Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-03-01
LEGAL AFFAIRS
State Accounting Board-Resistratio
Of Auto Manfrs. and Dealers

The committee on legal affairs on
Wednesday afternoon had 10 matters
assigned for consideration, but five
were passed on account of no one APP
pearing for or against. leaving five of
which but one caused even a ripple of
| excitement. the bill relating to the
practice of professional accounting. All
who appeared were in opposition to the
passage of the bill, but they managed
to get more or less tangled among
themselves before they discovered they
were playing on the same team.
The bill provides for taking in all the
accountants who have been in practice
, for three years and who may satisfy
the board of accountanccy of their
ability ard would seem to prohibit any
not so doing from practicing their pro-
fesSion.
Frank L. Shaw, president Of Shaw's
| Business college, saw a 'nigger in the
woodpile" and was "agin" the bill. He
wouldn't accept a certificate from the
, present board.
Charles P. Hatch of Portland. a for
mer State auditor, stated that he drew
the present law on the matter of ac-
countancy, stood all the expense and
was satisfied with it's workings and
felt that most of the accountants in
the State were also satisfied. 1t was
designed to organize the Maine ac
countants and help obtain some Of the
out-of-the- State business and did not
prevent any accountant still practic
inc. even though not holding a certifi-
cate.
| Said he had practiced 80 years but
wouldn't dare to go to Connecticut with
| boards certificate and he wouldn't
accept one Of these certificates. He
made numerous personal attacks upon
the character Of the chairman of the
board and was made to deny by
committeeman's questions that it was
not personal matter between himself
and the chairman. but for the good of
the profession Practically all of the
accountants had declined to avail
themselves Of the benefits of the law,
on account Of the standing Of the chair
man.
Questioned by Sen. Merrill and 9TH
ers it was develop that Mr.. Hatch
opposed the bill.
Pressed by Accountant Staples Of the
Perrin Falls Lumber Co.. to state
whether he (1atch) would back up all
his statements, Mr.. Hatch stated that
he would repeat that:
He wouldn't accept certificate with
Holman's name thereon.
That he wouldn't dare to take such
certificate TITO Connecticut for the
purpose of doing business.
That he didn't believe that any ac-
countant of any considerable expert
ence in this State would care to take a
certificate witt, Holman's name there
on.
That he in no wise meant to hint
that any of the accountants who held
certificates were Of otherwise than of
the finest character and standing, as
Mr.. Staples had understood
Mr.. Staples proceeded to read his
statement Of opposition to the bill.
Representative Sawyer of Madison,
amid laughter, said that not being an
accountant, he supposed he knew more
about the matter than any one of
those who had spoken and judged that
| Mr.. Hatch had got the bill through,
not all Of the boys became charter
members and the way was now opened
so they could step up, pay their cash
and enter the fold. He then read
letter from the manager of the Great
Northern Paper Co. at Madison in op-
position.
Chairman Marshall stated that over
SO letters of protest were on file with
the committee.
Selectman Perkins of Brooksville
explained the need Of a right for
private way over tide water in that
town and said there was no opposition
at home.
Rep. Holbrook of Brooks appeared
for the bill to incorporate the Brooks
Industrial Academy, postponed from
previous hearing, stating that it was
for the purpose of starting a course of
instruction along industrial lines and
to assist the academy to secure all the