The Portland daily press., 1893-01-06

health, Their united action in the enforca-
ment of all sanitary precautions deemed neces-
sary for public safety will give us additional
guarantees of immunity from contraction.
The sacred assurance that fell from the lips
of the patriotic people of Maine. more than a
quarter of a century ago, that the state would
never fail her sons who would go forth to up
hold the honor of the American Republic
upon the field of conflict and of death, has
been observed and faithfully kept by our peo-
pie. We should continue this just aid in be-
half of the deserving boys in blue" and the
needy loved ones of those who have gone
beyond,
The volunteer militia OF the state should re-
ceive the encouragement which it SO well de-
serves Public interest and safety require that
a voluntary organization shall be sustained
and that it shall maintain the best possible
standard The force should not be so large as
to create a disproportionate expenditure OF
the public moneys 1t is anticipated that in
the near future the entire expense of main
tanning the volunteer militia eof the different
states will be assumed by the national govern
ment and we should be in position to avail
ourselves of the full advantages to be derived
from such anticipated legislation. Our MI
Iitia is composed of brave and patriotic young
men engaged in peaceful pursuits, who are
loyal to our state and its laws, our country
and it's flag. We should not hesitate in making
suitable provision for the maintenance of an
efficient organization, such as the constitution
OF the United States declares to be necessary
to the security of a free state"
The reports of the various officers connected
with this branch of the service will be laid be-
fore you, and you should determine what mod
ilcation must be made in the existing militia
laws of the state to conform to United States
regulations. They should undergo careful
scrutiny, and all interested in the service
should have an opportunity to be fully heard.
The prosperous condition of our savings
banks furnishes pronounced evidence of the
fidelity of those charged with the manage
ment of those institutions and conveys to us
the gratifying assurance that the accumula-
tions of industry are constantly increasing.
The resources Of our fiftv-three savings banks,
on the 3Ist day of October, 1892, amounted to
the magnificent sum Of $50, 1888 ,263.68.
The increase of deposits for the year 1892
was SO, l19, 4S6.1. By the report of the state
bank examiner, it appears that more than half
of the entire deposits are invested outside of
the state. While these investments are safe
and afford ample security to depositors. it is
to be regretted that SO large portion OF the
peoples money is invested in securities be-
yond our borders. II we are to have con-
tinued prosperity, if we are to reach the great
possibilities in agriculture and industrial
growth that by continued effort await us, we
should create public sentiment that will re-
earnest cooperation OF our savings institutions
in steadily encouraging Investments at home,
where it can be done with safety to the de-
positor, is certainly desirable.
We have in the state thirteen trust and bank
ing companies with capital stock of S1,069,-
800. Their aggregate deposits amount to
more than S3,OOO,OO0, and their total resources
are 81, S66. 324.67. They are in a thriving con-
dition. The twenty mine loan and building
associations of the state, created for the pur-
pose of encouraging the building of new
homes, indicate marked degree of prosper
ity, and their beneficial effects are already
manifest.
Permit me to call your attention to that por-
ton of chapter AZ of the revised statutes, ap-
plicable to the old state banking system.
While do not entertain the belief shared by
some, that the repeal by congress of the tax
on the circulation of state banks would au-
thorize the revival of any of the old state
bank charters, yet, am constrained to say,
the provisions of the present law applicable to
such institutions are not complimentary or
creditable to the high financial standing and
credit of our state. Whatever banking laws
we may have, whether state or national, should
be practicable and safe, securing to the public
absolute safety and protection, and so well
guarded that no suggestion of loss or evil can
ever arise. IS
The people of Maine believe in an honest
eAAeSO
every voter should have free opportunity to
cast the ballot that represents his convic-
tions; and in the exercise of this right every
necessary safeguard should be thrown about
him. Our election laws should enable all en-
titled to the right of suffrage to express their
choice in the, most direct manner and without
unnecessary delay. Nearly all the voters of
the state, embracing all shades of political
opinion, in exercising the right of suffrage are
governed by political considerations 1t is a
preference of. a political nature that they de-
sire to express, and it is expressed by more
than 95 per cent. of our voters by casting their
ballots for the entire ticket of the party with
which they are allied
If SO large majority of the voters Of the
state can express such political preference
under the existing system of voting by placing
one cross X, upon some portion of the party
ticket it would hardly seem advisable to re-
quire more of them. The present method may
be substantially preserved. and at the same
time intelligent provision may be made for
the voter of any political party to exercise the
privilege of expressing his individual prefer
| ence for any name or names upon his ballot,
| without compelling the great body of electors
who, desire to vote their party ticket to go
| through the unnecessary formality of placing
a cross, x, opposite the names of individual
candidates.
The purity of an election depends as much
| lot During times Of great political excite
ment, individual members of parties some
| times distrust each other. The canvassing
| and counting of the votes on election day
should be such as to inspire the greatest public
| confidence, and remove all causes of suspicion
! The several political parties should be repre-
sented at such count, and whatever may
necessary to accomplish this desired purpose
| l submit to your favorable action.
| i recommend the repeal of section 20 of
chapter 1O2 of the public laws of 1891, author
| izing the division of towns of more than 1000
| inhabitants and wards of cities into separate
| and several polling places, and the appoint
| ment of additional wardens and clerks to per-
| form the duties Of presiding officers in such
| detached voting precincts Some of its pro-
| visions are of doubtful constitutionality, and
| the practical operation of the remaining por-
ton of the statute, at the last state election,
demonstrated that this section is entirely I'M
| necessary.
| With our large and diversified interests,
some private and special legislation will be
! found necessary, but trust you will guard ii
| with a vigilant hand and confine it to its ap-
| propr late limits. An amendment to our con-
stitution, adopted by the popular vote of the
people in 1875, required the legislature to pro-
vide. as far as practicable, by general laws, for
| all matters usually appertainine to special or