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

VI euil ioT 1910 ana the taxes reduced
accordingly, it would operate to in
crease the net debt at the end of the
year, which would be undesirable from
one point of view, but perfectly proper
as business proposition from another
The question comes to me: If there
was no State debt and a surplus like
this occurred, how would it be applied?
1t could not decrease the State debt if
there was no debt; and some day there
may be none, outside of the highway
bonds (Which must be paid with other
income) or some trust funds.
These remarks are no criticism of
any person or persons, but simply an
attempt to point out some Of the pc
culiarities Of the system which may or
may not be improved
The net debt may be increased prop
erly by reason OF the use OF any sur
plus lover the regular indebtedness) as
a credit: otherwise, the State would
accumulate a surplus which could not
be used legally until some Of the regu-
lar indebtedness can be paid A sur
vey OF the regular indebtedness shows
excepting, possibly, some Of the fund for
BONDED DEBT
The bonded debt of the State is as
follows
One Unacceptable bond issued to the
State College Of Agriculture and the
Mechanic Arts. (now University Of
Naine) constituting a perpetual fund
derived from the United States
Government, s11s,300.00.
One unacceptable bond to secure a leg
acy left to the State College of Agri-
culture and the Mechanic Arts tnow
University of Maine) by the late Alb
ner Coburn. due in 1917. S100.00000.
One unacceptable bond to secure a leg
acy left to the Maine Insane Asylum
(now Augusta State HospitaD by the
late Abner Coburn, due in 1917,
S50,000.00
State of Maine Coupons never present
ed for payment, $4,000.
State Highway Loan as provided by
Chapter 100 of the Public Laws of
1913, 1922 10000
OF State Highway Bonds, s39, 500 will
become due in 1915 and $685. in
1916. All of the war bonds were paid
in 1912.
The permanent School Fund is now
s482, 1898, which is bookkeeping
debt on which the State is obligated
for the interest only, unless other pro-
visions are made.
The fund for lands reserved for pub
lie uses is 1926, 40 63 plus the additions Of
1914 This is debt which will grad
ually be paid.
most important feature to be con-
sidered is, of course that of good roads.
This prospect appears to be launched
with more or less success, but undoubt-
eddy there is chance for improvement
The mode of procedure in building
roads will be criticized probably forever.
However, the problem should be con-
strued on broad lines so that the conven-
fence of one faction shall not supplant
the necessities of another. and all aspects
should he protected fairly and justly.
All phases should be given mature
thought: first, of course the present and
prospective resources to provide the
means; then the necessary construction
commensurate with the resources and re-
quirements, and then the maintenance.
The necessary construction is as imrof-
tant as the resources, for the reason
that we have varied interests to serve
both for the present and the future.
and we have no means, nor the eXpecta-
ton OF any. which warrant or anord
costly errors
The automobile proposition. which is in
its infancy the cause Of much adverse
criticism, is past the experimental stage,
and also largely past the pleasure stage,
or at least, it has become and is still
growing to be of such a character that it
must be considered from a commercial
viewpoint, although even the pleasure
aspect has its economic value as reNe-
nue. producer.
This. OF necessity. must appeal to one
faction at least as being sane and nat
oral avenue for legitimate expenditure
Time was, and but recently, when the
automobile was condemned unmerCifullY
in the rural districts, but now. through
a process of evolution. it has become a
necessity in all sections of the State and
country.
Some may feel that, as practically all
value comes from the ground. facilities
for moving the crops should be the first
consideration and possibly this is true,
bat they also should remember that the
minerals from the mines which are man
ufactured into implements of value are
also necessary to facilitate the production
of the crops and to get proper results
with which 10 compete In the markets
Thus the economical production of
crops is largely dependent upon the nee
essary implements. and the manufacture
of agricultural implements is a part Of
the great industrial proposition of manu-
facture of all varieties. of mechanical
contrivances, whether for pleasure or
strictly business purposes.
INTERESTS SHOULD UNITE.
This simply argues. OF course, that
all interests should unite and dspasson-
ately devote their attention to methods
and accommodations which will promote
the welfare of all and become a detri
ment to none SO far as it is possible to
the requirements.
1t has been and is a source of regret
to me that the urban and rural popula-
tions cannot be more harmonious in en-
deavoring to secure advantages that Will
serve the interests of the whole State,
rather than the incessant disSention
which only causes uncomfortable, unwar
ranted and Improbable debate which
must, of necessity, initiate against sound
progress and healthy prosperity.
In many cases this can be obviated
largely by non-interference with condi-
lions foreign to one locality and of vital
interest to another or by allowing the
spirit of home rule to exercise its pur
ministratons peculiarly suited to any
given town or municipality.
But ii almost seems at times as though
the spirit of home rule is attempted to
he promoted in the State roads PROPOSE
ton. However, in considering good roads
as a Statewide proposition by trunk
in d purely sensible and profit
able manner. we must use our best en-
deavors to promote construction COM
Inensurate with resources which will best
serve the interests of the State. taking
into consideration at least four factors
population, valuation, distance and
facility.
Population must be considered because
the more people, the larger and heavier
the traffic. and. consequently. the more
l.