Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-01-03
Friday, January 3, 1918.
Too much gravity argues a
shallow mind.-Lavater.
The eovernor,s Inaugural.

chat about the inaugural address Oh
Governor William I. Haines, they
would probably remark, as starter
that cit is easy reading and easily un-
derstood." Fearing that some of our
readers who are very busy men viii
be deferred by the length of the docu-
rncnt from a thoughtful reading of 1t,
we wish TO call their attention to some
of the things which they will find
therein; and we would assure them
that it is well worth their time to read
and digest it carefully.
But to the senator's and representa-
tives OF the Maine Legislature, to
whom it was addressed in, every par
ticular. the salutatory y.ef Governor
Haines is a valuable document. II is
remarkable in many waysAieNel M
structive.s earnest and wholly free from
politics or play to Abe galleries u rs
the giving to the laesnaa efs Of Mime
suggestions from the wide experience
of man who knows Maine in all
phases off her aims and activities. It,
is a calm review of the most import
ant business affairs of our common
wealth: explanations that eiucdate, re-
inforoed by words of caution; chart
ing of the rocks in the way of state
craft.
All in all, Governor Haines' address
impresses us as one of the strongest
utterance of the kind ever given to a
Maine Legislature. III every para
graph the man of experience and intel
lect is shown; that its author knows
farms and farming, mills and milling,
lumber and numbering. law and law
making. ffe has dealt frankly and
fearlessly With topics of interest to
the people Of Maine He has come to
the front with the courage of his con-
victions and is willing to let time and
trial Justify his positions.
That Governor Haines is familiar
with every detail of the States busi-
ness affairs.f its financial. commercial
and Industrial conditions. is plain to
every hearer and reader. Nothing is
laboriously dragged in from. the I'M,
Outstanding of otliersin brief, few
men of Maine perhaps none. other
than Hon. William 7. Haines, could
have written an inaugural address
cliaraeterizedsass gmanifestly by init
mate knowledge of his various sub
jeets. In that, essay, the address is
remarkable. document for frequent
reference during the 10th Legislature.
and for filing away for comparison with
other inaugurals to come.
Governor Haines has made not the
slightest uncomplimentary allusion to
the preceding or any other administra-
ton. He deals with conditions as he
fnds them, and We believe in way
that will prove instructive and of
marked advantage TO the lawmakers
of both branches. szef8
We would call especial attention to
the reference blythe Governor to fiiian-
cial conditions and the credit of the
State, which should never be doubt
ed; that REPRESENTATIONS should be
made no more extravagantly from
money in the State Treasury than
from that in the pockets of the tax
payers; that atlarge surplus has a
tendency toward generosity with pub
lie funds which should be restrained.
On The other hand as he clearly points
out, "If it is wise to make an appro-
priation, it can make no difference
whether the money at the time is in the
State Treasury or in the pockets of
the people"
On the subjects OF highways and the
expenditure of money for good roads,
Names enormously. expanding summer
business. and the subject of sea and
shore fisheries, Governor Haines is as
practical and far sighted as he is in
dealing with the matter of wild land
taxation. conservation of forests and
water storage. His words deserve care
full reading and consideration.
Touching the conservation of public
health, regulation and control of pub
lie service by competent officials rep
resenting the public, and workmen'
compensation law, Governor Haines
places himself in the front rank OF
progress. 8. M
On temperance and enforcement o.
the prohibitory law the Governor Is
emphatic and TO the point. He de
marlds that officers obey the oath o.
Office and do their full duty. He asks
the public TO cooperate in the wori
OF wiping cut the liquor traffic, ant
calls upon the press of the State u
teach the doctrine of temperance. re
spect of Law and enforcement of law
He urges that the dangers OF alcoholi
s.imulants be taught in the publi'
schools. and declares that industry VII
eoon have no place for the drinker 0