Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-01-30
Editors Letter Box
Open Letter to Governor

Lewiston, Jan. q, 1922.
Editor Kennebec Journal,
Augusta, Maine.
Dear Sir:
Governor Percival p. Baxter has
released today a public statement on
claim filed by this Office for Eugene
p. O'Reilly, for one dollar a day
bonus from the State of Maine under
the provision of Chapter 1O1. Resolves
of 1917.
We ask you to publish this open
letter to the Governor in reply to his
communication to us.
Very truly. .
EDWARD j. CALLAHAN.
Lewiston, Me-. Jan. q. 1922.
His Excellency Percival P. Baxter,
Augusta, Me.
Dear Sir:
/ acknowledge your letter of Jan
uary twenty-sixth. together with
your inclosed public statement refer
ring to the claim of Eugene p. O'Reil-
ley. AS you say it is a matter of
public interest and Importance. / ap-
preciate the consideration you have
given the question, and your desire
that the position of the present ad-
ministration be made clear to the
public. Inasmuch as you have now
carried the issues before the people
OF our State. and "dvanced your JUS
tlf1cation for refusing to take any ac-
ton at present, it is hardly fitting 20
'analyse your reasons and their suf-
f-,""cy without seeming to make the
affair a public controversy rather
than public question.
Consequently, my views on yoyr
belief that you could not fix the sum
TO be paid for each days service or
tnat you could not provide the funds
the sum We're defined, are irrevel-
ant to this letter; though | hope 40
may have an opportunity to discuss
them with you personally and see if
some real solution or at least a con-
structive program may not be devils
cd.
however, l do feel that since YOU
made public statement as the Gov
erfor or this State. voicing your opin
ION as Chief Executive of that nosi-
tion' that YOU are arguing for an
explanation of your refusal to act
rather than viewing the affair nc
problem OF this State. in which you
feel for all concerned and desire to
nave all obligations fulfilled.
Chapter 1O1 of the Resolves of 1917
mad some meaning in the minds of it's
makers. You as q Representative in
that Legislature know that it was
not the intention of that BODY to he
sulle It's citizens. You know that
IN pledging the faith of this State. it
really meant to do something worthy
lhsi IS decidedly a matter of the
Eooo 1alth OF our State. Do you as
Governor holding this belief, really
consider it is not the function of the
Governor and Council to concern if
SELF with matter involving tho
good faith of the State? Do Won feel
You are warranted in not taking an
oHiclal position on the merits of this
case? Can YOU assert that the Chioc
Executive is free from Obligation in
Il matter concerning the solemn word
OF our State? Do you feel the inter-
csts OF this claimant and the thou
sands of eN-soldiers are of so LITTLE
moment that although based on
Public Resolve of the Legislature ana
signed by the Governor, they are ont
SIDE your official notice and you can
puphcaily wash your hands of all
responsibility. On the contrary do
1hese claimants not deserve and NOR
1t sympathy from you. your assist
ance. your support as Governor, that
lhey may know Your Excellencv feels
ior them in their aspirations towards
realizing fulfillment Of the solemn
pledge of this State?
Thanking You for your considera-
ton. 7 am.
Very respectfully yours,
Signed
edward J. CALLAHAE)