Here’s what Gov. Percival Baxter said in his farewell speech to the people of Maine on Jan. 7, 1925: “Bear baiting, live pigeon shooting and dog and cock fighting and similar exhibitions until comparatively recently were recognized as ‘gentlemanly sports.’ Today they have passed into well merited disgrace.”

An early advocate for the humane treatment of animals, Gov. Baxter also said in that speech, “It is especially important to train our children to be considerate of every creature however humble. Kindness is universal; it knows no distinction of man or beast.”

I, for one, will be voting “yes” on this November’s referendum to finally ban the baiting, trapping and hounding of bears in Maine, and I only wish our current candidates for governor would be as brave and compassionate as Percival Baxter.

Ray Andresen

Camden


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