Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1921-03-22

from $s75,ooo to 100000 and what-
ever is done, there should be i'm
pressed upon the University author
tiles the need Of strict economy and
of living within their income. lnas-
much as the methode Of bookkeeping
in vogue at Orono do not meet the
requirements OF modern accounting
it would be well to have representa-
tive OF the State Auditors Office at
tached to the University.
Special Appropriations. The Bud
get has recommended Special Appro-
priations to the amount Of $s3S,00O
I am Of the opinion that at the pres
ent time the State should forego the
construction of the two Nurses
Homes at the Augusta and Bangor
State Hospitals, although their con
struction at some future date would
doubtless be desirable. This delay
will not lessen the good work oi
these institutions.
The Budgets recommends that $780,.
600 be spent for new construction al
the Home for the Feeble Minded.
understand this Is to provide for twe
double dormitories each OF the CAP
acity Of $50 inmates, a boiler house,
laundry and dining room A survey
of the feeble-minded Of the State dis
closes and estimated total Of 1,200
feeble minded persons who some
time should be confined In State in
stitutions. This survey not being
based on actual personal examination
of these unfortunates, may show
more numbers than are actually ell
gible for confinement. From this
total Of 1900, 1856 now can be cared
for at Pownal, 200 are now cared for
in other institutions, and II the State
builds one new double dormitory for
15O inmates, 735 feeble-mtnded per-
sons will then be under State care.
A double dormitory will cost $3.50,
600, the boiler house and laundry VIII
cost $4,000 more, and If $4,000 Is
appropriated for increased dining
room capacity a total appropriation
Of $3.50, 900 will be needed. During
the next two years AN accurate ed-
animation can be made to determine
Just how many feeble-minded per-
sons should be placed under State
care, and after that Is done the Leg
islature OF 1923 will know whether or
not It is desirable to proceed with
the construction of additional dormi-
tories. / am aware of the necessity
of providing for these defective
wards Of the State, but doubt the wis
dom Of making such immediate and
extensive enlargements as are recon-
mended in the Budget. II this sug-
gestion is adopted you win have In
creased the capacity Of this hsti-
tuition 39qo which Is all that could
reasonably be expected Of you at one
session. If provision is made for the
confinement OF 735 feeble minded
persons out Of a possible maximum
Of 1900, a step in advance VIII have
been taken and we shall not have
laid out a program beyond our pres
ent resources.
The building Of Superintendent
cottage at the Central Maine Sand
torium can be dispensed with and the
recommended expenditure OF 100000
at the State Reformatory tor Men
being based upon a lump sum esti-
mate, II reduced to $4,000 will be
ample for new construction at that
institution
Under the item State Reformatory
for Women it is suggested that $685.
900 be appropriated for new build
ings; $4,000 being for the construc'
tion of an iron fence, and $4,000 FOL
new cottage. For the present
would eliminate these items, and also
would not advise the construction ol
a new school house costing $25,WC
at the State School for Boys
The building Of a dornitory fol
women at the University OF Maine, te
cost $45,00U Is not Of vital import
ance and it is desirable that the Uni
versity straighten out its financial al
fairs before additional buildings am
erected there by the State.
BY accepting these recommendation
you will save on these Special Appro
priations $4,000.
Salaries. The question Of increased
salaries Is for you to determine aftel
due consideration. The salaries paic
by the State of Maine are modest
and those of certain State officials
and heads OF departments are mo-
adequate for the services rendered
The successful administration OF ths
States affairs depends largely upor
the conscientious work OF these faith
full men, and the State after training
them in the public service can II
afford to lose them. Funds are no
available for a general increase o.
salaries but some attempt to equal
lie them should be undertaken. Tht
total annual amount required to dt
this would not be large and recon
mend this problem to you for you
thoughtful discussion. AS this ques
ton is pending before you and as 1T
present status Is somewhat involved
| I have refrained from suggesting
changes In the Budget items.
Mount katahdin Park. In my In
ausural Address of February 9Th,
advocated the establishment OF tnt
Mount Katahdin State Park, and
when a member of the Senate intro
duced a bill calling for an appropria
ton Of 100000 for that purpose
This park in my opinion will prove
OF inestimable benefit to the State o'
Maine, IT will prove wise lnve@'
ment and will be more than self-sus'
tafnmg. The financial condition ol
the State at the present time, how
ever will not warrant the expendi'
ture OF this sum Of money, which
however, would mean an increase o.
but LIB Of a mill in the State tax
II l ask you gentlemen to sacrincs
some of the projects you consider o.
importance to the State / should b
prepared to do likewise. l propose
plan whereby at this session you cal