Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1921-02-15
GOVERNORS
MESSAGE.
Pays Glowing Tribute
to Late Governor
Parkhurst
Reasonable Retrsnchment and
True Economy Urged
dsocates Retention OF Names
Water Powers for Benefit
Of Maine People
Mr.. Chairman. Senators and Repre-
sentatives Of the S0th Legislature
of the State of Maine:


sentatives of the Soth Legislature
Of the State Of Maine:
How suddenly are Times changes
wrought. 1t seems but yesterday that
there stood before us In this Hall OF
REPRESENTATIVES a man in the prime
Of life, filed with courage and ambi-
ton. For him the victory was won.
His laudable ambition satisfied. he
booked into the future his heart filled
With q desire to serve his native State
Sehooled in affairs Of government no
had the win and character to earn for
himself a place among the best OF
Names long list Of chief executives
On that memorable day it became
my pleasant duty to administer to
Governor Parkhurst the oath OF ofdce.
As looked into his frank and friendly
eyes I knew he would be true to that
oath when he spoke these words: II
will faithfully and impartially perform
the duties incumbent upon me as Gov
ernor." Those Of us who sat upon this
platform always will remember the
smile Of love and approval which his
brave wife gave him as, anxious for
him to do his best, she sat with her
little daughter in these seats before
us, and kept her encouraging eyes fixed
upon him. Those Of you who looked
into his face will long remember the
reassuring smile returned by him to
her. What faithful wKe ever had
more reason to look into a future
bright with hope and promise? The
heart Of Maine in these days Of lone
illness and grief goes out in sympathy
to her and to her children.
It is fitting that here I should paw
tribute to those who so untiringly and
efficiently planned and executed the
arrangements for the funeral cere-
monies through which we have just
passed. To these men Is owed q debt
Of gratitude, and I unhesitatingly as
sume the responsibility Of expressing
It. From the moment that the tragic
news was first announced to bereaved
State until the last sad moment Of part.
ing at the tomb. the Committee Of the
Governors Council and the Legislature
attended with infinite care to each de-
tail. The tribute Of love and respect to
Names dead Governor was all that
human hearts could wish and human
hands could fashion. The memory O:
those sad days long viii remain with
us, and the grief through which we
Ill have passed viii throughout the ses-
sion tend to soften the harsh clash Of
argument and debate.
Providence does not make known to
us its laws, but all are forced to bow
tc its decrees. Time drives M on; our
Governor has gone. The daily tasks
that press on those he LEFT behind must
cow be- done. The burdens others bore.
DOW are borne by those who sought
them not l stand before you a he
stood. His work Is done. mine but
begun.N The State moves onward,
and !, as Its Chief Executive, made
such by events no man ioresaw
here pledge to its service whatever Of
good and whatever Of ability there ts
within me. If health and strength are
mine, with your help and In your conf
dence we, unselfishly and not seeking
favor or applause. will perform the
tasks before rs.
leave the Legislative branch Of our
State Of Maine and enter upon the
Executive with feelings Of regret. My
work as presiding officer Of the Senate
was most copgenal. an atmosphere Of
and cooperation pervadsd
that Chamber, and /. looking forward
with pleasant anticipation TO the next
few weeks Of work, saw at their close
an end to legislative responsibilities
That Is the past and now the future
beckons.