Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-12-21
Daily Kennebec Journal.
FORMALLY OPENED.
tinued from page 100
NAMES PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND
STATE INSTITUTIONS.
BY e. p. Snofford.

who hd preceded me. ~Maine's
March, What a splendid theme. 1t
suggests to ones mind the march of the
armies of the Great Republic, when our
sword has been raised in the cause of
humanity, progress and freedom, and,
in the providence of God, our standard
has been crowned with triumphant
victory.
So Maine, for more than three-quar-
tiers of seentury-froun the time she
took upon herself the duties and re-
sponsibilities of statehood to this hour
has striven to secure to her citizens
liberty under the law; to provide for
her people opportunities for education
and advancement, and to develop the
resources of the State, so that her
young men may not Zoe forced to seek
employment and make homes beyond
her borders. Maine. during her long
march 'h4 surmounted many obstacles,
overcome difficulties and achieved vic
tory.
In the founding and maintenance of
her public institutions, Maine has
sought to be economical, and yet to dis
charge faithfully her nigh government
al duty, and how well she has sue
ceeded in her purpose is attested by tine
happiness and prosperity of her people.
We have never been prodigal in ex-
pending public moneys insthe erection
of costly and imposing edifices, yet we
have provided such institutions as we
believe the best interests of society and
the people require.
Maine los always recognized her OBJ
legation ana duty to place within the
reach of her youth, opportunities for
acquiring a practical education. Self
interest should prompt all communities
to advance their standard of intelli-
gence. The State has even real
dzed that the stability and perpetuity
of republican government depend upon
an enlightened and intelligent citizen
ship, and she has used much effort to
establish system of schools which
shall meet the requirements of our
q people, and insure the future safety
and well-being of the State.
institutions of learning have been
founded here of which we are justly
proud; and under recent Legislation,
efficient supervision and liberal appro-
priations, we are developing a system
of education which we hope in time
will make Maine the very home OF the
scholar And so with her other ms titu-4
tons, Names one thought and high
purpose have been to protect and ele-
waite society, to advance the social and
material prosperity of the State, and
to secure to our people the blessings
and privileges of free popular govern
ment.
The thrift and energy OF her people
nave not caused Maine to turn dear
ear to the cries of misery and distress.
We have often paused in our str1vlngs
after wealth and gain and CONSIDERED
how the condition Of the poor and I'M
fortunate might be ameliOrated. the
warm heart of our people has often
and again prompted the State to acts
of charity and benevolence, and lnst-
buttons founded for the purpose or
bringing health and comfort and some
aittle Of happiness and blessings OF HE
TO the unfortunate and distressed
should always receive our heartiest ana
most cordial support.
In the care of those who. by law and
by public sentiment, are wards OF the
State, Maine has been considerate ana
lust. She has erected for them instltu-
tdons in which they have received klho
and scientific treatment ana where
every comfort possible mas Deen al
forded; but, sir, the time mas come
when Names duty calls her to TURNER
action; | believe the hour mas ar11Veu
when the humane sentiment or the
State demands that other and fufther
provision and accommodation be Hnaue
for the increasing number on tnoSe
poor, dependent and helpless ones.
whose pitiable condition appeals so
strongly to the heart and sympathy u
the people of the State. 1t rs a hiSA
and solemn duty whichsthe government
is bound to discharge, and Name
sense of right and of justice VIII ue-
mand speedy and effective acton. we
should learn to say with VIRGIL: MOI
being untutored in suffering, l learn TO
pity those in atfliction."
, We have cause for especial pleasure
this evening, in the re-opening OF inns
beautiful chamber. Names Capitoi Is
an honor to the State. Its MASSIVE
walls and the associations clustering
about these beautiful halls are endear-
ed to the people of the State. we ~
not forget that the arena was mere III
]. which Names greatest ana most ANUS
! 1rious sons entered upon the Oaltie ~
their public careers. We can pom.
With pride to the artistic Deauuy VI e-e'
Senate chamber, and feel that 1T IS leg
islative hall worthy of Maine; III speah-
ing for the committee on pubic oulru-
ings, l take pleasure in saying that ~
is but further evidence of the capaoii-
atty, faithfulness and efficiency OF the
superintendent of public buildings uh-
der whose watchful eye this work mas
been carried to completion.
These halls will soon be occupied ny
representatives of the people, sent mere
10 legislate for the highest interests oi
the State. In determining the character
of that legislation, we must view MaillS
as she stands, today. We all belleVe III
increasing the material wealth or the
state. We have confidence in Name
marvellous resources. We believe tnat
with the energy, perseverance ana M
Aeligence of her people, and under
wise system of laws, which shall devei-
z Up those resources, and turn to account
.nose great fountains of wealth. when
nave been bestowed upon her by ma
su'e. Maine may take her proper IiGcc