The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1871-12-08

.MANuFAcTUREs.-The debate before the
Maine Charitable Mechanic Association on the
question of Manufactures was resumed at the
Mechanics Library Room, last evening Quite
large audience, composed principally of bust
ness men, was present. and great interest was
manifested in the discussion. Mr.. e. L. Bailey
presided
The discussion was opened by Mr.. j. w.
Mansfield, who thought that the natural ad-
vantages of our city were far in excess of
those of any other town or city in the country,
and there could be no reason therefore, why
manufactures could not be successfully intro
duced in our midst. The speaker could see no
reason why so much aversion was manifested in
regard to this proposed measure, and he cited
the case of the wealthy classes during the war,
who were granted the privilege of providing
substitutes, to prove that the proposed discrimi-
nation in favor of rich corporations was not
without precedent He also alluded to the
case of the Mechanics building in the matter
of taxation, which was referred to at the last
debate.
Hon. Charles Holden followed in support of
the negative side of the question. He COM
menced by denying the lgures of the previous
speaker in relation to the bull +.Ag, and stated
that the sum would not have been nearly as
large as had been stated. He also commented
on the action of the Board Of Manufactures,
in asking for an appropriation of $1,000 to meet
the expenses of that body, provide a room for
the Secretary, etc., and that this was but the
beginning of its demands upon the city, and
that it would be dangerous to inaugurate such
system. The scheme was too flexible, and
was not to be trusted. Manufacturers are not
always successful, and it would not be safe for
the city to invest in this seemingly plausible
measure.
Mr.. j. w. Mansfield continued his previous
remarks, and urged the importance of building
up Portland, and prevent her further whiting,
by the introduction of manufactures and receiv-
ing the benefits which would flow therefrom
He reaffirmed the correctness of his figures, and
insisted upon the immediate necessity for ac-
ton in this matter.
Mr.. j. L. Walton was the next speaker. He
thought that the rich corporations should not
be exempt from taxation at the expense of the
laborer, but that when capital and labor went
hand in hand it would be the proper time to
adopt such policy.
c. P. Kimball, ESQ.,, denied the truth of Mr..
Holden's figures, and stated the appropriation
asked for by the Board of Manufactures was
not for the benefit of manufacturers, but fer the
benefit of the CITY, He also denied that the
proposed movement contemplated the taking of
any money from the city treasury in any way
whatever.
Mr.. j. 7. Emery thought that the introduce
ton OF foreign capital to be exempt from taxa
tion would not in any way benefit the city, but
would only benefit the proprietors of the man.
ufacturing enterprises thus introduced. The
whole proceeds of the enterprise would go to
enrich the proprietors and would be of no bene-
fit whatever to the place where the capital was
employed.
+. N. Dow, Esq, stated that the only ques-
ton to be considered was the method by which
manufactures were to be introduced, as the de-
sirableness of having them was recognized by
all. All that is asked is to exempt the capital
thus employed, and the speaker thought that
this could be safely and even profitably done,
Hon. Charles Holden stated that the great
danger to be guarded against was in beginning
to grant aid to corporations or individuals. If
The city has no more right to pay the salary of
the Secretary of the Board of Manufactures
than it has to pay the salary of the officers of
any other association. With these suggestions
he was willing to submit the question.
Mr.. Nathaniel Walker thought that exempt
ing the rich capitalist from taxation would be
doing great wrong to the laboring classes, and
the measure should not therefore prevail
G. P. Kimball, ESQ.,, made some further re-
marks, in which he reiterated his previous ar
gument, and made an earnest appeal in behalf
of the affirmative side of the question.
At the close of the discussion vote was
taken, which resulted in unanimous adoption
of the resolution.
The committee reported that the question for
discussion on Thursday evening next would be
as follows:
Resolved That the annexation of San Do
mingo would be beneficial to the people of both
countries Mr.. Nathaniel Walker in the affirm
alive and Mr.. L. T. Pingree in the negative