Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-04-19

It's governor Of Maine. Inc SoNoihoi
was the guest of honor at the banquet
which was served at o'clock TO the
members Of the club and at 7.3O a1ter
a short reception he addressed the MEM
bers of the club and invited friends,
there being q good number present. lie
was introduced by Hon. Ora A. Meaoef
in a few we'll chosen words ana was
received with long continued applause
He spoke in part as follows:
Governor Curtis said in part:
"It seems to me at this time that pos
sibly the pleasure of receiving request
to address your honorable BODY may
have beclouded my intellect in estimating
the ability to fulfill the obligation.
POSSIBLY the fact that this is church
organization may account for something
like diffidence on my part which may be
pardonable as very often public ofnclals
receive their harshest criticisms from
the pulpit, although it must not be pm
derstood that just criticism is unwelcome,
especially if they have the privilege OF
presenting their side Of the case.
Truthful and unbiased criticism is OF
benefit to the government. but untrue, IN
sincere and demagogic utterances are a
menace, for it is inevitable that they
must cause more or less unnecessary dis
cord.
From a political standpoint, however
the harsher the criticism the more 1t may
inure to the benefit of an official or a
candidate individually, according to cir
cumstances.
"You have requested an address upon
the political issues of the day which are
more or less numerous and of more or
less Importance, but the true significance
of many is lost, because they are classed
| in that category or must necessarily De
considered from that viewpoint.
Time forbids the proper consideration
of more than one real issue at any speci-
fic meeting of ordinary duration.
1.-TWO issues Of this state appeal to me
strongly, the constitutional and financial
ut is not my intention at this time,
! however, to urge the constitutional fea-
lures as a political issue, but it may be
of interest to discuss the peculiarities and
perplexities of the constitution from the
viewpoint of business executive, if one
may presume to such distinction.
mo doubt these remarks will invite
criticism but it will be welcome If it Is
sincere.
Beyond question political animosity
will contribute its share to becloud the
issue, but 1t would seem that the subject
matter is Of vital Importance to the
masses as defined from cliques or coterles
| Of those having in mind partisan or sci.
| fish motives.
1T may be presumptive in me to at
tempt to discuss the constitution, but in
| its very words it seems to contemplate
that every citizen may speak, write and
publish his sentiments on any subject
| being responsible for the abuse of this
| liberty.
mo official, at least, would Intention
ally abuse the liberty, but what is more
| natural or in fact what is more expected
than that the chief executive will pay
heed to the constitution which is the di
rect mandate of the people.
"A mysterious halo seems to crown the
constitution of the State which causes i
to appear almost sacrilegious to ever
question any of it's provisions, notwith
standing it was constructed many year,
ago, and cannot be expected to meet thu
various changes which have occurred IL
all branches Of industry and government
"A strangely pathetic sentiment is il
evidence Immediately the constitution il
mentioned in the least sense Of question
ing it's fitness to modern conditions, NOR
especially by one outside of the lega
fraternity.
This feeling seems to be supported b.
those who are almost entirely ignoran
of its wording and by others who are 81
well acquainted with it's peculiarite
that they do not seem it advisable for to-
many people to know them.
| This preparedness almost preclude(
combat or even moderate antagonism.
| Possibly the lack of extreme or effu
sive sentiment is the factor which
prompts me to express these views with
out an apology. but in any event Their,
may be no harm in agitating the question
right here among ourselves in a quie
| way.
THE subject is approached in all seri
business, although there may be NOR
situations portrayed which may appear
almost ludicrous. A
| IF you will carefully read the constitu
ton doubtless you will catch the point!
which these remarks are intended tt
elucidate or at least mention.
| AS d SlQeIEnt ana TO more clearly eX
emplify by perturbation one person wa!
heard to say of me, Think of the nerve
of that man to attack the constitution
Everybody on the inside knows the con
stitution Is joke and it is so understood.
Possibly we may get to the essence o
point by interrogatory methods, ant
the question Is asked. What is the exec
utive power of the State Of Manner Thi
to my mind, is a vital question and on
very little understood or rather is mostl,
misunderstood.
Nov let US consider the enforcement
Of the law.
"Ex-Justice Emery has said that tn
executive officials in any county ma
defy the governor and practically MULTI
any law Of the State In that county, an
still the constitution says that no lay
can be suspended but by the legisl=.ur
or it's authority; and the governor take
oath that he will support the constitu
ton. which reads: He shall take car
that the laws be faithfully executed
and Judge Emery says that he should nc
be required to do this. or something t
that effect.
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