Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-03-16
COMMENT FROM THE BLEACH.

= i ne nAnQnnS OF the state dHdlTS
at the Capitol may not fairly be lik-
ened to . game neither may the on
lockers be justly compared to a lot Of
''rooters" yelling at the umpire. They
are intently looking. however. and
are far from being disinterested OBJ
servers. They are going to compare
notes between now and the next
Legislature and it is very possible
that opinions now hastily formed,
will later be revised if not reversed.
Most observers like to see team
work are impatient with solos. ap-
plaud sacrifice hits, and observers OF
a legislature are no exception. They
are likely to be puzzled, for instance,
to explain to their own satisfaction
why a measure-that pertaining to
the flags-was born Of misunder-
standing ,when the facts should have
been known. and why the misunder-
standing was not cleared with less
disturbance. Surely, that's not team
work, and does not get us anywhere,
axcept into trouble.
These onlookers are just as fond of
appiauding courage and skill as is
the average lot Of onlookers They
are not unmindful or unappreciative
OF the courage displayed by Governor
Baxter when he vetoed the appro-
priation for the State Pier. All must
adnait that 1t was q remarkable DEM
onstration Of 4 statewide view
point, the disregarding of local bene-
fit and commentator in order to be
consistent and consider the States
affairs as whole. That sort Of
demonstration makes a strong ap-
peal, especially at the mQment.
Doubtless it IL salutary as an exam
pie to lawmakers everywhere. We
should applaud it for that, II for
nothing else. 1t is pleasure to ap-
plaud it, but it should not be done
unthinkingly, and without due con-
alteration OF all the factors involved.
Having had this striking assurance
of executive courage and desire to
serve the whole rather than a part.
the onloekers begin to think Of the
importance of the view-point on both
sides Of controversy. especially Of
a viewpoint which should be as in
elusive as that of the chief execu-
tive. Legislators are reminded to get
out their own view points and look
them over critically. Besides, courage
is said to be contagious and there is
no reason why a legislator should be
immune. He is not. His response to
some Of the Governors vetoes shows
that. He is making comparison Of
view points, his and the Governors
and in some instances it appears the
legislators backbone is stiffening.
all Of which is perfectly natural. but
unless kept within bounds likely to
prove detrimental to the affairs OF
Maine.
There is danger in becoming OBJ
sessed with one idea. To say that the
tax-rate il not the only thing to be
considered may be treason, but if so,
make the most Of it. The sellers of
automobiles are not finding the pub
lie ground down in poverty; no man
expects to keep the running expens-
es Of his business on par with those
Of 4 decade ago, no head Of a family
dreams of restricting his household
expenses within the limits possible
before the war. There is no reason
to expect the State to do this.
is it necessary to deceive ourselves
after such fashion in order to be
economical, in order to retrench
wherever retrenchment is practic-
able? If so, it is both unfortunate
and embarrassing. Admit that this is
no time for the State to undertake all
the things which most of us would
wish to see accomplished. this affords
no excuse for neglecting the essen
tials, for putting off expenditures to
be larger when settled. Leaving a
roof open to the weather.. neglectins
paint beyond z certain term Of years
il regarded as poor business, and 1t
-.
The Governor is supposed to have
a comprehensive knowledge OF the
whole. but II so. he must be in touch
with conditions. 1t is possible that
He is not in all respects, and here 10
sone place where team work is useful.
very useful. There may be, legisla-
tors. who are in close touch with GER
tain conditions. but who are convinc-
ed that the Governor Is not. Once
atey arrive at that conclusion their
capacity for team work is impaired.
They may feel there are certain
things the public wants and expects
. to pa for and II denied will rebel.
+ Are they correct in this belief? Per-
taps they may be able to determine
this II they consult associates as well
az conditions. il they spare no effort
Ito get at the bottom Of the facts.
Having done this they have an in
~dividual responsibility al we'll as has
the Governor. But they cannot get
at the facts Of all the legislation
poured in on them; all working to-
gsther may hardly do it, but, unless
they try. surely there are rocks
ahead.
. Get together, Gentlemen in charge
q Names affairs.
F, .Aek TUE eEaMAN nAeAAreS