Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1921-01-12

rOaQS legislation was ADOPTED, great
advancement has been made in con-
struction, and a vastly increased mile
age of good roads provided. The de-
velopment of the system of good
roads already initiated will very
greatly stimulate the future growth
of Maine. We should observe liberal
attitude toward new road construc-
ton make adequate provisions for the
upkeep of the roads that have been
constructed, enact laws regulating and
controlling the operation of moter We
hicles, and make due provision for the
enforcement of such laws.
| Our agricultural manufacturing,
and business interests are suffering
keenly from shrinking values and un-
employment due to the world wide
depression growing out of after-war
conditions, and we face serious prob
lens of reconstruction and the obliga
| ton of seeking a safe and sane level
upon which We may rebuild industry,
and give profitable employment to la
Dor and fair return to invested capital
| Modern industry is more and more
dependent upon skilled operators.
This need in agriculture is now be-
ing served by the State Agricultural
Department and through the various
bureaus at the University Of Maine,
and to afford additional aid to those
who are occupied in agricultural pur-
suits | trust you will study the condi-
lions of farm life, production, trans
portation, marketing, and enact legis-
lation which may seem to you helpful
to the farmer. In manufacturing, the
supply of skilled operators should be
met by the establishment, on broad
lines of technical, vocational school,
where thorough practical training
could be given and an intimate study
made of the problems involved in the
conduct of industries now located in,
or suitable for, establishment in
Maine.
Our fisheries give employment to
many thousands of persons. The re-
sulting product totals many millions
of dollars. Our tidal coastline which
is nearly as great in mileage as the
combined tidal coastline of all the
other Atlantic states, is the natural
base from which to develop the fish
ing industry. In order to take full
advantage of these natural opportun-
tiles a school of fisheries should be
established. Such a school now exists
in Seattle, at the State University of
Washington. where courses are given
in the canning and curing of fish, in
the study of the habits and diseases
of fish, in the protection and propaga-
ton of fish life, in navigation, in the
operation of gas engines. and in other
related subjects. | urge careful in
quiry into the advantage to be gained
from the location of such a school in
Maine
Improve Labor Standards
Continued effort should be made to
improve the standards of labor con-
ditions in Maine and to better factory
conditions. l recommend the enact
ment Of a forty eight hour law for
women and for minors under sixteen,
and the amendment Of the Workmen's
Compensation Act so as to increase
the weekly allowance and to reduce
the period of non payment.
By sound principles of public policy,
reinforced by party pledge. we are
committed to the establishment of a
State park and forest reserve, to the
conservation of our forests, to pro-
gram of reforestation of cut-over and
burned land, and to the development
of waterpower resources within the
State
The successful economic develop
ment Of hydro-electric power is in
great degree controlled by the regu
larity of water flow. The creation,
under State control, of storage reser-
is a necessity. A careful inquiry
should be made into all related Ques
tons, and study made Of the effect
of the Federal Waterpower Act upon
the development and control of
Names waterpowers.
The continued flow of water in our
streams and rivers depends upon the
existence of our forests. Fire is at
| all times a grave menace. The pro-
lection provided by the Maine Forest
| ry District Act should be continued
and extended, and increased protec
ton given to the lesser forest areas
in the incorporated towns now out
side the forestry district.
| Our School System
| The continued development and i'm
I provement of our common school sys
tenn is of vital Importance; educa-
tional problems should be met in
broad and comprehensive spirit, for
the common school system has been
! controlling factor in the develop
ment of New England character, as
New England character has been an
influencing factor throughout the Ma
| ton. A liberal policy should be adopt
ed toward all institute nGof learnin%.
Shifting Burdens from Town to State
During the past twenty-five years,