Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-03-19

this legislative body to economlZe. 1
sometimes feel that we are very
much in the position of the coloreu
man who had been convicted OF
stealing chicken. The time came
when the Judge was to pass SEN
tence upon him, and he asked Ras-
tus If he had anything to say before
sentence was pronounced. The col
ored man rose and stood there IN
deep thought tor moment or two
and then replied, mo, Judge, except
l would like for you to be just as
economical as you cam" (Laugh-
teri
Now that is what we are all try
ing to do; TO be Just as economical
as we can in the expenditure of the
States funds. Therefore, before we
vote on this question ] want the
House to understand the condition
Of things with relation to our state
Library.
A former Governor, with the
consent of his Council, has provided
a storehouse In the rear of this
building at a cost of Sill 80. There
have been provided in that store
house. shelves. which are In place
and are empty at the present time,
at a cost of 81 1874 .GS. Another con-
tract for shelving, amounting TO
S359.O0, makes a total Of $116,Ol3.-
IS. In this storehouse there are
shelves already in place for TO-
600 books. Not one single book Is
on those shelves at the present time.
In addition to that there has been
provided, in the basement of this
building, a ireproof vault to care
for the books which are considered
to be priceless. at an expense OF
1916. SO, a vault with a capacity to
care for from seven to nine thousand
books, with less than two thousand
books in that vault at the present
time.
one room in the basement of this
building. which was formerly used
as a pant and repair room. has been
given up to the travelling library, |
was in that room this morning. 1T
is only about one-third filled. There
is room there for several thousand
more books.
The idea was to transfer from the
State Library to the storage build
ing those books which were consid-
cred to be practically obsolete--at
least they are inactive at the present
time-and many OF the volumes
have not been taken from the
shelves in many years.
Mr.. Speaker and members. here
is chance for us to save S26,WiO
without really interfering with the
smooth and proper working of one
of our State Departments.
Therefore, Mr.. Speaker, move
you the indefinite postponement of
this resolve.
The SPEAKER: The question IS
on the motion of the gentleman from
I n
be indefinitely postponed. Is the
House ready for the question?
The question being called for, a
viva voce vote was taken and the
motion to indefinitely postpone the
resolve unanimously prevailed.
The SPEAKER: This being We'd
nesday. the Chair presents In order
the other matters lying upon the
table. the first one being bill, an act
relating to adjustment of grade
crossings. II p. 631, II. d. 1"4 tab
led by the gentleman frole Portland.
Mr.. Nichols, March II. pending third
reading.
on motion by Mr.. Nichols oc
Portland the bill was re-tabled and
specially assigned for tomorrow
morning.
The SPEAKER: The Chair pre-
sents Bill AN Act to Prohibit Plug
Fishing on Peabody Pond. in the
County of Cumberland" S. p. u
(S. u. 92), tabled by Mr.. Bragdon
of Perham. on March 18th. pending
assignment for third reading.
Mr.. BRAGDON of Pernam: Mr..
Speaker. / move the indefinite post
ronement of this bill. And. Mr..
Speaker and members of the House.
you will find upon the calendar is
sued this morning four matters tab
led by ne. These bills are all of n
similar nature. and with the indul-
Pence of the House l will include all
of them within the scope OF my re-
marks. as it is the principle which Is
involved and not the specific bill,
that l object TO. | think. however,
that this matter should be given
little further thought before passing
il on so that the members may get
clearer understanding of the condi-
ton that we are drifting into.
/ will read the first of these bills,
as it is q very short one:
Section ]. 1t shall be unlawful
for any person to fish for. take. catch
in Peabody Pond. in the County OF
Cumberland, by still or plug fishing,
So called
Section 2. Whoever violates any
provision of this act shall pay d fine
of not less than ten or more than
thirty dollars and costs for each Of
Tense. and one dollar additional for
each fish taken, caught killed or had
in possession in violation of this
act"
Mr. Speaker, I want first to call
..F Il. H.
fact that | have no objection to any
reasonable regulation in regard to
our fishing privileges. When bills
have come up. as they have here be-
fore, this winter. prohibiting fishing
of all kinds or having a definite
! time or time certain or leaving a
close time for Il part of the season.
or on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sat-
| urdays. as was the easel have
| raised no objection to it because all
classes of our citizens were used
| alike. But when an attempt is made
to make a distinction in regard to
classes, it is an entirely different
matter.
Several years ago--I think in the
session of l9l9--a bill was proposed
prohibiting plug fishing from large
area of the State. and owing to the
fact that the term ''plug fishing" was
not in general use at that time. the
! members very generally assumed
that this must be some terribly des-
tructive form OF fishing: in the class,
| perhaps. with dynamiting or some
thing like that. which must be avoid
ed by any means. And so the bin
| had gone along almost to the point
of passing when n particularly bril-
liant member-or perhaps it would
! be we'll to say one less dense than
IL