The Portland daily press., 1897-04-01
matters. Such interest and time would
be wisely spent and pay richly.

matters. Such interest and time would
be wisely spent and pay richly.
Mr.. Lincoln G. Sibley OF Bangor read
a paper on this subject which evidenced
much thought and cara in the treatment
Of the subject. He quoted a remark OF
Massachusetts speaker that the best
Investment a state could make was to
employ it's best men and women to do its
work, securing the highest intelligence
and ability in the performances of public
duties. The bsst was the cheapest. He
deprecated the lack of interest in munich
pal and state affairs on the part Of many
of our best citizens and large majority
of the Intelligent business men which
accounted for much Of the misuse OF
public funds and oarelessness and ex-
travagance in the appropriation of the
peoples money. They held aloof from
all political matters until forced to take
all interest by the fragrant acts
of some Tweed ring. Then an aroused
public sentiment grappIes with the mu-
nioipal or state political octopus and
hurts it from power.
The effort is spasmodic., however, and
the old state of public lstharsy is re-
sumed. Eternal vigilance and constant
attention will alone remedy the evil.
Spasm odic risings accomplish the temper
ary and direct reform aimed at frequent
", hut fail to bring permanent improved
conditions.
MIR. A. F. Moulton spoke on "What
can business men do to secure a wiser ex-
ponditure of public funds. He said in
part:
The question seems properly to be
divided into two parts and to be con-
sidered in reverse order: First, what
do we moan by expenditures of public
funds? Second, what can business men
do about it?
The public funds or monies raised by
taxation are spent in various ways, in
Guiding care of streets in cities and good
roads in country districts. the malnts-
nance of parks, sidewalks, sewers and
public improvements. 1t includes, also,
the cara Of public institutions, the refor-
metories, hospitals, etc., also the educa-
tional institutions and the enforcement
of laws which affect business.
Now what can business men do in re-.
gard tn these things which concern the
public welfareP They shonldsgive q por-
tion of their time and of their business
knowledge and experience, by getting to-
gether in public meetings like this board
of trade meeting. They should talk over
public affairs and take hand in what is
going on. Every man owes something to
the public. He should M shut himself
up and selfehly do nothing for the gem
erai welfare.
The influence of boards of trade Is very
great, even if they only point out what
ought to be done. When they not only
discuss and recommend, but also take a
men into effect, our laws will be better
enforced and the general welfare be
promoted.
In short, business men can help to
secure wise expenditure of public funds
Big beiug public spirited, and taking
hand in directing, BY their organization,
their experience and their personal
efforts, the affairs of the general public.
Most of them have nsither the time nor
the desire to hold office, but they can do
much good as citizens who keep the run
of public affairs and "speak out in meet
ing"
When our officials understand that the
Representatives Of our business interests
are looking after them, and are ready to
back up their opinions with their votes,
more care will be exercised in both ap-
and expenditures of public
funds.
Mr.. Lewis A. Goudy read a valuable
paper on
Is MAINE UNWISELY CONSERVA-
TIVE.
In commencing Mr.. Cloudy said the
topic suggests that the committee who