Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-02-27
SECTARIAN AID
Continued from Page One)

tuition so as to prohibit appropria-
tons for denominationaI,. sectarian,
parochial or religious institutions;
and the Stitham bill, a compromise
measure.
Senator Maher. author Of one of
these bills, told the committee that
whatever he had to say would be
stated in executive session.
Representative Bartlett of Bangor
Representative Bartlett of Bangor,
who introduced the Bartlett measure
explained his position, after Senator
Hinckley had said that all four re-
solves would be heard together.
He told the committee that he be-
lieved in the complete separation of
church and State. 1t was his opinion
that so long as the State kept APP
propriating money for the aid of
sectarian institutions and schools
this fundamental principle was not
being lived up to. He also believed
that the time had come when it was
advisable for the Legislature to sub
NIT this question to the people. He
felt this because all had seen the
sentiment on this subject which had
been creeping over the State and
into politics, where it had no place.
SO long as the legislature refrainea
from submitting this to the people
it was keeping this matter stirred
up.
Senator Hinckley-W II d this
eliminate hospitals from public aid i?
Rep. Bartlett-If they were Sec
tartan.
Senator Hinckley-That is it's OBJ
ject.
Rep. Bartlett-It is.
Rep. Hale-What is a sectarian in
stitution.
Rep. BARTLETT believe that the
courts have decided that it Is one
which is under the whole or partial
control Of a religious sect.
Answering a question by Senator
Hinckley. Rep Bartlett said that he
would not regard public schools
where the Bible was read as q reli-
gious school. He was asked by Rep.
Hamilton of Caribou if he had COM
pared his bill with the Mailer bill and
upon an affirmative answer Rep.
Hamilton wanted to know what was
the difference between the two bills.
Before an answer could be made
Senator Maher Of kennebec inter-
rupted.
Senator Maher-I wish the gentle
men would refrain from using the
term bill; these are resolves. 1t Of
tends my sensibilities.
Representative Bartlett said that
his opposition is to sectarian schools.
not merely private schools.
Chairman Hinckley of the commit
tee reminded him that at the time of
the writing of the Maine constitu-
"on, practically all higher schools
We're under religious auspices and
that grants of land We're provided to
encourage those institutions.
The Stitham Bill
Representative Stitham of Pittsfield
said that the bill introduced by him
was for the purpose of making a
compromise, of getting at something
which the legislature might accept
and If 1t sees fit. submit to the people
so that troublesome question may
be settled.
He asked for and received permits
sion to offer to the committee a new
draft under new title. which in
stead of amending Sec. VIII of the
constitution, provides for the addi-
ton of an entirely new section.
Under this section. all moneys
raised by the state or its political
subdivisions for educational purpos-
es, with certain specified exceptions,
shall be applied to public schools
only. and all under the supervision
of the state department of education
The state and its political sub
divisions may however. appropriate
money for private secondary schools
in towns which have no free high
schools when under certain contract
relations. These schools shall be
subject to regulations Of the state
department of education as to curri-
cullfm and employment Of teachers
as provided by law.
Rep. Hale Of the committee point
ed out that the proposed new section
does not touch Sec. VIII and asked
if the constitution would not by its