The Portland daily press., 1899-02-22
REVIVE DEATH PENALTY.


4
not know how TO handle q vessel, and en-
gfnesrs were hsrd to ind II would be
| for the intsrest Of the state to train some
of its yoona men IN time OF peace so that
they ,ouId man vessels should war come.
Then the committee took up the nuiner-
Gus petitions In favor OF better OBJ
ssrvance Of Memorial day. and arguments
In their support were made by W. A.
Spofford Of New Sharon, Representative
Guernsey Of Dover, Pension Agent Mill.
ken, Commander-in-Ch Chief Robie of the
Grand Army. and Representative Webster
of ChestcrvIlls.
FOR GOOD ROADS.
| II was sort of post norton sxanina.
tion when the bill to create the Office of
highway engineer oamo up before the
legal affairs COMMITTEES today, for It's
friends knew II was dead for this session
Mt least. STILL they made good argu
msnts and 10 was a cheerful funeral.
MIR. Percy Richardson OF Portland who
has been prominently connected with the
Maine good roads movement appeared
and opened tbs subject. He said that he
believed that all are interested In good
far that the people cannot agree. He said
he believed that the bill now before the
legislature will give tbs people better
roads. He explained that good roads will
bring more people into the state and that
all the money they leave here Is, to uss
| sporting phrase ALI velvet"
| He extolled the natural advantages of
Maine and said that only proper attention
to roads WAS necessary to attract those
people here. especially bicyclists who 1
an here to Represent" said Mr. Richard.
son.
These remonstrspces that have come
in In such force continued he, 'a:e from
those who for the most part will be
principally benefited by the passage Of
such a law. We are net proposing to tax
the farmers for the bicyclists merely, but
for the benefit Of all 1t may cost little
more, but the money win be wisely ex-
PENDED and spent where IL viii do perma-
nent good.
1.-The bicycle now leans against the
door post of most of the farm houses In
Maine"
Chief Consul Clarence W. Small Of the
League Of Wheelmen OF Maine, followed
md went into the question Of the relation
Of the farmer to the roads in an ex-
haustive manner. Mr. Small said 1t
could be sh own to any intelligent farmer
that state aid would cost him only about
one NTH of what his roads now cost him.
Mr.. Small then went into the details Of
the proposed bill and explained the nature
Of the duties of state engineer, saying
that such an experienced official may be
consulted at all times by the officers OF
, towns without cost. He said that ordi-
narily each consultation Of professional
} would not cost any town less than 500.
Col. Stetson said that he was heartily
in favor OF good roads and believed that
there is great opportunity for improve
ment.
travelled over che roads OF the state a
good deal last summer, Colonel, and you
know what you are talking aboutf'
speaker 5tetson-"I'm pretty well
posted on Maine Highways, can assure
you"
Col. Ststson said, however, that he did
not believs in any appropriation for a
state highway commissioner at this iime
) Representative Hill of Belfast. spoke for
he rsmonstrants. 1t was not at ali
strange. be said, that the people objected
against this bill. In the first place II
created new state officer and depart
mont that would probably cost not less
than se5. 600. He admitted that the roads
are poor enough, but he didn's believe
this state highway engineer proposition
was going to help latters any.
OTHER MATTERS.
will not press his bill limiting the pusi
ness OF TN insurance company TO only one
line OF insurance and the committee will
make an adverse report. The bill extend
ing the powers Of the United Fire Insur.
ance company Of Saco will be reported.
The Sagadahoc delegation will recon-
mend an Increase Of the salary of the
Judge of the Bath municipal court from
$500 to $500, and Of the county attorney
from $3.50 to f450.
Before the committee on interior
waters. Llewellyn Barton of Portland ap.
Feared In favor OF the resolve asking for
an appropriation of $1,000 for the purp oses
waters and other wise improving the
5ongo river bar. Railroad Commissioners
Chadbourne favored the resolve and gave
n. q DIR ,tf ~