Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1893-01-12


torial limits of the state
The method TO be employed for reaching this
desired result is for your determination. 1t
may not, however. be improper for me 10 sup-
gest that the existing statute applicable to the
taxation of railroad corporations, after more
than eight years of litigation. has been de-
clared by n majority of the supreme court Of
the United States to be valid and not in yio
lation OF the constitution Of this state or OF
the United States, and the manner Of raising
revenue under the present statute is within
the taxing power of the state. The existing
method will not excessively burden new
roads. nor cripple those Of limited earning
capacity, but it can be adjusted as to
impose increased taxation upon those that can
well afford to bear it. You should also care
fully consider the laws relating to the taxation
OF the telegraph, telephone and other inter
ests, and ascertain il they are bearing their
equitable proportion of the public charges.
Questions of so grave Importance to the people
sho1ld have the early attention of the legisla-
ture. and not be left to the hurried considera
ton that marks the closing hours of the ses-
sion.
The report of the state treasurer will inform
you OF the financial condition of the state
The bonded debt on Jan. l. ls.t,, was s.. .5s.:O.
Fifty thousand dollars OF this Indebtedness, il
being paid annually.
The rate OF state taxation for the mast two
an annual income of SS5l.14la, This in
cludcs the annual levy OF / mill on thu
valuation OF the state for school PURPOSES.
conse luently the state tax levied specially
for the support of the state government
for the past two years, has been upon nm
annual basis of IA mills on a dollar. or al
, rate of III cents on each $40 of the
valuation of the state. The present law
requires that n tax OF l mill on a dollar
thall annually be assessed upon all the prop
trty of the state, according TO the valuation
thereof, for the support OF common schools.
that it shall be distributed to the several
titles, towns and Plantations according TO the
number OF scholars therein; and that such
sums n shall not be distributed or expended
during the financial year shall. at its close.
b. added 10 the permanent school fund
You must determine the additional amount
necessary TO BE- assessed upon the cities towns
and plantations Of the state, for the purpose
of carrying on the government. The people
do not ask that we shall cripple the institu-
tons of the state by withholding proper and
needed appropriations. nor that We shall re-
fuse to pay those in the states employ a rea-
sonahle compensation for their services. They
10 require. however. that we shall exercise
the sound Judgment that governs discreet men
in their own business transactions and con-
duct the affairs OF the state in prudent man
ner. resisting any tendency toward extrava-
CANT appropriations and increased salaries in
the public service. The whole subject IA
within your control and should be free from
all part s,nshr- 1t concerns every citizen OF
the state It is your good Judgment that mus
govern; and every measure should be con.
sdered npon its own intrinsic merits II is
your depart ment OF The government that hears,
investigates and determines.
1t viii he observed by reference 10 the
port OF the state treasurer for the year end
ts,ry t-IEN
obliged TO make temporary loan OF Stlt1n
Ia meet the liabilities occasioned by special
appropriations and that loan is still outstand-
ing.
The current expenditures should he kept
within our income. This safe and salutary
rule should always be adhered t.. otherwise
v" shall be annually creating debt against
the state. which must finally be met by in
creased taxation upon the people.
II prudence and economy are exercised,
ran safely recommend that the state tax be-
reduced from p. mills to ~ mills on dollar
Of the valuation. With tax levy of ~
mills, including the additional revenue from
other sources. II m extraordinary apprppria-
ti"ns are made by this legislature, the receipts
Of the treasury for the next two years should
provide for the school mill fund and for the
ordinary expenditures OF the government,
"hii" the temporary loan can he largely re-
duced. If not entirely cancelled, and in the
near future a further substantial reduction OF
of The state tax will he assured.
There are certain fixed charges and liab;li-
ties in the administration Of the state govern
m-nf that must be met by specific appropra-
tons; bat upon all bills and resolves asking
f"r sieciai or extraordinary expenditures Of
money. urge upon You the most deliberate
consideration. Though generous harvest,
have given their rewards 10 industry and
labor, though our manufacturing. commercial.
mechanical and industrial interests NOV
ing forward with quickening pace, yet every
unnecessary appropriation OF money from the
public irensrry creates an unjust burden upon
the people. serves TO retard our general pro-
eress and Development and should not be
CnuntenanCci
1t Is appropriate that we should recognize in
this public manner tho illustrous and pat
riotic services of distinguished ex-governor
OF our state Hon. Hannibal Hamln, who died
in Bangor the ll5th anniversary OF the
Declaration Of the independence OF the Unite
States of America. He was conspicuous in his
phhIlc service for period OF nearly sixty
years. He stood by Lincoln's side during four
OF the darkest years in the life OF our Republic
lie rests among the pe0Ile whom he loved.
sincerely mourned BY the state and the nation
In approaching the performance OF the
duties delegated to US by the suffrages of our
fellow citizens. We come with reliance upon
the Devlne Being. infinite in power 10 comfort,
guide and strengthen, invoking his care over
the homes Of our beloved people. We assume
the responsib biiltes that attach TO all positions
of public trust. We are here by the will Of
the people, and they will review and pass upon
our acts They are the sovercigns and have a
right TO demand our earnest effort, our best
thought our unprej udioed Judgment; and we
owe 10 them u conscientious performance of
All the duties committed TO our care
HENRY Is. CLRAvEs.