The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-02-15
High School Classes Visit Augusta

Accompanied by Superintendent
Woodbury. and several teachers, 80
pupils from the junior and senior
high schools went to Augusta Thurs
day last, for the purpose of seeing
something of the way in which State
government Is carried on. The trip
was arranged In acceptance of the in
vitation of Senator Clyde II. Smith.
who addressed the government class
es on Monday afternoon last.
Through the efforts of Stationmas-
ter Flynt, a substantial reduction in
railroad rates was given, and two
special coaches were attached to the
5 o'clock train, thereby avoiding the
confusion in the usual changing OF
trains at WateTville.
Senator Smith and Representative
Jacobs greeted the party at the State
House entrance; then a part of the
students were shown to the balcony
of the House of Representatives, and
the others were conducted to the Sen
ate balcony where they listened to
the morning session of these two bod
les. After the close of these ses-
half hour in the museum, tour thru
the executive chambers, a trip to the
dome of the building, and recep-
ton by Speaker F. II. Holley. occu-
pied the time until nearly lunch hour.
The party next assembled In the
House of Representatives, where Sen
aton Smith read letter from Cover
nor Baxter expressing his regret at
not being able to welcome the visit
ors. and asking that souvenirs of the
day be presented to the students. DIR.
Thomas, State Superintendent OF
Schools, next addressed the students,
and at the close of his talk a group
picture was taken. His talk was
followed by remarks by Mr.. Earring
ton. president of the Senate, in which
he feelingly stated that Skowhegan
and Skowhegan people occupied
warm place In his heart from the
fact that he was at one time prin-
cipal of our high school.
The visitors were invited to make
the House of Representatives their
dining room, and those who were
without lunches were beautifully sup
piled through the courtesy of Senator
Smith.
Following the lunch hour, the party
was escorted through the Executive
Mansion, where many interesting OBJ
jects were explained and admired. A
scant half hour spent In attendance
upon a hearing of the Committee of
Appropriations and Legal Affairs held
in the Senate Chamber occupied the
remaining time before 1t was neces-
sary to return home.
During the hour of waiting in Wat
erville for the Skowhegan train, Pres
ident Roberts OF Colby College very
kindly allowed the party to be shown
through the college. and under the
escort of Joseph Coburn Smith most
of the buildings on the campus were
visited.
The Skowhegan boys and girls re-
ceived great deal OF interested at
tcntion throughout the day from the
legislators, and were repeatedly COM
plimented on their good Judgment In
coming to the seat of government for
acquiring first hand information.
Supt. Woodbury., the teachers, and
the students are very grateful to all
who contributed In any way toward
the success OF the project. and spe-
cial offer of thanks is due Senator
Smith by whose efforts so many pri-
yileges were granted to make the day
one long to be remembered by the
younr peopie who participated