The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1907-02-07


the moving of the Capital to Portland |
remains to be seen. What the voters
will say as to the financial end of the
proposition can hardly be open to
doubt. If present conditions continue
the end of Governor Cobb's second term
will find the State entirely free from
debt-a very desirable situation for a
State, city, town, county or individual.
The capital moving proposition will in
volve the State going in debt to an
amount not less than two and possibly
four or five million dollars. This will
necessitate an increase in the State tax,
which otherwise, with no debt to carry,
might be decreased. Portland has at
fractions to offer in the way of places
of amusement, it is true, but would
that be conducive to good legislation?
Would not members of the legislature
expect and demand an increase of pay
to enable them to participate in the
galetles offered them. AS for hotel ac
cancellations in Augusta it is said that
plans are under consideration for
large expenditure on the Augusta
House, which for more than half cen-
fury has been the headquarters for
party leaders, and which is most con-
Venlently located The people will say,
let the capital remain where it is, for
the present, at least. If it is to be
moved it should 60 to Bangor. The
great county of Aroostook, with an
area nearly equal to that of the State
OF Massachusetts, and now in its it,
fancy, is growing in business and in
population at rate far beyond that of
any other section. Bangor is as easily
reached from the western part of the
State as Augusta. and with compare
lively little difference in time. But
While. Aroostook is attaining it's growth
the capital should remain where it is.
We reported last week the appoint
ment Of Thomas J. Lyons of Vinalha-
ven as commissioner of industrial and
labor statistics and of James Donahue
of Rockland as commissioner of sea
and shore fisheries, and.it seems to be
generally conceded that Governor
Cobb has displayed his usual good judg
ment in filling these important posi-
tions. The Democratic Rockland Opin-
on says:
Mr., Lyons appointment is an excel
lent one on its merits. 1t is no doubt
true that it was made on strictly polit-
zeal grounds, because the appointee, at
sacrifice to himself, helped the Re-
publican party out of hard place last
summer. But for all that, no better
man for the place could have been
found had political considerations rot
been thought of. He is veteran work
er IN the cause of organized labor, and
true as steel to its principles. The
labor organizations of the State did
not understand this, and opposed his
appolntment,-and perhaps brought it
about by their opposition. But they
will see that he will do more for the
cause than any other man who could
be named would accomplish. He has
the ability and the viii, and is absolute
ly independent.
Inc OPINION, however, regards Mr..
Donahue's appointment as a different
proposition, but says: eve can say,
frankly and with knowledge, that he
has the ability, the special qualifica-
lions, aud the business capacity to dis
charge the duties of the office efficient
jy and faithfully. He is one of our
brightest and best citizens. If he could
keep his office out of politics, he would
be model commissioner. But we ven
ture to predict that he will not And
in conclusion Editor Otis makes this
characteristic remark: eff he has the
power he will have every lobster fish
erman in Knox county voting the Re-
publican ticket or in State prison.