The Republican journal., 1901-01-10
GOV. HILL.
Text of the Inaugural Address
of the New Executive.

Gentlemen Of the Senate and House OF
Representatives:
At the dawn of a new century, bright
with hope and promise of the future, we
have assembled here to consider the con-
aition and requirements of the State.
whose sovereign people we represent. De-
voutiy grateful for the many blessings
nefcence Of Him who ever watches over
US with fatherly care, we implore His
guidance and aid in the discharge of the
important duties devolving upon us.
The decade just passed has been one Of
great prosperity for the State. The devel-
opment of new Industries, and the growth
of those already established, have given
employment to large, numbers of people;
and greatly increased the population and
wealth of those towns which have been
the centres of activity, More than five
steam railroads. and over two hundred and
twenty miles of electric railroads have
been constructed, giving the communities
through which they, pass greatly improved
measurably in the development of those
portions of the State thus opened up to
easy and convenient travel
Some of our ShipyardS, which have for
long time been idle or nearly so, have
again started into life. and today this in
dustry is in the most satisfactory condi-
Frye shipping bill, SO ably advocated by
our distinguished junior senator, Maine
will assume that position in the construc-
ton of vessels of every kind, which the
skill of her builders and mechanics and
her favorable situation as maritime State
entitle her to hold.
Our State has become the summer home
of thousands of the wellto-do people of
other sections Of the country, and the
pleasure resort of many more, who appre-
ciate the health giving qualities of our In
rugged beauties of our seashore and noun
tain scenery. This is a source Of great
revenue to the people of the State in many
ways. and is constantly increasing.
Names growth, though not rapid, is
substantial and permanent In its character
and the State never occupied stronger
position. in every way. than 1t does to-
day: Labor IS remuneratively employed
while capita is active, and, as rule, re-
ceiving. satisfactory returns. Every con
dition is as favorable as we can reasonably
expect, and gives promise of continued de-
velopment and prosperity.
State Finances.
The reports of the State Treasurer will
show that the total receipts of the treas
ury during the two years ending December
Of cash on hand December 81, 1888. was
svaiI.Sle foF this period "' The
q .s 1T disbprsed during this time was
December 81, 1900, of $19S,S79.O1. 2 his
sum. however. is barely sufficient to meet
obligations immediately. payable, and is no
more than should be in the State Treas
ury, If the demands upon it are to be
promptly met.
The State tax paid by the cities, towns
1899 and 1900 amounted to s1.s15, s01 SO.
When we take from this the school fund
and the mill tax repaid to the various
the state ' is found to- to be- s 5e9e9 g
twenty cities Of the State s224, e5s.-
70 was paid by the towns and organ
by the wild lands 1t will thus be seen
that the twenty cities have paid into the
treasury S45o16S50 more man they have
received from the school fund. Two hun
dred and thirty nine towns and planta-
lions. or "A 40 per cent. of the whole
number, have received from the school fund
more than they have paid into the State
Treasury; and it is found that the average
net rate of State tax of the twenty cities
was ST 80 on each 100000 valuation,
while for the towns and organized planta-
lions the average rate was &c IL cents, or,
divided on the basis of population there
was an average of S4.05 10 paid on each
poll by the Cities and of 81 "a cents on
tations.
In this connection it is interesting to
note the principal sources of State reve-
nue. outside of the State tax paid by cities
and towns, and the amount received from
each. An examination of the treasury ac-
counts shows that during the past two
years the tax on Savings Banks has
roads was $323.052.32, on Telegraph and
Telephone Companies $50 sSS as on FIX
press Companies S10.032.67. on Insurance
Companies S131 .4o5.62, on collateral inner
itances S542226 GA; on new corporations
s7l 565: other taxes and miscellaneous items.
sos %; a total revenue of Sl,7s3, O2l or
from these sources.
one hundred thousand dollars has been
paid on the public debt during the past
TWO wears, the amount of the Stotp'S hn.ld.
ed Indebtedness now being S21O3.OOO.OO, a
reduction of S516.3oo.oo since 1890
The State has outstanding temporary
loans to the amount of $350.OOO.OO. some
part of which should be paid during the
coming year. There should be a sufficient
increase in the STATE revenues to provide
amount. and to insure an adequate balance
in the treasury to enable the State at all
times to meet its obligations fully and
promptly, without resorting to temporary
loans.
Taxation.
Pledged to an economical administration
of the State government, to a readiust-
mel't of the prevailing system of taxation
and she enactment of measures which will
lead to more just and equitable yalua-
ton and assessment of all forms of prop
erty. the people demand and expect that
we will discharge our trust in harmony
with the letter and spirit of our respective
party platforms. No excuses which can be
d
for failure to do our. full duty in the
faithful fulflment Of the pledges which
have been made. Upon us will properly
rest the blame if we are recreant to our
faithful and devoted service The people
have confidence in you whom they have
chosen to represent them here. They ex-
pect fearless. conscientious discharge of
every duty devolving upon you. and that
you will maintain the high traditions Of
patriotic service. and unselfsh effort for
the common welfare which have ever char
acterized the Legislatures of Maine.
portant s-bjeet demanding your attention
The urgent necessity of securing greater
revenues for the State, to enable 1t to
meet legitimate and necessary demands
payment of existing temporary loans,
makes some action on your part impera-
tive.
Under our present system, the farmer.
tions: the merchant. with his capital in
vested in his stock Of goods the mechanic
and laborer, striving to pay for their
homes; and the owner of every form Of
visible property. already bear too great a
share Of the public burdens. An increase In
the rate of the State tax, therefore cannot
be considered but other forms of proper
ty, now escaping taxation altogether. or
Should Justly and 20 equitably bear. must nnet
bs required to contribute their fair pro
portion of the cost of supporting our gov
eminent. whose manifold advantages are
makes the ownership of property possible.
but gives permanence and security to its
values
Realizing your earnest desire to do ev
common welfare, ] present this Important
subject. we'll knowing that your determi-
nation to do your full duty will lead Won TO
give 1t your early and earnest attention
4I~&