Date: May 31, 1919
(Original document available here)
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives.
In accordance with the authority conferred by the Constitution of the Commonwealth, a bill “to fix the compensation of pages in the employ of the sergeant-at-arms,” which is House, No. 1676, is herewith returned without approval.
The present rate of compensation for this service is more than half what is paid to members of the General Court. It is proposed to make an increase of substantially 50 per cent. Taking into consideration that this service is neither irksome nor laborious, that it can be performed by young men of average intelligence, that it has often been a stepping stone to important careers and does not require previous training, that the average length of the session is less than six months, and that a mileage of $2 per mile is given, there does not seem to be a reasonable foundation for increasing the salary, which at the present time is at the rate of nearly $1,200 a year. Were these positions expected to be filled by mature men, presumably heads of families, even though they are required to work ordinarily but five days a week, there would be more reason for increasing the pay. The requirements can be filled by young gentlemen not out of their teens, for whom the present compensation would appear to be fair.
But there is another and deeper reason for rejecting this measure. The position of page should be filled by a boy. From time immemorial it has been the prerogative of the boys of this Commonwealth to serve as pages to the General Court. The boys are entitled to have these places saved and cherished for them. To place any such salary as is proposed will result in casting aside the boys and giving these places to mature men. The opportunity which has meant so much to the boys of Massachusetts must not be taken from them by turning their ancient occupation into a man’s job. The youthful page will vanish from the State House once his place is made attractive to the belted knight. It is no time to lay violent hands on the ancient heritage of youth.
Citation: Vermont Historical Society
The Coolidge Foundation gratefully acknowledges the volunteer efforts of Isaac Oberman who prepared this document for digital publication.