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

| measures as shall recognize and forward these
| important interests of Maine.
Judicious legislation looking to the preser-
vation 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
hested in improved highways, insuring better
means OF communication is worthy the con-
| sderation Of the law making power Every
| citizen who travels, every farmer desiring to
reach the best markets for his products ap-
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. lit costs the farmer more 10
| carry two bushels OF wheat q mile than it
! does the ordinary railroad to carry ton"
Ana 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-
! tion, and the equalization of such conditions,
so far possible. is certainly desirable I'M
proved roads will be beneficial to the con-
sumer 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-
oroltant rates amounting to more than 6 per
cent per annum have been eSacted on small
loans secured either upon the small farm. or
the dwelling or house hold goods of the lahorer
often been demanded regardless of the dis
tfeSs following its enforcement The force OF
puhlic opinion condemning such exiort ion
does not afford adequate relief, and II can
only be found in positive law. l recommend
such legislation, in the direction Indicated as
Will prevent this oppression.
More than 6stO persons are employed by the
railroads within tho 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 sourc,
OF great revenue, and give employment 70
many of our citizens.
Our shipping interests are among our i'm
pnrtant industries That our euterprisrig
people are not to he surpassed in the construc-
tion of ships OF iron and steel is already evil
dent.
The relations between the ed and the
employers. in nearly all our industries, have
been harmonious and of a satisfactory char
acter We have been free from he disastrous
disturbances and conflicts that have been 80
common IN some oiher commonwealths- Ii is
tribute 10 the high intelligence and cAarac-
ter OF the industrial people Of Maine.
great danger menaces the interests OF
legitimate labor from the indiscriminate i'm
migration that is flooding our country
Though our institutions 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 a welcome 10 the
corrupt and vicious, the paupers, the de
graded and criminal classes nor to those eS-
Gaping from the pest.lential atmosphere OF
any foreign country. IL viii in time, II not
properly guarded not only corrupt our own
national hut irniy Eb 4
great advantages thathsurround the existing
conditions OF laior, and endanger the health,
the happiness and safety OF our own people
The official reports for the years 1891 and
lSt' relating TO the institutions under the care
Of the state, with he reports Of various officers
and commissioners. will be laid before Won
Many OF them relate to matters that will re-
Qulre legislative attention, and the informa-
tion and recommendations contained in the.
same should have attentive examination.
The state College Of Agriculture and Me-
chanic Arts Is showing commendabe progres,
In It's educational work, il is maintaining a
high standard OF efficiency. and is in a 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 asylurn
should receive your encouragement Theic
are now forty-nine children under the care of
this deserving institution.
Many Of the friendless children Of the state
find home in the Industrial School for Girls
where by kind and gentle treatment and
under the influences OF intellectual and moral
training, they re restored to ways OF industry
and useful employment. The gratifying re-
suits OF the past justify the continued aid Of
the state.
Tie reform school merits your favor. Re
Claiming young boys from crime and evil as
socistions, besiowing upon them an education
and fitting them for useful employments, may
well command the support OF the state.
We should accord to the deaf. the dumb and
the blind, the advantages of a good education.
and the Legislature should make suitable pro
vision in their behalf
The insane are entitled 10 the special care OF
the state. Their lot is the saddest that can be-
fall humanity. To the great credit OF our
state, you have never reluctantly or stint
tngly bestowed your public favor upon this
unfortunate class, and We should continue 10
make appropriate provision for their care
Many. with proper treatment, can be restored
70 their families, TO society and activity in the
business world. The incurable should have
the kindest restraint consistent with public
safety.
A joint committee of the honorable senat.
and house OF representatives will have an oF,-
portunity to visit the state prison and observe
the workings Of its various departments. The
legislature in 1857 passed act regulating the
employment OF the convicts. The division OF
their labor in the different manufacturing de-
partments should be such as not to compete
injuriousIy with any industry in the stale
The general and financial condition of tie
prison is clearly and favorsbly shown In the
report of the warden.
Executive clemency is frequently asked in
behalf Of convicts in our prisons and jails Tie
interests Of justice require that some rep
resentatiye OF the government familiar with
the case shall be present at the hearing.
recommend that provision be made by law for
al. h. 81,
county from which the prisoner sentenced.
We recognize the beneficial work being .c-
complished by the state and local boards of
health. Their united action in the enforce
ment of all sanitary precautions deemed nece
sary for public safety will give US additional
guarantees of immunity from contagion.
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
voluntary organization shall be sustained
and that it shall maintain the best possible
standard The force should not be so large
10 create a disproportionate expenditure of
the public moneys. Ii is anticipated that in
the near future the entire expense of main
tanning the volunteer militia of 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
litia is composed Of brave and patriotic young
men engaged in peaceful pursuits, who are
loyal to our state and its laws, our country
and its flag. We should not hesitate in making
sHitable provision for the maintenance of an
efficient organization such as the constitution
of the United States declares to be necessary
to the security of 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
ffcation must be made in the existing militia
laws of the state to conform to United States
regulations. They should undergo a careful
kcrutiny, and all interested in the servi C
should have an opportunity to be fully heard.
The prosperous condition of our savings
banks furnishes pronounced evidence Of the
hdelity of those charged with the manage
ment of those institutions, and conveys to us
the gratifying assurance that the accumua-
tions of industry constantly increasing.
The resources Of our fiftv-three savings banks,
on the 3lst day of October, 1892, amounted TO
the magnificent sum of S56, ,S3s 263.6S
The increase of deposits for the year 1892
was 81, lis, 1851. By the report of the state
bank examiner, it appears that more than half
of the entire deposits are invested outside of