.MTU0MA.MTU1MjI

248

[1823 February 7]

ration, being enacted and becoming a law of the State of Maine.

[Protest]

I.st. Because we believe that all Lotteries tend to demoralize Society and are detrimental to the best interests of the State by promoting idleness and dissipation; and inducing the idle and indigent portion of community to trust to accident and chance for their support rather than to honest industry.

II.dly Because if raising money by Lotteries was unexceptionable in itself yet there is great doubt whether fifty thousand dollars ought to be appropriated to aid the enterprise contemplated by the Bill; no statement having been exhibited to the Senate whereby they can judge of the practicability of the project, or what will be the probable expence of the undertaking, and therefore it does not appear that the sum to be given to the Corporation by this Bill will not be fully sufficient to complete the contemplated Canal, and that thus the public may be taxed for the exclusive benefit of the Corporation. -

III.dly Because if other objections were removed and the utility of the appropriation apparent, there are objections to the provisions of the Bill, which in our opinion ought to prevent its being enacted - first there is now power reserved to the Legislature to control or in any manner hereafter to modify the provisions of the Bill. - second, there is no limit as to the time beyond which the operations of this Lottery may be protracted; and thus the Managers, their agents and friends, will be