Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-04-28
A Good State To Live In.

OF the 16 states in the Union which
keep anything like accurate vital sta
tistfcs, Maine stands sixth or seventh
during the years of 1906 -0S as re-
CARDS the death rate per thousand OF
population. In this competition, if ii
may be called such, Maine is COM
pared with California. Colorado, Con-
necticut. Indiana, Maryland, Massa =
chusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire.
New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania
Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont,
Washington, Wisconsin and Ohio.
Strange as il may appear, the states
which are best known as health re-
sorts show the highest death rate.
This, says the residents of those
states, is due to the large number OF
incurables who take up their residence
there during their last days.
Among the New England states'
Maine is the most healthfui. In 1910
the death rate was 1862 per thousand
as against 1876 for Massachusetts, the
next lowest The following year
Maine Welded first place to Vermont
with 1872 and was second with 16.5.
In 1908, Maine and Vermont each re-
ported but 1G deaths per thousand of
population for the year. Rhode Island
In al
most every instance careful Observ-
ance of the law relating to the regis
tration of vital statistics has resulted
in an apparent increase in the death
rate. This is attributed to the accuracy
Of the figures, rather than to any
change in conditions. In fact, in every
case, whatever change there has been,
has, in reality been change for the
better.
Maine has been in the forefront OF
The battle against disease. Men in
position to know the facts believe that
if the statistics were as accurately
kept i'm the other states, Maine would
easily head the list, as the most beau
tiful State in the Union in which to
live. The longevity of the average
Maine citizen is well-knoWn and often
a subject OF comment in less favored
states
There are districts in Maine where
a. t;n "a 10
than elsewhere For instance the
Aroostook Republican records the fol-
lowing concerning the town of Ash
land:
ashland ought to thrive as a
health resort. The report of the
vital statistics of that town as given
n the annual town report shows a
of health that would indi-
ate combination of sanitary condi
ions surpassed by none of the famed
lealth resorts of the world Baden
Baden. Carlsbad. Saratoga, Hot
Springs or Point Iona are not to be
compared to our sister ArooStook
own of Ashland.
While the 1910 census is not vet
valuable. a careful computation of
he school statistics and the poll list
would show the town to have a |
Dopulat iOn of some $500. The report
shows that out of that population
here We're but 8 deaths during the |
ear. or only little over 3 deaths |
Ter thousand Of inhabitants All of |
he deceased had reached or passed
middle life and one of the number
'as killed in a railroad accident |
.hile out of town
Cupid. too, finds Ashland a pleas |
mt place and the town clerk re-
orts 80 marriages during the year
'or is the mania for race suicide at |
II prevalent as yet, the report show
lg 81 births-31 boys and sc girls.
These facts seem to have been
verlooked by the local board of |
rade, but should be valuable asset |
making famous one OF the prettest |
illages in the country"