The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1893-02-15

Z. A. A. Lewis, L. Fl. Ludden, Key 5.
Powers, David Boyd, W. H. Hunt, Henry
T. Croswell, F.. II. Cloyes, Thomas q.
Harris, John E. Warren, Peregrine White,
John b. Mariner, D. F. Jones, Lewis A.
Goudy, Woodbury. S. Dana, S. Il. Little,
Rev. Joseph 5. Coggswell, A. f. Curtis,
S. w. Tabor and many others.
O. B. Clason Esq. of Gardiner was the
principal speaker in opposition to the
proposed amendment. He thought there
must be some thing back of it. He was
unequivocally opposed to it, Maine mas
no state university but when she started
on her statehood she told the denomina-
tions to go ahead and build schools, and
the state would help them out. In so
doing it wasn't the object of the state to
try and build up UNCONVENTIONAL schools.
What object had the state in aiding
Bowdoin College, Colby and Bates col
leges, but that her boys and girls might
have the opportunity of liberal educa.
tionp | got my education from one OF
those institutions aided by the state and
/ never had any UNCONVENTIONAL tenets
forced upon me. This amendment has
been adopted in those states that have
state institutions. He thought it per-
fectly safe to trust the schools with the
American people. He would ask IT the
policy of the past 10 years in this state
had been detrimental to the best inter
ests of the state. 1t was useless for this
legislature to attempt to legislate for
some possible contingency that might
arise in so or 100 years.
american League Hearing.
The hearing before the judiciary COM
mittee this afternoon on the question of
submitting to the people the American
Leagues Constitutional amendment for
bidding the diversion of public funds to
sectarian uses was largely attended.
Liberty B. bennett, Esq, was the first
speaker and was followed by Hon. Joseph
W. Symonds, who has spoken SO often
and SO ably in favor of the amendment.
Rev. Matt s. Hughes then made one Of
his characteristic speeches in which Wit
and wisdom were SO mingled that the
committee was both interested and
amused Mr.. Hughes said that of course
in their DAYS of poverty the Methodists in
establishing their school at Kent's Hill
had done so to train Methodists. He
had to come to the mourner's bench, but
SO did many other denominations and
their tears were in proportion to the
amounts of the appropriations they had
received. If one denomination was to be
aided all must be, as a matter OF princi-
pie. But history taught that education
to be of value must be under the direct
control of the State.
The following letter was read from
Hon. J. P. Baxter:
PORTLAND, Me, February 10, 1898,
Z. B. bennett, Esq:
My dear sir--I again find myself prevented by
pressing engagements, from going to Augusta
to present my views to the Judiciary committee
in behalf of the proposed amendments to the
constitution, designed for protection OF our
educational system; but know That there VIII
be so many ADLER men ready to speak f0r IT,
that am sure that my absence viii not be
noticed, besides feel certain that the proposed
amendment will In itself appeal with great
force to the good Judgement OF our legislators,
since so many of them, in common with our
wisest and best thinkers, have already .ex-
| pressed their belief that such an amendment Is
not only imperatiyely demanded at this time,
but, that the proposed amendment Drawn Dy
SOME OF the ablest jurists In the United States,
after mature elaboration, WILL 1t passed. save
much future agitation.
Maine always comes up to her noble motto IN
emergencies and her example at this time VIII
have a great influence in states less free from
sectarian influences.
trust therefore, that every legitimate effort
will be made to secure the passage OF this
amendment
Very truly yours,