Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-01-09
The Governors Message.

of which is published in anotner part
Of this issue. is an admirable review OF
existing conditions in our State, ana
one that will make very interesting
reading for our citizens. Few men
possess, in so great a degree as Gov
ernor Hill, the faculty of condenslng
a great deal into few words. his
style is direct, vigorous and clear.
There is not a waste word from start
to finish, and he goes at once to the
pith Of every subject he touches.
The message embodies the views OF
a far-sighted, clear-headed, successful
business man upon the existing condi-
lions and needs of the State of Maine,
whose affairs he has administered for
the past two years with signal ability
and success.
In presenting these views the Gov
ernor makes no attempt to evade re-
sponsibility. He does not hesitate to
recommend legislation wherever he
thinks it necessary to the best inter-
ests of the State. At the same time he
states his reasons for such recon-
mendations with the utmost frankness,
and in terms that admit of no misun-
Outstanding.
The Governors recommendations
may be summarized as follows: A
horizontal reduction of one-eighth of
one per cent. in the savings bank
tax to take effect the coming
year, and a further reduction of one
eighth of one per cent. to take effect
in 1904; the apportionment of school
funds on the basis of average at
tendance, instead of on the basis of
persons between four and twenty one
years of age, in different cities and
towns; such notifications in the ballot
law as. while preserving all essential
features. will enable voters to exercise
their right of suffrage without endan-
gering their ballots; the enactment of a
direct primary law which shall prevent
~
one party from participating in the
primaries of another: the re-sub-
mission of the prohibitory law in case
the Legislature becomes satisfied that
the people of the State desire it; d
State dairy instructor; a larger ap-
preparation for State roads. with an in
til,
may receive; an appropriation to give
the State of Maine suitable representa-
ton at the st. Louis exposition: a IL
cense fee for hunters from out of the
State; opposition to the pending Hay
Bond treaty; an appropriation to re-
construct and modernize the older
buildings of the Maine Insane hospital
at Augusta, and such appropriation
as may be necessary to meet the re-
sane hospital at Bangor; the employ
ment of a matron at the Maine State
prison; the remodelling of the original
building at the Reform School, the
building of two additional cottages,
and a change in the school name.
In addition to these recommended
tions. the Governors message is full
of suggestion, in the statement it af
fords of the work and needs of various
State institutions.
The Governor gives strong and
practical reasons for the legislation
he suggests-reasons that will not fail
to commend themselves to the people
of the State and their chosen repre-
sentatives.
There has long been a feeling that,
with the decrease in interest rates. the
existing State tax on savings
banks is too high. The deposits in
these banks. while big in their aggre-
gate do not average large sum to the
individual investor. They represent
not the hoardings of wealth, but the
hard earned savings of people of mod
crate means. Any tax that bears I'M
justly upon them is a burden upon the
industry. sobriety and thrift of the
State.
The apportionment of school funds
upon the basis of average attendance
instead of on the basis of persons be-
tween the ages of four and twenty-one
years of age would seem to be move I
in the right direction. 1t would in
sure the use of the school fund for
school purposes, and while part of
1t that now goes to the cities might, |
possibly, be diverted to the towns, our
educational system as a whole would,
doubtless. be benefited thereby.
In the matter Of the ballot law the