Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1905-01-11
Continued from passa.


reasonable maintenance and operation
Of the institutions now supported or
aided by the State. The State has been
generous always in its concern for
them, and there is no likelihood of
different course being pursued now.
Every sentiment of humanity. justice
and well-being demands that those in
situations be furnished with means suf-
ficient 20 enable them to fulfil their le-
climate purposes In a creditable and
progressive manner. Due consideration
also should be given to the constantly
eniarging field of the States charities,
aids, and the general public expendi-
lures, and to the natural and proper
desire of her citizens that work of this
character should be commensurate to
the public means.
Nor do I advocate at this time the
appropriation of money for new insti-
tutions. II is fact that many public
spirited men and women are consider
ing the ACCESSIBILITY of asking the State
to provide institutions for the shelter,
treatment, support and education OF
certain unfortunate ones, who, if af-
forded the opportunity to live even for
a time under different conditions and
surrounded by different influences,
might be restored to health or might
become useful members of society.
There Is much to be said in favor of
these propositions, for they appeal
alike to our sympathies and to our
ideals of civic duty. But the time may
not be altogether propitious for the
inauguration and development Of these
plans. Their consummation must de-
pend upon the ability of the State to
provide the necessary financial support,
and am not prepared to say that the
exigency is SO urgent that the State
should Immediately respond.
While. therefore. it is to be assumed
that you will examine the reports of
the Departments and Institutions, and
consistently provide for their needs and
efficiency, yet so far as any unusual
expenditure Is concerned, either for
those now in existence or for those in
contemplation, have preferred to re-
frain from making specific recon-
mendations. but urge instead that this
whole question be left for your con-
sidcratIon. and that your decision be
made after you have heard each case
discussed upon its merits, in accord
ance with the usual routine OF legisla-
ton. There Is no end to the demands
made upon the State treasury. but there
is an end to the ability Of the treasury
70 meet those demands without impos-
ing excessive burdens upon the tax
payers. | am fully aware that in many
cases involving public expenditure. the
State cannot afford to be unduly eco
nomical. There are too many pressing
dc 70 pd n would
be too narrow and contrary to the spir-
IL of progress and humanity. But there
is a middle ground of true economy,
not readily foand nor easy to stand
upon, but one which after all, should
be the goal and abiding place of finan-
cial legislation. | believe that the peo-
pie of the State will not tolerate lay
ish expenditure of public funds, and
believe as fully that even our present
splendid financial showing furnishes no
sound reason to justify an expenditure
of such character.
IL appropriations are excessive, new
sources of revenue must be found or
debt incurred. II the energies of leg
islature or of tax assessors are to be
directed constantly toward seeking new
sources OF revenue for the purpose OF
keeping pace with extravagant appro-
priations, grave injustice may be
done to property owners. The equal
ization of values for taxation is second
In Importance only to the revenue it.
self, and under the circumstances just
named, the tendency will be to lose
sight of the principle of equalization
and to increase the taxes upon classes
of property peculiarly open to attack.
II Is true that the present State tax OF
two and three-quarters mills is neither
large nor burdensome. But 1t is equal
ly true that If it can be reduced con-
sistently, such reduction should be eff
sfected One argument against reduc-
ton of the State tax seems to be that
at some future time 1t might be nee
essary to restore the old rate or even
increase it. and that the attempt to do
this would prove to be embarrassing
to political party or to an administra-
ton But this is more an excuse than
a reason. 1t is to be assumed that ii
a reduction is made, 1t is because it is
right and necessary to make 1t, and
the same as to an increase. In either
case, the legislature would give the
matter most careful consideration,
and the people of the State would
surely have full knowledge of the
facts and motives governing leg
islative action, and would render their
judgment accordingly. The question
of changing the tax rate is purely a
business one. depending for its solu-
ton upon existing conditions, and If
we are agreed upon this proposition 1t
is simply truism 10 say that the au-
thority to effect the change is in your
hands and yours alone. | am of the
opinion that the revenues OF the State
have grown to that point where If
prudence is observed, and yet not
parsimony, you can safely reduce the
present tax rate and at the same time
cause no unjust or unreasonable les
sening of public efficiency. | believe
too, that such action on your part
would meet with the prompt, cordial
and very general appreciation of the
people of the State.
recommend, therefore, that the
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