Daily Kennebec journal., 1900-10-10
STATE HOUSE.
Little Credence Placed in Reports Of
Fewer Deer.
Bits Of Gossip from the riaercnt Departments
at the Capitol.

The telegraph dispatches that have
been sent out, that there are more
moose but fewer deer in the Maine
woods. this year, than formerly, is a
great surprise to the fish and game
commissioners. In fact it is so much
of a surprise that those in the de-
partment do not hesitate to say that
some one is doing more guessing than
investigating.
From the time when the first appli-
cation for license was made until
the time the game season opened the
letters that have come to the depart
ment state that there We're never SO
many deer in the State as at the
present time. These letters come from
the guides and game wardens, people
who make it their business to investi-
gate the game conditions and follow
the matter so closely that they have
almost as intimate a knowledge of the
conditions as do the lumbermen of the
lumber market.
Then again the lumber men, who
spent last winter in the woods and
who did not come out until late in the
spring. all reported that they had never
seen so many deer in the woods as
during the winter.
One of the reasons. given by the dis
patches for the opinion being formed
that there is less than the usual
amount of game is that not many deer
have been brought out of the woods 50
far this season.
This is accounted for by the fact
that it has been so dry. Those who
have followed conditions closely say
that it has not been as dry for p years
as during the past summer. so that it
is harder to get at the game This
may in measure account for so few
deer being brought out.
There is every reason to believe that
some Of the reports sent out are not
accurate. and that, on the other hand,
tho close Of the season will show that
more deer We're shot during the season
than ever before
Much interest is attached to the
seizure Of 5000 worth Of tern skins at
Bangor. as this is the first time that
any occasion for action under the
Lacey law has arisen. While it is un-
lawful. according to the Maine laws,
to carry on such work, il is also un-
lawful under the United States laws.
and the outcome Of the case is awaited
with more than the usual interest. II
is by the assistance Of the United
States laws that it is hoped that the
game laws may afford better protec-
ton. since the people in general seem
to have a greater fear of offending the
national government than the govern
About half Of tho advance sheets Of
the 94th Maine report have been re-
ceivcd at the State library. The report
will contain some very important de-
cisions. and some that have been
awaited with much eagerness by the
attorneys Of the State.
The crew that has been at work
wiring for the electric lights at the
entrance to the State House, are now
at work wiring for the inside fixtures.
The chandelier for the rotunda ar
rived some time ago and is now un-
packed. That is to replace the one
now located directly over the fountain.
A description of it was given in de-
tail short time ago 50 that it is need
less to repeat what has been said. 1t
is sufficient to say that ii is dull
finished brass and when in place will
harmonize with its surroundings. This
lighting as we'll as that of the system
at the entrance to the State House
will be controlled from the office Of
Col F.. G. stevens.
When the House folders return to
their work this winter. at the opening
of Legislature. they will find such
marked improvements that they will
hardly recognize the place. The alter
ations have not been extensive by any
means. but have been such that they
give the room the appearance Of haN-
ing had great deal of work done to
them. The room has been painted and
papered and so freshened that their
appearance has caused much favorable
| comment.
George Pottle chairman of the State
| board of assessors. was at the state