davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
publicity aids, story hour helps. booy
talks, ETC..
Special ColIectione

Special Collections
Mosher Collection. Two collectior.
in the library are worthy of specisi
note-the .Mosher books and In
Maine Author Collection. For thirtv.
two years Thomas Bril- Mosher NH
lished in Portland reprints of "poefr,
and prose for book lovers. choss,
from scarce editions and sources nj
generally known" Two complete 49,
of these publications are in the Iibra.
ry, remarkable evidence Of one Main.
mans discrimination not only Is
selection Of content, but of paper
Typography. press work and bindinr
Maine Author Collection. The Mains
Author Collection is a new venturs
for the library, but already $50 books
have been obtained and all natiye.
born sons and daughters Of Maina
are invited to send autographed
copies of their works 10 make hi,
collection as complete as possible.
There are $40 municipalities In thu
state, and 225 free public libraries
and some of these. 225 are unable "a
serve their communities adeuuatelv
If the people of Maine are to hays
library service the state library must
give it to them, and II they are IA
survive in this modern civilization
they must have information and IN.
SEPARATION. Books are the took q
every craft-for the mechanic Ana
laborer as well as for The student and
scholar. Today as never before "a Il
true that knowledge is power,
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
Century History OF Military Affairs OF Maine
Is A Constant Source OF Pride And Glory
Nv Hanson Adiutant General Military Department of Maine

value Of such organization was en-
mia sized forcibly on at least two oc-
casions during the past year, one OF
which was when the States Prison
at Thomaston burned and two bat
teries of the 240th Coast Artillery
were required to go in and take
charge of the situation, thereby pre-
venting loss of life and the escape OF
prisoners and loss Of property as
well. Again during a disastrous fire
at Pressure Isle, Maine last winter,
Battery A, 152nd Field Artillery,
turned out and assisted the firemen
in eXtinguishing fire, removing peo-
pie from burning buildings and by
their work contributed to the safety
of the town and it's citizens.
The present organization OF the
office of the Adjutant General Is
along the lines of a division. the Ad-
jutant General functioning as chief
of staff and the various branches
handled by assistants. For instance,
the personnel section, which has
charge of all records, commissioning
of officers, records of enlistments and
routine orders, is handled by Major
Donald c. Metcalf who is a veteran
of the World War. The Finance Sec
ton. both Federal and State, is
handled by Major Charles Z. Davis.
Assistant a. c., who has been in his
present position for about 25 years,
and his work has been of so remark
able exactness that in all that time
no papers have been Sent back to
him showing mistakes in his hand
ling Of funds He disburses annual
" about a quarter of million dol
lars for the U. S. Government. The
Quartermaster Section, which con-
sists of supplies of all kinds. Is at
tended to by Major William c. Good
win who is considered by the War
Department inspectors as one of the
best property officers in the United
States and there are on file in this
office letters of communication from
various War Department officials
certifying to that effect. He is
charged directly with the care and
preservation of nearly $40 100000
worth of Federal property. The
small arms practice and Ordnance
Section is under the direction of 1t.
Col. Charles w. Savage. Adjutant OF
the 43d Division. who is an officer of
many years service and veteran of
the last war. His activities include
supervision over small arms practice.
all rife ranges. both Federal and
State. and the care and condition of
the arms and ordinance in the hands
of various organizations.
The payment of the soldiers bonus
was handled by this department and
to date over $4,000 claims have been
paid; also the distribution of World
War certificates to those entitled to
the same until funds for distribution
were exhausted. This work was in
addition to the regular routine Of
the Office.
There are employed at the present
time in the office of the Adjutant
! General proper seven clerks and in
the Quartermaster Section three
clerks. three mechanics and four
other civilian employees looking af-
ter the property. repairs on same and
the buildings and grounds Of the mill
itary department.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
BY Charles o. Beals, Commissioner IL,
OF Labor Il,

