Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-10-22
Afternoon Session

Inc AFTERNOON SeSSlOH WIS Tie
most largely attended OF any held up
to that time. and perhaps accom-
plished more than any other, in the
way of really definite action.
Without discussion and with no
opposition the State Chamber Of
Commerce and Agricultural League
voted to amend its constitution to
provide for the addition Of a health
directorate and a commercial travel
er's directorate to those already ex-
listing. The proposal to create a
transportation directorate caused
some discussion of its possible per-
sonnet and of what it might do to
benefit the State and the organiza-
ton: the motion to create such a
directorate was finally carried and
thus three new directorates are add
ed to care for vital interests not
otherwise provided for.
When the proposal to create a
legislative committee to care for the
plans of the organization in the
Legislature was brought up. several
men spoke in favor of it: the meet
ing voted that the committee be
formed and referred its appointment
to the executive council. A resolu-
tons committee was also authorized.
The discussion of finances was
continued from the morning session.
Henry F.. Merrill Of Portland made
a very earnest plea for action on the
matter. His text might be said to
be: Do business or quit: raise the
money necessary to run the organi-
zation or close it up and disband:
He said he believed that anybody
who is really interested in thing is
ready to show his interest by putting
his money into it. Men say the
Chamber Of Commerce and Agricul-
tural League has a fine paper or
ganization, but what has it done.
Has it got anywhere? Why should
people give money TO it.? And" said
Mr.. Merrill, "they have a perfect
right to ask these questions" He
advised that men all over the State
be told just what the organization
has accomplished and that its pro-
gram for the future be presented to
them. The program Is not worth a
cent without money. Ideas and opin-
ions must be backed up If they do
anything.
He ridiculed the idea that $4,000
is big lot Of money to develop the
State Of Maine and declared that 1t
/ is wholly Inadequate to the size of
the Job. Men must get rid Of five-
cent notions and live down their
ideas OF narrowriess and get down to
business in a real way.
An expression Of opinion from
I persons representing the 10 coun-
ties, on the chances OF raising the
budget quotas resulted In hopeful
reports and promises from most of
them. A few counties were doubtful
[ about raising the amount designated
and q. few counties presented no re.
| ports.
| Piscataquis county is the only one
which has fully raised its fund and
Mr.. Coburn Of Sangerville told how
IL had been done: BY telling banks
ana industries that the organization
10 worth while and worthy Of their
backing.
| Cumberland county reported the
fund to be all pledged and forthcom-
Ing. Androscoggin and Kennebec
desired that the central ONCE Of the
Chamber make campaign plan and
set . definite time for a budget drive.
Knox, Lincoln and York counties
were reported by women who said
that II the men didn't raise the
money. the ladies would have to.
Eagadahoc and Franklin reported
that substantial portions Of the quo
tas have been raised. Oxford and
Waldo believed that the people must
be shown and that the money might
fpossibly be raised II they could be
convinced Of the real value Of the or.
4Gnn01fon which wanted it.. /.