The Portland daily press., 1885-05-14

shaw, Hammond Carney.
Judge Webb, in regard to the existence OF
a nuisance in Market Square, said that if there
was such nuisance the duty of the city is
clearly to see that it is removed. 1t is not
necessary TO carry on any one particular busi-
ness in this spot, and il the present is offen-
sive some other should take its place.
As was said, it would not be proper to erect
another building in the place Of the present,
Tor purposes OF rental, but If 1t was necessary
to rebuild the structure for public purposes,
would any one object to adding to the defray
ing OF the expense by setting apart portion
for remit? The speaker said that heshad always
opposed the place as a site for q library, the
noise in the square uniting it for that pur-
pose. The law of this State restricts the
amount to be given By cities and towns towards
soldiers monuments to $5,000 Ia there any
difference bstween giving money or property
which is its equal in value? Il not, the city
certainly gives more than So 600
The speaker regretted the postponement OF
the erection of the monument until this time,
and did not believe that man could be found
in the borders of the town who would object to
the erection OF the monument. But this qaes-
tion is not an anti-soldier or an unpstrIotic
motive which calls Us here and among the
remonstranta are many Of Portland's
most gallant soldiers who doubt the
wiedom of selecting this site.
1t is true that Market square Is a frequented
place, but by whom Is il visited? By those too
absorbed in business or too tired to receive the
lessons the monument should teach. 1t should
D5 placed in quiet retreat where it can exer-
clse its intioence over peaceful thoEghts. The
location is unit on account of the surroundings
and the danger to the monument in case of
confagration Has the city council the right
to disregard the prudential reasoss against this
measure? They should receive careful consid-
GRAFTON. Twenty years have passed since the
hrst appeal, and this long period is not on ac-
count Of unpatriotic feelings, but because
70 n4 nuf in OF afNaF1 fHc
troops in the field The time has now come
when the monument can be erected, but can
the city of Portland afford to give this site? II
Is the mass of the people who are to be consid-
cred, and they are the ones who can ill-afford
the gift.
The city has this property available for its
income or its price to meet the needs of the
city. A wise administration will not dispose
OF the property ca other than the most weigh
ty reasons The statutes require that the city
should provide srmories drill sheds for its
military companies, and ward four must have
ward room within its limits. The building is
worth what it will cost the city 10 replace these
quarters. II is necessary for the city to do
away with these things and the productive
part OF the building, which might b9 IN ade de-
sirable for the best class of business. The ren-
tai today is ST 500, 6 per cent. on SIS, 900. Re-
liable authort es state the property would sell
today for $4,000. Can not this city OF Port
land do justice to the memory of the dead aud
Must $50 O00 monument stand upon $780,
eco site. 1t is said that surrounding property
would be increased in value, but the experi-
ence of Middle street does not support this
view.
Another reason of remonstrance is the his
torical association of the present bailding which
all old POrtsnders revere.
General Neal Dow said that he differed,
very reluctantly, ia opinion with the gentle
men OF the association, Dat felt constrained to
hat hat ka -.
City Government to sacrifice the property.
The General was not sure that a majority OF
the citizens of culture would regard the sits as
suitable, and thought that the petition should
be denied on the score of economy.
Mr.. Geo II. Talbot said that he did not find
the making of such q gift among the purposes
for which taxes might be raised. Behind the
Monument Association stand the taxpayers Of
the city. To give the association this properly
is simply calling for q new donation from the
taxpayers who have made one contribution.
The good taste OF the city OF Boston has pre-
served the Old South church, beside which the
Old City Hall is a Grecian temple, and
it is doubtful If the present building in the
square will DO considered so very uncouth
twenty years hence. At present it makes, on
summer morning, one CT the most delightful
of Portland's delightful pictures. Either
Promenade or Lincoln Park would afford a
good Location.
This closed the arguments OF the remon-
strants. Gen. Brown aud DR.. Gordon made
short remarks in reply. Gen. Brown thought
that the money question should not be raised,
and Dr. Gordon said that the monument
should be in The centre OF the city where busy
people could see it.
Woodbury. s. Dana was called upon, and
said that be could scarcely add anything new
TO what had been said, but would like to men
tion few points. This proposition is not
new one. The legality of the matter had not
been questioned when its removal was be-
Aicpnsead Tho
Der no historic interest attaching to the build
ing save the ram riot, although a resident of
the city for over 60 years. Mr.. Dana then
spoke Of the debt owed to those who died in the
war.
Mayor Deering made statement in regard
to the claims TO the property substantially the
same as previously made TO the aldermen, and
the convention dissolved.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen adjourn
cd until next Monday evening, when the mat
ter will again be taken up.
Hn Common Council.
Absent: Mcclellan and Williamson.
Papers from the upper board passed in con-
currence.
A petition Of Benjamin F. Andrews, City
Marshal Of Portland, setting forth all the par
ticulsrs connected with his removal from the
office, and praying Tor salary and expenses
during that time, was presented by Council
man Wilson and referred to the committee on
claims and sent up for concurrercs.
Messrs. Shaw, Wilson, Beale and Rumery
were appointed committee on reception Of
the President OF the United States Gu the part
OF this Board, to which committee the Board
unanimously added its President
Messrs. Briggs Baale and Wilson were ap-
pointed a committee on rules and orders
The Board then adl burned.
MEMORIAL DAY,