Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1919-01-07
Meeting of the Legislature.


There was little Of the excitement at
tending the gathering of the Maine leg
islature last week which is sometimes IN
evidence. This was because of lack OF
what may be called political features.
Both houses being strongly Republican,
there was no question as to what nomi-
nees would prevail, and the contests
were wholly within the Republican con-
tingent in each house.
or the contests, that which created the
most interest and was the most doubtful
ND 10 the time Of the ballot, was for the
e. presidency OF the Senate. Several mem
bers were early announced as candidates,
but before il came TO the caucus the list
had practically simmered down TO two.
The ballot resulted in IA votes for Leon
2. Higgins Of Brewer, Senator from
Penobscot County, and Is for John ?.
Deering OF Saco, Senator from YORK
County.
Percy 2. Crane of Whiting was chosen
Secretary of the Senate, and Harry p.
Hawes Of VassalbOro Assistant Secretary,
There had also been a lively campaign
for Speaker of the House, the candidates
being Frank G.. Harrington OF Augusta,
Charles P. Barnes Of Houlton, and Ernest
2. Clason of Lisbon. Before the time
for the caucus arrived, this contest had
so cleared that when il came to the nom.
instion, Mr.. Harrington was named by
reclamation, Mr.. Barnes presenting his
name and Mr. Clsson joining in second
ing the nomination.
Clyde r. Chapman OF Fairfield was
nominated Clerk Of the House, and
Bertrand Z. Smith Of Augusta Assistant
Clerk
There were one or two contests for
minor officials Of the House, in one OF
which Benjamin A. Swasey OF Augusta,
former Oxford County man, secured
the nomination for Second Folder over
the other candidate.
All the foregoing relates 10 the doings
OF the Republican csucuses, which met
Tuesday evening, the nominees being
duly elected when the legislature con-
vened on Wednesday. The Democratic
mem bers of the House nominated Sher-
man l.. Berry of Wateryille for Speaker
OF the House, and made complimentary
nominations for the other positions.
These four state officials who have
served for the past two years were re-
elected without contest:
State Treasurer-Joseph W. simpson, York.
Attorney Genersl-GuY II. sturgis, Portland.
Commissioner OF griculture-John A. Rob-
erts, Norway.
The Executive Council was elected as
follows:
Edward r. Gowell, Berwick.
George w. Norton, Portland.
Walter <. Plummer, Lisbon.
Willis E Swift, Augusta.
Elmer 5. Bird, Rockland.
Norman II. Fay, Dexter.
Clarence A. Powers, Fort Fairfield.
On Wednesday the two houses OF the
legislature met aud organized, the oath
being administered by Governor Carl (.
MnIken, and considerable amount of
routine business such as always must be
done at the opening OF the session was
disposed Of.
Thursday in joint convention Of the
two houses of the legislature Carl z.
MillikeD was 10 auguraied for q second
term as Governor of Maine, and delivered
his address to the legislature. The
governors address is an able and bust
nesslike paper dealing with the affairs
OF the state, and every citizsn will do
well to read il. The Democrat is not
OF those who do not have IL elsewhere
available, the following brief summary
of il as made by one Of the newspapers
is given:
Urges that in all deliberations OF COM
ing session the legislature aid in every
feasible and proper way the great process
Of readjustment which is going on in the
nation.
Especially recommends cooperation
with "any reasonable plans the U. s.
Government may work out for facllitat-
ing the return of soldiers to industry or
encouraging their establishment upon
farms"
Emphasizes the importance 81 food
production and problems OF rural life
and urges need of cooperation between
all organizations and agencies which con-
Germ them.
Recommends changes in Workmen's
Compensation Law in order to bring II
up to the ideal standards.
Reuews request of two years ago for
passage Of law providing for the separate
classification of intangible personal prop
erty for purposes OF taxation.
Advises consideration of legislation
permitting and encouraging the combi-
nation of towns into large units for the
care of paupers at central almshouses.
Enactment of law authorizing towns
to combine into districts for the purpose
of employing public health officers and
providing that part OF the salary such
officers shall be paid by the state.
Extension of agricultural education to
farming communities. The
time has come to insist that all instruc-
ton in elementary subjects be given in
other than in the Euglish language.
Further expansion of our system Of
evening and part-time schools for adults
Of foreign birth.
Urges most careful and rigid economy
In appropriation. . The budget
should Do continued. Liberal
allowance advocated for State pensions.
Salaries OF State officials and
employees should be readjusted.
Suggests that Maine and New Hamp-
shire might agree upon the building OF
q new bridge be, ween Portsmouth and
Kittery in place Of present insecure and
inadequate toll bridge. Points out that
not only Is such q bridge needed but
that Ii would stand as q joint memorial
to the soldier and sailor dead because OF
the fact that most Of the overseas
casualties from both states we're In the
matchless 103d Infantry, composed OF
Maine and New Hampshire men.
shortly after the Inauguration cere-
monies, the two houses adjourned until
4:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, when
the committees will be announced.
Milk Producers Meeting.
There will be an all-day meeting In the