The Republican journal., 1903-01-15

outward application can. Take them.
indifference and opposition have made
its enforcement more difficult.
Disrespect of one law breeds disre-
spect of all law, and there is a growing
appreciation of the far-reacbing de-
moralization that comes from the fail.
ure to honestly and fearlessly admins
ter every law upon our statute books.
Officers whose duty it is to see that
the law is observed have no option in
the matter, if they respect their official
obligation and are true to their official
| oath; but it is most important that
every law should be sustained by an
unquestioned public sentiment, for Of
fcials elected by popular suffrage sell
dom rise to higher conceptions of pub
lie duty than is represented by the pre-
vailing sentiment of their constituents.
Good citizens may differ among them
selves as to the best method of contend
ing with the liquor evil, but they cannot
afford to be otherwise than unit in de-
manding the faithful, fea rless, and inn
partial enforcement of every existing
law. so long IS it continues to be the
law.
Among some of the most earnest and
sincere friends of temperance in the
State, there is strong feeling that the
prohibitory amendment should again be
submitted to the people, that they may
have an opportunity to declare them
selves upon the question. They believe
that such an expression of the popular
will would give renewed strength to the
law, and lead to more complete and
thorough enforcement in those portions
of the State where officials have failed
to do their duty.
If you are satisfied that the people
desire to express themselves upon this
matter, it will be your duty to give
them an opportunity to definitely pass
upon the whole question at the polls.
The Governor notes with satisfaction
the growing prosperity of the farmers
as shown by the report of the commits
sioner of agriculture, and commends
the work of the Experiment Station
and State University in teaching the
science of agriculture, and in bringing
to light new truths and new methods
which have marked effect in Stimu-
lating every line of farm work" The
commissioner of agriculture says that
the condition of our farmers as a whole
is constantly improving. Their indebt-
edness has largely been decreased, and
many mortgages have been cancelled.
Farms are better equipped than ever
before, and thrift and prosperity are
everywhere noticeable. The Governor
gives a qualified endorsement to the
suggestion of the Maine Dairymen's
Association that dairy instructor be
employed by the State. The cattle COM
mission have condemned and destroyed
more cattle and horses this year than
in any previous year, and the Governor
notes an awakening on the part of the
farmers to the dangers of tuberculosis
and other contagious diseases.
One hundred and five towns took ad-
vantage of the act passed by the last
legislature which provided for the inn
provement of certain highways desig-
mated thereby as State roads, and Gov
ernor Hill is convinced that these ex-
penditures have on the whole been
wisely and judiciously made, and he be-
lieves that the system thus established
offers practical and progressive plan
of road improvement, free from many
of the objections which have been urg-
ed against other methods. He favors
the continuance of this appropriation,
and suggests that it should be large
enough so that every town which may
desire to enjoy its benefits may be able
to take advantage of its provisions. He
would also increase the amount which
a town may receive.
The penal and reformatory institu-
tions of the State are reported in good
condition generally, though the Cover
nor thinks more buildings are required
at the State Reform School, so that the
vicious may be separated from the
merely unfortunate, and that the school
should bear more appropriate name
than Reform School, which too much
suggests a penal institution. An ap,
preparation is recommended in order
that the State may be properly repre-
sented at the Louisiana exposition; the
Hay-Bond treaty is condemned as like
ly to hurt our coast fishermen; tax on
hunters from other States is favored,
and the needs of the State library are
urged upon the legislature. These are
among the most important features OF
the message, and for others the reader
is referred to the document itself.
The list Maine Legislature, now in
session at Augusta, has three impor
tant questions to decide-whether OF
not women who pay taxes shall be
granted the right of municipal fran
chise; whether or not the prohibitory
l;o,or loxy oroopdmont to tho copctitu