The Republican journal., 1883-03-08
The City Finances.

We We're surprised to learn that an editorial
in the journal of last week greatly ncen>cd
some of the members of the city government.
Upon what grounds they can complain of the
article in question, which was certainly truth
ful and in no sense abusive. we are at a loss to
conjecture. When, one year ago. the organ Of
these gentlemen was making charges little short
of libeous against some of our best citizens:
when il undertook to read this paper out of
the Republican party, and wantonly as>alrd its
late editor, knowing that he had. months be-
fore. retired TO private life with impaired
health, the journal did not retaatc in kind.
Nar does it propose to DO 50 nov. Tie handy
ing Of personalities is Improbable at any time
and is especially out of place in discussion of
public questions. The journal has too much
regard for it, constituency and for it, own
reputation to be provoked into purely person
al controversy over our municipal affairs. II
may be remarked here. however, that one Of
the men who undertook to read this paper out
OF the Republican party, left that party HIM
self voluntarily a few weeks later. More might
be said in this connection but Will be reserved
for another time.
We recalled last week the agencies by which
the city election was carried one year ago, and
the pledges made by the candidates on the sue
ce>sful ticket. 1t is not, it must be confessed a
crcditabe chapter in the history afour city and
we are not surprised that those most active at
that time should be aycrse to having it brought
to the attention of the public. It was necessary
however, that this should be done The jour
nal has no interest in this matter outside of the
interests Of the citizens gencraly-of the tax
payers. The great problem we have to solve iii
our city affair, is how to reduce taxation. There
can be no reduction of current expenses that
will apprcciably reduce our taxes and II funding
the bonded debt at 4 lower rate Of interest seems
to be the only practicable way OF obtaining relief
| The journal has cons silently advocated refund
ing from the first. But it will be recollectcd
that when a plan was prop sed which promised
To ensure a reduction of one-thrd in our annual
interest charge. certain members Of the old city
government defeated the measure and then
with others, set themselves mp rs the only real
and original refunders, and on that platform,
supplemented by street corner talk of rcpudia
ton, carried the last election. They have had
control Of the city government for one year );
they have had control of the railroad and what
have they to show for the pledges they made
before election: Where is the promised relief
to taxpayers: What of refunding: The Jour
nal merely gives expression TO public sentiment
i'll asking these questions, and in putting them
fairly and squarely. The city authorities sought
their present responsibility and cannot eyade it
now. Their honors We're not thrust upon them.
The offices certainly did not seek the men. for
never was there more determined or reckless
pursuit Of place. Their pledges were volunta-
lily made. One, which bears date of Dec 9TH.
1891. reads:
Il the banks and monied men desire any cred
ii i'll this refunding movement they had better
| indicate their intention to lend ms helping
| hand-for we are bound that it Shall succeed
| "hd that too. rattan "Hotter Year. This accom-
! pli>hed and the city's rights in tine distribution
of the railroad income secured, the poor. strug-
Cling taxpayer viii be relieved of three-fourths
! of his present burdens.
The year has elapsed but the promised relief
is postponed to the remote future. The banks
which stood ready from the beginning to lend
such aid to refunding as was consistent with a
proper regard for business principles and the
| interests Of their depositorS. were first assailed
and then ignored. and it was not until several
months had passed away and no progress had
! been made in rcfunding that heraid was asked.
1t was then cheerfuly given. Had it been re-
fused the refunding movement would have
made a more beggarly showing than It does to-
! day. The credit for what has been done in
this direction belongs wholly to those much re-
! viled institutions.
| While other Maine cities and towns have
| been steadily reducing their indebtedness and
| improving their financial condition. the report
| Of the City Treasurer published Jim our adyer-
! ti>ing columns. shows that Belfast has made no
| Roadway in this direction. If ANYTHING it has
refrigerated. The deficiencies during the wear
about equal the reduction in taxation. and this
| will have to be made up the coming year. That
means increased instead Of less4ned burdens
! for the taxpayer. Those who believed in the
| promises made before election lavc reason ID
feel disappointcd but those who did not an
tcipatcd Just what has come to piss