Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-11-08
GOVERNOR BAXTER AND WAT.
Err POWERS

er Power Policy" but which appears
to be as yet, Mr.. Baxter's-proclaim
Ing his attitude respecting water
powers and accompanying 1t are GER
tain letters appearing in the CORE
spondence concerning this subject.
In one of these, letter from the
Governor to Congressman Peters I'M
der date of July Is, 1921 is found the
following: Il am not advocating the
States taking over the developed
water powers or of developing those
that are now undeveloped; IF
a Constitutional amendment is nee
essary as I believe it is, the language
Of such an amendment should be
broad enough to give the State ade-
quate power to carry out the storage
reservoir plan"
In concluding his statement the
Governor says he is making it so
that the citizens may understand the
position always have held on the
water power question"
In view of this it will help to bet
ter comprehension of the matter to
review the position which the Gov
ernor has held heretofore.
Here is the title of the resolve to
amend the Constitution presented
March II, 1921, by Representative
Brewster and which Governor Bax-
ter prepared and recommended in his
message to the Legislature on that
date:
Resolve, Amending the Constitu-
ton of Maine so as TO Authorize the
Conservation, Storage, Control and
Use of Waters and the Development,
Improvement Transmission, Utiliza-
tkon, Electrical Intcrconnection, Con-
troll and Sale of Water Powers by the
State and the Taxation of Water
Powers, Water Privileges and the
Hydro Electric Energy Generated
Therefrom"
Under this it was proposed that the
should be taxed to reimburse the
State for whatever 1t might choose
to expend for these purposes. 1t pro-
vided that: For the purposes of tax
alton water powers and water priv
ileges within the State and hydro
electric energy generated therefrom,
may be treated by the legislature as
property distinct from the land or
structure to which they may be ap-
purtenant, or from which they may
be derived, and such powers, priv
ileges, and energy may be assessed
for taxation in such manner as the
Legislature may determine at rates
differing from the rate imposed upon
real and personal property within the
State; and such powers and priv
ilegcs may be classified as developed.
partially developed, and undeveloped
and different rate of taxation may
be imposed upon each class, provid-
ed, however, that all such taxes shall
be apportioned and assessed equally
at uniform rates of taxation through
out the State upon the same class of
property"
1t would be interesting, it would be
very important to know before TAX
ing action just what he would now
offer for an amendment. Would the
Governor favor this one which was
rejected by the Legislature? In
short just what does he propose?
That should be made clear and def
mite at the outset, otherwise how is
one to know what to approve or dis
approve? Generalities won't satisfy
the requirement.
1t doesn't satisfy, for instance, to
say that certain other states have
laws such as are here recommended.
Maine has not always been fortunate
in adopting legislation on that rec
ommendation. The direct primary
Ao"s AoL llStdHSe, Was bedulllul III
theory. Under it the poor man was
to have an opportunity such as there
tofore he had not possessed it was
said. The theory was most excellent
but after applying it here in Maine
we have found it working directly
opposite to what was intended and
there is now debate whether to try
and improve or whether to drop it.
No, theory is and always will be one
thing, and practise another. And be-
cause some state adopts a certain
course isn't conclusive evidence, by
any means, that We should say
ditto"
Speaking at the celebration of
estate of Maine Night" in Waterville.
May 16, 1921, Governor Baxter is re-
ported as saying that the people of
the State own the. lakes and they
should say to the parties who wish
to use the water that they shall buy
it of them when they need it.
Now it appears that what the pub
lie really does possess with respect
to the lakes is the right to go to
them and to travel over them but has
no title in them.
Today a farmer, for instance, If