Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-06-14
THE GOVERNOR
COMES AGAIN
and Then GOES

! Governor Oakley c. Curtis has issued
the following statement in relation to
his controversy with Frank j. Ham Of
Augusta, chairman Of the Republican
State committee, over the condition of
i the States finances:
| Il have read with interest the edi-
torials in the kennebec Journal, issue
| of June s, also the questions of Mr..
Frank Ham.
The Journal seems to say that the
Governor stepped out from the posi-
ton of dignity and respect with which
the people of Maine had honored him
to demand an opportunity to debate
the financial questions Of the State
with Mr. Ham the chairman Of the Re-
publican State committee.
This does not seem fair to Mr.. Ham:
and l am conscious of no loss of dig
nifty in having talked with him at any
time, nor do l feel that there would
be any lack Of dignity in our talking
together, at least so long as we talk on
matters Of public interest.
| Possibly the Journal does not mean
| what 1t seems to say. Can it be undig-
nified for a governor to converse with
any citizen in this land Of liberty. es-
pecially if the person happens to be
! the manas ing head of the great Re
publican party in the State Of Maine? ?
of course not. Possibly Mr.. Ham
may be in bad company, but he is
citizen nevertheless.
Now Mr.. Ham has addressed me
payer l had supposed the question
was with Mr. Ham the chairman of the
Republican State committee. With Mr..
| Ham the taxpayer l have no argu-
ment.
i However. there seems to be some
controversy with Chairman Frank j.
| Ham. ard the question appears to be
whether or not the present State ad-
minstration is pilins up cash bal
! ance in the treasury to defeat the will
of the Legislature and for political pur-
posos-to Drag about during the cam
paign. This is the matter to be set
tied.
After reading the report Of the
State auditor a child could see that
there is large amount Of money in
| the State treasury.
To-day there is s1,617 ,907 26-or there
was n the close oe business June Z.
1t is the peoples money It is safe and
is drawing interest. We are not going
to steal it. nor will any of it be vast
ed If we can help it. 1t will be expend-
ed carefully and in a business like
manner, to the best ability Of the Gov
| ernor and Council-excepting Certain
trust funds which must be kept intact.
I have Council composed Of intelli-
gent men and feel that we are hand
ling the affairs of the State with care
and integrity and with regard for good
business principles. regardless of the
| innuendoes Of those who, actuated by
political motives, criticise our conduct
adversely.
| Mr. Hams questions have no bear
ing on the matter except in so far as
they relate to expenditures held up to
initiate the treasury balance to brag
about during the campaign and to de-
| feat the will of the Legislature.
| But. as dignity is opposed to mean
ness and is also sometimes construed
as indicative Of ignorance Of a subject.
I will be glad to answer Mr.. Hams
| questions
Indeed. if I may presume to such
dignity. I will answer even those cues
| tons which do not have any bearing
on the point at issue-which is the al
legged holding up Of expenditures for
! Interior motives.
First I will state that many Of these
appropriations are being and will be
expended by commissions composed in
part Of Republican members. and in
some cases the Republican members are
largely in the majority.
| The contract for the building at the
Home for the Feeble Minded was let
| last September for about $40, 900, which
consumes all Of the appropriation for
| 1915 and part Of that for 1916.
Would Mr. Ham advocate paying
the contractors in advance and would
he 90 so if he were building a house
| for himself?
| THE commission for altering and en-
larging the State prison has its work
under way.
The contract and plan for removal
| ing the wing Of the Augusta state
| hospital did not suit the Governor and
| Council-and this appropriation was
! made subject to the approval Of the
Governor and Council, and I refused
| to sign the bill in any other way
When we get plans that are acceptable
| the work will go on.
L am pleased to answer Mr.. Ham as
taxpayer concerning other appropri-
| atoms which have not been expended.
Those for the relief OF the needy
| blind, revision of the statutes and for
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