Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1908-09-02

his distinguished public career has left
behind a record of substantial achieve
ment that speaks far more eloquently,
than words could possibly do. His
TOUR years were in an eminent degree
constructive years In the life Of the
State government To review in de-
tail the good work accomplished under
his administration would far exceed
the limits Of this article. We have
only space to touch upon some of tthe
more notable things accomplished
upon his recommendation and upon
his suggestion. 1t may be we'll in
passing to say that the messages OF
Governor Burleigl
Received the Strongest Praise from
the Newspapers Of Both Political
Parties.
OF his first one, the Eastern Argus,
then as now the leading democratic
newspaper of this State spoke as fol-
lows in its Issue of Jan. 5, 1889:
Governor Burieigh's address is
good. 1t discusses the usual topics In
a candid straightforward manner, adj
yances recommendations with conserv-
alive caution, and gives evidence
throughout that he intends to make
q good Governor,--of the whole people,
not of class or clique.
IF his presentation of the financial
condition OF the treasury is slightly
more tiattering than existing facts
justify, it is an error On the hopeful
side, which we shall all be glad tos see
more than realized. The Governor evil
IDENTIFY sympathizes with the taxpayers
of the State. the farmers particularly. .
OF his second inaugural address the
Argus said:
Governor Burleigh's message is a
well written document. 1t is a plain,
business-like review of Maine affairs,
with such comments on past legisIa-
ton, and recommendations for future
legislation as seemed called for from
his standpoint
The Messages Of Governor BurIeieh
were warmly commended by the press
OF both parties, and by common con-
sent, are conceded to rank among the
ablest State papers in the history of
Maine. The Waterville Sentinel OF
January Is. 1Sa1.-then under a
broader and fairer management than
it lis in these days of its monopoly
of the nud-slinging field,-voiced the
general verdict in the following edito-
rial under the caption "A Good Mes
sage"
Rarely have the political news
papers of the State. of both parties,
given such hearty commentator to a
State paper as they have accorded tu
the message of Governor Burleigh. de-
livered last Thursday. It Is docu-
ment brim full of matter of unusual
interest to all the people of the State,
dealing as 1t does with vital questions
of the hour which are demanding az
ton of the present legislature. In the
first~place, by singularly clear state
men of the State finances. the Cover
nor shows how the State debt. IL
terest and taxation. have been grow
ing less until the State tax is the leas,
of all the burdens of the citizens. The
Governor also makes apparent what is
SO often forgotten in the dis;us %
OF the tax question. the fact that tie
tax rates often depend very much L On
the amount of extraordinary current
expenses in which towns, and cities
see fit to indulge. The Governor urges
the adoption of the Australian ballot
system and sustains the special tax
commission in recommending a State
board of assessors The document is
not mere perfunctory message, but
an intelligent and judiciOus handling
of the live subjects requiring legisla-
tive treatment. Governor Burleigh
shows a thorough acquaintance with
all the affairs of State and the current
discussions touching economic quss-
tons, and the benefit of his accurate
information is given to the. people il
a paper. which in point of perspicloiis
statement and readableness, need not
fear comparison with any mess g.
ever presented to Maine legislature,
and which cannot fail to have mGca
influence in shaping the action of the
session"
So much for the public verdict or
Governor Burleigh's presentation O.
public questions with his accompany
ing recommendations Now for few
of the practical results that came from
them. In his first message Governor
Burleigh said:
Our own State valuation finds too
large a proportion of our property in
Tie Idi vi tut Stbtc, anu iAN
farmers pay an undue share of the
general taxes On the other hand, the
United States census takes cognizance
OF the less tangible but more profit
able investments that escape their ia +
share of the public burdens. II there
should he a closer inquiry into 9th ar
forms of property than the real es-
tate, taxation could be more equtably
distributed, and more exact justice
could be dore to all citizens alike
which is indeed the highest duty Of
State goverrmen
As a result of this recommendation
the legislature authorized the Governor
to appoint tax commission "to in
quire into the system adopted by other
states to raise revenue for state, couu-
ty and municipal expenses, and to
provide for a more equal, just ana
equitable system of taxation for all
property in this State. for the purpose
of said State, county and municipal
expenses. that shall be better adapted