Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-02-13

then We consider whether the read
or bridge in question il OF value to
the citizens Of the town itself or
whether it is public thoroughfare
for people from other sections Of the
State. In practically every instance
we require the town to match, wholly
or In part. the appropriation made by
the State. thus giving them local
interest in the work. The proposition
that comes before our committee.
backed by tho eioquence OF an at
torney and half dozen county and
town officials. receives no more con-
sideration than does the lone repre-
sentative who comes to our table with
Il plain statement Of fact; and in the
pairing down Of these million dollar
resolves to fit 100000 appropria-
tioa. you will agree with me that
most of the unworthy features must
be eliminated; the fat will be thor
oughly taken out Of the pork.
So much for the justice of the re-
solves which we have before US. Now
just a word as to policy. The State
OF Maine has adopted a great policy
of system Of highway construction
II you will 60 with me down into
Room :, on the lower floor. into the
plumber house of this committee. you
will see there on the wall n fine large
map loaned us by the Highway Com
mission. On that map you will see
the main trunk line coming into the
State from New Hampshire. 1t be-
gins to branch slightly in York and
Cumberland counties. going onward
and upward. branching and ramifying
into every important section OF the
State.
That map exemplifies Names systeu.
OF highway construction, and 1t is a
great system--I believe the best that
could be worked out under tine coadi-
tons. though it will be years before
II can be completed. Legislators and
Governors will come and go and many
large appropriations are needed be .o,e
we can aid all the branches and di-
visions. After all the trunk lines an.
S;ate-aid lines now under process of
construction are completed. Maine will
still have 100000 miles OF unimproye,
highway. Is it not right and just that
some of these sections should have
some consideration?
There is. unfortunately, in come seq
tions Of the state a growing fesIin;,
Of dissatisfaction with the way the
highway funds Of the State are adj
ministcred Discard. il you will. all
these special resolves, dismiss them
without consideration Of their merits,
and you will increase that feeling Of
dissatisfaction and disappointment. You
will have many men coming into the
sosh Legislature pledged to strike at
something connected with the highway
DEPARTMENT. and strike vigorously
though probably not wisely. Is It wise
to leopardize the very existence OF our
highway department. with all It's fine
plans, all it's valuable experiences. and
all its talented engineers7
We must disclaim any attempt to
rotard the presentation Of the Bud.
get. Our committee was one Of the
first to organize. We early am
nounced our policy and our needs.
We have been at all times ready to
meet with the Executive or the Com.
mittee on Appropriations, and / see
no reason why the constructive work
OF this session should be delayed
through any action of ours. We re-
sret this controversy, but It Is after
all only an honest difference Of opin-
Ion between, on the one hand, ten
men who are trying to do their duty
as they see 1t, and on the other the
Chief Executive. whom we know to
be honest and fearless, and whom
we have delighted to honor and fol-
low IN all things which seem to us
just and reasonable. It appears
now that the controversy will have
to he settled by the Legislature, and
until it is settled we can do moth
ing. The committee has no policy
opened to it but to continue with It's
program. and we shall continue un-
ii! such time as tho Legislature, by
vote or otherwise. indicates to us a
desire for a change in our policy.
(Applause.)
The SPEAKER: The cornmunica-
ton which is the subject under dis
cusison has been taken from the table.
What is the pleasure of the House to
do with it? In the Senate it was or
dered placed on file and sent to this
Branch for concurrence.
Mr.. BARNES Of Houlton: Mr..
Speaker, I move that the message OF
the Governor and the discussion be
placed on file in concurrence with
the action of Senate.
The motion prevailed.
On motion by Mr.. Rounds Of Port
land. 1t was voted by n viva voce
vote that two thousand copies OF the
remarks made by the different mem
bers OF the ways and bridges COM
mittee on this subject be printed for
the use Of the Legislature
On motion by Mr.. Small Of Brewer,
Adjourned until tomorrow morning
at ten o'clock.