Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel], January 07, 1870, Image 1

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

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PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING (SUNDAYS EXCEPTED), BY SPRAGUE, OWEN & NASH. TERMS: SEVEN DOLLARS PER ANNUM. SINGLE COPIES, FOUR CENTS.
VOL. I. AUGUSTA, ME., FRIDAY MORNING, JANUARY 7, 1870. XO. 6.
#
JUnntkt Jmttal.
Published on Water, Foot of Court Street,
AUGUSTA. MAINE.
BY 8PBAGIE, OWEN A NASH.
“Oailg $ttnnrircf fcutnaL
Is issued every morning, except Sundays.
Contains the latest news by telegraph and mail,
and gives the proceedings of the Legislature in full,
also reports of proceedings of important commit
tees and the Agricultural and Educational depart
ments.
Terms, $7 per annum in advance; $8 if payment
Is not made within the year. Single copies 4 cents,
to be had at the bookstores end at this office.
Advertisements one inch in length, three in
sertions or lews, $1.00; 2-* eta. for every subsequent
insertion. Longer advertisements, or those inserted
for any considerable length of time, will be inserted
at favorable t**nn» to the advertiser.
Special Notices 23 percent, additional.
Amusement Notices, $2 per square per week.
Ifilwhlg lienncbrc Journal,
Published every Wednesday morning,"
Is the largest folio paper in the State, containing
news, political articles, agricultural and scientific
matter, tales, poetry, anecdotes, household recipes,
markets, Ac., Ac.
Terms $2 per annum in advance *
Transient Advertisements, $1.50 per inch for
first week; 23 cents per week for each subsequent
insertion.
Special Notices, $2.00 per inch for first week;
50 cents per week for each sub'equent week.
Business Notices, in reading column*. 20 cents
per line for fir.-: insertion; 10 cents per line for each
subsequent insertion.
All transient advertisements to be paid for in
advance.
DR. A. H. CHAMBERLAIN,
DENTAL SURGEON,
OFFICE OVER POST OFFICE^ : AUCUSTA, MAIRui
DK. CHAMBERLAIN is fully up with the times
in ail the be.-t and mo*l practical improve
ments, always availing himeclf of such as will be
of practical use to his patrons, and being thorough
ly coutersunt with Dentistry in all its branches, can
promise his patrons that their work shall be done
in a manner
Which Cannot he Excelled !
THE MOST DIFFICULT CASES ARE SOLICITED I
Pure IViti-ous Oxide
Or LAUGHING Gas, the best and safest Anaesthetic
now extant, constantly on hand and given for the
extraction ol Teeth v\ ithout pain.
nKFKREXCES BY PERSfISSlOX;
J B. Bell M. D. I J.W. Toward, M. D.
Geo E Brickett, M D. J. O Webster, M D.
W. L. Thompson, M. D. I W. b. Hill, M. D.
* Office Hours from 8 A. M. to 0 F. M.
tljanTO
Fire Medicines and Cieinicals!
Brushes, Combs, Soaps and Perfumery;
CHOICE TOILET AID FAKY ARTICLES I
Physicians' & Apothecaries’ Goods,
Part Sprrm, Lard, Errant lad Yeatlfoot Oik
Charles K. Partridge,
DRUGGIST AND APOTHECARY,
Water Street, corner Market Square,
(UNDER GRANITE IIALL.)
Has on hand a Large Selected Stock
kept fresh by constant additions,
ASD SELLS AT
The Lowest Market Rates !
FOR GENUINE AND RELIABLE GOODS.
Partridge's Drag Store, Water Streri. comer Market Square.
fljun'/Uly
Shooting Tackle.
H. W. LONG,
Sl'CCESSOR TO L. M. L ELAND,
O-TJ 1ST SMITH
And Dealer in
Shooting Tackle of Every Variety.
RIFLE AND SHOT GUNS mede to ORDER end
WARRANTED. Particular atteutiun paid to
Chunking Shot Guns to make them shoot thick and
strong. Alto on hand, thu best lot of Skates in
the market, for sale cheap. Odd keys of every
pattern. Key tags and rings for Wallets. Powder
of the best quality for Masting or Sporting. Re
pairing done neatly and promptly. All work
warranted. ljsn-Iy
CUSHNOC HOUSE.
Comer _.A and
Winthrop j State Sts.,
.Augusta, Me.
T. B. BALLARD, : : Proprietor.
Quests taken to and from the Cars
and Boats Free.
H0R8E8 AND CARRIAGE8 TO LET.
tljan70-0ni
DELL SinONDN'
Fashionable Hair Dressing Rooms,
Oppoaite Parrott A Bradbury’s,
Water Htreet, : t : Augusta, Me.
Shaving, Shampooing, Hail-Dressing. Cutting, Col
nring, Sc., in the most approved stvle of the art.