The Bureau of Industrial and La
Dor Statistics was created by the
Legislature of 1887. Samuel w.
Mathews was appointed Commission
1907. ' 1'' VI
From 1887 to 1893 the factory in
spections were made by Deputy
Labor Commissioner, whose office
was in the city or town in which he
resided. The Deputy Commissioner
made his reports to the Commission
er of Industrial and Labor Statistics.
In 1898 the law governing factory
inspection was changed, and a State
FACTORY Inspector was appointed.
In 1907 Hon. Thomas j. Lyons of
Vlnalhaven was appointed Commits
sioner of Industrial and Labor. Stat
lstics, and served until 1911. During
these years the work of the Bureau,
as the name indicates, consisted
mainly in gathering statistics and IN
formation regarding the industrial
and labor conditions in the State.
and the reports issued during that
period contain much valuable data
ana material in regard to the larger
industries.
The 1911 Legislature created tho
present Department of Labor and
industry, and directed that the new
department take over all work form
eriy done by the Bureau of Indus
trial and Labor Statistics, and. also
the enforcement of all laws govern
ing the safety of employees, sani-
tafy and working conditions, fire es-
capes and exits, hours of labor of
women and minors, child labor laws
and IN fact all laws having to do
with the relations between employ
erS and employees. John +, Con-
nelly was appointed Commissioner of
Labor and Industry, and served from
1911 to 1913.
In July. 1913, Roscoe A. Eddy was
appointed Commissioner, and served
until his death which occurred on
June u, 1924. Upon the death Of
commissioner Eddy, Charles o.
l5eals was appointed Acting Commits
sloner, and served in that Capacity
until November %. 1924, on which
cate he was appointed Commissioner.
Inc present personnel of the de-
partment consists of the Commits.
sioner, a Special Agent who works
as an inspector and investigator. n
woman Factory Inspector, a head
clerk and two stenographers.
Inc general conditions that come
under our observation in the inspec-
ton of industrial and mercantile es-
tapllshments are mostly in a salts
factory condition. and by frequent
inspections. and through cooperation
between the employers and this de-
partment, we feel that conditions aro
steadily improving.
Child labor conditions were never
better in this State than at the pres.
emf Tune. Maine has a good Child
LABOR Law. administered without
Tear or favor. which has resulted in
placing Maine in the forefront in
this respect. -''
the Statute that governs the De.
p part OF Labor and Industry per-
Inlts the Commissioner or his assist
ants to make inquiries for statistica,
purposes with reference to strikes
lockouts, and other labor disturb
ances, but this is the extent of orr
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
State Library Contains Remarkable Collection
OF Literary, Historical And Reference Books
BY Henry E. Librarian
By Henry E. Dunnack, Librari an
working under supervision in the va
rious departments.
Summer Reading. This privilege is

working under supervision in the va
rious departments.
Summer Reading. This privilege Is
extended to the children in the public
schools through the public library or
some organization willing to assume
the direction where there Is no
library. Children completing this
course receive a certificate from the
State Library.
Library Practice and Training. OPP
portunity is offered to limited num-
Der for work in the various DEPART
ments Of the state library under
supervision.
State Aid. Financial aid is given in
the form Of an annual stipend to free
public libraries and In the form of
founding fund to newly established
libraries.
Illustrated Juvenile Editions. Illus
trated editions of juvenile books are
loaned to libraries for exhibit pur-
poses during Children's Book Weeks
and on such special occasions.
Library Buildings. This office offers
to consult with trustees and archi-
tects about library building plans and
equipment.
New Libraries. New libraries may
receive suggestions on organization,
purchase of supplies, equipment, Sc
curing library workers, book selec-
ton, etc.
Miscellaneous. Established libraries
may write f n information regarding
problems of classification and cata-
loguing of individual books, salary
schedules, book selection, budgets,
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
Financial Affairs OF The State
Ably Handled By State Treasurer

