Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-10-28
PUBLIC FUNDS FOR PUBLIC
INSTITUTIONS

Editor journal: Quite a number OF
ua here are "all at sea" concerning
the status of the so- called "Sectar-
ian school BILL" or law. We have the
impression that the bill was enacted
into law but subject to referendum.
II not too much trouble, please state
the facts and set us right about this
question and oblige.
r. w. HOWARD,
Montville, Me.
There is to be submitted to the
voters Of this State at the next BIZ
ennial election, September, 1926. the
proposed constitutional amendment
prohibiting use of public funds ex-
cept for public institutions or uses.
The article, which, if approved, will
beJadded to the Constitution, is COM
posed Of three sections, as follows:
"Sec. 1. On and after January
first, nineteen hundred and thirty
one, all moneys raised by taxation in
the towns and cities for the support
of public schools, and all moneys
which may be appropriated by the
State for the support of common
schools shall be applied to. and ex-
those which are conducted according
to law, under the order and superin-
tendence of the authorities of the
town or city in which the money is
expended; and no grant, appropria-
ton or use Of public money or prop
erty or loan of public credit shall be
made or authorized by the State or
any political division thereof for the
purpose of founding, maintaining or
aiding any school or institution OF
learning, whether under public con-
troll or otherwise, wherein any de-
nominational doctrine is inculcated,
or any other school, or any college,
infirmary, hospital, institution. or ed
vocational, charitable or religious I'M
dertaking which is not publicly own
ed and under exclusive control, order
and superintendence of public officers
or public agents authorized by the
state or Federal authority or both,
except that appropriations may be
made for the maintenance and sup
port Of the University Of Maine and
for free public libraries in any city
or town, and to carry out legal obli-
cations, if any, already entered into;
and no such grant, appropriation or
use Of public money or property or
loan OF public credit shall be made
or authorized for the purpose of
founding, maintaining or aiding any
church. religious denomination or So
ciety.
Sec. 2. Nothing herein contained
shall be construed to prevent the
State. or any political division there
of, from paying to privately control
Jed hospitals, infirmaries, or institu.
tons for the deaf, dumb or blind not
more than ordinary and reasonable
compensation for care or support ac-
tually rendered or furnished by such
hospitals. inflrmaries or institutions
70 such persons as may be In whole
pr In part unable to support or care
Tor themselves.
Sec. 8. Nothing herein contained
shall be construed to deprive any
inmate of a publicly controlled re-
formatory, penal or charitable insti-
tuition OF the opportunity of religious
exercises therein Of his own faith;
but no inmate of such institution
shall be compelled to attend religious
services or receive religious instruc-
ton against his will, or, IL a minor,
without the consent Of his parents
or guardian"
When the referendum is had next
September those In favor Of this adj
dition to the Constitution will vote
s'Yes". and those opposed will vote
mo-.