Particular attention paid to cutting uhd curling La
dies’ and Children’s hair. All kinds of Italr Work
made to order in the latest style. IJsu70-ly
iTr EltOSEN'E LAMPS, Lanterns and ChlmiieyT
IV bull Buruurs uuu Chimneys, for sale bv ’
May 20, Isuu. BALLARD X GILA SB.
GOLD! GOLD! GOLD!
I
ADAMSON’S
BOTANIC COUGH BALSAM!
\
IS MORE VALUABLE THAN GOLD.
TRY IT! TRY IT! TRY IT
IT CURES THE WORST
COUGH or COLD
IN A SHORT TIME.
IN LARGE BOTTLES, at - - - 35 Cents
No Cure 2 No Pay 2
FRANK KINSMAN,
DRUGGIST,
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL AGEN1
FOR THE UNITED STATES AND CANADAS.
Cough no more when you can be Cured for
3*5 Cents!
TRY IT ! TRY IT ! TRY IT
M ANSI O X HOUSE,
STATE STREET, : : AUGUSTA, ME
r I^ 1113 House is provided with Bath R<x»m
L whep* II .t and Cold Baths can be had at i
nines. It has also & First-' lass Billiard llall, f
lu^ts only. Connected with the House is a lar
ind commodious Sample Kootn, on W ater Stre*
centrally located, where Sample Agents cau sh<
their goods, free of cliarge.
Th- Proprietor, thankful for the liberal patrona,
which the above House has enjoyed since its ope
ing, take* pleasure in informing his patrons that
will run Free Carriages to and from trie Cars ai
Boats until further notice
Connected with the a> ore House is a Liver}' St
We, where good teams can be had at reasonab
retti s. W*. M. THAYER, Proprietor.
O. P. Cocbbanb, Clerk.
(
MOSES M. SWAN,
Watchmaker and Jeweller,
u
vO
u
N
>
■3
>
3
>
as
S
His Stock embraces a fine line of
American and Swiss Watches,
ELGIN WATCHES,
in gold and silrer rase, including the celebrated
National or Elgin Watch, Waltham. Tremont, Bor*
auin. Bennett. Pardcaux, Jacot, Ac., in both La
ies’ and gentlemen’s sizes.
Flue Gold «T ewelry,
Solid Gold Leoniton
Vest and Neck Chains,
STERLING Jk COIN SILVER GOODS,
FINE PLATED WARE.
SPECTACLES AND EYE CLASSES,
of the most approved kinds.
CLOCKS OF ALL KINDS,
including the celebrated ITHACA CALENDAR,
all of which will be sold at the
lowest Prices, and Warranted.
Particular attention given to repairing all kinds of
Fine Watches. Chronometer Balances applied and
adjusted to temperature and position. tl)«*n70-tf
C. H. STARBIRD,
Photographer and Artist,
NEW tiRAAlTE BLOCH,
Nearly opposite Post Office, (Up Stairs,)
Makes till the best styles of Pictures in the Art.
PICTTKIS COPIED & ENLARGED,
— AND —
Finished in Indin Ink or Colors.
At prices that cannot fail to be satisfactory.
4A~ The public are invited to call and examine
Specimens made and finish'd at his rooms.
AUGUSTA. ME. UianTOd*
I. C. I. C. I. c.
7, 8, O.
SOMES’
Oyster, Fruit and Confectionery
SALOON!
Opposite Masonic Block, Gardiner, Me.
THE BEST OYSTER COOK
in the State.
Solid Oysters, ,10 cents per quart. 7, ft, ®.
To the people at large.
Who tins notice niav read,
And yourselves in Gardiner should find:
If you want a good stew,
Y'ou should know where to go—
It’s to Somes’, 7, ft. o.
C. T. SOMES,
Gardiner, Jan. 1st, 1870. tljau70-tf
Cough Candy !
Y\rEXOEYBt'B(i'8 COIGII CANDY cure#
\\ COUGHS, COLDS, WHOOPING COUGH and
all Throat troubles.
2 Doors south of Granite Block, Market Sq,
MUSICAL. INSTRUMENTS,
Fancy GoocLa, «*>c., sold by
Janl-lyt W. WENDENBURG.
Brushes! Brushes!
HAIR, CLOTH, DUST, SHOE and Stove Brush
es, u full assortment for side low by
uallaud a CHASE.
May 20,1800. 0 Uuiou Block.
1870. JANUARY. 1870
i _
EXTRA INDUCEMENTS
TO BUYERS.
We have thin Day
Marked Down our Prices
SO AS TO REDUCE STOCK.
LOOK! LOOK! LOOK
THINK AND REFLECT
On the following Prices:
Overcoats tor $1.}
Overcoats lor 6.0
Overcoats for 7.0
Overcoats tor 8.0
Overcoats (warranted all wool) 9.0
Overcoats (heavy Black Beaver) 10.0
. OUR STOCK OF
PANTS AND VESTS.
MATCHED SUITS
-AND
GENTS’ FURNISHING 600DS!
