Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-03-31
Gov Haines Speaks at the Portland Clubs Banquet

compensation act. This measure has
been talked about for long time and
several times before attempts have
been made to legislate it into concrete
form This is the measure which
meets modern economic conditions;
which takes care of the laboring man
and his family in case of accident and
trouble and death by a joint distribu-
ton of such burden upon the indus
tries of the State; system of insur-
ance in the place of litigation and law
suits to recover compensation from in
juries received by men who do the
work in the factory and the shop, on
the railroad and elsewhere.
I'VE hear a great many public
speeches making great promises to
laboring men. The laboring mans
vote is in the majority. The political
demagogue is constantly making APP
peal to this vote for support. Prom
ises of reduction in the cost of living
during the past few years, by change
in legislative policy, have been freely
made to help the conditions of the
laboring man. How better can he be
helped, than to provide for him in case
of accident, in sickness or death.
Thirty-six states in the Union have
already given him this assistance.
Why should Maine hang back in this
matter when it has adopted nearly
every other suggestion for the relief,
protection and comfort of the citizens.
1t is a great source of satisfaction to
me that the Republican party in our
State, which was founded for and has
always stood for the protection and
liberties of men, stands all four
square on this question. 1t is an
economic question. 1t is not politi-
cal question, and any party or set of
men who oppose it can only do so with
a desire to help a few special interests
against a great body of laboring men
in this State, and it will be no. adj
vantage to these economic conditions
in the end, for in a very short time
business affairs adjust themselves to
such changed conditions as this law
demands.
Last Legislature.
II would like to discuss more at
length the splendid purposes and
grand results obtained by the last
Legislature. AS a whole, its work was
non-partisan, unbiased and unpreju-
diced. There was an attempt to play
politics with only few questions.
The Legislature was a great credit to
the intelligence and progressiveness Of
the State. This is the only kind of
legislation we should have. 1t is the
only kind of legislation as a Governor
like to approve. The economic ques-
tons of the State are the great ques-
81 ho
and it will always give me the great
est pleasure in the future as in the
past. whether in public office or
private life, to lend my assistance to
cur wholesome and continuing adj
vancement.
Confidence in Public.
There are great many political
questions before the people, both
State and national. Some of them
have been raised at the conventions of
two political parties held in this State
during the past week. Some of these
questions are old and some are new.
Some of them are settled to my mind
SO far as Maine is concerned. Some
may be opened to discussion but it is
not my purpose at this time to get into
any extended political discussion about
any State or national issues. The
campaign has not yet begun. The
great Republican party has not yet
held its convention. After it does.
and we have the issues all squarely
before us, shall expect to do my part
towards placing these questions
properly before the people of the
State, and l simply say in closing that
when the verdict shall be rendered by
the votes of the people at the coming
September election. I have so much
confidence in their honesty and in
telligence and So little fear of their
being deceived or fooled by promises,
pretences, or humbugs, that l am con-
fident the Republican party will be
retained by the people as the best adj
Focate and exponent of honest govern
ment for and by the people,