The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1866-07-19

Mr.. EDITOR As suggestions now seem to
be "the order of the day." in view Of the "re-
construction" forced upon us at the present
moment, beg the privilege of occupying a.
small space in your columns to make few
remarks which have occurred to me as timely
and appropriate at this juncture in the affairs
of our city. 3 ~ - s... ...,g
First, then, in regard to vacant lots. In
some and perhaps most cases, owners are able
to rebuild upon them, and are disposed to do
SO as soon as practicable, and in such cases the
sooner the better for the individuals and the
public at large, but in other cases owners are
not able to build, or perhaps are not disposed
to do so at the present time. Now, sir, my
purpose here is to suggest to all such to sell or
lease their lots at fair rates to individuals who
have the means and are disposed to use them
for this commendable object. / say at "fair
rates. because have heard of individu-
ais who are not disposed to build them
selves, but are asking exorbitant prices Of
those who would be glad to obtain lots even
at what might have been considered high pri-
ces in ordinary times, and build upon them
Immediately for the purpose of having place
in which to pursue their business, and thus
assist in restoring our city to its former pros
perity. But, thank God, all our citizens are
not Of such grasping character as those just
mentioned, and indeed I am happy in the be-
lief, that such Shylocks among us are "few and
far between" H A
have in mind at this moment gentleman
of the right sort, and 1 doubt not there are
many more of the same stamp. He had a va
cant lot (made SO at quite a loss) in a very de-
sirable locality, was abundantly able to build,
and might have done so and obtained almost
any rent for the store, the most sordid would
demand; but he needed his money in his reg
ular business, where it would be of equal ben
eft to the community at large; and rather
than to seize this tempting bait, he sold his
lot, as understand, at less price than he
paid for it before the fire, on condition that
the purchaser should build upon it and not
hold it for speculative price! Now this man
I call public benefactor, and an exemplar
worthy to be followed. qsT at.-g..
One more suggestion, and I will close this
already too extended article for your limited
Space There is class of individuals among
us who have more or less "ready means" laid
by and some little energy yet left them, which
might now be brought into active use to more
than one party. To such would respectfully
and earnestly suggest that they look up some
worthy and enterprising men who have had
their places of business swept away with all
or nearly all their cash means to enable them
to begin again. Gladly would many such &C
cept partners with means to assist them to
prosecute their business again, and who might
eventually be benefited pecuniarily, by what
may now be considered acts of benevolence.
Such individuals would urge to come for
ward with their dormant means, and thus
help to build up again our once beautiful city,
whose natural advantages for business are vet
left intact and unsurpassed by any other in
New England or the States at large.
.aa.-atr SID 81 lAgH.7. u SUGGESTIONS.