Of every description we offer for the
NEXT THIRTY DAYS,
At equally low prices.
♦J-CALL AND SEE US, and we guarantee th
you will get your money’s worth at the
ONE PRICE
CLOTHING STORE
S. W. Hl\TI\GT(>\ & CO.,
190 Water St., Augusta, Main,
tljauTO
LAST SENSATION!
Great Closing Sale
-or
Ladies' Furs and Robes,
_AT_
Wlieeler’s,-- Crardinci
I NOW offer my entire stock of LADIES’ FT1
and ROBES ut leas than cost to manufacture.
Parties who wish to buy within the next tv (
years, and who wish to save money should not fj
to improve this
GREAT CI.OSIXG MALE !
for I am going to SELL regardless of cost.
Remember the Place:
Opposite the Post Office,
GARDINER, ME.
M. L. WHEELER,
ljan702mdAw Successor to Hathaway A Wheeh
MISS M. A. LIBBY A CO.,
KEEPS constantly on hand a large stock of
31 1LLINE II Y .
The best lot of GERMAN WORSTEDS in the elt
Also, Worsted Goods, Hoods, Nubias, Breakf.
Shawls, Hosiery, Gloves. Ac.
M A. LIBBY A CO.,
, 94 Water Street, Gardiner, Maine.
tl)an70-tf i
Governor’s Address.
Gentlemen or the Senate and
House or Representatives :
In approaching the duties of another session, it
is well to impress upon the mind a due estimate of
their importance; and acknowledging and invok
ing the Divine favor, seek for wisdom iu their faith
ful discharge. It is true that the councils of the
nation have more to do with the greater matters
of our common weal or woe; but the questions
which are within your control, and the duties to
which you are now solemnly devoted are worthy of
your best thought and conscience and wisdom.
While the dark burden of the war rolled its
gloom over us, the people were not niggardly in giv
ing nor over-critical in receiving whatever promised
aid in the great deliverance. \\ ith a patriotism which
knew no class or section, with a generosity which
counted no cost, and a devotion that shrank from
no sacrifice, they poured their choicest treasure and
their most precious life into the field where the
great issue was joined for the guaranties of liberty j
and a government of law. Intent on this they
paid little attention to little things; they did not i
stop to challenge either men or measures that curao
in the guise and color of the common cause. Rut
the crisis now is past; the field won. The times
are diderent; our duties new. We must challenge
both measures and men; cast out the false, displace
the weak, entrench the strong. We must look back
over the tumultuous track and see where ruin can
be repaired and abuses corrected; the false chan
nels cut by the wild overflow stopped up; the
true currents of prosperity restored. We must look
forward, not’ only to see what must bo borne, but
what must be doue,—stifled energies to be set free,
new powers put in motion. No spiritless or timid
reluctance to grapple with the vexed questions
which may claim our attention, should be allowed
to settle upon us from tho too modest impression
that our acts are of little consequence. On the con
trary, never was sound judgment and generous toil
and the clear sharp scrutiny that runs before and
after, more demanded by the exigency of the times
and the interests of the people.
A government has something more to do than to
govern, and levy taxes to pay the governors. It is
something more than a police to arrest eril and
punish wrong. It must also encourage good, point
out improvements, open roads of prosperity and
infuse life iDto all right enterprises. It should
combine the insight and foresight of the best
minds of the State for all the high ends for
which society is established and to which man
aspires. That gives us much to do. We sit down
here to devise things for the public good. Let us
be at the work early, and do it both well and
quickly. For both are possible. Promptitude and
activity will enable us to avoid a protracted ses
sion, omitting nothing and at the same time con
sidering well. *That there will be conflicts of opin
ion and differences of judgment may be expected,
and is well. Where men are thoughtful there
will seldom be unanimity. Where men are honest
there will be sharp individuality. Independence,
if it is genuine, is no evil, but a good. The great
requisite, indeed, on the part of those who make
or administer laws is moral courage. We cannot
expect much that ia good from laws enacted under
clamor or to meet some crisis, nor from statesmen
who are chiefly concerned iu contriving to keep
their place and power. One thing we may be sure
of,—the virtue in the hearts of the people That in
stinct may be deceived but will Dot be defeated It
demands honesty, and will pardon us if in that
cause we are over bold.
One man indeed, we have lost from active partiei- ;
pation and influence in our affairs. One voice is >
silent that was wont to speak only honest conviction j
without favor and without fear. William Pitt j
Fessenden is gone. The race of men that dare be !
right has suffered loss. The man who will calmly |
resolve and give judgment with understanding, un- •
moved by the voice of those who seeing not so
clearly feel more violently—the man who aims for !
the ultimate right rather than for the near advan- i
tage—tho man who in the tremendous hour of re
sponsibility when great issues bang upon his actiou, '
bearing above the tumult of taunting Iocs and sup
plicating friends the deeper voices of reason and ,
conscience, fixes his single eye on duty and stakes
his all upon the blow—that man it is hard to find
and hard indeed to lose. One by one the great men
around whom our hearts rallied in the dark days of
the Republic are passing from our view. We feel
that we are lost rather than they. Happy will it
be if the young men now rising to their places shall
learn from their example, and be able when the day
of trial comes to do their duty as unselfishly, as
boldly, and as well. The deeds of such men live
after them. Their words are gone out unto the end
of the world. Their light shall shine along the
heights of history as the glory lives on tho Alpine
peaks when the sun is seen no more.
