Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-01-18
A Batch of Strong Appointments.

members OF state boards ana coin-
missions. as well as the usual number
of municipal judges and less proini-
nent officials, reach the ends OF tneir
constitutional term of service. and the
vacancies must be filled by re-appoint-
ment or by the selection of new men.
In the years first batch of appoint
ments, made. last week, and subject 10
confirmation at the regular January
meeting of the Council, next Friday
a good beginning has been made. ana
in several notable instances faithfui
and efficient service has been given
recognition well deserved.
How fitting it is, for instance, that
Maine has business man like Hon.
Sidney NJ Bird of Rockland. as a trus-
tee of its Insane hospitals. and an edu-
Gator like Prof Henry l.. Chapman.
u. D. of Brunswick. as a trustee OF
it's Normal schools. The former is one
of the leading men of affairs in our
State and we'll trained in the pubic
service; and the latter is the dean OF
the Bowdoin College faculty. a cul-
tured Christian gentleman, loved ana
honored wherever his Alma Mater IS
known. Both have rendered lhFalu-
able service and it is fortunate for
the State that they are willing 10 ac-
cert re-appointments.
1t is also a matter of public con-
grai ulation that Hon. w. W. Stetson
is named for another term as State
superintendent of public schools. Few
public officials are allowed the salts
faction which is his. of pointing to so
much actually accomplished for the
welfare of such large number. Since
Mr.. Stetson was first appointed TO his
Office. the common school system of
the State has been almost completely
revolutionized, the dignity of the
teaching profession in the State has
been raised and in n hundred ways
|
cational lines. Being a regular dynamo
of enthusiasm and possessing an al
most infinite capacity for work. he has
been able to keep everlasungly at it,
here. there and everywhere. in way
that long ago would have put an aver
age man in his grave. Not the least
of the evidences of the high place he
has won in the educational world is
the constant demand from other states
for his presence on the lecture plat
form and at educational meetings. but
in accepting these flattering invitations
he has never allowed the work of his
department to suffer.
And there is one other State Off
cial upon the occasion of whose re-
appointment the Journal is glad to say
n word. The office of superintendent
of public buildings does not bring it's
occupant so prominently before the
general public as some other places
which are really of less consequence.
For the past eight years Col. f. c.
Stevens of Chelsea has filled this i'm
portant post, and all who visit Names
Capitol in whatever capacity will re-
joice that il is assured of his superin-
tendency for at least four years more.
As private secretary to four of Names
governors in succession. Col. Stevens
gained an acquaintance with Maine
people ana with Maine affairs such as
few men possess. Always courteous
and tactiul, faithful to every trust.
upright i'm all his relations. he is ev-
erywhere recognized as one of the
most popular and capable officials in
the State. AS superintendent of public
transformed and remodeled the Capitol.
making il fireproof and infinitely more
convenient and attractive. This has
been done little by little out of the
regular sum allowed for the mainte-
nance and care of the building. at al
most no additional expense to the
State. Under him there has been sys-
TEN and order among the employees
and in every detail of the care Of the
big building.
\ most notable piece of work to the
credit of Col. Stevens is the collection
of oil paintings of former governors.
justices. and members from Maine in
the National Senate and House. There
now hang upon the walls of the ro-
tunda about 60 such paintings. all
large and richly framed. and repre-
senting. aside from all historical and
sentimental value. a money value or
fully $4,000. These have been given
the State by the relatives and descend
ants of the subjects at the persona!
solicitation of Col. Stevens. and have
cost the State not Il cent beyond the
money paid for the cord with which
the pictures are hung. The collection
when complete will include about 80