The Portland daily press., 1893-01-06

quired in our common schools has found ex-
preston in the excellent free high school
systen4 of the state. The normal schools,
successfully fulfilling the purposes designed,
are in most excellent condition and con-
,stantly improving in efficiency. The county
educational conventions are having an adj
vantageous effect, and the public schools are
feeling the good influence of these organized
associations. Our colleges, seminaries, &C
ademies and other institutions of learning are
among the most advanced in the union.
\ The great additional educational advan-
tages that would be secured by public library
in every town in the state, may well enlist our
attention. A small annual appropriation by
the several towns with the pecuniary aid and
encouragement that would be rendered by the
citizens, would, within short period, secure
the possession of a public library free to all
No one could seriously question the wisdom of
q law that will give substantial encourage
ment in opening up these channels of intellect-
Gal thought and Improvement In the gener-
Gus maintenance of our educational system,
our state stands almost unrivaled, and her
history is an eloquent tribute to the cause OF
free education. We should continue in our
efforts to elevate the standard to the highest
possible limit.
The agricultural interests of the state form
the foundation of our growth. While the av-
erage yield of some portions OF our SOIL may
not equal that of other sections OF the coun-
try, it exceeds in net income to the farmer
the fertile fields of the West, because of our
superior markets, continually broadening by
the rapid development of our manufacturing
and commercial interests. The valuable dis
cussions as to the treatment of the soil and its
adaptation to particular products, now being
successfully promoted by the grange, the
farmers Institutes, and other agricultural So
cieties, in connection with the excellent work
being accomplished by the state college, are
L - C1ok. +lA 1+rSh
tions of science in promoting agriculture are
being brought into requisition. l shall be
pleased to cooperate with you in such just
measures as shall recognize and forward these
important interests of Maine.
Judicious legislation looking to the preser-
walton of our vast areas Of forest growth and
the promotion of forest culture will tend to
our material welfare.
The awakening interest that is being man
Tested in improved highways, insuring better
means of communication. is worthy the con-
sideration of the law making power. Every
citizen who travels every farmer desiring to
reach the best markets for his products, APP
preciates the value of good public roads. A
former census report of the United States
shows that in some of the most fertile sections
of our country, sit costs the farmer more to
carry two bushels of wheat mile than it
does the ordinary railroad to carry a ton."
And practically the same ratio will hold
good as to his other commodities. These dis
advantages are severely felt by every pro-
Queer removed from rail or water communica-
ton, and the equalization of such conditions,
SO far as possible, is certainly desirable. I'M
proved roads will be beneficial to the con-
sumner as well as the producer, and will pro-
mote public convenience.
The legal rate of interest in this state in the
absence of an agreement in writing, is per
cent. annually. Some instances have come
under my observation where excessive and ex-
brilliant rates amounting to more than 36 per
gent. per annum have been exacted on small
:oans secured either upon the small farm, or
she dwelling or household goods of the laborer.
The amount denominated in the bond has
often been demanded regardless of the dis
iress following its enforcement. The force of
public opinion condemning such extortion
tloes not afford adequate relief, and it can
only be found in positive law. l recommend
such legislation, in the direction indicated, as
will prevent this oppression.
More than 5000 persons are employed by the
railroads within the limits of the state The
nature of their employment is hazardous, and
much depends upon their care and vigilance.
They serve the public with fidelity, and
many of them, at times, with great peril to
themselves. We should not withhold any
proper legislation that. will tend to throw
about them and the public additional safe
guards.
The fishing interests of our state deserve
your careful consideration. They are a source
of great revenue, and give employment to
many ofpur citizens.
Our shipping interests are among our i'm
portant industries. That our enterprising
people are not to be surpassed in the construc-
ton of ships of iron and steel is already evil
dent.
The relations between the employed and the
employers, in nearly all our industries, have
been harmonious and of a satisfactory char
acter. We have been free from the disastrous
disturbances and conflicts that have been SO
common in some other commonwealth. 1t is
tribute to the high intelligence and charac-
ter of the industrial people of Maine.
A great danger menaceS the interests of
legitimate labor from the dndiscriminate i'm
migration that is flooding our country.
Though our institutions are, founded upon the
theory that our shores may be the refuge OF
the poor and the oppressed. of other nations,
yet they do not contemplate welcome to the
corrupt and vicious, the paupers, the de-
graded and criminal classes, nor to those es-
Gaping from the pestlentiaI atmosphere of
any foreign country. 1t will in time, if not
properly guarded, not only corrupt our own
nationallife, but diminish, if not destroy, the
great advantages that surround the existing
conditions Of labor and endanger the health,
the happiness and safety OF our own people.
The official reports for the years 1891 and
1892 relating to the institutions under the care
of the state, with the reports of various officers
and commissioners, will be laid before you.
Many of them relate to matters that will re-
quire legislative attention, and the informa-
ton and recommendations contained in the
same should have attentive examination.
The State College of Agriculture and Nc
chanic Arts is showing comfmendable progress
in its educational work, it is maintaining
high standard of efficiency, and is in pros
porous condition. This institution is annually
sending forth body of young men fitted by
actual training to aid in the development of
our various Industries.
The Military and Naval Orphan asylum
should receive your encouragement. There
are now forty-nine children under the care Of
this deserving institution.
Many of the friendless children of the state
find home in theIndustria School for Girls,
where by kind and gentle treatment. and
under the influences of intellectual and moral
training, they are restored to ways of Industry
and useful employment. The gratifying re-
suits of the past justify the continued aid of
the state.
The reform school merits your favor. Re-
claiming young boys from crime and evil as
sociations, bestowing upon them an education
and fitting them for useful employments, NAV