The vacancy in the Uuited States Senate it became
my duty to fill for the time, and I accordingly ap
pointed Hon. Lot M. Morrill. It now devolves on
you to elect a Senator fur tho remainder of the term
ending March, 1871.
I proceed to lay before you an abstract of tue con
dition of the State, with the few suggestions which
appear needful to be made: the more complete de
tails and cogent reasons will fur the most part
appear in the several reports and other documents
submitted to your inspection.
FINANCIAL.
The report of the Treasurer will present a most
interesting statement and history of our financies.
Our receipts during the past year have been $‘JJJ,
814.50. and our expenditures $919,600 80. Ou the
old civil debt we have paid the annual installment
of $37,000, leaving abalauee of $384,000. Our war
debt December 31, 1869, was $1,632,500. This is
amply provided f<»r by the sinking fuud arising from
the tax of three-fourths of a mill on the dollar by
the valuation of i860. Of this debt $800,000 falls
due in lb" 1. The sinking fund, with the collections
from the general government applied to extinguish
this debt, already amounts to $072,530, so that we
are already $172,530 iu advance of our liabilities in
1871, aud at the present rate of increase we shall
be $300,800 ahead.
Our whole public debt January 1, 18.0, including
the civil and the war debt, and the municipal reim
bursement loan is $*,100,1*00. Notwithstanding the
heavy drain on tho Treasury last year, expenditures
have been so economized and cut short that the loan
authorized to meet current expenses has not been
resorted to, nor have even the appropriations been
exhausted. It is estimated that with all that rnay
reasonably be contemplated, the rate of taxation
this year will fall somewhat short of the last. Still,
we should make all reasonable appropriations
It would be poor economy to refuse to expend any
money till our debts are paid.
Tho remarkable feature of our finances this yoar
is tho assumption by the State of a portion of the
war expenses of towns. This is made at the rate of
$100 for every three year's man actually furnished
for the war. After a long and thorough examina
tion of the most tangled and perplexing matters, the
commissioners appointed to adjust the reimburse
ment have now made their report, which will be
found to contain serious matters of history in regard
to the method of furnishing men for tho war. They
adjudge the sum of $3,105,183 33. The fractional ;
parts of $100 required to be paid in curreuoy in this
distribution amount to $20,783.33. For the rest,
viz $3,081,400, Bonds of the State are now ready
for issue bearing interest from October 1, 1800, at
the rate of six per cent., payable semi-annually.
To provide for this interest and the rateable poition
of the sinking fund required to extinguish this
debt, you will need to assess the sum of about
$80,000 |
It would serve as a protection against loss or rob
bery, if you were to provide for tho registration of
theso bonds as the h' Idcrs might desire. If a por
tion of this loan fiud its way to the market, there
is no reason to apprehend a serious depreciation.
Under the late stringency which s<» severely tested
all bonded securities, ours fell off not more than
2 or 3 per ceut. from par. When we consider also
the much higher rates of interest offered by other
securities which flood the market, we cannot but
congratulate ourselves upon the public confidence
in our financial soundness.
The liabilities, which, one way or another, grew
out of the war, have laid a heavy burden on us. ;
Were it not for this, it will be peroeived, our lia
bilities would bo trifling. Hut it u*u„t bo bom© ui
! mind that this debt does not represent what is wast
ed and lost. It is a heritage,of honor and a
patent of nobility; and if that seems too unsubstan
tial a consolation to those who dwell the more
striking fact that our taxes continue high, they
may be reminded that more than half this debt is
for money that has been scattered broadcast among
oar own citizens.
The report of the Examiner of Hanks and Insur
ance Companies will suggest matters of unusual im
portance. It will be seen that our old banks under
the State charter are nearly extinct. The policy of
the Government is hostile, and wo shall probably
have to abandon tho system.
Tho recommendation of a tax to be laid upon
foreign Insurance Companies doing business in tho
State, seems well supported by argument.
Those who are interested in the eoudition of our
people, will not be content to estimate the prosper
ity'of tho State from the operations of capitalists
and the balance of trade. 'They will also look upoa
the great masses and see if they can live upon their
daily labor; to what use they put their earnings,
and to what advantage their small savings. There
you can best discover whether you are rightly solv
ing the problems of political economy, or realizing
the objects of society. There are now 37 savings
banks in Maine, several having been recently
chartered in what we might call our Country towns;
the chief apprehension in regsrl to which is, that
they may rut be able to afford suitable security
against robbery. The deposits for the past year
amount to $10,839,955 by about 40,000 depositors,
making an average of something over $250 each.
