Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-02-09
,ur esteemed contemporary,

Our esteemed contemporary, the
Daily Eastern Argus, for whom we
have a feeling of profound admiration
whenever circumstances make it posi-
BILE. has addressed TO this paper the
following question:
1.-The citizens of Maine would ask of
you this plain question: What in the
name of common sense has the re
building, remodelling and refurnish-
ing of an antiquated hostelry in Au:
gusta got to do with satisfying the de-
nlands of our people for an up-to-date
and conmodious capitol building which
the whole State will be proud OFF,
We believe that even a modicum of
that quality in the name of which our
answer is invoked would enable the
Argus to reply to its own question.
Consequently we can hardly accept it
as being the mouthpiece of the people
of Maine, to whom we credit an am
ply sufficient amount of the quality of
common SENSE u answer tilS VueStloll
for themselves. But we believe in
shedding sweetness and light. and
therefore in helping toward a greater
share Of knowledge a brother worker,
even though circumstances over which
ne has no control cause him to hold
alleged views differing from our own.
We therefore take pleasure in an
swcring, for the benefit of the Argus.
the question which it puts. after stat
ing some of the relevant and impor-
tant details which in it's thirst for
knowledge it seems to have overlooked,
and without which the question Meth
er fairly explains nor has any leSiti-
mate connection with the present situa-
ton as regards the capital.
If the Argus VIII look again at that
source of information from which it
quotes regarding the rebuilding. re-
modelling and refurnishing" of an
"an.iuuated hosiery" it will find that
If has omitted something. Let US be
fair. The announcement to which the
Argus mas reference, specifically men
Toned not only the rebuilding of the
present Augusta House, thus making 1t
practically a new structure, but also
the erection of a large addition. In
other words the .'antiquated hosiery
is to be replaced by a modern motel
ADEQUATE to al needs. Half truths
are sometimes confusing, and we may
be hardened an explanation which sim
ply involves setting forth all the facts
of the case. The Argus might nave
added also that the stockholders OF the
new hotel company, among whom are
Two ex-rovcrnors together with other
gentlemen whose statements we think
even the Argus will admit are above
inpeachment, have contributed one
half of the amount (Of $60,00O) in COM
mon stock upon which they expect no
return. in order that the rates TO the
public may be kept down to the lowest
possible figure.
And last of all when it is remember
ed that the present controversy arises
so,clv from the proposal to move the
capital to Portland, we may be pardon
ed again, We believe, If we point out to
tile Argus in its commendable search
for the knowledge which it has not,
that its question could have been much
more simply and directly stated, ami
without that dangerous policy Of in
yokinc a power with which it appears
to be unacquainted, had it said. "Wht'
has the building of modern hotel il
Augusta with guaranteed low rates. t"
do with the moving of the capital To
Portland?'
Very we'll. If the Argus will inform
itself concerning the hearing already
held at the capitol, which had to DO
with capitol removal, it will find that
| the first four speakers who appeared
to urge the removal of the capitol to
Portland lwelt upon the unsatisfactory
Hotel accommodation in Augusta as a
prime cause for so doing. 1t was an
argument Of which much was made by
| them all. Furthermore if the Argus
will sean the editorial columns Of The
past issues of its Portland contempo-
raries it will see that the hotel situation
in Augusta has been chief among tho