Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1921-02-15

and 1Szz be placed In the hands Of the
devoted wife of our late Executive, to
be used by her for the benefit Of her
self and children.
Water Powers
Az q legislator I advocated the re-
tentim a Maine's water powers for
the benefit Of Maine people; opposed
FEDERAL intsrfsrenee with and control
d these wster powers; urged the ap-
potntment Of commission to secure
The tacts about them 80 that they might
be placed before the people; and was
instrumental in attaching . restrictive
amendment to such water power char
ters a. came before the lsst two Leg
islatures. I also advocated the develop
ment and control by the State Of stor-
age reservoirs and basins, which con-
stitute the basis Of successful hydro
electric development, and Of the un-
developed water powers incident there
10.
The policy Of nontranHmission Of
hydro-electric energy beyond the State
Is supported by an Overwhelming
public sentiment, and, insofar as the
State of Maine Is able to do so, this
policy has been safeguarded by law
and BY amendment. The Maine Water-
power Commission, in my opinion, in
its recent report, has justified It's crea-
ton and its continuance, a. the only
available channel through which the
facts may be properly and impartially
put before the people. Should the Fed.
eral Government attempt to assume
control over Names water powers
under the Federal Waterpower Act, or
should any water power corporation In
violation Of the laws Of this State. and
In disregard Of the will Of the people.
undertake to transmit the water
powers Of Maine beyond the confines Of
the State, the Attorney General win be
directed to defend the rights and sove-
reignty of the State and to proceed
against the offending corporation.
In 1919, in order to clear the way
for constructive action by the present
Legislature, framed, and the Legisla-
ture submitted to our Supreme Judicial
Court, certain water power questions
The Court. in its answers to theF6
questions, gave its opinion that the
development by the State Of storage
reservoirs and basins and Of the un-
developed water lowers incident there
to would be at variance with the exist
ing provisions Of our State constttn-
lions. The State constitution was
adopted In the first instance by the
people Of the State, and consequently
b subject 10 amendment by them. In
view Of the Courts opinion, before act
nal development can be undertaken by
the State, It is necessary for the Con-
stitutton to be amended. believe In
the passage Of such an amendment
and urge its serious consideration upon
you. During the period that such an
amendment is before the people for
elaboration and discussion. the Water
power Commission should continue its
work Of Investigation.
Maine should not fall back into its
former state Of indifference to this
vital question. Maine must advance.
Private development should be en-
oourased and property rights must be
respected. 1t need never be feared that
the State of Maine will take property
or rights from lawful owners without
returning TO them lawful compensa-
ton therefor. The obstruction Of
storage reservoirs and basins and the
development of the undeveloped water
powers incident thereto by the State,
should, in my opinion, be begun under
proper safeguards after present restric-
tons are removed. Maine needs the
benefit Of its waterpowers and the need
becomes more pressing as years 30 by.
Ny deep interest In this issus contin-
ues, but Il must Of necessity be In an
executive, rather than In . Legislative
capacity.