Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-01-05

has brought me in contact with law
breakers Of high and low degree. and
with both the direct and indirect re-
suits of their crimes. At present
occupy positions Of good standing
are my chief concern, for they are
undermining the moral standards
of our communities. Low criminals
thief and murderer. are outlawed on
every hand. When their deeds are
done they hide from their pursuers,
and the problem they raise is not
serious. for every mans hand is
against them. The otherwise re-
from bootleggers and regales his in
Inmates with tales Of his prowess, is
mean and cowardly and were it not
for him. and others like him. men OF
wealth and social position, rum. rum
ners would soon go out Of business.
This man violates the law but takes
no chances. When his house is en-
tered at night, or his family as
saulted. he cries aloud to the author
tiles for protection. forgetting that
as sacred as the law of persons or
property. Such a man should be clas-
sed with other criminals who are
enemies of society. The problem he
raises is vital.
Enforcement in Maine
Enforcement conditions in our
State are good, not perfect. l shall
officials to greater efforts and to
arouse public sentiment to the
gravity of the present situation. 1t
probably will be advisable to ask FOR
legislation to remedy the defects IN
sheriffs. county attorneys. local tud-
ges and municipal police. IL their
Hearts are in their work. can drive
out or imprison the whole brood OF
liquor offenders. and all state. county
and municipal officials should work
together with this end in view. Our
two eastern counties. however, pre-
sent the most difficult problem. Que
to their proximity to the Canadian
boundary. The time for evading re.
sponsbility has passed and. except
in extreme cases. we ourselves here
in Maine can and should handle the
enforcement worl: without calling
upon Federal authorities. Most or
the states are approaching to wash
ington for aid. and Maine. as the
pioneer prohibition State. the nome
of Neal Dow. has an unusual oppor-
tunity by vigorously handling TINS
matter to show the rest or the
can do for themselves. The days OF
'Bangor" and other plans have
passed, and no longer do commun-
tiles consider it an enviable dis
tinction to have the laws VIGOROUSLY
violated within their borders.
We all should preach the gospel or
respect for law, for those who dls-
respect it are setting an evil example
to the rising generation ana are
undermining this .country.s noblest
institutions. If during my two terms
as Chief Executive it is given me TO
witness a marked improvement in
law observance among the more IN,
telligent of our population. l shall
be satisfied with the results OF my
labors.
The ringing words of Abraham
4 Lincoln are today more timely than
when uttered sixty years ago: Ley
every American. every lover OF
liberty, every w hn thn h1pod 20 OF the
Revolution never to violate IN the
least particular the laws of the
country and never to tolerate thelr
violation by others. Let every man
to trample upon the blood Of his
fathers and to tear the charter OF
his own and his children's liberty.
Let reverence for the laws be taught
in schools. in seminaries ana IN
colleges. Let it be written in primers,
spelling books and almanacs. Let 1t
he preached from the pulpits. pro-
claimed in legislative halls ana en-
forced in courts of justice. ia snort:
let it become the political religion OIL
the nation"
The States Business
To study tho business of the state
is fascinating and the more thought
given it the more absorbing IL DC
comes. 1t reaches into every commu-
nifty, comes in contact with the lives
and interests of countless citizens, ana
thus gives to those in charge or the
States affairs a knowledge OF IT'S peo-
to it's RESOURCES and possibilities that
otherwise is unObtalnablc.
Maine is my, inspiration, and l have
increasingly devoted ,t the past r 1wo
will deny that I am we'll informed and !
and knowledge of our State. To come
to know, Maine and its people Is a
wonderful experience, for the Al
mighty has lavishly. bestowed HIS
blessings upon us. l plead Tor a
more consistent interest in public az
f fairs on for the h part st or
theirs, just as it is yours and mine.
Economy and Taxation
Finances are tho foundation Of gov
eminent. The states many activities
are dependent upon it's Treasury and
close watch must he kept upon all cX-
penditurcs. Tho Eightieth Legislature
faced an unprecedented call for funds.
1t was cstlm2t"d mat II was G, asneo fo 10
the thirty months period. January l.
1921 to June 80. 1928. The requests
for funds already presented to the
Eighty-f1rst Legislature are proper
tionatcly larger than those that were
filed at the opening of the session two
years ago. and no doubt the demands
for money will be heavier in 1928 than
in 1921. 1t was expected that as con-
ditions became more normal there
would be fewer calls for appropria..
lions. but instead they have expanded
needed in State affairs and each mem-
her of this Legislature and the GOV
ernor as we'll. must be prepared to
make sacrifices. Every item of eX.
cause carefully. weighed, and all non
You will be hard pressed by folks at
home to secure approp rr;at J., i,3d
several state departments. will recall
the days when your appeals to them
were not in vain. Political influences
and aspirations will not be lacking. all
of which proves that never was there
greater need of moral courage and
selfrest RANT.
Our people arc ovcrburdened with
taxation. and agriculture, industry and
the home feel its pressure. It is your
duty and mine to tighten this load
and now is the time to begin. Inc
Legislature is solely responsible, fol-
taxation. You cannot escape. Thco'
rizc as you may that the other mar
pays the taxes. ultimately they all arc
taken from the poclletbooks of the peo'
pie. This PLAIN TACT cannot DC dis.
gused. To say NO will take mora
courage but it can be said, and new
ard unexpected strength is developer
by practice. l recommend that during
the early weeks of the session the
members of this Legislature take daily
exercises in saying NO" in order tc
fortify themselves against the pres
sure for that dS is bound nd to be
days. The taxpayers left behind a
home are watching you and will insis
upon an accounting. Economy j!
pleasant to talk about but difficult t.
nut into nracticn. ] will lead the va,