authorized the new state to borrow
So, 1000 although as a matter of fact
only about $4,000 was actually Dor.
rowed. The first item of income on
our books is the sum of 5000 paid
wealth of Massachusetts to Maine Is
a refund on the state tax already
paid by the Province of Maine to
Massachusetts for that current year.
The Treasurer's Report Of fifty year,
ago for the year 1874 shows an
amount received Of 81 ,S59, 9O4.38 and
the amount expended $1,537, 1854.
The state tax rate for that year was
FIVE mills and the valuation in round
numbers $160,OOQ,0OO. For the last
fiscal year ending June 30, 1874, the
total receipts amounted to $l67l0.
639 and the total expenditures SIG.
O7S, 293.71. For 1923 and 1924 the
tax rate was IA mills and the valua.
ton SGT, 100000 in round numbers
Fifty years ago the total bonded In
debtedness of the state amounted to
$7,OSS. 400 while at the present time
our bonded debt is approximately
$14 100000.
Practically every bill against the
state is paid by check from the treas
urer's office,-the total volume Of
business in year requiring approxi-
mately 100000 checks. AS these are
returned. cancelled and.paid over BY
the six active checking banks they all
have to be checked off carefully on
the books and filed away In our
vaults for safe keeping. and the same
process has to be carried out with
the paid coupons on our various
bond issues as they become due and
are paid and returned to us.
Much work tdevolves upon this o.
flee in consequence of the execution
of laws passed at various times by
the legislature. For instance, the re-
bate to the various cities and towns
on account of railroad tax and the
rebate to the various cities and towns
in working out the recently enacted
tax on bank stock,-these transac'
tions are all carried out in this OF.
flee. It may easily be seen that i
requires an efficient and well trained
clerical force to see to 1t that all the
various operations in this office are
performed in proper and satisfac'
tory manner and this force we have
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
BELGRADE
Population, o57
Estates, S71e,950

Population, 957 Estates, S71a,e5o
One Of the noted vacation spots of
Maine, with the greater part of it's
area covered by forests and water
1t forms an ideal location as a sum-
mer outing place and as result
many hundreds visit here every wear.
AT Belgrade Lakes are to be found
large hotels and inns together with
n host of individual cottages and
boys and girls camps.
belgrade was settled in 1174. Phi.ip
SNOW. a hunter being first to opcn
me way to pioneers who came from
New hampshire and Massachusetts.
In common with some of the other
towns In the kennebcc Valley there
was tinge of witchcraft In the early
days and the wife of Joseph Greeley
was Stunned by the superstitious
VINO firmly believed her to be a witch
and possessed of the "evil eye"
In 1886. with population of about
2oo 1t was deemed wise to become A
town and on Feb. of that wear.
washington Plantation. as it was
called. was Incorporated. Selection
OF the name Belgrade is believed to
nave been made by John V. Davis,
a man prominent in the affairs Of
'S NoiilHiunlty ana VINO had travel
ied IN Europe, and that he named IT
after tie city in southeastern Europe.
Except for short time in Augusta
MI. Davis lived in Belgrade and was
regarded as the leading citizen. lie
was prominent in political circles.
heid important county and State off,
ces and at one time drew $4,000 in
lottery. He also fought a duel. in
duiged in costly breeding eyperi-
ments and built costly mansion
lie habitually wore spectacIes a
most unusual thing for those times
and was referred to as Spec Davis
Belgrade with other towns of the
valley suffered hardships in 1916. the
year OF the famous freeze" when
crops were destroyed in June and
snow came in October. The summer
ana fall of 1925 are recalled as the
remarkably dry season when crons
were failures and destructive fro
raSed through the town in the an
tunln. The fire burned a week and
oo0 acres We're laid waste.
Belgrade is 10 miles north north
west OF Augusta on the Maine Gem
tral railroad. A stage connects Y ith
belgrade Lakes. The region is es-
sentially farming one and there il
much revenue derived from the nres.
ence of a large number of sumnor
visitors.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08

