Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-01-03
THE 18TH LEGISLATURE
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| Continued from Pa9e FIve)
have shown during the past two
years.. While it it difficult to fore
cast the trend Of wages and living
conditions for the next two years. 1t
is evident that some REIMBURSEMENT
must be made in view Of the present
cost Of living. You can deal with
this problem either by attempting to
make every necessary separate
change in the salaries now fixed by
law or by authorizing some sort Of
bonus. system during the continuance
Of high prices. or. best Of all, by fix
ing the salaries Of heads Of depart
ments leaving all minor salaries to be
adjusted from time to time by the de-
partment head within his appropria-
ton and with the approval of the
Governor and Council
Taxation
The heavy burden of taxation re-
sulting from the war has focused pur
attention with added clearness upon
some glazing inequalities in the APP
plication of our State tax laws.
Broadly speaking, about three-quar-
ters of our people are paying taxes
enough, but the other twenty-five per
cent. including the largest holders of
intangible personal property are
bearing far less than their prop ar
share Of the common burden; in fact
intangible personal property probably
to the value Of several hundred mil
lions of dollars escapes direct taxa
1,,yt tr,llr3ioina1 a
thOrities. Several years ago the peo-
pie adopted an amendment to the
Constitution for the express purpose
of permitting legislative action to
correct this inequality. l renew my
recommendation Of two years ago
that a law be passed providing for
the separate classification of intan-
gible personal property for purposes
of taxation. In order to forestall
the opposition of certain gentlemen
who appeared two years ago with
various ostensible objections, but ac-
tually in the interests of large hold
ers of personal property, l urge you
to. preface this much-needed reform
by first enacting a drastic listing bill
requiring under heavy penalty that
all personal property be listed in an
inventory filed under oath to the
assessors for the purposes of taxa
ton.
Banking Laws
The last Legislature provided for
considerable expansion in the State
Banking Department and the wisdom
Of this action has been emphatically
shown by the various financial prob
lens that have arisen during the war.
Ample provision should be made for
sufficient force to bring the stand
ard of our examinations up to the
full requirements of the Federal Re-
serve Board, and careful revision
should be made of laws governing the
investments Of savings banks.
l concur with the recommendation
of the bank commissioner that saw
ings banks be permitted to invest a
certain proportion OF the funds in ac-
ceptances that are eligible for re-
discount by the Federal Reserve
Bank
In line with the policy which the
Federal Government is following in
the attempt to protect holders of Lib
erty Bonds against INSCRIPTIONS pro-
moters I suggest that the scope of our
Blue Sky Law be extended in the
same direction.
Fish and Game
I need not enlarge upon the value
and Importance of our fish and game
interests. The preservation of this
great natural resource depends upon
the adequate enforcement of the fish
and game laws. For the purpose of
aiding in this enforcement and at the
same time reducing the danger from
careless hunters. I recommend Il
law requiring registration of resi-
dent hunters who carry firearms
within the limits of the Maine For
cstry district.
Sea and Shore Fisheries
The food shortage occasioned by
the war directed especial attention to
the importance of the sea and shore
fisheries by which so many of the
people along our coast obtain their
livelihood. Splendid progress is be-
ing made in this department towards
helping the fisherman and at the same
time protecting the industry by i'm
partial and rigid enforcement Of the
laws. No special changes in the laws
are suggested except such as may he
advisable in the interest Of clearness.
The most urgent need of the industry
is the passage of the bill now pending
before Congress which would forbid
the transportation in interstate COM
merce of fish or Holsters taken in
violation of the laws of any state.
Forestry
In order to maintain the high eff
fcicncy of the present forest patrol
service substantial increase in the
tax levied in the Maine Forestry dis
trict may he necessary. Owners of
clearings desiring to set fires near
wild lands should also be required to
secure permits from the State Forest
Commissioner.
Centennial and Memorial
The last Legislatur authorized the
appointment of n commission to pro-
pose plans for the celebration in 1920
Of the centennial of Names admiS-
sion to the Union. Because of the
unsettled conditions occasioned by the
war. it was thought best not to APP
point this commission but to present
the whole matter to you for consid
Grafton. There is also a Well-de-
fined and proper sentiment among
our people for some sort of memo
rial to be constructed by the
State in honor of those who have
lately made the supreme sacrifice for
the freedom of the world. If pub