The Portland daily press., 1870-01-24
DAILY PRESS.
CORTLAND.
Monday Morning, January "a. 1870



Mr.. ED1ToR,-Over the above signature a
communication appeared in your paper, touch
ing the division of Westbrook. We cannot
endorse the old gentleman's theory on the
division of the town, notwithstanding his
years. We think our dear old friends
often err in their counsels and Judgment upon
many public matters, especially if they are
vereing on pretty closely to that period in
life when quiet looks more inviting than
warm discussion in order to repel great
sake of. peace rather than do battle for the
right. We propose to consider thai commu-
nication and shall endeavor to do it truth
fully, even if it seems severe. 1st. We do not
question the fact that some forty Years ago
there was contention and feeling in West
brook attending the location of the town
house; but we invite the attention of the
reader to another fact in connection with
that, viz: that no one thought of dividing
the town on that account, and further: The
town outrode the storms, and by a manly ar
bitration settled their difficulties, maintained
their union and through it has risen ito its
present wealth and power. A difference
then existed far more violent than the pres
ent one, if "Citzen" is correct when he saws,
"Families which had been each others ire
quent and welcome guests ceased TO inter-
change even the common wayside greetings,
and it was the fruitful source of heartburnings
which died only with the individual possess
ors themselves" Now we submit, if that
was true, and notwithstanding all that the
town recovered from that state of things
without diriSi0n have we not good reason to
beiieve tho -rsaple will rise in their man.
hood from the gentle skirmish aoous division
that has now occurred, and be able to live to-
gether in one town? Most certainly; for
who has heard of terrible heartburnings and
estrangement produced by the difference now
on division. 1t is altogether matter Of
pleasantly, rather than hot dispute and angry
feeling. Parties meet and chat over their
difference with kind feelings; each resolving
that whatever may be the issue, they will
treat each other as gentlemen should.
Secondly. The writer asks Scan see any
hope that we shall not have repetition ten
fold increased OF a leud which for so many
years made US worse than strangers" We
answer, certainly; only abide in the ship
without attempting to scuttle her, run her
ashore, or break her in two.
He says, "The people are evidently divided
already, and will the Legislature insist npon
union in form where there exists no unan-
unity in sentiment"
We think "Citizen" should have put the
question differently. We are already bound
together without the action OF the Legisla-
tuTe, and the question is now. will the Legis-
lature step in and divorce the parties? Are
we so untrne to each other as TO give occa-
sion to either party to ask or grant itP Let
US look at this theory Of divorce, and see
where it will lead US; when it is based ON
the ground that few get uneasy and want
to throw off their allegiance, and set up
housekeeping on their own account. Sup
pose in a church few think a change of
ministers is needed, and the majority do uot !;
would the writer of that article say divide
the church; don't submit to the majority :?
To illustrate still further, we had near for
ty States in this Union-they differed about
slavery and some other matters, ana insisted
upon seeding and setting up Confsderacy.
The majority of the States said no; we want
our glorious Union, strong and undivided.
Would or did "Citizen" say, why should the
United States insist on "union in folm when
there exists no unanimty of sentiment ?"-
btter wnlsa arg ss 9Poh 9Poohh
forcing to i've in the same house two families
which cannot live peaceably together?' We
confess we are OF the number who believe
that the majority should rule; and when the
majority of the town of Westbrook vote to d.
vide, we will handsomely acquesce, and will
trouble no Legislature with cur grievances.
The principle of flying apart at every differ
ence, OF seeking divorce at every little family
feud, of breaking upNgood old town organiza-
tions, and destroying old landmarks for every
petty disagreement or from jealousy. lest one
part of a town should seem to be more favor
ed than another, we have long since ignored
But we will hasten. A third suggestion OF
"Citizen" demands notice and correction, viz
"The dicision proposed aoould make tpo OF
the largest t0WnS in the State" Does "Citi-
zen" make this statement according to the
best of his knowledge? If so, tie people
should be very cautious about following the
lead of a man so unacquainted with facts oil
his own State. There are many larger towns
in the State, and quite number in Cumber-
land county.
There are eight towns in this county larger
than Westbrook. But if "Citizen" means In
population rather than territory, then his
statement Is not correct. brunswick, Els
worth, Camden and Waldoboro' are larger in
population than either half of Westbrook
would be when divided. Brunswick until re-
Gently cont aimed larger population than the
whole town of Westbrook. But the number
does not necessitate division, for the Legis-
lature has provided for that, as we shall show
hereafter.
A fourth point, Mr.. Editor. we will discuss a
moment, and that is the principle OF dividing
good strong healthy towns into little zone
horse" concerns. 1t Is pretty well played out
and the people see by the light OF the past
that enlargement is the better course, and il
many OF the small towns were consolidated
two or three of them in:o one, their business
could be well done at much less expense
This eternally dividing towns and multiplying
officers, town-houses and poor-farms and all
the paraphrenalia of such small towns, is a
bore that a tax-ridden people will not endure
when they see better way to do their busi-
ness. The true idea has obtained somewhat,
now that large towns can be managed at
much less cost proportionally; and it was
with this in view, that the Legislature passed
law last winter allowing towns to provide as
many voting places as were needed so to
avoid crowd at the polls.
1t was thought to be much better to do so
than to divide large towns, and wisely, too, III
our judgment.
Finally, We will call the readers to one
to one more statement of "Citizen," and also
briefly review the course Of the disunionists
getting signers TO their petition for the divi-
sion of Westbrook, that the people may de-
eide as to the dignity of their proceedings
Mr.. "Citizen," says, referring to that town
meeting, IF. NJ. r. goes rather far in putting
blame upon the petitioners who seem to have
acted with great moderation and dignity
while the remonstrants yielded their sense o
fairness TO the strong desire to gain control O
the purse strings of the town and vote money
to carry out their views"
The disunionists began their work by so
Letting names to their petition for the divi
sion in this way, viz: Knowing some gentle
men for some time had desired to be annexed
to Portland, and also that very large por
ton of the people wero opposed TO having
any part of Westbrook set al, h. --rproueh
ed those who desired to be set off to the city
with this reason for signing the petition, "Di-
vision is the first step toward Portland; an
nexation will be sooner brought in this way
To other parties who were bitterly opposed to
giving any part of Westbrook TO Portland
they said, sign the petition to divide the town
and this will prevent annexation of any part
of Westbrook to Portland.
As to the dignity of such course we will
offer no comments. The Interpretation /!
plain. In this way large number of name:
were obtained. Some of them voted agains
division when they found themselves the vic
Tins OF such double dealing. Then when
town meeting was called the petitioners raj
lied with all their strength early hoping t
outyote the remonstrants, and shall we say
quoting Mr.. "Citizen," "gain control of thC
purse strings of the town and vote money tC
carry out their ends"
No, we will not say that charge shall come
from an 'old time citizen whose jealousy ha:
become chronic; we are not troubled much
that way. The vote was nearly two to one
against the petitioners Tor moderator. giving
them to understand that their cause was
hOnnlaSg nd commenced q