Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-03-25
A Splendid Record.

to the people OF Name. lie SESSION.
was an exceptionally busy one. in
yolving the consideration of many
Importance and now that its labors arc
ended, the people of our State will I'M
mite in the verdict that it's de!ibera-
tions, conducted from start to finish
with sincere desire to promote the
public interests, We're characterized ny
marked ability and their outcome al
togther gratifying and creditable. Not
in many years has a Legislature as
sembled in Augusta, which met in so
large a measure the expectations of
the people or which was stronger or
more truly representative in the char
acter of its membership. Not only did
it include an unusually large number
served the State in former legislative
bodies, but those who were serving
their first terms at the capital were,
almost without exception. men who
had acquired practical experience IN
the public affairs of their home COM
munities and came therefore to their
legislative duties with mature judg-
ment and a ready grasp of affairs.
They were given at the beginning of
their labors very clear forceful and
comprehensive review of the existing
condition of the public interests
in the address of Governor Hill,
which is conceded to be one of
the strongest State papers ever
submitted to the law makers of Maine.
1t is interesting to note that nearly all
the practical business suggestions
made by the Governor in this connec-
ton, were favorably acted upon.
He specially dwelt upon the neces-
sity of increased revenues. This was
in line with the recommends tons of
the State Grange and the very gen
eral feeling of the people of our State,
who believed that the corporate in
terests of Maine might properly be
called upon to bear a larger share of
the public burdens.
To meet this call of the people, the
careful and exhaustive consideration
of the whole question, during which
many protracted meetings We're held
and numerous hearings given, report
ed eight bills for increasing the States
revenue, all of which We're passed with
out change of a word. This fact alone
is the highest tribute that could pos
sibly be paid to the thoroughness and
efficiency with which this strong and
we'll balanced committee discharged
the important duties with which it was
charged. The bills which it reported
embodied an increased tax on steam
railways, street railways. telegraph
panies, sleeping and palace car COM
panies. corporations organized under
the general law and not otherwise
taxed, trust and banking companies,
and collateral lnherltanccs.
JustSow much additional income the
State treasury will derive from these
matter ot conjecture. 1t has been var
iously estimated at from 100000 to
500, 600 q year. There is reason to be-
leve that medium would be conser-
vative. and that additional revenue
from these sources will aggregate $780,,
900 annually.
The appropriations of the past ses-
sion were norminally $4,000 in excess
of those of two years ago.
This increase, however, is only APP
parant and not real. The appropria
tax collected for and turned into the
treasures of various cities and
towns. the increase in the State
tax, due to the larger valua-
ton. increased shore rents amount
ing to $500 collected for and paid
over to the various Indian tribes,
and a number of other similar items
aggregating, it is thought, about
$4,000. which are strictly not ex-
penditures at all. but mere
matters of book keeping which it is
necessary to include in the general ap-
preparation bills in order that the State
treasurer may have the authority to
handle them.
1t must also be remembered that the
appropriations made the past winter
include about s96, 900 for construction
and furnishings of the Eastern Maine
Insane Hospital-appropriati which
will not have to be made again in
many years. and $4,000 for improved
roads which will all go back to various
towns of the State.
Assuming that the revenue de-
rived from the new and increas-
ed taxes imposed upon corporate in
tcrests reaches 100000 annually. the
State will secure 100000 Of additional
income from these sources during the
to-