Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-04-12

message to the Legislature and in con-
versation with the president of the
institution and the gentlemen l con-
ferred with, L suggested that some
of the University and to appeal to
their loyalty and spirit. but the reply
received was that the alumni of the
University of Maine would not respond
even though the call was sounded.
| believe the alumni of the TIniver-
sity of Maine are loyal. 1 believe they
are interested in their institution, and
their united and earnest efforts to in
duce the Legislature to make a gen
efous appropriation proves that they
are alive to the situation and know
how pressing is the need of funds
do not believe that the alumni of
| the University of Maine will fail to
respond If proper appeal is made
to them. At least I believe they
should be put to the test.
Throughout the State there is a
VIDE divergence of opinion as to
whether or not this debt should be
assumed by the State. There is some
sentiment sen m IT. at the state Capital in ia
IN my opinion a great majority OF
our citizens will be better satisfied if
the State contributes literally to-
w wa thd maintaining the institution:
TO use every effort to effect proper
, economies, and to place it's affairs up
on strictly business basis. If the
University authorities will do this
! they Will then be in n position to
come to the next LEGISLATURE with a
frank statement of their affairs, and
doubtless will then be able to show a
decided Improvement in their finan-
cial condition. f some small reduc-
non OF its debt can be made by the
University itself through its own eft
forts, considerable credit will be due
to it and to its alumni.
1t should not be necessary for the
friends of the University to plead its
cause so earnestly at every Legisla-
tive session. The people of Maine de-
side TO do what is right and proper
for this institution and they expect
its Trustees land friends to cooper
ate.
In order that the two questions of
maintenance and the payment of the
debt might be presented to you as
separate and distinct questions. I sug-
gested to those in charge of these
bills that two resolves be prepared.
one covering each of the items re-
ferred to. However as this was not
done. I am Obliged to disapprove this
resolve. although l am glad and will
ing to approve of an appropriation of
$55O.000 for maintenance.
If you gentlemen of the Legislature
sustain this veto You. can then intro
the University will be properly taken
care Of. The people of Maine expect
you to act frankly and openly in the
matter. The people want to know
how much you appropriate for main
tenance and how much for the pay
ment of debts. I hope and believe
that the Trustees during the next ffs-
cal period vii discard the non-essen-
tials. will improve the system of ac-
counting and will do all in their
power to spend the public money ju-
diciously. I desire to cooperate in
making this institution credit to
the State and one worthy to bear the
name of Maine" During such time
as I shall occupy the office of Chief
Executive I shall have at heart the
best interests of those boys and girls
who are laying the foundations Of
their character at this University.
In disappearing a measure passed
by both houses. the Executive if he
cannot agree with the action of the
Legislature, is but doing what is re-