Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-12-04
For the OXFORD DEMOCRAT.
Removal of the County-seat.


tention called to proposition for the re-
moyal of the Connty-seat from Paris TO
Norway. Considerable jealous discus
sion has arisen between the parties in
favor and against the movement. The
measure is started advocated and pushed
by a few restless spirits who hope to gain
some distinction and wealth for them
selves or their locality, by such aggres-
sive acts as may pull their neighbors
down and build themselves up. The
whole truth is embodied and paTeded, in
one sentence, by few men OF Norway,
in these words: Norway has wealth,
banks aud telegraph" therefore she
should have the County buildings. This
is The whole substance of this wal! Tor
change. This is the animus and ruling
motive OF all those who would offer gifts
and incense to the people OF the County
10 induce them TO believe that an altera.
ton OF five miles is public necessity, -
public honor and public good.
II the people of this County want this
change, and the circumstances are such
as to render it necessary. would they
deem it reasonable or modest-not 10 say
decent-ior few persons. in one town,
by largesses and gifts, TO attempt to fore
stall public opinion. and by plotting 10
seize and appropriate the rights and In
terests OF the whole County? Ii this
were the first time au attempt OF this kind
were made from the same quarter, il
might not be deemed extraordinary. But
it is not the first or the second time the
town OF Paris or the County has been
called upon 10 struggle 10 retain the
rights of inheritance and corporation
against the encroachments and greed OF
their neighborS. Within the last genera.
ton two similar efforts have been made
to set of land or remove buildings. II
appears that some people (and The dis
position Is transmitted from father TO SOM
cannot bear to look over on the other side
and see anything valuable in the posses
sion of their neighbors without an ire
sistible desire TO seize aud possess it.
They are like the farmer who wanted all
the land adjoining his premises or like
that scriptural Shylock who, while he
owned a kingdom and all Its banks, could
not endure the thought that Naboth
should own a garden; but went TO work
deliberately with his amiable wife Jeze-
bel to plot and confscate it.
The necessity for the removal OF the
County-seat does not exist. The present
buildings are quite convenient and &C
commodats all the business Of the County.
A removal TO a T0lCn House, could no,
possibly accommodate as well. Even it
it was made OF brick with stone facings
and msusard roof, with gilt turrets and
telegraph wires running all through 1t, il
would lack every element of necessity or
convenience; for it would be owned and
controlled by others. and under the Gu
price OF irresponsible authority. With
all this, it would be gilded sham as II
County institution. Enough, however,
has been said in the articles from various
correspondents TO show that the change
contemplated is not in the interest of the
people. honor, economy, convenience. or
necessity.
But. for one moment, setting all else
aside, let US look at an analysis Of this
petition, which is sent abroad with the
sanction of the wealth and intelligence
OF Norway. 1t does not appear to BE-
the work OF the farmers, the producers
and humble tax payers. whose property
lies open to the inspection OF vigiIsut as
SCISSORS. viii this latter class approve
the scheme? This class, not only in Nor
way, but in all parts OF the County,
should examine this proposition. Even
ga 600 cannot do now what celebrated
mechanic 10 Norway estimated S75, 900
could only do twenty years ago.
The vote of Norway, rs published. APP
propriated Sl4. 900 TO build Town House
for the town OF Norway, to be used As a
Town House and nothing more. This
added TO the former debt OF Norway
$l6, 900. would be $4,000, or five per
cent. of the entire valuation OF that town.
If the common sense OF Norway desires
a Town House OF such size and cost,
with such debt, on which the present
and future generation shall be taxed and
the proper preliminary steps have been
taken, such house for such purpose
can be erected. Most towns would be
considered extravagant TO run in debt to
such an extent, but if the few who own
banks and telegraphs would pay the in
terest and principal, the investment
might be splendid one for all concerned.
A little calculation will show the citi-
zens of Norway the practical effect of
such action. If their town bonds are
issued for $50, 900, the annual interest,
not compounded, will be $500. This
sum must be paid annually to prevent
the increase of the debt, by extra taxa
ton; and il $1,000 OF the principal should
be paid each year-as every prudent town
would do.-about $4,000 OF extra taxa