ganization Of the military forces OF
the State of Maine consist of
/ Brigade Headquarters and Head
quarters Company, the seth lnf'
Brigade
/ Regiment Of Infantry, the 1880
Infantry
Regiment Of Coast Artillery. the
24Oth Coast Artillery
1 Battalion ,of Field Artillery 90
m. m. Horse DRAWN, the 152d
State Staff Corps and Departments
with a Medical Detachment at
tached to each arm of the service.
All of these troops except the 24Oth
Coast Artillery are units of the 43d
Division, the Headquarters OF when
is in Hartford, Conn.,, and is compris-
ed in the States Of Maine. Rhode Is
land. Connecticut and Vermont. The
present strength in officers and men
OF the military forces of the State
consists of 21SS., The greatest
strength that the Guard has known
in time of peace was reached on
August 81, 1924, when our numbers
totalled 1851.
Under the terms of the National De-
tense Act the right to appoint and
commission officers is left to the
Governor of each State but officers
so appointed must qualify profess
sionally before a board of officers APP
pointed by the Secretary of War and
cannot be recognized as officers un-
til they have so qualified. The To-
cation of the units are left to the
states but the number and kinds of
troops that shall be maintained in
any state is prescribed by the Fed
eral Government. Likewise all arms.
. uniforms and equipment for the use
of the troops are furnished by the
Federal Government and charged
against the states to whom turned
over.
At the present time Maine has
practically $1,S00,000.00 worth of
Federal property in the State arsen-
ais and in the hands of troops at
their several stations in the State.
Prior to the enactment of Federal
| legislation in 1916 no pay was given
members of the National Guard for
duty except when on service in the
field or at summer encampments.
/. This Act which was passed June 3,
! 1916 recognized the service Of the
National Guard and allowed certain
, schedule of pay for duty performed
during armory drills. The National
Defense Act of 1920. with amend
ments thereto, fixed definitely the
pay status Of every individual men,
J Der of the National Guard. In addi-
i, ton to this pay for drill, the Federal
| Government pays for transporting
| troops to the summer camps, fur
| nishes subsistence and pays them on
! the basis of the same grade as they
would receive We're they in the Reg
J ular service. Disbursements on ac-
| count of these items which were
| made to citizens of Maine the last
! fiscal year aggregated $25O,00O.O0, so
that from a financial point the Ma
tional Guard of this State is more
i than self-supporting, in addition to
providing a well trained. organized
! and disciplined force to safeguard the
| homes Of Maine citizens against vio-
! lence whenever the call comes. The
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
BY William L. Bonncy, Treasurer of
State

The Office of State Treasurer is
established by the Constitution Of
Maine and both the manner of his
election and his tenure of office are
prescribed by the same instrument.
At various times in recent years
futile efforts have been made to
place this office under the workings
of the primary law.
Statutes passed from year to year
have defined. the treasurer's duties
and have specified what he might
and might not do. Speaking broad
ly. the treasurer's duties are to col
lect the revenue accruing to the state
and pay out money on warrants
signed by the Governor and Council
and in consequence Of appropriations
made Of law. In addition to this,
there must be kept in the Office a
permanent and accurate record of all
financial transactions in which the
state Is q party. 1t is interesting to
know that not until 1856 was a law
passed providing that the Treasurer
shall not receive any interest. pre-
MUM, gratuity or benefit by reason
of any money belonging to the state"
etc.-also prohibiting the treasurer
from using the funds of the state in
his own business and providing at
the same time that he may deposit
the funds of the state in the various
banks OF the state, including national
banks. trust companies and savings
banks. In consequence of this, the
states funds are kept on deposit in
the various banks in the different
counties. A certain portion is placed
IN the banks on six months deposit
for which the state receives interest
at the rate of Al. The balance of
the funds are on checking accounts
in the various banks on which the
state receives an interest of 21.Go on
daily balances.
During the first fiscal year after
Maine became a state, the total re-
ceipts in the treasurer's office were
%34.3S4 and the expenditures
amounted to 223,o53. Strictly speak
ing, a greater Fart of these receipts
were borrowed money as the Con-
stitutional Convention had by vote
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
by Wilbur ID. Spencer. Commissioner

