Morning journal and courier., 1884-12-29
poN,r wANr ooNsOL1DATR.

NOBGB IF EO1A 1SA8s EA4VCA 1AA5SOASs
 The notices in some of the papers adver- tisinR that petition will be brought to the I next general assembly for t'the consolidation of the governments of the city of New Haven and the town of New Haven and the borough of Fair Haven East" and for such charter changes as will be requisite in such con solidation, have created no little stir in the Annex and developed no little feeling of op- position to the proposed change. A similar project was before the legislature last year. An interview with various Annex residents brought out the following views on the sub ject:
 We, of the Annex, think the whole scheme impracticable and first look at the cordon of facts and circumstances surrounding last years similar scheme of consolidation, viz, the consolidation or merging into New Haven city of that part of the town of East Haven which borders on the Quinnipiac river, the harbor and Long Island Sound; look at the understanding and promises verbally made at the time and accepted in good faith by 6 conf1ing commonwealth com posed mainly of very intelligent farmers, who, when the scheme was first mentioned, protested and declared that they would not for one moment entertain the idea of annexa- tion, as it meant bringing their farm lands into the city limits, their farm lands, which were composed largely of wood and marsh, would not admit of taxation heavier than then rested upon the property.
 We say without hesitation that the whole scheme is aboninable and this second attempt to compel consolidation is one of the most outrageous that has ever been known in this community since its settlement; and that we will resist it by use of all proper and law ful means, by appearing at the next session of the Connecticut legislature with our pro test, as we have the right as neemen of this commonwealth to do.
 Briefly, we want to remain 8 part of the agreed at the time of annexation, and under no consideration will we be consoli- dated with the city of New Haven if we can prevent it. What was the origin of this scheme to con- solidate the town with the citya It origi- mated, 'tis said, with few to reduce taxa tion, but we are told by those who have studied the problem that consolidation is more likely to increase than decrease taxa tion, and that of the two, in their opinion, it would be better for the city to come under the town rule, if they want one government, rather than remain city. For our part, we are in favor of letting well enough alone Let the city strike expenditure in it's most vital spot and the town do likewise. How ever, we don't care to enter into this matter just now, but it does seem to us that a re- duction of expenses could be brought about without disturbing either government.
 What is the area of the Annex! Not having been surveyed we cannot tell you, but party is now making an approximate esti- mate, which ought to be within five hundred acres. It has, however, navigable water front Its length is upwards of six miles, and it's breadth in places is one mile wide, and the map shows that it has a larger area than the city and town of New London.
 What is the population of the Annex? The population of the borough, according to the census in 1880, was ,528, and if we add it's increased population, including the diftricts of Hemingwayville, Waterside, Raynham and South Haven, the Annex must show now population of over 2,500 necticut with less than one thousand inhab- itRnts and several having under five hundred and Beacon Falls in New Haven county gives only 379 in 1880. These are nearly all agri- cultural towns which have representation and will not be willing to advocate yoking an in telligent rural community that are satis- fed with the ruling of a Board of Seleetmen (which is in reality all they require) to a city government. Perhaps an abridged outline history of the annexation will interest and show more clearly the whole case as understood by both towns at the time. It is as follows: East Haven was set off from New Haven as a sep arate town sometime in the last century, and latterly it's western bounds were established as follows; Commencing at North Haven line in Quinnipiac river, thence along the middle of the channel of said river, New Haven harbor to New York State line in Long Island Sound. Since this date New Haven has gradually encroached on the river and harbor by wharves and bridges so that vessels lying three or four tier deep from the end of these points were in East Haven waters, and for sanitary and police purposes, and to assist in the movements of the port, New Haven was granted (with the consent of East Haven) by the legislature certain rights to high water mark on the East Haven shore.
 Since 1880 portion of East Haven known as Fair Haven East has increased in popula- tion from twenty families to 1,528 souls, Gn 1890) and overtures were then made 1SSO by parties interested to have their part of the town (the borough taken into the city of jority of the freemen and taxpayers of the town of East Haven were disposed to accept if an equitable adjustment of debts and advantages to both towns be ar ranged for mutual benefit in future; but on serious discussion New Haven wanted more than the borough of Fair Haven. It wanted larger area-a territory the whole length of the town, six miles, more or less, and in breadth from high water mark in- land in place more than 8 mile wide To this proposition every inhabitant except few in the borough objected, and numer- ous protests were drawn against the measure H. I,a4 would they be brought within the city lim- its; that this community did not require other than town government and the bur den of a city government would be ruinous. To these protests and remonstrances it was answered: "You will have many advan- tages. Your town debt will be assumed by the city and town of New Haven, of which you will be a part. Tomlinson bridge will be made new and free and you will enjoy pro rata the same taxation and rights as Westville, now within the town limits, has," These advantages were largely held out as an inducement which seemed to have been made (and we believe it) in good faith And there were residents both in the city and town of New Haven and in the town of East Haven that favored harbor improve ments and were willing to give New Haven water front advantages and lend encourage ment to scheme to attract foreign com merce and make our city eventually one of
 
 the near future on account of it's geographi- cal position.
 After much discussion, as it was found that only town government would best suit the purposes of the majority to be annexed, it was proposed to annex this territory under a. town government and those who formerly objected were induced to listen to this proposition Moreover, as the city was no longer point of objection, the door was then opened for discussion and for annexation of this part of tho town of East Haven now known as the Annex to the town (not the city) of New Haven, the whole to be governed by town government. All this numerous depositions (as to this afore- said verbal agreement) will show, and after proper legislation this was accomplished and it seemed to give satisfaction to large ma iority of both towns and to the people of the State in general Appended is table which is appropriate to the subject, ,and which may prove of some general interest It is ex- tracted from the last United States census report.
 FAIRFIELD COUNTY.
 Town. Population under 1, eco, New Fairfield. ......................79
 Sherman. -e2S
 Weston ..-..-. --------.-.----. SIS