CHAP. 240 Chapter 240. Resolve in favor of compiling and printing School Laws. printing of. Resolved, That the superintendent of common schools be, School laws, and hereby is instructed and empowered to cause the laws of this state, relating to common schools, to include the laws passed the present session, relating to the same, to be compiled, and five thousand copies printed and distributed among the several cities, towns and plantations in this state, the whole cost not to exceed four hundred dollars. Approved March 6, 1885. STATE OF MAINE. OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE, Į } AUGUSTA, April 9th, 1885. I hereby certify that the Acts and Resolves contained in this pamphlet have been carefully compared with the originals. deposited in this office, and appear to be correctly printed. ORAMANDAL SMITH, Secretary of State. NOTE. The Sixty-Second Legislature of Maine convened on the seventh day of January and adjourned on the sixth day of March, 1885. GOVERNOR ROBIE'S ADDRESS. Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: In obedience to the voice of the sovereign people, you have been summoned to this capitol as the law-making power of the State of Maine, and it becomes your duty to enact such laws as will best promote its moral, intellectual and material interests. Your presence here is the fulfillment of the popular will; and I welcome you to the honorable and responsible duties of the hour. My re-election to the position of Chief Executive of the State is a source of great satisfaction to me, for it is an indication of the continued confidence of my fellow citizens, for which I take this opportunity to express my gratitude, although I am conscious that no acknowledgment of mine can measure the honor thus conferred. I recognize the need at all times of a humble independence upon the strong arm of a wise Providence; and in the performance of responsible executive duties, I shall also require that assistance which the experience and patriotism of the co-ordinate departments of the State government are able to render, that the people may enjoy all the benefits of a faithful and impartial administration. The biennial period which has intervened since the assembling of the last Legislature of this State has furnished facts and data for our thoughtful consideration. Our people have been highly favored; the fearful epidemics of other lands have not visited our borders; while other portions of our country have been devastated by the fury of the elements, our State has been comparatively unharmed. We have had an abundant harvest, and there has been a reciprocal confidence and friendship throughout the nation in all the departments of trade, commerce and social life. For these and all kindred blessings, let us, as a State, render a grateful acknowledgment to the Source of All Good; being ever ready to extend sympathy to the suffering and unfortunate everywhere, and, when necessary, the private and public material aid of a generous people. IN MEMORIAM. It is proper at this time that we should pause, and render a deserved tribute to the memory of three of the most distinguished Ex-Governors that ever presided over the affairs of our State. The late Hon. Lot M. Morrill passed away soon after the convening of our last Legislature, and the event was properly noticed by that body. It would seem unnecessary to enumerate the virtues of a man so well-known and so universally respected and beloved throughout our State. His private and public character is a noble example of power and excellence. Near the pulpit of the First Universalist Church of Portland a very appropriate memorial tablet has been set up, which bears the following inscription: IN MEMORIAM. ISRAEL WASHBURN, JR. Born June 6, 1813-Died May 12, 1883. Representative to the United States Congress, Governor of Maine, Collector of the Port of Portland. An honored and useful life. The people of the State of Maine bear willing testimony to his eminent public services and high devotion to principle, for he was always found faithful. His loyal and generous acts are associated with one of the most eventful periods in the history of our State, and the memory of our late War Governor and his scholarly and patriotic words and example will endure longer than brass or marble. Just as we were leaving our homes we were again reminded that Death is ever busy at his appointed work. Another man upon whom the people have wisely conferred their highest honors has passed away. Hon. Abner Coburn, the represen tative man of the best characteristics of New England simplicity, integrity and economy, is no more. Cradled in the adversities of earlier times, he has left a record of bright examples which the young men of our State may well follow. His life is a monument of great usefulness, of high public spirit and patriotism. To his financial ability, his indomitable courage and high executive attainments, more than to those of any other one man, Maine owes her central system of railroads. To his liberal endowments many of our educational and charitable institutions owe their developed power of enlarged usefulness. Called to the office of Governor during the most trying period of the late war-in 1863-he displayed firmness, sagacity and patriotism, of the highest order. His life, character and achievements are an honor to Maine, and proud is the State that can claim the birth and citizenship of such a man. The State from time to time has made appropriations for portraits of our great men, whose public achievements and virtues entitle their memories to be thus perpetuated, and it would be well to consider what public recognition shall be accorded to these men. Appropriate and lasting memorial honors are but a just recognition of the valuable services of our distinguished statesmen, and add to the dignity and reputation of the State. LEGISLATION. Experience justifies the suggestion that all public questions submitted for your consideration should receive thoughtful and careful examination, and that the more important matters of legislation should command the attention of the early days of the session. I am aware that the salary which the members of the Legislature receive is inadequate for the time and money spent in the careful consideration of legislative subjects, which oftentimes seriously affect vast public interests. The pay which members receive in many instances does not meet the necessary expenses of the session. Biennial sessions in our State necessarily lengthen the term of active service of the members of the Legislature, and so far without additional compensation. The public labor incident to the present session will probably approximate that of two |