The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1872-11-18

A meeting Of citizens for the purpose OF con-
sultation 10 regard to measures to be taken for
the relief.of the sufferers by the Boston fire.
holden in the Aldermen's room at the City
Building, Saturday morning. Mayor Kings
bury occupied the chair and Mr.. L. Clifford
Wade acted as Secretary.
Mayor Kngsbury stated the reasons why a
meeting was deemed advisable, and said it
would have been called earlier had it not been
for the doubt as to whether Boston would re-
ceive aid. 1t was not clear now in what form
aid would be most acceptable. He then gave
an account of his interview with Mayor Gas
ton, and related the story of the Portsmouth
despatch, which has already been published
He rendered Boston all the aid that Portland
could render, assuring her officials that this
city haa not forgotten the assistance rendered
in her own hour of trial Mayor Kingsbury
expressed the opinion that the girls thrown out
of employment were the worst sufferers. He
then read the Boston Globe article refusing aid,
which has attracted so much attention. He
thought, however, that attention should be paid
to the wishes of the relief committee.
Mr. S. E. Spring, who had just returned from
Boston, said he could not see what was to be
done with the aid. Very few families had
been burned out, and there was plenty of work
for male laborers. Those really needing help
are the sewing girls that were employed in the
great ready-made clothing establishments
No aid should be rendered to the merchants
who had suffered, for they could not accept it.
The public feeling in Boston is decidedly
against accepting aid, though the authorities
are divided in sentiment The Boston citizens
meeting was failure. 1t was the wealthy men
not burned out, that were SO willing for the city
to accept aid, because they didn't want to ex-
pend their own money. Chicago voted money
for the relief of Boston, but Chicago needs the
money ten times more than Boston does. He
thought we had best wait and see in what form
relief would be most acceptable, before pro-
ceeding further. A vote to that effect would
be sufficient
Mr.. j. 7. McCobb said that the only authors
tative statement of the wishes of Boston had
come from the relief committee. While he
had no doubt that many of the business men
of Boston disapproved of the action of that
committee. yet, under the circumstances, Port
land should do something; $45,0O0,O00 would
cover the loss by the fire, it was estimated
Mr.. McCobb stated that he had prepared set
of resolutions by request of the Mayor.
Mr.. Spring said he should not oppose the res
olutions. Mr.. T. c. Hersey moved their pas
sage.
Mr.. William Deering thought their consider
alton had best be postponed until we heard
from Boston. We had best not pledge our
selves until we learn what Boston expects
Judge Goddard said the wealthy men were
the chief sufferers. The resolutions were not
quite the thing. 1t wsuld be better to form a
to take the matter into considera-
ton and calia meeting, if necessary.
Mr. McCobb believed in striking while the
iron was hot. We ought to show our readiness
TO aid when the time comes. By taking action
now we shall be prepared.
Mr. Spring suggested the reference of the
matter to a committee.
Mr.. Hersey thought we should have moved
in the matter before. He advocated resolu-
lions of sympathy and offers of aid. The aid
might not be accepted, but it would show our
Mr.. McCobb then moved that Messrs. God
lard and Spring be constituted committee to
O''SS
meeting.
The following are the resolutions as present.
ID:
Resolued, That the people of Portland CRATE
fully remembering the welcome relief SO
and literally supplied to the needy
sufferers from their great fire in 1866, by the
citizens of Boston, tender their cordial and
profound sympathy in view of the calamity
which has suddenly befallen that city
Resolued, That committee of seven be APP
pointed by the Mayor to consider the loss and
suffering occasioned by the recent fire in Bos-
ton, with full power 10 take such action in
reference thereto as the subject may seem to
require,
The resolutions were adopted and the follow
ing committee appointed Messrs. James T.
McCobb, John Lynch, T. c. Hersey, Charles E.
Jose, William Deering, Samuel E. Spring and
Chas w. Goddard. Mr.. L. c. Wade was ap-
pointed secretary.
Adjourned