Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-02-13

AS far as can be learned from read
ing the proceedings of those old ses-
sions. the founders of the Maine con-
sttution did not contemplate some
coming day when all members of the
Legislature should ride on free passes.
Instead, acts were passed, granting
mileage to members, and of course in
counting up this mileage, capitol
placed somewhere near the geograph
ical center of the State would effect a
saving of time and expense. In fact,
this argument was employed with
good effect when the seat Of the State
government was shifted from Portland
to Augusta. and it holds good today.
Though the geographical center Of
Maine is nearer Bangor than to any
other stable city of Maine, the center
Of population is nearer to Augusta,
and whether measured from the stand
point of geography or population.
Portland can lay no claim to the
honor. Before making decision re-
garding a question of so much i'm
portance to Maine, one should look
ahead to the needs of the future. In
the nature Of things the center of
Maine population is moving east and
north and approaching Bangor, though
Plngor is not selfish or bold enough
to claim any consideration because of
the admitted fact at this time. In
stead of urging her geographical and
other rights. Bangor simply files her
claim and is willing to have the CAPT.
toll remain in Augusta until Maine
than it does now, and is better able
to pay for a State House.
he decided by any snapshot question
of spite against Augusta or any pre-
ponGerance of Portland money. In
side this larger republic of Maine are
sixteen smaller republics in the form
Of counties and several hundred Of
still smaller republics known as cities
and towns: and every one of these
miniature governments has a right to
he consulted regarding the removing
or retaining of the State capitol. Be-
fore making any hasty decision the
towns in the several counties should
ne
from each county who shall represent
their respective counties upon a<gen-
eral commission, whose duty shall be
to decide.
First, is it the sense of Maine that
a new capitol shall be constructed in
some other place than Augusta, or
that the present building be improved?
Second, to study the centres and
population and geographical areas and
determine as nearly as possible at
what point in Maine capital can be
of most service to the people of Maine
for all time.
Third, having studied the natural,
commercial and transportation ad-
vantages of various cities. and having
considered the best interests Of all
Maine. not only for the now, but Tor
future years. to make full report OF
the. findings TO the Legislature, winch
in turn shall submit these findings to
the people for final decision.
1t is good to be great and rich and
sclf-asSertivc as Portland IS. Even
Bangor, with all it's wonderful mater
ial prosperity and with all its cheer
full prospects. at times envies Portland
her ability to donate uncounted NIL
, lions to secure what she wants re-
CARELESS of the justice of her desire
Perhaps if Bangor enjoyed the VAST
wealth which Portland desires to iaN-
;sb cp the purchase Of a new play
thing our own clean city, which Is Inc
geographical center of Maine, might
mako an destinations display of its
ri hes. even as Portland is today. But
wa hone not. Meanwhile. experience
in other states has not as yet demon
stratcd the potency Of riches ana pop
rIation to remove state capitols at the
beck and call OF very rich men. New
York city has not bought the capitoi
away from Albany. Philadelphia mas
MT been able to buy the people from
their allegiance to Harrisburg. ana
over-rich Chicago has not yet Jared
the foundation stones of the Dulidins
at Springfield. If Portland is really
anxious to spend lot Of money for
the benefit Of Maine, let IT pay OIL inc
state debt and start a nice new hoteI
at Augusta.