The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1892-12-15


Prevention of Appropriations of Pub
lie Money for sectarian or Denomina-
tional Purposes the Object of the Or
/ ganization.
A well-attended meeting was held at
Baxter Hall last evening for the purpose
of forming state league as an auxiliary
ton of American institutions. The prin-
cipal object of this league is the securing
of a constitutional amendment prohibit
ing the appropriation of public moneys
es. The headquarters of the movement
is in New York state, and many eminent
men are connected with it.
In the absence of James P. Baxter,
ESQ.,, chairman of the temporary organi-
cation, J. r. Libby, Esq, presided.
Liberty bennett, Esq, made brief
statement of the objects of the move
ment, which are as was stated at the
time of the meeting which Rev. DR.. King
of New York, addressed in Baxter Hall.
Mr.. bennett then reported the proposed
draft of a constitution of the Maine
branch. The constitution defines the OBJ
ject of the league to be ito secure con-
stitutional and legislative safeguards for
the protection of the common
school system and other
American institutions, and to pro-
mote public instruction in harmony with
such institutions, and to prevent all sec
tartan or UNCONVENTIONAL appropriations
of public funds.'' The officers of the
league shall be president, as many vice
presidents as the board of managers may
determine, secretary, treasurer, and
board of 81 managers. The board of
managers are to appoint all the other of
ficers, so last evening only the board
were elected. This board is to be divid-
ed by lot into three classes, the first
class to serve one year, the second two
years and the third three years. Here
after nine managers will be elected each
year to serve three years The first
Wednesday of January is fixed for the
annual meeting. All persons expressing
sympathy with objects of the league are
eligible for membership upon paying 81
yearly, or So at one time into the treas
ury of the league.
The Constitution Was Adopted
unanimously and the following board of
managers was elected unanimously:
James p. Baxter, S. C. Strout, J. w. Sy-
monds, DIR. /. T. Dana, Mark p. Emery,
J. r. Libby, Charles F. Libby, E. P.
Wentworth, W. J. Corthell of Gorham,
Rev. E. M. Cousens of Westbrook, W. Fl.
Scott of Deering, Rev. George D. Lind
say, Major J. NJ. Gould, George S. Hunt.
Rev. George NJ Howe of Lewiston,
James M. Marrett, H. Ell. Shaw, M. HI.
Kelley of Saco, Fl. FL. Burgess, Rev. DIR i.
Henry Blanchard. Rev. Matt S. Hughes,
James H. Hall, Charles S. Fobes, L. B.
bennett, George F. Talbot Rev. DIR.
James G. Merrill and George F. Emery.
After the election of officers
Hon. Joseph W. symonds
was introduced and addressed the audi
ence. He said that he had certain well
defined reasons for supporting the pro-
poseda amendment He was not sure
that lawyers always made the best re-
/ formers. The study of law makes men
| conservative. LAYERS often prefer the
| steadiness of existing institutions to
| changes which promise even better
things. The tendency of the law is to
move slowly. 1t loves the old ways, the
pathways where the landmarks stand.
NIL IL 81 Ia lin
roots down deep through the mold of
generations and so lift their branches Sc
curely against the fury of the tempest.
Our constitution is the great charter
of humanity, established by the wisest
statesmen of their age, and approved by
the judgement of their successors. Such an
instruments should not be changed with
out controlling reasons for the change.
All this he appreciated; but it seemed to
| him that the signs of the time were such
as to justify this change. For it is not
an innovation. 1t is not a change. 1t is
the means of holding our institutions in
harmony with the old spirit of the con-
stitution. There are signs in this country
that
Troublous Times May BE Before Us;
and if in any respect the words of the
constitution 40 nOL lully ClClICu lto uodu-
ing, they should be added to until this
purpose is effected. 1t may conflict with
| some practices that have been going on.
Perhaps none of us thought that wrong
could come from using public money to
aid in founding Bowdoin college, or
Waterville college or Bates college, be-
cause the sectarian control of those in
situations is so slight They seem to be
really public institutions. Yet there is
but one correct principle in such cases.
claim that the money raised from tax
ing all the people should go only to sus-
tain public institutions; institutions that
are supported by the state, and free from
sectarian control
According to the great commentators
on our constitution, Judges Story and
Cooley, the American idea is not merely
Of religious liberation, but OF religious
equality. Of course this principle does
not apply to vicious and criminal things
which may put on the mask OF religion.
1t seems to me that by an amendment
like the one proposed is afforded the on.
ly means by which absolute religious
equality can be maintained in this coun-