Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-08-26
ANOTHER EXPECTED STATE.
MENT

Governor Brewster makes puDnc q
statement respecting state Fin
ances," which is in the nature of a
reply to the statement and criticisms
recently given publicity by ex-Gov-
ernor Baxter.
In the closing paragraph of Gov
ernor Brewster's statement we find
these words: "One who attacks an
other or defends himself is neces-
sarily taking a personal view Of
public affairs" Allusion to this
seems pertinent. Perhaps the Gov
ernor is not conscious of any per-
sonal note in what he has to say.
Anyhow. the sooner this matter is
looked at from no personal angle, the
sooner will people be assured the tax
payers money has not been squand-
cred, that there is no occasion to
worry over the condition of the
States finances.
This statement from Governor
Brewster was expected; ex-Gover-
nor Baxter's statement should have
been expected; the message of Gov
ernor Brewster to the Legislature
Feb. Is, 1925, might easily have been
expected by those conversant with
the then existing condition of funds
in the treasury, and the action there
on by the Legislature seems to us a
however. that the general reader ar
rived, from consideration Of that
message,sat just comprehension OF
the closing year of Governor Bax-
ter's administration. We thought
then and are still of the opinion that
Governor Brewster's stress in his
message on unlawfulness Of ex-
penditures by his predecessor was
more likely to confuse than to
clarity, and gave rise to suspicion
unwarranted by consideration of all
the facts. Even II Governor Baxter's
Interpretation Of emergency" may
properly be questioned. the value OF
that accomplished is entitled to
credit.
There had been criticism Of the
contingent fund. Its status has been
changed, wisely, we believe. Gov
srnor Baxter, himself. had criticized
il. and no Governor in this State. we
believe, ever used it to such an ex-
tent as did he, and none with less
concern for his successor. Not all
that he used it for appeared to come
under the definition Of unforeseen"
which is one Of the definitions OF
emergency. but we have yet to learn
that Governor Baxter did not expend
it in what he believed was the
States best interest.
It is not the intention under our
form of Government that the ex-
penditure of large sums OF the
States money shall be dictated by
the executive branch and in accord
with the notions of the executive
Furthermore, were an executive to
strain a contingent fund to the ut
most, although getting value receiv-
ed, especially If at the same time he
strained the Interpretation OF
emergency he would be in an un-
enviable situation should real
emergency arise. We do think Gov
ernor Baxter fairly may be criticized
respecting some of the features OF
his administration of the contingent
fund.
AS to whether Governor Brewster
was confronted by situation war;
ranting him in bringing it to the at
tention of the Legislature and thai
body in acting upon it, seems to ps
well answered in the statement o.
the State Auditor, which accom-
uanies the statement Of Governor
Brewster. He has the figures; ne II
a public servant elected directly b,
the people. He is able at any tint
to show what the financial condl'
ton of the State may be. However
one may take sides in controvers!
he should wish his conclusions to b.
supported by the State Auditors &C
counts, although these, of course
cannot be expected to show tn
reasons for methods adopted by ad
,,,inistra tors