An interesting comparison is shown by the fact that
the amount thus laid in store from honest and hard
earned gains, is alreudy more than a million and a
quarter larger than tho aggregate capital of all our
bauk* ot issue, State and National, and nearly two
and three-quarter millions larger than the whole of
our bouded public debt.
It is urged by some that a direct tax should be
laid on saving? banks. It is a sound principle that
property should share as equally as possible the pub
lic burden; and it seem?, at first sight, thai savings
banks should no more be exceptions to the rule than
any other banks. But it will be seen upon reflec
tion that the spirit and intent of deposit? in savings
banks differ entirely from the object and operation
of deposits in other banks, and it is a grave ques
tion whether this difference is not of such a nature
and result as to make the savings banks a postive
benefit to the State, which might even entitle them
to special grace, practically amounting to a bounty,
or premium, if you please. These banks are the
special depositaries of the poor; treasuries of pittan
ce? which could in no other way be so well guarded
and made profitable. If not kept hero many of
them would not be kept at all. Besides the actual
saving of earnings and the positive addition to
wealth thence accruing,—itself an object worthy
of your thoughtful care,—there are incidental arfd
even more valuable advantages. The moment ho
has money in the bank, the hqinblest feels a brac
ing up of his self-respect and whole moral force.
From that moment springs an incentive to industry,
frugality, temperance, enterprise; to all, in fact,
which constitute good citizenship, and advances
J the character and condition of men. Anything,
therefore, which tends to discourage deposits in
saving? banks should be scrupulously avoided. If
i there were any way to reach the large depositors by
i requiring the officers of banks to make returns to the
| assessors of towns fur purpose of taxation, it would
j certainly be well. But first premising that large
sums are lets likely than small ones to e-cape tax
i ation in the ordinary way, it is to be said that such
j depositors might still easily evade the law, and the
burden would fall back on those leasable to bear it.
Indeed the mere fact itself of publishing Savings
! Banks deposits would intimidate and dishearten
; many whose very struggle and merit it is to keep
I this pittance from the willful and wasteful hands
which would at the same time destroy it and thern
1 ?elves. By the very confidential relations of these
j banks many a poor woman is helped in her heroic
! struggles to bear her unequal burden. Therefore it
1 seems to me better eveu to suffer such evils as we
j do, than in the attempt to correct them to subvert
a far grenter good
What this btate needs is capital—money in mo
! tioo, whether gold or currency. Our material is
stagnant, our industry crippled, our enterprise
staggered for want of money, which is power.
W hat. makes the sinews of war makes also the sin
ews of peace. Maine strikes me as quite different
in her circumstances from the other New Euglaud
States, with their denser population, developed arts
and industries, their centralization of forces and ac
cumulation of capital. She reminds mo more of the
' Western States iu her condition and needs,—a vir
gin soil, undeveloped power?, vast forests, and vig
orous men, but no money Like them she is trying
to build railroads, invite immigration and develop
her resource?, and perhaps is not so much in love
with a high tariff as some of her more cultivated
sisters. The elements and powers of nature, and
the energy and enterprise of men in order to bo
turned to account for the great uses of civilization,
must wait on capital. Unfortunately we cannot
hold our own w« can keep neither our men nor our
'money at home. Higher rates of interest fur the
one, and quicker and larger return.? for the other
win the game. The result is a double drain which
keeps all our channels low. This evil must be
i remedied or Maine wiil have to wait a great while
| for her coronation. What cau be done it is not
; easy to say specifically. Wc must look to the Na
tonal Government to strike oil some of our tetters
an«l lighten some of our burdens. To me it seems
Aiuwist* to cramp our energies with duties and taxes
in trying to do everything in one day. I have no
gr©»t pride against letting somebody else help pay the
1 cost o! the war. The great debt of the country is a
boon which we uiud iuvite posterity to share, along
with the blessings which they will iuberit with it.
Wo gave our strength, our blood, our tears; l« t the
delivered future bear a part at least in the thank
offering. If we cau do anything that will umke
labor, skill, talent ani capital remunerative, that
, let us do. People will come and will stay; money
will be kept and brought, if we can manage to make
it pay. What wo can do for money does u»w readily
appear. But we can look over the situation. As I
have said, higher rates of interest abroad lure our
money away. Money will seek the highest level
us sure as water. Argument and entreaty will n> t
change the course of this iuexorable law. Capital
ists are reluctant. Some scruple to receive au ille
gal rate aud so refuse. Some stipulating for these
rates knowing that they cau only trust the honor of
the borrower for the continuance, want a better se
curity. But mortgages of real estate, which is
about all we have, carry a long right < f redemption,
and the lender is liable to be kept three yeais out
of the money at merely the low legal rate The
result is he will not accept even the mortgage, but
demands an outright deed, and then the borrower
must trust the honor of the lender, which in turn
may not be very valuable seourity.
