The Portland daily press., 1880-08-16

The Bi-Centennial Celebration.

Mr.. EDIroR:-Why should the city appro-
pirate two thousand dollars for the eelebra-
ton of the Falmouth Bi-Centennial? I think
"the sober second thought of the gentlemen
who advocated and voted for the appropria-
ton would lead them to different conclusion
Are not the taxes of the city burdensome to
the taxpayers? With this fact before the City
Government would it be justified in appro-
priating two thousand dollars for the above
purpose when in fact this sum would not half
cover the cost of the celebration, if it was
respectable one? Nine-tenths of the taxpayers
of Portland would confirm the remarks of
Alderman Deering of Ward Five, that this
celebration is not wanted if it is to be paid for
from the city treasury
Let the City Government confine itself
strictly to appropriations for Municipal pur-
poses as it has done. By pursuing this course
Portland bonds are worth to-day Sis, or
eighteen per cent. above par 1t would have
been otherwise but for the fact that the treas
ury purse-stripgs have been held with tight
grasp; that rigid economy has been practiced
in every department of the municipality. If
the city has any money to spend outside of its
legitimate purposes, let the Eastern and West
ern Promenades, the two most beautiful spots
- ehio SOohUJt w AAlpiONCus anu llO lOuStT
lay waste.
The question has been discussed freely and
for long time, as to what could be done to
increase the business of the city. This may
be answered in part by reducing the taxes so
that capital will flow into Portland, and
men of enterprise engage in business
here with the feeling that they will
not be burdened with heavy taxation,
Hon. w. w. Thomas refers to the late celebra-
ton at New Sweden, in his remarks before the
m col laH 70 hi
bi-centennial celebration of Falmouth and
urges that the appropriation be made But
that is not parallel case, and should not have
the least influence on the question. That gen.
tleman has inaugurated great ENTERPRISE in
the settlement of New Sweden and one that
will materially promote the best interests of
Maine, and rebound to his honor, his good
Judgment and untiring perseverance in carry
ing it forward, with SO many obstacles in his
way to the present great success The celebra-
ton in New Sweden will make known to the
world the value of Maine lands for agricultural
purposes and attract settlers to locate there
when assured of the fact, incredible as it NAV
appear that as much wheat can be produced to
the acre as on any land i'll this country outside
of California.
could not afford to appropriate $3.50 to cele-
brate that day which is dear to the American
hear, the birthday of the Nation, July f.
1776; and the veto of Mayor Senter was hearth
~ applauded by large majority of his con-
stituents. Now shall the city appropriate two
thousand dollars for purpose which will in
terest but few of the peoDle? L say no; most
emphatically. Let those who wish to celebrate
this day contribute of their own funds for that
purpose.
The Administration of the City Government
is now in the hands of the Republicans who
profess to be governed by the most rigid econ
omy, not only in city affairs but in State and
National. Shall they depart from it and lose
the confidence of the people when they come
before them in the approaching election?
H.
Portland, Aug a. 1880