Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-01-30

ScntauNeS now assembled, SHOULD USE
all possible efforts to 50 modify exist
ing laws as will reduce taxation I'M
der the plan recommended by Secre-
tary of the Treasury Iellon and en-
dorScd by President Coolidge.
Mr.. Merrll's Remarks
Henry f. Merrill of Portland, prcsi-
dent of the board of directors of the
port of Portland. spoke. of the state
pier and its connection with the in
dustries and agriculture of Maine.
Mr.. Merrill said that the most i'm
portant feature connected with the
success of the pier is the use which
our own people, the citizens of Maine.
make of it in the shipment of their
goods. both domestic and foreign.
81 am convinced that more is known
Of the pier in the large cities of the
United Staes from here to the Pacific
coast and up and down the Pacific
coast than is known in our own
state" continued Mr.. Merrill.
"The use of the state pier last year
resulted in a saving to the citizens of
Maine in the way of low freights on
both New York and Boston service
and Inter- Coastel service of almost
100000.
ak on immigration
James @. Gulnac of Bangor, chair
man of the immigration committee,
reported on his recent trip to Wash
ington. on immigration matters. lie
explained the provisions of the john
son bill which is being favorably con-
sidered by the House committee. This
bill would change the quota allowed
to enter from Europe in any year
n nnrnnnt 10 he
figured on the 1890 census instead OF
on the 1910 census. This would re-
duce the number admissible from
about 357 900 to about 100000
He also explained the bill intro
duced by Secretary Davis OF
the department of labor This
bill Mr.. Gulnac said, appears
to correct most Of the bad fea-
lures of the present law.as far as the
treatment of the immigrant is con-
cerncd. Under it authority would be
granted the secretary Of labor to al
low laborers to be brought from Can
ada for seasonal occupation, such as
road work and potato picking. Spec
iaI immigration certificates can also
be issued for farmers, skilled and un-
skilled labor. This would permit in
Norway, Sweden, Denmark and
Switzerland. whore fine class Of
farming people can be reached. adj
vertising opportunities for work and
colonizatio on Maine farms.
These features. Mr.. Gulnac stated,
were designed to meet conditions OK
listing In Maine and he urged active
support of the Davis bill.
Manager Cummings Report
A. l.. T. Cummings of Portland.
who has been manager of the State
Chamber since Oct. /. following five
years connection with the agricul-
tural extension service Of University
OF Maine, gave an oral report of the
activities of the organization with
especial reference to the last four
months.
He spoke OF the coast to coast trip
conducted in the early fall under the
auspices OF the State Chamber and Of
the inspiration received by those who
went on that trip and came in close
contact with the buoyant spirit of the
west and middle west. While they
were able to spread the gospel of
Names good citizenship and her adj
herence To the principle OF live and
let live" they brought back many
hcalthful suggestions for the upbuild-
= ~
spirit and progress.
He reviewed the part taken by the
State Chamber in getting the view
point of Maine organizations and citi-
zens on the proposed merger of rail-
roads, The State Chamber having
been DESIGNATED az a proper clearing
house in this matter. il conducted an
open forum meeting In the State
House and assisted a number Of
chambers of commerce. boards of
trade and other examinations to hold
issue in these meetings was whether
Names industrial and commercial
interests would be better guarded by
the proposed consolidation Of all rail-
roads in New England or by a merger
of the Bangor e. Aroostook. the
Maine Central and that branch Of the
Boston e. Maine known as the Wor-
cester, Nashua e. Portland division.
Believing from an analysis of the ac-
ton at these meetings that there is a
strong majority sentiment In favor of
tive. the State Chamber of Commerce
authorized President West TO appear
before the Interstate Commerce
Commission to advocate that plan.
The filing of brief outlining the ar
guments in favor of that plan was
also advocated.
The subject Of cooperative market
ing Of Maine products was empha-
sized in Manager Cummings report.