Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-08-12

which Democrats reckon time az the
Mohammedans from the year Of the
Hegira-the bonded debt I'm 1882. less
the sinking fund. was 81. 1866. 533. 1t had
been above 5000 900 at the highest
point after the war, but 1t had been re-
duced to this in the process of years.
On 1t had been paid interest at the rate
Of per cent, and the rate of State tax
alton had been AS high as five mills. In
1853 the debit had been reduced in
the meantime to 1885,, 400-was re-
funded at per cent. thus saving the
payment OF great deal OF interest. At
the same time 1t was reduced to 81, 463,-
s25 by the application Of the sinking
fund. The debt now stands at 1900
600 I'm round numbers and the tax rate
Is but two and three-fOurths mills. This
in outline is the record Of Republican
administration Of the finances since the
lCiVil War-an administration broken
by but two years Of Democratic ascend
ancy. AS the Bangor platform states,
the finances Of the State are today I'm
better condition than they have been
for ~ years, and State taxes are lighter
IMAM they have been at any period since
the close Of the Civil War" The party
has nothing to fear from the discussion
OF that issue. Perhaps Mr.. Davis
thinks his party could have done better
He is privileged to think so.
AZ to the great moral issue OF re-
submission, 1t has been on the carpet Tor
some time. The Democratic platform OF
| 1902 declared opposition to the prohibitory
law and dema nded the resubmission OF
| the whole question to the people. ON this
the canvass was made. and when the
question was put In the House OF Repre-
sentatives resubmssion was beaten TWO
to one. Nevertheless here is the Demo
cratic party back again. hunting Tor Dlfds
in the nest of year before last They
have exploited that issue for all that 1t
was worth. The issue is law enforcement
against law repeal Mr.. Cobb has taken
his stand for law enforcement, and II we
mistake not the temper OF the people IL
is a stand likely to meet with more favor
than the other in every hole and corner
of Maine"
Mr.. Davis says it will be our duty
to cast our ballots for the advancement
and growth of Maine" In that case he
will have to vote the Republican ticket.
for as he has pointed out on more than
one occasion. the State has advanced re
markedly in material wealth by reason
OF the development OF us natural dd-
vantages and this growth Is rejected In
the assessed value OF taxable wealth
-ll6.11O00 in twenty years-which Mr..
Davis by some curious process OF reason
ing seems to THINK WfonS. but ne says
We must vote against the party whose
policy has retarded the financial and
moral interests of the State How re-
tarded? BY working down the war debt
and interest burden to comparatively
small and easily borne figures? BY re-
ducing the tax rate and so legISlating
that half the towns receive back as much
for school support as they pay into the
State treasury? BY finding new sources
of revenue and thus relieving the burden
on fl rms and homes? BY promoting the
general prosperity? But Mr.. Davis says
we must vote for our Maine homes,
How BY voting for the repeal of the
prohibitorv law and the licensing of dram
shops? Well then, go to the people on
that proposition and see how You Will