The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1915-01-14
MUST WORK FOR
COMMON GOOD
Maine Legislators Urged to
Exercise Extreme Caution
CURTIS INAUGURAL ADDRESS

Promises Hearty Co. operation In Al
Needful and Proper Legislation Fol
Welfare of State-Recommends
More Comprehensive and Detailed
Auditors Report-PeopIe Entitled te
Know Financial Condition-Gooe
Reason For an Equalization Fund
Chance For Improvement In Cues
ton of Good Redistribution ane
Other Matters Receive Attention
Gentlemen of the Legislature:
Upon taking and subscribing the
oaths required by the constitution t.
qualify him to enter upon the dis
charge of his official duties, the gov
ernor's first serious consideration is
to conform to the mandate of the con-
stitution which reads thus: He shall
from time to time, give the leg1sla-
ture information of the condition OF
the state, and recommend to theil
consideration such necessary meas
ures as he may Judge eXpedient."
Custom has decreed that this be
done Immediately upon taking the Of
flee. through the medium of an in
augural address. The precedent is
OF venera Die age. and has perhaps its
sentimental value, but does not
necessarily prove its wisdom. a full
and comprehensive report would con-
stitute a large contract.
Our form of governmental procedure
periodically brings forth new eNecu-
tives with more or less experience
but it is patent that even the great
est proficiency, on such comparative
ly short notice, may not enable one to
formulate into speech anything more
than a cursory view or superficial sur
vey of but a few Of the most proml-
nent features of the actual conditions
which may occur to him.
The aspect also has a changed APP
pearance when viewed by the greater
light of actual experience in office, by
reason of easier access to more elab-
crate and authentic information
through avenues otherwise not easily
approachable.
The organization of the state is OF
some considerable proportions, and is
more or less unwieldy to afford per-
Foot op5 rrooico oITn;p;c+rat iop. CON
sequently, any administration is al
ways open to adverse criticism by
those seeking to tear down and ami
hilate for Interior motives.
A sound, healthy condition is at
tanned when the public take good 4,
wholesome view of administration ac-
t1vities, giving credit when it is due
and condemning upon good and sutfi-
cient grounds.
Laws Should Be Enduring
Experimentation is essential to ma
not know the extent of ingenuity; but
in legislation by new laws it is often
dangerous, because they may be OF
but temporary relief and lack qualities
of an enduring character suitable for
all time under ever changing condi-
tions. For instance, the new primary
law is more or less experimental :,
and, even at this early date, much
dissatisfaction with it is expressed.
These remarks simply indicate that
We should he as free in repeating use
less and obsolete laws now in the
statutes as in filling them with new
ones of more or less doubtful value.
There are laws now in the statutes
which were passed through the legis
lature for private reasons to remedy
isolated cases of little or no public
Importance, which have caused state
wide confusion and great expense.
There are other cases where laws
have been enacted through the in
fuence of party politicians. affecting
adversely the interests of municipali-
ties, and have become mandatory
without the consent of the citizens or
even the municipal officers. Care
should be taken that such mandatory
laws shall not become effective until
accepted by the municipal officers at
least, thus supporting the principles
of home rule when practicable. Pri-
vate and special bills should, there
fore, be scrutinized carefully, and
general laws affecting the whole state
~hn Nt ho
These are suggestions only, as the
governor has no authority to instruct
the legislature. The fact that its
members are duly elected and have
given their oaths is evidence of the
peoples confidence in their ability
honesty and integrity, and should
guarantee safe and sane legislation
In all questions of needful and proper
legislation for the welfare of the
state, it will be my aim to most
heartily cooperate with you.
Work Must Be Thorough
We cannot expect to rectify all the
social evils of the state at one sitting
but should endeavor to select the
more salient and important subjects,
and as many of them as we can con-
veniently handle Systematically and
eonservatively without their conflict
Ing with each other, thus leaving
something for future administrations
to unravel, for they will continue to
be inaugurated long after we have
completed our deliberations.
1t does not seem possible that evil