900, but
nothng has been done towards carrying them
into execution. Now there is fever TO have
the site changed to Portland, which city has
taken iDitistory steps TO receive the honor of
having the Capitol within its limits by choos-
ing a committee, &c.
see by the papers that hearingis to be
givea to-day and that Bangor will be on the
ground with its committee and many of its
heavy men. This is just what might be e1
pected. And when all the live cities put in
their claims the same old question which
vas settled fifty years ago by our fathers
will be again upon US, that of location. How
will the people in the State generally look at
the question? think they will be very like
" to regard Ii in the light of q financial
transaction to large extent. and next 10 the
going to cost money to build a new capitol.
from 81 ,00s, 900 to 81 500 900 before the
thing 10 completed in all probability. Are
the tar payers ready for this expenditure up
on any grounds stated by those who wish
change? We think not. We think they will
sooner say if the present capitol is not large
enough for the business of the State, enlarge
il. and we will pay the bill. We have
good building now, and its apps arance will
not be injured by the proposed change. More
over there are ample grounds connected
Herewith which command one of the most
picturesque views to be found in Western
Maine when springtime adorns the land
scape.
How many of these lie gislators have looked
from the dome of the State House down the
Kennebec when June sun has gilded the
foliage along its stately banks. But they
cay We do not remain there In the summer
months. True. they do not remain very much
of the time in any season and the people de-
cided few years since that they would lessen
the time one half so that but about one
twelfth of the time is required for their ser
wants to dwell in the capital either for bust
ness or pleasure.
There were good reasons for making
Augusta the capital at the time it was selected
do they point to = removal to the Westr
Bangor will give good reason for its being
further east.
Look on the map of Maine and see how fer
west Of the geographical centre of the State
10 Augusta. See how far the dwellers in
Northern Aroostook have to travel before
they reach Bangor on their way to the pres
ent capital. 1t is too narrow a view to take
Of this matter to desire the capital within
sight of our own residence because we live in
York county, even if we could have it for the
asking.