The Republican journal., 1909-01-14
Men and Things at Augusta.

The new Augusta House is revelation to
visitors and boon to legislators Erected on
the site of the old house, which was utilized in
part, but does not show either in the exterior
or interior of this modern up-to-date structure,
it Is monument to the public spirited citizens
who contributed 100000 that Augusta might
have suitable hotel accommodations. The
word Contributed" is used as it can hardly
prove to be dividend paying investment, al
though with its six stories there were not
rooms enough for its patrons at the opening of
the legislature and rooms had to be provided
outside. There are rooms en- suite with bath,
single rooms with or without bath, and with
excellent elevator service the rooms on the
upper floors are as desirable as those lower
down. The long corridor leading to the dining
room, with its resting places on each side where
many conferences were held, and the rooms
opening from it, have given way to dining
room from which one may pass into the old
dining room, which has been modernized in
keeping with the rest of the house. Those
old rooms on the ground floor, what memories
they recall of the inside political history of our
State for more than half century Here
gathered for consultation the leaders and lieu
tenants of the Republican party, and here the
work of the legislature was cut out for it. Up
to few years ago Joe Manley might be seen
fitting in and out of these rooms and about the
lobby, alert, resourceful, master of the art of
politics. And there were others of his day,
and before, who are no more seen in the flesh
but who left their impress on the politics of
the State
Now, as during the many years of its exist
ence, the Augusta House is the political center
at the State Capitol. The leaders of both par
ties may, as of yore, be found under its
roof, but affairs are differently conducted now
than in the past. There is less revelry and
more business. There are more business men
and fewer politicians in the legislature, and the
old-time boss is no longer conspicuous figure.
If you step into the lobby of the Augusta
House when the legislature is not in session
you will meet people from every part Of the
State, and the reunions of old friends who per-
haps have not met for years are common
occurrence. The other evening there happen
ed to be what might be called postmasters'
convention. and with one accord they began
discussing the new postal regulations, concern
ing which very decided opinions were express
ed. In the group were George Downs of Calais,
w. o. Fuller of Rockland, F. W. Rollins of
Ellsworth and John V. Lane of Augusta. Two
natives of Machias got in touch the same even
ing-Postmaster Downs of Calais, Hon. Paul
D. Sargent, State Road Commissioner, and the
writer, who spent his boyhood in that town.
Among others met was ex-senator Joseph w.
Simpson of York Harbor, who as chairman of
the"committee on appropriations of the last
legislature proved good friend of two of our
local institutions.
Some one is quoted as saying that the principal
matters to come before the legislature are rum
and taxes. That fairly expresses the situation.
ready introduced in the Senate by Senator
Staples for the repeal of the Sturgis act, and
on the report of the legislative committee on
the liquor agencies. Governor Fernald cleared
the situation somewhat in his address by max
ing it plain that he will veto any measure for
the repeal of the Sturgis act unless there is
something to take its place. He does not in
tend, so far as his authority extends, to take
any step backward and his address has already
had such effect that the repeal of this act is no
longer regarded as a foregone conclusion. The
majority and minority reports On the liquor
how baI Of IF foir
the agencies can be regulated one can but
agree with the minority report that they
should be abolished. From the evidence it
would appear that the supplying of liquor for
medicinal or mechanical purposes is but an
unimportant part of the business, and that
they are little more than legalized rum shops
in State that has prohibition in its constitu-
ton and on its statute books.
The need for increased accommodations at
the State House is apparent even to the casual
visitor. When the legislature is in session the
State Treasurer has to give up his office to a
committee, and it affords barely room to seat
the members. The fish and game commission
with its fine collection of Maine fish and game,
occupies low-ceilinged room in the base
ment, and the office of the State Road Com
missioner is also in the basement in similar
room. This is indicative of the crowded con-
dition all over the building, and these base
ment rooms are only fit for storage and should
be used for that purpose. The Secretary of
State, Hon. Arthur l. Brown, who has now en-
tered upon his second term, has the best Office
in the building, but no more room than is need
ed for the business done there.
NORRILL.
Ernest Higgins has been studying during
his vacation at Freedom Academy and resumes
his duties as teacher of the school at the Heac
of the Tide this week .... Last Friday even
ing the teachers and pupils of the High
and Primary schools held social in the
Grange Hall. A surprise birthday party was
given recently to Phoebe Cross, teacher o.
school No. 3, Morrill,. Friends were present
from Belfast, Waldo and Montville besides the
immediate family. A long evening was passed