The Portland daily press., 1899-01-06

unuer the vigorous and also economi-
cal mansyement of the inland fish ana
game commissioners, who have so very
generally and effectively enforced the
laws for the preservation OF fsh and
game and prevented illegal hunting and
fishing n close time, and In prohibited
and protected sections of the state there
by putting an er to the iDdiscrimfnate
slaughter Of game at any and all times,
once 50 prevalent the quantity OF game
Is very rapidly Increasing. and poach-
ing IL fast becoming a thing OF the past.
The Guide Law" so called, against
which, in some sections, when IL was
first enacted. there were some very strong
protests and clamor, has been round
after due trial, TO be of great value IN
preserving the game. preventing fires
and furnishing strangers and sports
men, who come from other states. with
competent and efficient guides, ana All
classes now Interested recognize that the
enactment of this law was wise step
in the right direction. Doubtless other
and further legislation will be sought IN
reference to this matter In respect 10
which the commissioners Will more iuiiy
inform you, but In any legislation which
you may deem 1t proper TO enact, ] hope
you win bear constantly in mind the
desjrabiity so far as possible of com
polling thoee who enjoy the privileges
and pleasures of these fishing and hunt
ing grounds. To 80 contribute to the ex-
pense of maintaining them as to relieve
the taxpayers and the state in the near
future from any further large appro-
priations for their benefit and support
and make this industry. II may be per-
mitted to call It by that name. self-sus-
tanning.
Our sea and shore fisheries have been
very profitable to those VINO enjoy and
are Interested In them. They furnish
healthy. though perhaps perilous. EN-
pioyment to many thousands OF our
working people. living along the coast
They are the nursery for hardy seamen
and sailors 80 much needed and called
for In our country at the present time
They should receive from you liberal
care and such appropriation of funds as
you may deem necessary TO maintain and
enforce all the laws and for their proper
preservation and use.
BANKS. ETC.
The savings banks. trust companies
and other moneyed institutions oil our
state are apparently doing a conserve
tive legitimate and reasonably paying
business and are, ! think, deserving tne
confidence the people in general place III
them. They are a necessity In conduct
1nK our DuH1DeSS dndlIS Aild a NNAy ~
tent agency in promoting thrift and
prosperity among our people. Their
methods of business. assets, resources
and liabilities are carefully scrutinized
by the band examiner. whose report VIII
give you a detailed statement OF the ex-
act standing of each. The deposits IN
our savings banks constantly increase.
indicating the frugality and marked
prosperity Of our Industrial classes and
wage earners, who so very generally
deposit their savings with them
The tax assessed upon trust companies
Is placed upon the stock of the com
paTies, and the basis is the same as that
which prevails in taxing national banks
/ believe this Is equitable and right, as
they do substantially the same business
The method Of taxing savings banks Is
very different. and depends to some eX-
tent on the securities WHICH they possess.
Most OF the persons who nave charge OF
the savings banks. and they are men as
a rule OF sound judgment and large
business experience. assert and believe
that the taxes assessed on them, under
existing laws, are not only burdensome.
but In excess Of what they should equita-
bly, pay. and that II continued, VIII GRIP
ple them and very seriously impair thelr
usefulness and ability to pay dividends
IN the near future. The bank examiner,
as viii more fully appear ny MS report
concurs in this view.
1t Is claimed that n large part OF their
assets which have yielded a high rate Of
interest. have matured or soon will and
that in their place the banks have been
cornpelled TO invest in securities paying
much lower rates, thus very largely re-
ducing their profits and imparing their
ability to continue to pay from their net
earnings such dividends as VIII satlsty
depositors: and that 1t is wise ana just
that they should be relieved from part
of the tax as now placed upon them.
For these and other reasons which the
banks will present 10 you through the.r
officers and agents, they may ask OF you,
am informed.a reduction in the amount
OF tax assessed upon them under exist
ing laws. Whether any relief. and II so.
TO what extent, should be granted them
or not. and whether their contentious
and claims are well founded or not, is for
you to consider and decide.
SALARIES.
Maine has never paid high salaries to
its public servants, yetit has never talled
10 obtain competent. faithful and efil-
Gent services. 1t Is a principle generally
recognized that all offices should and do
carry with them something of value be
yond pecuniary compensation. IT is for
the best interest of the state that THIS
view should continue. The salaries paid
TO the members Of this Legislature, and
also to the executive, sufficiently Illus
trate and prove that the money consid-
Grafton is not the sole compensation. yet
for those who devote all their time to the
duties Of their office. and especially ore
calling for a high grade OF talent, there
should be at least reasonable pecuniary
payment. You will be called upon by
petitions to raise the salaries of the
judges of our supreme judicial court.
and very likely those of very many state
and public officers. In reference to these
stale officers and especially the justices
OF the supreme court, whatever Increase.
after Investigation. you shall determine
to be right and equitable, II any, you will
not hesitate to give.
The salaries of the county officers are,
and should be, largely within the pro-
vince of the several county delegations.
They are presumed to know what the
people of their respective counties are
willing to pay for the services performed.
Hence, all bills and petitions, Erecting
In any way their salaries are uniformly
I believe, referred to the county delega-
ton where the officers live. and their re-