Two things would uudoubtedly tend to make
money more plenty. 1 To perfect and make prac
ticable our free banking law. 2 To legalize high
er rates of interest. Of course the suggestion of
i evils growing out of the latter proposal at once
arises. But it may be that the example of the Gen
; era! Government whioh compelled us to suspend
specie payments, umy also compel us for a time to
recognize a rate of interest corresponding with thai
general praotice and sanction.
The C< miuissionors on the State Valuation will
submit the results of their labors for your action,
whioh will require your oareful scrutiny aud impar
tial judgmuut.
INSTITUTIONS, REFORMATORY AND SANIFAKT.
The various institutions under the rare of the
State are generally in a prosperous condition. The
Reform School shows excellent management. The
business is conducted with judgment and energy;
the discipline and care of the boy* i* wise and
kind; and although this is in some sense a prison
it is in the best sense a school. Tt is a greater
task than we might think to administer the affairs
of such an institution with entire success. We
have every reasou to be gratified with the present
results.
I trust we shall not lose sight of the proposition
so cordially reoeived two years ago, to establish an
Industrial School for girls. Such an institution
, would do much good, and save from vast evils.
The subject eaunot but command the sympathy ut
1 <m*ry bumaao uouautorata uao.
So far as I can judge of the State Prison every i
thing about it appears to be well managed. The <
sam of $25,000 was placed last year in the hands 1
of the Warden for a working capital. The experi- i
ment has proved successful. The books show this
year an excess of earnings over expenses of $689.19,
which is a marked change in the balance of ac
counts. Great care is taken for the welfare and i
improvement of the convicts, and every thing is
done for their good which the nature of the case
will permit.
I am constrained to say here, that the jail sys
tem in this State is far from being so satisfactory.
As I have said before, it is attended by evils which
are disastrous in the extreme, and I would respect
fully renew my recommendation that you provide
some method to reach this matter.
The Executive Council have given particular at
tention to the condition of the deaf, dumb and
blind, who are now sent to institutions out of the
Stato. Some matters of detail have been corrected
and improved, but upon the whole tho present
mode of oaring for those unfortunates is approved
as the best provision wo could make.
Tho Hospital for the Insane is still crowded with
inmates. Applicants are awaiting tho completion
of the new wing This it will be necessary to pro
vide for. The building will then be arehitectu-1
rally complete, and the institution as large as
can bo advautageously managed. The adjacent
lauds on the south have been purchased, and the
grounds are now convenient and symmetrical. Cor
dially conceding ail that is claimed for the
i sincere efforts of those who have the manage
ment of the institution in charge, l still remain of
the opinion that wo are somewhat short of perfec
tion in our methods, if not in our system of caring
for the insane. Cells and corridors and stone walls
are dreary conGnes for minds broken under the
weight of real or fancied wrongs. It may be justi
Ged on the homoeopathic principle that the proper
medicine for a sick man is that which produces the
same disease in a well one; for a brief treatment
| of a sane man in these crowded corridors would
very soon give him a title to stay there. I cannot
venture to point out (oven wore [ able) precisely
what should be done, but we may reasonably expect
that those who are especially charged with this
responsibility, instead of troubling themselves too j
much to defend what they do, should set them
selves to search out and correct the evils which
inevitably grow up in such institutions and think
it no confession of fault if they strive to improve
in every possible way their methods, instrumental*
j ties, and even their system.
If I were to permit myself a suggestion it would
be that we strive to make the Hospital less of a
prison and attend more to the healing influences of
Nature Let the inmates come in contact as much
as possible with that which is calm anil free and
natural and sane. I think that the laying out of
tho grounds on some artistic plan would afford salu
tary employment and recreation to many of the in
mates, aud thus without much outlay by the State the
I place may be made attractive, and the gloom which
' pervades the atmosphere of such an Institution be
i mitigated it not dispelled by the beauty and salu
brity of its surroundings.
Fur some reason which does not now clearly ap
pear the Insane Hospital is largely exempt from
that responsibility to the Executive Council which
affects other Institutions of the State. The praeti- i
cal effects of this appear in many ways, and have
not contributed to relieve the doubts which have
sometimes arisen in regard to the management of
the establishment. I would therefore recommend
. that the hospital be placed under the same super vision
as other Institutions sustaining a similar relation to
| the btate.
The Trustees of the Maine General Hospital will
ask your aid. It is understood that generous priv
ate benefactions are ready to follow an appropriate
endowment by the State. This petition is emi
nently proper, and should bo received with the must
favurabio disposition.
EDUCATIONAL.
There is probably no branch of our public inter
ests where such improveuieut has beeu made as in
that of our common schools. Not that any striking
changes or*brilliant results have a* yet appeared;
but what I mean to say is, that wo are sot upon
right ways; that t> e faults, the wastes, and the
wants of our former practices have b&bu brought out
and appropriate means have been set in inotiou
which can scarcely fail to work salutary and jHjrma
neut effects. Wo are seeking, not so much to change
, the system, as to infuse hie luto it; so that the best
appliances, the best methods and the experience of
the best miuds, can be extended to remote and hum
ble places; so that in an educational sense, we can
secure through every nook and corner of the State
the equal rights of all.
