Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-03-13

liioH ~ Nouiu Uc lOT d JuuSc UT d jury 10
he so influenced. We all recognize the
extent to which human nature enters into
all these matters; and that there are
many matters before this Legislature,
worthy in themselves, upon which the
question is, whether they can be gotten
before the Legislature for consideration.
and upon those matters we are all in
clined to help our friends. This matter,
as 1 look at it, involves a question con-
corning the whole State of Maine, and
no personal consideration whatever has
any place in this discussion. I want to
say one thing more on the personal ele>
ment, and that is that I will yield to no
man here, except to those who actually
live in Augusta. in my affection for the
city of Augusta and its people, and in my
interest in this proposition. Practically
all my boyhood was spent here: and my
affection for this place can be understood
from that fact; but this question must be
regarded as a question concerning the
whole State, and I do so regard it. I
want to say one thing on another ques-
ton, and that is on the propriety of my
self and the other members of the Senate
insisting upon what in their judgment is
the best course to be taken. | am not
sure that l am right. Other senators.
perhaps, are not sure they are right. 1
am sure that on this question involving
the interests of the whole State, of my
right in stating my view and defending
it and voting accordingly. In that con-
nection l want to say a word about the
position of the Governor on this matter.
We all know that he has recommended in
his message that something be done along
this line. We all agree that he is in favor
of some relief for the existing situation
do not wish anyone to understand that
the statement that he is in favor of the
resolve in its present form means that he
is opposed to the members of the Senate
exercising their own judgment as to what
form this appropriation should take. i
want to say, in my opinion, he has not
indicated his preference in that respect;
and that he takes the very proper ground
that, while he is in favor of the general
proposition, he is contented to leave the
details with us. will go further and say
this: That have said to the others who
favor this proposition, but with whom
disagree as to details, and I have said to
the Governor that, if it was his opinion
that we should not change this appropria-
ton at all-if he wished to say that to
me, either to be quoted or not to be quot
ed, that 1 should feel like deferring in
any opposition I might have to the par
ticular form in which the resolve now is.
What is the situation? Something needs
to be done, and something needs to be
done at this session. What is the objec-
ton to the resolve in its present form?
think the main objection is an objection
not alluded to here, and that is the atti-
tude which the people in the State take
or, in my opinion, will take toward the
resolve and toward the appropriation,
for two reasons: First, because they feel
that the appropriation is large; and, sec
ond because they feel that 1t
involves an indefinite expenditure
Now 1 do not want to do any
thing here that is not sanctioned by
the judgment of the majority of the
people of the State of Maine; and J
say that this proposition as it is put
TN to them now is definite. I had a
letter the other day from one of the
best informed men in the county-best
informed as to the attitude which the
people take on public questions. He
mad also Just taken trip through
Washington county, and he wrote me
this letter and warned me, az he found
it, OF the feeling which hef found ex-
listing OH this appropriation among
the people, who felt that the appro-
Ration vas large, and more than that,
felt that it was an initial step to an
unknown and larger appropriation.
believe absolutely that it is not bust
ness to get, at this session, sufficient
appropriation for the complete reno
walton of this State House, so that 1t
will be suitable for thel uses of the
State for so years. I do not think the
present appropriation adequate for
that purpose. l believe further that
there is danger-and / am going t.
say frankly just what I think about
i'll believe there is danger that the
appropriation in it's present indefinite
form is such that an attempt will be
made at least to have a referendum
vote upon it; and while l do not wish
to wave the red flag before the Senate
on the question of the referendum, l
will submit this propositions: That it
would be exceedingly unfortunate that
this proposition. involving an addition
to the State House, should go to the
people in form so indefinite as to
lead them to oppose it, and possibly
to vote it down, and so commit the
State TO the proposition that nothing
should be doney when by putting it in
definite form. so that they could I'M
derstand just what it meant, no at
tempt of that sort would probably be
made.
The history of additions to other
state houses in other states begins in
an indefinite way and certainly gives
us pause on that point ! do not be-
lieve we have any sufficient assurance
of what the cost would be ic we once
break into this building with the idea
of fixing it as we want it for so years.
AS I understand. there are three dis
tinct propositions made for an addition
to this building. One involves the
broadening of the front wing and an
extension back; the second one in
wolves the building of second wing
in the rear of the present building, cor
spending with the present wing; and
the other involves the extension Of the
rear wing TO the west; so that at the
very outset there is the question of