The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1876-03-13
City Expenditures.

At this time we do not know whom the
caucus of the Republican members of the city
council have nominated for the heads of the
several departments of the city government.
Consequently whatever suggestions we may
make at this time concerning city expendi-
lures cannot be considered as impertinent
either as special instructions to future or re-
Elections upon past city officials. 1t may be
said at the start that many intelligent tax
payers believe that the expenditures in sever
al departments are larger than they should
be. One of these departments is that OF
streets. During the year just closing $685.
500 will be expended. In view of what has
been done, who will attempt to say that $685.
500 is not a remarkably large sum to be COL
lected from the people for the streets of Port
land? Doubtless the special expenditures
have been larger than usual, but there is no
reason why the pay rolls should be larger
than usual or that the bills of general cha
acter should be heavier than usual. Candor
compels us to say here that number of the
bills are so large as to be remarkable. We do
not propose to call in question the Street
Committee or the Street Commissioner, but
only call attention to the facts in order that
both may carefully investigate the matter and
see where prudent foresight can save several
thousand dollars the next year. Experienced
men say that $4,000 is large appropriation
for streets the ensuing year. 1t is a large
sum of money; but it will not be sufficient if
the Commissioner employ men regardless of
where his is coming out, OF contracts bills
without constantly keeping the limit of his
appropriation in mind. In conclusion,
it is not too much to say that the gentlemen
who shall be charged with the care of the
streets next year have 1t in their power to
make better showing than was made last
year. IT they can the taxpayers have a
have right to demand it of them.
Another department. where there has been
an appearance of bad management the past
year is that of drains and sewers. By some
body's advice there was general revolution
in the matter of culverts. Good judges say
that the money was not wisely expended.
Whether this is true or not we are unable to
say. Now it cannot be helped, but it will be
warning against fnture experiments.
We have referred to the expenditures in the
above departments because public attention
has already been called to them the past year
and because we feel it duty to those who
have given so marked an expression of their
confidence in the present Republican majori-
ty in the city council to say that they expect
that majority to afford the city discreet and
prudent administration of its affairs.
There can be no question but that Gen.
Fessenden as Mayor will give that care and
attention to the best interests of the city that
he would to his own private interests. We
believe that he will receive the hearty COOP
Grafton Of his party associates in the City
Council. 1t is hoped that heads of depart
ments will also appreciate the fact that the
people are watching the expenditures and
general management of every department,
and that they will cooperate with the Mayor
and City Council in securing wise and hon.
est administration.