Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-08-10

~ the tested results Of the Fan River mills
mat With such tax it vas useless for the
company to think Of going ahead But be
said these capitalists had come here to STAY,
70 invest their money and keep It here If they
could be treated fairly in the way Of tar.
auon; that they were making and should
make come $50, or 1000, 900 brick this
year, and propose to double the spindles in
operation at the dam. and make il to begin
with 5000 instead of $4,000 spindle. as i,
nov IS: that they had first obtained authority
rom the legislature to increase their capital
to 81 1000, and could only make their in
vestment pay at all by extensive development
OF the water power, which they should make
unless driven away BY excessive taxation
VIM X Smith, Esq, made remarks favor
ing liberal policy BY the city He thought
that this was the last chance that would be
presented right away for the city to act wisely
and see that the unsurpassed water-power
was developed. The interests of the people
we're identified with those Of the company
He presented the following resolution:
Whereas, We are satisfied that the growth
and business prosperity of Augusta mainly
depends on the development of our water
power BY the Edw ards Manufacturing Com
pany, and
Whereas, The evidence has convinced US
that valuation of $500, coo on all of the
property owned by said company taxable in
Augusta, would be fair and reasonable
therefore,
Voted, BY the citizens of Augusta here
in general meeting legally assembled, that
the total valuation of said Edwards Manu-
featuring Co s property for taxation be fixed
at $500 600, and be kept at $780, 600 for ten
wears inclusive of the current municipal year
Mr.. j. W. Bradbury said that nv interests
~ oft h<, = a
taxpayers and laboring men; it would not
be for my interest to reduce the tax; l
should loose more than should gain. When
there was talk of purchasing this property by
an Augusta company, l procured an expert
to fix its value. He examined the property
and said it would not be worth over $500 600
after 100000 had been invested This
water-power requires the same expense with
$4,000 spindles as with 800. 900
MIR. Harvey referred to the power of capt.
tai, and hoped that all would vote honestly.
Capt. X. W. Black noted the slight increase
in Augustus population in the past, and at.
tributed it to her neglect in improving her
natural resources. He said Augusta was
worth 81, 200 900 more to day than she other
wise would have been had not the Spragues
come here. He asked that fair and equitable
adjustment be made. 1t is our duty to keep
this company here.
Hon. Arson P. Morrill, stated that we do
not offer this company the same terms that
other towns do. Reference to the liberal
valuation that Waterville gave its mills was
made. 1t is for the interest of onr citizens
to deal literally with this company. have
full confidence in them. They will fulfill
what they promise.
Mr.. Z. X. Pierce said: II Won take the
right action here tonight Augusta is destined
to be second to no manufacturing city in the
State. He referred to the smallness of the
tax on the Lewiston mills compared with
their value; cited the injustice of taxing an
old mill filled with old machinery the same
as first class one.
Capt. S. w. Lane read letter from F. c.
Allen. Esq in which that gentleman advised
the city to use liberal policy towards the Ed
wards Co
Mr.. Vickery stated that he Endorsed Mr.
Aliens letter and seconded Mr.. Smiths mo-
ton.
In answer to repeated calls, Mr.. Blaine
came forward amid loud applause. He made
ringing and able speech in favor of the res
oution. He cited the fact that towns which
fifty years ago, when Augusta first common
ced TO develop her water-power were mere
hamlets or ferry stations, had advanced far
ahead of her both in wealth and influence
He further stated that we must not expect
these gentlemen to take all the steps. We
must take some. 1. is for us to decide to-
night whether Augusta shall stand still or ad
vance. If we are not awake we shall no Ion
ger be the capital city Of the State or the
shire town of the County.
At this point the chairman announced that
he was ready to receive the ballots on the
resolution. Voting then commenced amid
some confusion, following which, the votes
being counted, the chair announced the re-
suit as follows:
Whole number of votes, 54l
. Yes. $50
No, 1911
And tie resolution was declared carried.
The following resolution was then passed
Voted, That the mayor and aldermen and
the assessors of the city of Augusta, be re-
quested to take all necessary steps to carry
into immediate effect the vote just passed by
this meeting.
Adjourned.