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


add to its lasting qualities to a great ex-
tent.
In localities of lighter traffic and long
distances. no doubt roads OF different
character and more easily maintained
will be of lasting value.
With the 5000 miles Of roads in the
State. it is questionable whether it can
construct anything more than well
only on the principal highways.
1t will be well to consider where the
State Is to get its millions to construct,
as we'll as to maintain, for it will re-
nary highways, and a large amount to
keep them in serviceable condition.
PARTY PLATFORMS.
1t is perhaps proper to refer to some
Of the features of the platforms of the
different parties prominent in the state
campaign recently held, and they will
speak for themselves.
All platforms seem to have favored the
54-hour bill. so called. limiting the hours
OF labor for women and children in mills
and factories, and, also, the workmens
compensation act, which Will enable Ia
bOrers injured in the employ OF others TO
receive just and reasonable compensation
for injuries so received and to insist that
compensation be adjusted and paid
speedily.
The dominant party is pledged to legis-
lation for the development of our water
powers for the use of Maine. under such
regulations as will be fair and reasonable
toward private capital. while fully pro-
tecting all public interests: and. to this
end. it favors careful and systematic pro-
lection of our vast timber areas.
1t also favors a reformatory for wom-
en-, in the belief that our prison ana
county jails are wholly inadequate and
have no proper accommodations for
women offenders. and provide no means
for the kind of care and training which
they should have.
1t also favors such legislation as will
expedite the administration OF justice IN
our courts.
1t denounces the sidetracking of any
bills through improper channels. believ-
ing ii best and proper to face all mat
tiers fairly without fear. or favor.
as measure designed to foster mono
poly. rather than to protect the public
interests, but as 1t has received the
sanction of the people by popular vote, 1t
yields TO their mandates.
1t declares in favor of calling a con-
stitutional convention. the members of
which shall be elected without party
designation. to undertake revision OF
the constitution. the work of said reVl-
sion to be submitted%to popular vote at
an election at which each amendment of
the revised constitution may be voted
upon separately and accepted or rejected
by the people. This is also in the plat
form of the Progressive party.
1t condemns any party which does not
use every endeavor to fulfill the prom
Uses in its platform without equivocation.
1t affirms its belief in the doctrine of
home rule and deprecates the tendency
of the state Government to encroach up
on affairs which should be left solely to
municipalities. and particularly favors
an amendment to the constitution which
shall permit towns and cities to rule in
taxation. or, at least. to be given 'oppor-
tunity for experimental tests in this line.
1t reiterates its belief in temperance.
in law and order, and in the enforcement
of the law.
II believes in prohibition wherever pro-
hibition is practicable.
1t believes that Statewide prohibition
in Maine has proved impracticable. and
demands the submission of the prohibi-
tory amendment to the people. and advo-
Gates its repeal In order that the city
or town may be substituted {or the State
abolish the liquor traffic
RECOUNTING BALLOTS.
Some dissatisfaction is noted in the
methods used in recounting ballots.
Wardens are provided whereby the re-
turns are made under oath, but after
that, if a recount is desired. access is
given to the ballots in such manner that
all legal evidence is destroyed in many
cases by over-handlins of the ballots.
Stickers are often lost from the bal
lots through the recounting process. and
oftentimes this may cause the defeat of a
candidate who was legally elected.
some remedy is recommended whereby
the ballots shall not be disturbed unless
under the supervision of non-partsan
board duly authorized to take evidence
in writing to be produced under oath be-
fore the proper authority when needed.
and also whereby a strict inventory of
the contents of the ballot box shall be
produced as a part of the evidence, to-
gether with rotations of any peculiar cir
cumstances attending the recount not
conforming to strict and impartial In
VeStigation.
II loose stickers are found in the box,
it is evident. that they were originally at
tached to ballots and should, therefore,
be considered in the evidence.
Some such Arrangement as this would
obviate much doubt and dissatisfaction
in recounts. and would more accurately
determine the proper situation.
This should not. however. impair the
rights of these bodies having the right
of being the sole judges of their mem
bership. and should only serve as better
evidence to aid in their decision.
PUBLICITY OF PLANS OF PIIILAN-
THROPY.
Legislation is suggested to compel
publicity of promotions for charitable,
memorial. and other philanthropic pur-
poses. by public subscription, when ad-
more especially by temporary organiza-
tons on a commission or percentage
basis, or by paid solicitors.
Propositions of q public nature, solicit
Ing subscriptions, are continually before
the people. some of greater Importance
than others. and many times urgent I'M
der popular enthusiasm. but all appeal
ing to the philanthropic and humane
sentiments of the public. Seldom do the
donors have the means of knowing the
details of the arrangement in which they
are participating or the disposition of
their donations
bring about a system whereby solicitors
shall be certified by the proper authori-
ties after investigation, as also a treas
urer or financial agent who shall file, I'M
der oath. detailed statement Of all re-
ceiptS and expenditures
The figures should be of statistical
value in computing costs of such promo
TONS and might operate for greater EN-
cheney by reason of the possibility of re-
ducing expense and thereby saving a
larger proportion for the beneficiary
No legislation would, of course, con-
template any prohibition Of such under
giving, nor should 1t interfere with
charitable and religious organizations of
established regulations in raising the
necessary funds for their support where
no third party is employed as paid
promoter.
This may attract your attention. and
If it appeals to you as needing legsla-
ton. you will no doubt enact remedial
laws.
In a casual review of the published list
of corporations for general franchise tax,
it occurs to me that possibly the system
is not complete.
1, =