In 1921. the First Legislature of
Maine enacted statute which pro-
Vlded for the incorporation of COM
panlcs to insure against fire, life, and
marine hazards. land against the
captivity of persons" No provisions
were made for the organization of
mutual companies or the admission
or companies from without the state.
1t was assumed by the originators of
the act that the commissioners sal
airy should not exceed $500 and it
is still fixed at this figure
In $40 complete revision of the
original and intermediate insurance
provisions with abridgements ana
extensions was authorized by legisla-
tive act. AS Maine was then regard
ed as a maritime state, life inSur-
ance risks were limited to lives of
persons during their absence at
sea. At the same time the forma-
ton of mutual fire insurance associa-
tons was authorized with declara-
tons OF the rights and obligations for
policy holders. and supervision of the
admission and regulation of foreign
insurance corporations was con-
ferred upon the commissioner.
Between 1910 and 1857 other state
enactments provided for preferred
lien in case of unpaid mutual fire
assessments, service of process upon
the agent in case of suit, and re-
coVery by the mortgage from the
proceeds in case of loss.
Soon after the termination of the
Civil War Federal System of Ma
tlonal Banks was devised which pro-
vlded for adjustment of state banks
by confiscatory process of taxation
upon circulation. TO provide for
contingencies which were imminent
in readjustments to the new system.
governor Chamberlain recommend
Ell the enactment of Chapter 22O. of
the Public Laws of 1865. This stat
ute in effect created the office of
State Bank and Insurance Examiner.
Albert w. Paine of Bangor, the
first Bank and Insurance Commits
sloner, at once recognized the ex-
pedlency of separating the two de-
partments and Chapter $50, of the
Public Laws of 1870, recommended
by him. authorized the appointment
OF a distinct official known as In
surance Commissioner. Mr.. Paine
succeeded to that office, which was
regarded as of superior rank to that
OF Bank Examiner.
Growth
The increase in demand for insur-
ance and necessity for supervision as
illustrated by statistics are found in
the following schedules for twenty
year periods:
Volume OF Business
Year Com Premiums Claims
panies
1883 IA $1,S6S, G35.13 81 ,o22. sos. 4G
i liza 10 10 jO4O, O17.0 1917 ,O96O3
Io-o 0SI .2,o17 ,CO0.4S 9,S13, sos, "a
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
DRESDEN
Val. s3ss,Rt

Pop. 62o Val. $3e62i
Dresden, with the towns OF Alna'
Wiscassct and Perkins, once en-
braced the ancient Pownalborousn'
In 1894 it was set off and incorporat'
ed under its present name.
This was a noted town in the cary
history of the Kennebec Valley. III
1854. Fort Shirley was built upon
the bank of the river about opposi's
Swan Island. which had been tS
dwelling place Of the rulers Of tns
Kennebec tribe of Indians.
In 1850. the county seat was es'
tabliShed at this place and the coun'
ty buildings were erected there. Cap.
tain Samuel Goodwin, COMMANDER ~
Fort Shirley and also agent for tiN
Plymouth Company, had his ONCE
the old court house.
Thc0population of Dresden sincs
1850 has steadily decreased altnoush
the valuation has remained approx
mately the same.
Dresden is situated eight Hiie
northwest of Wiscasset. Farmins
constitutes the primary industry
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-01-08
Maine Insurance Department Has
Remarkable Record for Efficiency

Income
Year Fees Taxes Totals
1883 S3.59G.00 $16,O44.31 S1o.64O.31
1903 1G,910.00 S9.990.O6 106 ,9GO. Gi
1925 10.11G.7J 3D.. S59.3j 3G4 ,57G.1l
Economy
Whether under former admins
trations and different conditions the
Insurance Department was conduct
ed as economically. is a matter of
statistics and comparison, but in the
last two years there has been no
way the expense could have been
farther reduced. believing that
economy meant earlier recovery, if
not the salvation of the world, in an
admitted crisis the present commits
sioner has been anxious to assist the
present administration in it's efforts
to tighten the burdens of the indus
trious but discouraged taxpayer.
In the last year the Insurance De
partment, in cooperation with the
administration has introduced alb
breviated systems for correspond
ence. which increases naturally from
year to year; reduced the number of
its printed reports: and dispensed
with the services of deputy.
In the last case the commissioner
has assumed the extra work, with
out request for additional remunera-
ton, although the present salary of
the commissioner was established
several years ago and, by some, is
not considered commensurate with
the Importance OF the service.
The Insurance Department is at
the present time one of the very few
that provide any income available
Tor the payment of state expenses.
Efficiency
Today. the clerical force in the
insurance Department is one of the
most effective and conscientious in
the employment of the State. There
has been no deputy for more than
q year but. under the general super
vision of the present incumbent the
state has not yet encountered any
serious catastrophe.