Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1891-01-15
Governor Burleigh's Address.

The address of Governor Burleigh,
which we publish this week, is clear,
practical, and, considering the Importance
of the subjects which he treats. succinct,
statement of public affairs. 1t shows
thought research and sound views on
questions which enter into our State
polity
The Governor devotes considerable space
of the financial condition of the State.
From his long experience as State Treas
urer, than whom we never had more
able and efficient one. he is entirely fami-
liar with the financial affairs of the State,
and when he discusses them. the public
has confidence that he knows what he is
talking about and that he says what Is
true. The following facts which speak
volumes for careful and honest manage
ment, are given:
In 1869 the net bonded debt of the State
was S7,l2s.370 with an annual interest
charge of S4s6,05l. To-day the bonded
debt is only S2,60l,3 800 and the interest
charge ISL ,935, No such reduction of our
indebtedness conld have been brought
about had our State administrations been
reckless and extravagant.
The Governor reviews TO some extent
the work of the Tax Commission. and
favors such revision of the tax laws as
will make them equitable in their opera
tons. Under present statutory require
ments there is great lack of uniformity in
the valuation of property by the several
municipalities. Much property il valued
at less than its real value and considerable
is frankly stated to be valued at only one
third of its cash value. 1t will be readily
seen that the burden of taxation cannot
be equitably distributed among the several
towns until there shall be uniform rate
of valuation throughout the whole State.
Upon the subject of prohibition he gives
some very timely and interesting reading.
He points out the fact that for the first
time In many years the people were afford
ed an opportunity 10 pronounce at the
polls upon a movement looking 10 the re-
peal of our prohibitory laws and substi-
tuting in their place the high license sys
TEN Their decision gave no uncertain
sound It was full, uneqrivocal con
demnatlon Of high license which is worthy
only Of contempt and a most emphatic
endorsement OF prohibition. His own po-
-iton relative to the enforcement of our
=. al
During the past two year, | have per
sOualty written the officials in the various
counties upon whom WAS dcvolyed the du-
" OF enforcing the law urging the vital
Importance of the suppression Of the dram
shop | did this that such officers might
clearly understand that they would have
the support Of the Executive Department
Of thc State III all their efforts to enforce
Prohibition.
The movement for the secret ballot
known a. the Australian system. which
was iuaugurated at the last session Of the
Legislature will derive greatly accelerated
given it by Governor Burlcigh in his
address. Since the session Of 1883,
much has ran>pired to give added weight
to the Arguments made at that time. In
several other states the reform has been
practically tried aud not found wanting
Maine can now prof., by the experience Of
Other states and govern itself accordingly.
This l. by no means party measure, and
If il were, the Republican party is not the
party to suffer by free. uutrammeled
vote, and square, honest dealings. The
whole ground should be looked carefully
over and the best and strongest system
which can be made up from the experience
Of otter states, adopted, if it shall be
found that the time has come for a radical
change in the laws governing our cleo
tun..
Briefly stated, the Governor. mes sage,
with very lsudable scope. from beginning
to end has an eye, directly or indirectly,
for the best interests of the whole state,
educational industrial, Agricultural, social
a