Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-09-03
STATE HOUSE MATTERS.
Law for Burial Of soldiers-School Improve
ment League Is Successful.


has inquiries from the selectmen Of
various towns in regard to the provis-
ions for burying old soldiers and sail
ors. The following is the law on the
subject which it would be well for the
selectmen to examine:
BE it enacted by the Senate and House
of Representatives in Legislature
assembled, as follows:
Section l. Whenever any person
who served in the army, navy or ma
rine corps of the United States during
the Rebellion. and was honorably dis
charged therefrom shall die. being at
the time of his death a resident of this
State and being in destitute circum
stances, the State shall pay the neces-
sary expenses of his burial; such ex-
penses shall not exceed the sum of $35
in any case and the burial shall be in
some cemetery not used exclusively
for the burial of the pauper dead.
Section 2. The municipal officers Of
cities and towns in which such de-
ceased had his residence at the time of
his DEATH, shall pay the expenses Of
his burial, and if he die in an unin-
corporated place. the town charged
with the support of paupers in such
unincorporated place, shall pay the
expenses Of his burial, and in either
case upon satisfactory proof by such
town or city to the Governor and
Council of the fact Of such death and
payment the Governor shall authorize
the State treasurer to refund said
town or city the amount SO paid; said
proof shall contain certificate from
the post commander of the post of the
Grand Army of the Republic, located
nearest the town or city which paid
said burial expenses, stating that such
person was an honorably discharged
soldier or sailor and in destitute cir
cumstances.
Section 5. The Legislature shall,
hereafter. from time to time, appro-
pirate the necessary sum of money for
the purpose of carrying out the pro-
visions of this act.
Section 4. This act shall take effect
when approved.
[Approved Feb. q, 1851
The appropriation made by the last
Legislature was $4,000, an increase of
$1,000 over the appropriation of the
year before. There remains Of the ap
preparation $500 which is expected to
last the year out. With each succeed
ing Legislature the appropriation
grows larger.
The School Improvement Leagues of
Maine, which are being organized UNI
der the direction of Superintendent w.
w. Stetson. are growing rapidly in
membership, and as the people realize
the vast amount Of benefit derived
from membership in the league they
grow very enthusiastic over it. At the
summer schools the teachers took hold
of it in good shape and since have been
working to have new leagues formed.
The following information in regard TO
the league will be of interest:
The school officials. teachers and
pupils of the State can render a great
service by organizing for the follow
ing purposes:
l. To improve school grounds ana
buildings.
2. To furnish suitable reading mat
ter for pupils and people.
3. To provide works of art for
schoolrooms
To accomplish these ends it has been
decided to inaugurate movement for
the organization of societies to be
known as the School Improvement
Leagues of Maine, Is. 1. L. NJ
These leagues are to be of three
kinds, namely: Local leagues organ-
lied in the several schools Of the
towns; town leagues whose member
ship shall consist of the officers Of the
local leagues; and a State league
whose members shall be delegates from
the town leagues and members Of local
leagues holding diplomas.
The regular membership shall con-
sist of the pupils. teachers, school
officials and other citizens who pay the
dues assessed 10y the league. Any per-
son who contributes not less than five
dollars at any one time to the funds Of
the society may be elected an honorary
| member of the league.
The officers of the local leagues shall
| consist of a president, secretary, treas
urer and such committees as the
| league may see fit 70 appoint. The
president shnll be the teacher in
~ ~