It is moreover no exaggeration to soy, that the
present is a new era in teaching. It is not a little
singular to tiud novelty in an art so old. llut the
spirit of our institutions, the demands of the times
have necessitated aims, objects, and methods which
render education altt-g* tiler a different business from
what it was a generation ago. It no longer seeks
to cram the mind with strange forms and aggrega
ted facts, without harmony, relation, life, or per
manence; it now teaches the miud from the very
start to observe, compare, analyze, assimilate—to
master and make its own;—in tact it is education—
the training, unfolding, leading and fashioning forth
of the mind. Teachers must now have something
more than a good moral character—that and some
thing besides—they must demonstrate that they
have character at all. They can’t teach merely
what they have borrowed over night; but only that
which they have wrought out and made their own.
This tells on the young mind; gives it edge and'
point, afid in many ways tends to fit nil, both
teacher and taught, to enter undismayed the arena
of these stirring and eventful times. 1 think
the highest good is flowing from our Normal
Schools, and Institutes and County Supervisor- ,
ships. They have caught tho right spirit and
transfuse it. They arc the means mainly by which
the State is to be reached and brought within the
better modes.
that the people arc awake in this matter, it is
easy to see. They have raised over $800,000, this
post year,* by direct taxation, and expended the
total Mini of $1,100,000 for the support of schools,
It reuiaius for us to take care, by all means in our
power, that such means are uot wasted and such in
tentions foiled. We want, among other things, to
Rce that all have a fair chance; that, for instance,
the cost aud changes and variety of books do not
put poor parents to distress to keep the means of
; education within their childrens’ reach.
1 feel that these are important matters, and have 1
thus spoken that we may understand the spirit in
which we shall be called to act. We have wasted
a good deal of time aud money hitherto; but
l believe we have now begun better things,
and that with the intelligence, good sense aud
I vigor now brought to bear on these interests, our
people will beture long be satisfied with the re
sulted their generosity aud care.
As to our College of Agriculture and Mechanical
Arts, although generous devotion to duly has
been manifest on the part of All who are charged
i with its immediate concerns, it yet fails to at
tain to quite the prosperity which we hoped,
1 and which 1 believe is still possible f«*r it —
: It is my duty to say that, so far as appears, there
are two principal causes of its preseut feeble aud
uncertain condition. 1st, The neglect of me
chanics and manufacturers and master* of the lu- ,
dustriiii Arts, to assert thtir rights iu the college. j
2d, The deep-settled feeling on the part of many,
that the locatiou is unfavorablo The existence of I
those two disadvantage* it is worse than lolly to
deny or, pass over with soft words. The truth is,
we must oome to an understanding in the matter.
It is a pity to WHSte money and mind, even lor the best
of motives, without hope of a successful end. The
$28,000 voted last winter in condition of a perfect
deed of the property to the State, has fallen dead
through failure of the town to make the full oon
| veyanoo. If we are all in earnest to have the col
lege go on where it is, neither the Slate nor the
town need insist much upon oonditious. But if it is
the intention to remove the college, then it would
be best not to expend more money there. 1 am un
able to give you the least information or advice on
this point. But 1 am ready to assure you that un.
less we keep in mind the aOope and generous intent
■ of this institution, it will never greatly thrive. A
1 fitritteiV cvUcjo ii a goo4 ww-hy hub wai
alone will not live and move. There are not boj§
enough who mean to go back to a farm after they
have got through the college. Fanning is not
at present a business of that inviting sort in
Maine. But a school embracing all the ma
terial industries, teaching our young men skill
in the handicrafts which invite them to worthy
and profitable employment, training and nerv
ing them to strike a *ure and a good blow in
the manly rivalries of peace or war—such a school
in fact as hundreds of onr young men go out of
the State to seek, would not o*>ly live and flourish,
but would be a powerful and pre-eminent good.
Whether wo can make such a school of ours I do
not know; but such an one we must have or our
monsy and our efforts will have been spent in vain.
The splendid volume published by the Historical
Society forming the first in the series of the Docu
mentary History of Maine authorized by the Legis
lature of 18C7, which traces the discovery of this
coast from the Northmen in 990 to the Charter of
Gilbert in 1578, has doubtless been laid before you.
A volume quite as remarkable containing the
first publication of an original manuscript of the
celebrated Hakluyt in which he urges upon Queen
Elizabeth the vigorous prosecution of colonisation
on this coast, is in bourse of preparation Itifepro
posed to go on with the history of the actual occu
pation of this territory under the influence and
efforts of Sir Ferdinand© Gorges. These works are
a credit to the liberality of the State and the learn
ing of the society, and are attracting much atten
tion as valuable contributions to American History.
