Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-01-06
The Governors Address.

The inaugural address of Governor
Powers is a State paper that should b.
carefully read by every citizen OF
Maine. 1t is an exceptionally clear
and able presentation of the facts per-
tanning to our State institutions. to-
gether with number of timely sug-
gestions and recommendations which
merit, and will doubtless receive. the
careful consideration of the Legisla-
ture.
This inaugural address marks the
beginning of another two years of SER
vice for Governor Powers. Not since
the Civil War has a chief executive of
our State been called upon to deal with
the grave problems that have had to
be met and solved during the past
year. The people of Maine have al
ways been quick to see and recognize
lie men. Governor Powers was not A
new or untried man when he came to
the executive Office. He had repre-
scented an intelligent and progressive
constituency in the Congress of the
United States. He had served his
county and town wisely and we'll in
many positions of public trust. AS a
member Of the Maine House of Repre-
sentatfves he had acquired a merited
reputation among the people of his
State as strong, and fearless legis-
lator, and a DICTATOR of exceptional
ability and force. He was by common
consent, the recognized Republican
leader in that body.
During the 9th session of the Legis-
lature he presided over the delibera
fairness that strengthened his hold
upon respect and esteem of the people
of the State. When he came, with the
largest popular majority in the history
Of the State, to the gubernatorial office,
his fellow citizens felt assured that in
his hands the interests of Maine would
be well cared for. They have not been
disappointed. Their expectations were
large, but Governor Powers has more
than fulfilled them. The exigcncies Of
war confronted him in the second
year of his administration: but he was
fully equal to them. In saving the
State the heavy expenses that would
have been incurred by the calling Of
an extra session of the Legislature. he
did not hesitate to advance large sums
of money from his own private means.
The situation demanded prompt and
resolute action, and Governor Powers
did not hesitate to take it. He rose to
the emergency, and by the wise course
he pursued was able to save thousands
of dollars to the taxpayers of his
State
was prompt to respond, the troops she
put into the field, compared most ia
Norably in personnel and equip
ment with those of any state
in the Union. Governor Powers
has had exceptional opportunities
for the display of his excep-
tional executive abilities, and the peo-
pie of his State have heartily endorses
his administration.
History made rapidly for thi.
great country of ours in 1885,
and still the course of event.
continues to move swiftly. Nat
urally message which deal:
largely with this important period
possesses an interest not usually ac
corded such communications. The ad
dress of Governor Powers fully meets
the requirements of the hour. 1t is
strong and comprehensive contribution
to the official literature of the Stat
and one that is destined to have
permanent interest and value.
In opening, the Governor very clio
quently refers to the bright outloo
for the future of our State. and note
the fact that the official tenure of tn
present Legislature will mark tn
completion Of the grandest century tn
world ever knew
Abiding to the freedom which Main
has enjoyed from contagious disease
during the past two years. except tn
typhoid fever contracted by our so
diers in the Chickamauga camp" Gov
ernor Powers refers in complimentar
terms to the services of DIR. Young, til
efficient secretary of the State Boar
of Health. Continuing he speaks vel
feelingly of the terrible disaster to IL
steamer Portland. and pays a war
tribute to the memory of the | a
Councillor L. Dudley Freeman, wi
was one Of it's victims.
In taking up the question of tax,
ton the Governor expresses the opi,
ion that 1t would not be wise to i,
crease the rate of direct taxation. +
is confident that by the exercise Of
WIS" eeonomy--nnt parsimonv-th