Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-01-05
Friday. January 5, 1923.
GOVERNOR eAxrER's MESSAGE

The reading OF the Governors in
sugural message affords ample assur-
ance that where. in hts Introduction,
he says: II have increasingly devoted
the past two years to the State" he
did not exaggerate. In course of this
attention to State affairs he has from
time to time expressed his conclu-
sions, which lie reiterates in his
message. Thus his advice respecting
education, agriculture, water storage,
the National Guard and need of
economy is what was expected.
In line with his previous declara-
tions what he has to say respecting
violation of the liquor law is tren-
chant and inspiring. He clearly rec
ognizes the responsibility of the
State, the county and the municipal
ity to enforce this along with other
Jaws. He may seem. at least to some
ct the officials concerned. somewhat
optimistic where he says that our
sheriffs, county attorneys, local
judges and municipal police, if their
hearts are in their work, can drive
out or imprison the whole brood of
liquor offenders 1t is to be hoped a
widespread demonstration will be
had to show that Their hearts are in
the work and, If found not to be, that
their places will be filled by those
whose hearts may be depended upon.
He would have this problem handled
here in Maine: he would bring home
to the high placed criminal the sense
no community will longer desire to
be known as openly in defiance of
law. Vigorous doctrine and well ex-
pressed.
He maintains his firm stand for
economy, and while he wishes in
some way to have the assurance that
the State at some time will take over
q certain part Of the Mount Katahdin
region he does not advocate at this
time the expenditure of any consid-
cradle sum of money for that pur-
pose. He would have general recog-
milton of the fact that a States &C
tivities are dependent on the condi-
tion of the treasury. He is less con-
cerned with new ways for raising
money than he is with the ways 1t
is being spent He foresees, as all OF
us should. that the Legislature will
be under great pressure, that econ
omy is difficult to put into practise
but he reminds the lawmakers that
they should discard the old notion OF
basing success on the amount OF
"bacon"-public money-each is able
take home with him and should
view the welfare of the State as a
whole. His remarks should help
toward the education of the local
constituencies in not measuring their
representatives success by that low
standard. The demands already ex-
coed those Of two years ago, although
then it was said they would be less.
The cost OF government is increas-
ing. The State has taken over much
OF that formerly done by the munic-
qualities and charitable institutions
and the responsibility of the COM
munity has been correspondence
weakened. 1.-THE road leading to
raternalistic government is broad
and easy to travel. but its end is So
Cialism." We are glad he said that
and more to like effect especially
with regard to federal interference
with the States activities. He is
not likely to receive from all quarters
a favorable response to his question:
"Would not most, if not all our pri-
waite charities, III the long run be bet
ter off, better managed, and would
they not serve their communities bet
ter If they did not lean on the State? ?"
II should at the least result in q
check on this tendency and puts
greater burden of proof on the appli-
cant to show grounds FOR his appeal.
Care Of the feeble minded and aid to
dependent mothers are fields which
he recognizes the State has entered
oAS uC hooy uCSldiSS lildL IL SlOulu
not undertake the medical treatment
OF its citizens and he will receive
strong support in this position, we
believe.
His indicated attitude toward the
University of Maine is likely to re-
ceive disapproval from some quarters
and Is not quite clear with respect to
what he would do to have the uni
versity. in process of time, become
self -sustaining.
While recognizing q wholesome diff
ference Of opinion respecting tina,
very important subject of highways
he has good word for what has
been accomplished and valuable sug.
gestions. We would commend these
words to all: "Ever increasing road
burdens are being placed upon tn,
State. but 1t should be clearly under.
stood that the State. never can built
FOR maintain all the roads within 1t.
borders. The responsibility for mos
of them always must be borne by
,local communities. In what he ha.
to say about road maintenance he ha,
put his finger on a feature that need.
sattention. And what he has to sa!
respecting the issuing Of bonds i.
sound common sense. ana the sam,
may be said OF his conclusion tina
Intoxicated automobile drivers de-
serve jail sentences.
I He does not now recommend dom,
away with the contingent fund, rath
Ter restricting 1t. which is horse O