Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-02-19
'urse. 4,o24 against 1859, an increase

course. 4,o24 against 1859, an increase
of 5S5.
Superintendent Stetson strongly fav-
ors annuities for teachers who have
served for number of years, speaking
as follows:
1T is fact that admits Of neither
denial or apology that, in the past. the
common school teacher has not been
PAID a sum large enough to enable her
TO live respectfully and to save from
her earnings sufficient amount to al
low her to pass her old age in comfort
Our school year, on the average. is less
than one-half the % weeks and the SAL
airy has been so meager as to have
brought reprOach upon the good
name of the State. We have a large
number of efficient and faithful teach
ers. Many of them have spent a life
time in our schoolrooms. The quality
of our manhood and womanhood has
been largely due to their teaching and
influence The mon and women of
distinction who have remained in the
state. Or found homes beyond it's Dor
ders, owe much to instructors o. their
youth. They are doubtless grateful
for the services rendered, but gratitude
will not provide clothing, furnish shell
ter or supply food.
'There comes q time when the teach
e- is no longer desired, because she is
counted too old to be up with the times
She must retire from the work when it
is impossible for her to find remunera-
tive employment in other occupations.
She must either become a dependent
upon the charity Of others or suffer in
silence the horrors incident to a life of
poverty. In either case q gross in
justice has been done and Il trusted ser
want has failed of reward. These
things ought not to be so. The State
Of Maine is not poor. 1t stands at the
head of the class Of states listed as
rich and is close to a group denOmi-
mated wealthy We cannot afford to
refuse these faithful tollers a larger
measure of justice.
''Thc matter Of providing annuities
for teachers is receiving attention
throughout the country 1t is dis
cussed in newspapers, magazines and
conventions. Pamphlets not few
have been published on the subject of
teachers salaries. One of the best is
sued up to date is the report of the
Committee on Salaries of the Maine
Teachers Association. 1t is a docu-
ment treating the matter extensively
as we'll as intelligently. The pamphlet
has been extensively circulated and
quite generally read. The good effect Of
it's appeal is both felt and seen. 1t is
hoped that it's influence may extend in
to the future.
"Some of the larger cities and 4 few
states have matured, or are maturing
plans for granting annuities to their
teachers. This subject has received but
scant attention in Maine. 1t is sug-
grsted that the Legislature take this
natter under consideration and devise
some plan for repairing. in a measure,
the injustices done in the past and
guarding against their repetition.
"Any teacher who has been regularly
employed in the schools of Maine for
more than 35 years is entitled to Il
yearly annuity or at least onc-third the
amount of her average annual salary,
provided she has deposited annually,
with the agency paying such annuity
an amount equal to three per cent. of
her annual income. AS the State has
been somewhat responsible for the low
salaries paid, it should assume the re-
sponsibility of receiving all donations
made to the annuity fund and all as
scssmcnts paid by persons applying Tor
annuitics and should pay six per cent.
interest on these deposits, during the
time they are in the State treasury.
This plan would give the State an op-
ror;,lui to discharge its obligation, IN
rart. would reduce the machinery and
EXPENSE to a minimum and give every
one confidence in the safety of the
funds paid in and the efficiency III
handling the same. These officials are
under bonds and the state would be
responsible for the money received.
"a citizen of the state has Indicated
his desire to give several thousand dol
lars for the purpose of forming nu-
cleus for an annuity fund. Provisions
should be made for receiving and dis
bursting the income from all such gifts
throuoh the state treasury. 1t is SIN
corelv hoped that the Education Com
mittae will take this matter under con-
sideration and frame a law when Will
he creditable to the State and insure
some measure of justice to our teach
ers.''