• S1II.ITAKV.
The question of an efficient and economies!
Militia system has been long agitated, but
still unsettled. For the last three years I
have given the matter much thought. You
will bear me witness that I have not shown a
disposition to exult unduly the military ele
ment, to incur the expenses or abuse the pow
ers which tlie law places in the control of the
Executive. It is unsafe however to be with
out some military force at cull in ease of
need. The moderate suggestion was made
and adopted at the last session, of anthorizing
ten companies of Infantry to be fully equip
ped by the State. The orders of the Depart
ment will show with what care and caution
the intent of tlie Legislature has been carried
out. Applications have been thoroughly con
sidered : companies have been accepted only
where the several localities appeared fully in
earnest to maintain them, and only those men
mustered, who upon rigorous examination
were found able to do full duty. The result
indicates the wisdom of the statute. We have
now an incentive to military duty, ami a
premium on good soldiership. It will be work
and not play, a school of discipline for manli
ness. Seven companies with an aggregate of
413 men have been accepted. The appro
priation intended to accompany the Act hav
ing been overlooked, no uniforms have as yet
been issued with the exception of overcoats
for the two Portland companies, which are
under orders to appear on duty. We can the
better afford to expend money judiciously,
because we have not expended any foolishly.
These companies were not to be organized as
a regiment. That especially I wished to
avoid. 1st. They extend over too much
space to be best handled in that way. 2. The ,
rank of Colonel would he-too low for the ac
tual command of our whole effective force.
3. This office being elective, the personal
and local rivalries that would ensue would be
harmful to good discipline. 4. It was the
pith of the whole plan to have these compan
ies independent corps, responsible only to the
Commander-in-Chief, and capable by the char
acter of the men, their military knowledge,
spirit ami discipline, of being expanded into
regiments and even brigades at very short
notice, with officers all ready competent and
understanding. This I am satisfied is the
right way ior us, and at a trilling expense we
may have a body of soldiers which might well
be a pride and examples well as a defence
to the State. Our present Militia Law is a
good one and sufficient for all exigencies, and
need not be touched.
A large lot of material accumulated in the
Arsenals, and practically worthless to the
State, has been very advantageously sold
under the direction of a committee of the
Council, and the proceeds, §2,504.61, paid into
the Treasury.
The State Pension Law has been adminis
tered witli much care. The whole number
of applications for 1809 is 772. Of these 035
have been allowed at various rates. The
whole amount expended to date is §24,502.
The pension year ends somewhat awkwardly
oil the 23d of February, which constantly ren
ders a complete report to the Legislature
impossible. It would be better to make the
pension account end witli the year. It is esti
mated that some 50 claims more will be presen
ted and allowed, rendering the whole number of
pensions some 700, and swelling the amount
paid for the full year to about §35,000s These
figures we may now regard as about the set
tled amounts of our liabilities on the score of
pensions. The law and its application is now so
well understood that few but meritorious casts
will apph, ami these, it may be presumed, are
now nearly all in. It w ill be seen that the
amounts received by the pensioners fall very
far short of the maximum allowed by law,
viz. §!»8 each. The average is now very
nearly 850. The appropriation being limited,
we are. of course, anxious to keep within the
amount; while the applicants are so many
that to render aid to all, the sum allowed to
each must necessarily be small, and some
have to be sent away empty, and perhaps
rather summarily. You will doubtless continue
this aid. It seems indeed pitifully small, com
pared with the great gift these widows and
orphans and wounded men have made to the
nation in her hour of peril. This pittance
does not restore health, nor the son, or hus
band, or father. The guide of youth and the
stay of age is smitten from their sight. The
best we can do is poor—the most we can give
is little. That at any rate we should do and
should give. The cost of the Pension office
will be 82,100 for the year. Perhaps some
saving might be made and some other advan
tages secured liy placing this business in the
Adjutant General’s office. The ordinary
duties of that office will naturally be les« as
we gradually settle up the accounts of the
war. One disadvantage would be obviated
—the changing of hands each year. In all
doubtful or disputed cases as now, appeal
might still be had to the Gi^ernor.
The Board of Guardians of destitute or
phans of foldiers and sailors have used such
dilligcnce as they could in fulfilling their
trust. The duties of this Board are varied
and wide. Besides receiving applications
they have to search out eases, visiting distant
places for the personal inspection of reported
destitution, and sometimes assuming the en
tire care of the homeless and unprotected.
The result has shown many bereaved families
and much suffering. '1 he number of or
phans now on our list is 2,270. Of those.
1,200 have more or less been aided. Sixty
have been absolutely taken into our care, and
most of them placed in those beneficent In
stitutions which are well called Homes. The
Orphan Asylum, at Bangor, he* received 2J,
and the amount paid for their support thus far
is §1,000. This Institution Is cot primarily
devoted to orphans of this class. But the
broad and tender charity that preahis-s over
it jus admit tea tswc diUe om *s a •pecmA