Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-01-08

confusion of ideas, many agreeing
on the same subjects and entirely at
variance on others. Many of like opin-
ion wish to advance their ideas regard
less Of the sacrifice of all others. so
that they may gain their aims. Others
having perhaps the same idea in prin-
ciple, have also several other ideas,
and, If progress is made in any of
them, they are content and willing to
abide their time until opportunity af-
fOrds them a truce for the furtherance
| Of them. 1t is perfectly proper for all
citizens to bring their ideas into prom
| inence before this High Court, but they
must wait with patience for the oppor-
tunity to have them considered in new
laws or in the repeal of old ones.
You have your right of legislation in
which it is not my intention to inter-
fere: the duties devolving upon me also
may need no interference from you;
but. as far as is possible, it is at least
hoped that We shall all work harmoni-
| ously for the common good.
Every individual member of the
Legislature will be judged by his fruits,
and those who intend to accomplish too
much for their own locality at the ex-
pense OF others, are cautioned that
sometime their ambition may lead
them into broader fields of operation
and their preferment will be based up
| on their records for broad-gauged con-
sideration of all matters coming before
them On the principles appertaining to
the interests of Human Welfare"
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Having examined somewhat into the
| financial records of several of the past
administrations for purposes of COM
| parison. it seems necessary to use some
of the figures; but further than this no
material benefit can accrue in exhibit
ing them to notice. Therefore, SO far
as the past is concerned in this re-
spect, as a basis of censure or criti-
cism, you have message of peace. No
material ACKNOWLEDGMENT or special
substance is derived from delving into
the past for the purpose of criticism.
/ The records of the experience of others,
| however, are of value by way of meas
urement and, as such, they should be
referred to for guidance in judging OF
proper advancement commensurate
! with available resources and that is
our mission.
| Resources must first be considered
from present and prospective view
points. Announcements or retrench-
ments may then be easily considered
from the viewpoint of present re-
sources. which in the present condition
should be of character to afford OPP
portunity for clear thinking and wise
action.
| The prospects of the future are such
as seem to warrant the belief that they
may be anticipated 10 such an extent
as to secure the substantial improve
ments necessary to facilitate the move
ment OF our products, which would be
easily recompensed by bringing US
nearer the markets. Also, any other
| improvements of facilities which will
| afford increased revenue and popula-
ton, should he carefully considered.
| 1t should not be forgotten, however,
that the word progress" is one to con-
| jure with and is often used to promote
| phantom schemes of questionable pur-
! port and Of little substantial value.
i In comparing the financial records,
especial note should be made of any
excess or decrease in appropriations
! for one year and another Inyestiga-
! ton will ascertain whether an incr ease
/ or decrease is of an extraordinary ma
! ture, as Of specific emergency: other
wise, new appropriations for the va
! rious departments may inadvertently
/ be too small or excessive in total. Too
often the total appropriations for de-
partmental purposes are influenced by
the amount of the preceding year with
! clie-bf ri dot nj M
times they reach high figures unneces-
sarily. 1t is noticeable that department
tai heads are often willing to expend
the total amount of their appropriation,
which is perhaps natural but no doubt
in some cases expenditures could be
made to better advantage elsewhere.
EXPENDITURES.
The last State auditors report is for
the year 1913, and it is noticed that
many departments made expenditures
| largely in excess of those for the pre-
vious years of 1911 and 1912 For in
stance:
The Augusta State Hospital ex-
| pended in:
1911 ...... ......... ..... s162.070.00
1912 ......... ............ 199,334. %
1913 :. -. -. .......... 220,4644G
The Bangor State Hospital:
! 191I:.. S11Z,OiO.Uu
1872. -. -. -. ....... 144,107.75
1913 ............ 169,059.4l
Charitable and benevolent institu-
tons:
| 1911 Z 81 AOS 7G
| 1912 -. %. %. .......... 1926, 200 SO
| 1913 80. $50. ........... III ,0o9.il
| Commissioner of Agriculture:
| 1911 ........... 63,3o0Sb
1912 ...... %. ........... 102,493.7A
| 1910 141, IloOl
| Inland fisheries and game:
| 1911 iZ,ItS.Z0
1912 ..... %. -. ......... 76,132.l2
| 1913 ..... ...... ...... 106,44515
| Land agent and forestry commits
| sioner:
| ASAA toboo1.oo