Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-05-12
"The Press Should Be Honest"

1.-THE State Auditor reports balance
of 8, oSe. 1852. q in the State treasury but
he does not state how much Of this Is
money which the Legislature appro-
priated for specific purposes and which
the Governor has so far refused 10
allow to be spent. '-Portland Daily
press.
Having relieved himself of this in
sinuative information. why did not the
astute editor Of The Press furnish his
readers with the several amounts APP
propriated by the Legislature and the
specific purposes for which such sums
were appropriated, which 1.-The Cover
nor has so far refused to allow to be
spent" so that the whole story of the
deception Of the people by Governor
Curtis might be laid bare?
Can it be because Of fear that the
total would be so small as to be in
significant in comparison with the big
balance and thus make this statement
appear ridiculous?
Surely a newspaper that has any
rretensions 20 public service should be
honest enough to publish the facts re-
lating to the proceedings of the Legis-
lature. Will the editor of The Press
enlighten it's readers by printing the
whole truth in this regard?
Doubtless the big balance shown by
the careful Curtis administration is as
a thorn ranking in the breasts of his
political opponents who fear lest the
people will appreciate it at its true
worth.-Portland Argus.
The above editorial, from Names
leading Democratic paper, published
in the home city of the Governor, was
called to our attention on Wednesday,
Our friend thinks it should be an
swered by every other paper in the
state, as we'll as by the Portland paper
challenged.
We do not care to butt in," but as
some of our readers have the Argus.
we wish to assure them that we agree
with the caption.
The Press Should Be Honest" is
one of the best sentiments over ex
pressed by our Democratic neighbor.
We hope it lived up to it's text in it's
comment on the Press paragraph, but
conditions. If it has been misled it has
perhaps honestly challenged the Press
If it knows anything about its sub
jtct, ii has put up d sizeable bluff.
We cannot engage to give all of the
facts at one sitting, but we can give
enough to disarm the Argus sugges-
ton that the total would be so small
as to be insignificant in comparison
For instance,
The State appropriated $4,000 for
the Jackman- Rockwell highway. Som
erset county, Jackman,n Long Pond,
NORTHERN Paper Co., appropriated
and deposited $4,000, making total
of $4,000. OF that sum $6,464S5 has
been expended.
The State appropriated $4,000 for
the male wing of the Augusta State
Hospital $4,000 for the Maine State
Prison. $4,000 for Woman's Re-
formatory; $1,000 for the Needy Blind,
and $500 not allowed the Labor Com
missioner.
Now let us ask the Argus if any Of
that S214, 53o.15 has been expended.
We think not, but the sums are carried
III that splendiferous showing of the
State Auditor.
Has the Argus heard of any start
Icing made on the Maine State Prison.
or the State Hospital or the Woman s
Reformatory? And has the Argus
happened to notice that the s23,500
appropriated and deposited by those
interested IN the Jackman road is "a
part of the showing?
In connection with these interesting
figures, demanded by the Democratic
newspaper Of Portland, there are
equally interesting facts concerning
taxes and balances. If our neighbor
should care for more Of it We hope it
will not be too diffident to make the
request.