Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-03-26
ANNOUNCEMENT COMES SATURDAY
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
May Need Certain War Measures and Save
an Extra Session by the Delay Adjourn
ment Saturday Until Tuesday = Adjutant
General Is Ordered to Equip National Guard
to War Strength

II was spectacle Of empty seats as
viewed Saturday morning from the
chairs of the President of the Senate
and the Speaker of the House of Repre-
the business went steadily on-that is,
the routine business-just as though
all we're present. To be sure. some of
the features OF the present session to
date were missed. including the ever
ready doubters and some of those who
are constantly expecting something to be
put over" on thcm-but business went
along with pleasing regularity.
II had been remarked during the latter
part of the 18th week Of the session that
Efforts were being made to secure an
adjournment with the passing of March.
but that hope was shattered on Satur-
day. when tho announcement came from
the executive department that Governor
Miliken was go strongly of the opinion
that tho Maine Legislature should be
In session when the National Congress
was dealing with one of the most mo-
mentous questions ever faced by our
country that he would not think of ad-'
journment before April / and perhaps
considerably later.
That member of the Legislature who
is not willing to make any and every
sacrifice to meet the requirement of the
hour has not yet made such an an
uouncoment.
large amount of work remains for
th" legislature to do and enough I'M
doubtedly viii be found for it even If
the session is prolonged beyond the time
given IL by the latest guessers on ad-
journment. Many of the committees
have made their final reports. but they
could easily be again sworn into the
service. Two of them have hearings
for the present week. taxation and sea
and shore fisheries. The latter will on
Tuesday afternoon consider the act to
amend Section IS, Chapter As. Revised
statutes relating to the regulation of
the lobster industry and the former on
Wednesday afternoon will have three
acts he1pFe II, act 10 amend section ~,
Chapter .. Revised Statutes. relating to
the amount of taxes on railroads and
how ascertained; act to amend Section
80. OF Chapter Q, Revised Statutes. re-
lating to the computation of tax on
telegraph and telephone companies; and
act TO assess and apportion certain taxes
on electric railroads operating in the
state of Maine
Thus II will be seen that 1t would
be difficult to put on steam enough for
an adjournment next Saturday and prop
erly attend to the business of the State
- even IL II could be done. an extra
session would undoubtedly have to be
called AT an early date. in view OF the
critical International situation and the
part Maine would hasten to take as her
snare OF the burden and the unfolding
OF the national honor With the mem
hers OF the Legislature here ready for
Whatever action may be necessary, Gov
ernor Milliken feels that much time
could be saved. when minutes may be
OF tne greatest importance for the fu-
ture
Just what the United States govern
meht might ask of Maine should war
come upon us is of course unknown, but
Whatever IT may he. it will be done
promptly and with the backing Of the
entire State
~ Is because Of this situation that the
session is to be prolonged.
committee Of public safety has al
ie'"S peeh appointed by Governor Milli-
Ne"' winch is organizing and will this
"eeN MAKE great Roadway toward plac-
"e aii the resources Of the State in a
'o"uition where they can he assembled
:" snort order for the national welfare
az" me Legislature stands ready to a
'''" I" authorize any other step that
may De necessary for the same purpose