The Portland daily press., 1885-03-24

this year than has been required by our prsde-
cessor5.
THE NEW POLICE BILL.
Az the special solicitation OF our predeces-
sors, the retiring city government, the legisla-
ture has just passed a new police bill, revolu-
tionizlng one OF our most important depart
ments, and Withdrawing from the police the
protection granted them by the legislature of
1877 and 1873. Its radical and complicated
machinery leaves our entire police to the
arbitrary power OF the Mayor and majority of
the Aldermen, and the Marshal to that Of the
Mayor alone, for it allows them all to be re-
moved summarilY without notice, hearing or
cause 1t is, however, hardly worth while to
discuss the wisdom or policy Of this extraord-
mary act, for 1t cannot be changed at present.
But, inasmuch as the public exigency was
deemed 50 urgent ss 10 require the unusual
proviso, for taking effect on approval, and the
act has accordingly been IN actual force for
nearly three weeks, instead of awaiting the
regular course of law, which would, as l
am informed, have deferred its operations un
TIL next month, 1t becomes my duty to call
your Immediate attention to the fret section,
which requires the Mayor and Aldermen, as
soon as may be, after its passage to formulate
a body OF rules for the constitution and ap-
pointment of an examining board for the selec-
tion of candidates to fill vacancies which may
occur in the police force.
It will be observed that upon some of us de-
wolves the delicate responsibility of deciding
buO pOilblGdl ebdbub Oi lu0 u6uDbfS OF Inc bL-
amln1ng board, for by most singular provis-
ion, not moro than majority of them shall
belong to the same political party. This novel
proyiso, may be pardoned for remarking,
may require wide inquiry, and the exercise
of a wise Judgment, in the present condition
of party politicsin Portland.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The public buildings appear to be in good
state of repair, having had large sums expend-
ed upon them during the year 1883; still some
necessary repairs are needed, and will require
the close attention Of the committee in the ex-
ecatlon of the same. Something is required in
the city building, aud some considerable
cleansing. The janltors, if they cannot keep
the buildings in a clean and pure condition,
should be re-snforced, or removed, and others
appointed who will do the work more effect.
lively. But the public property should be
cared for even II the expense relating to the
same is more than seems necessary.
REMOVING OLD CITY HALL.
The people demand the spot occupied by Old
City Hall for the location of the monument TO
be erected to the honor and memory of the
soldiers and sailors of Portland who died in
the civil war.
The City Council will be requested to vote
such measures as will appropriate this historic
spot for all time, to this sacred purpose. /
most heartily recommend that the City Coun-
Gil investigate, and convey, If in their power,
this land, in trust, for this purpose.
The present building is unsuitable for ar
saories, besides not having the necessary drill
halls, and the small rent secured by the city
would be offset by the increased taxable value
OF the surrounding property. Gentlemen are
ready to build armory that will accommO-
date all our militia companies, provide spacious
drill sheds; placing all the militia and regi-
mental headquarters together, in comfortable
and convenient buildings, and lease the same
at reasonable rental to the city. The amount
now paid for rentals for premises entirely iu-
adequate, would go far to pay the rental of the
new armory, not to mention the tendency
which good and convenient armOries will have
TO elevate the morale, and make the militia
service attractive to our young men, and result
ia making them better men, aud better citi.
Zens.
WIDENING CENTRE STREET.
By the opening Of the horse railroad to our
principal suburb, the establishment of the
Preble House, and the recent rapid develop
come one of the chief thoroughfsres of our
city. Unfortunately it was originally laid out
quite too narrow, being only 80 feet in width
including sidewalks; but in 1869, 81 feet we're
added on the southwesterly side, tor distance
OF 1222 feet, giving the street the uniform and
sufficient width of as feet, from Free to Com
meroial street, while the upper end of this
great artery to the western railroad stations
and wharves was left inadequate for the safe
and convenient accommodation OF the inereas-
often blocked. There can be no doubt that
within very short time the business of the
city will compel the widening of Centre street,
for the remaining 2S5 feet, which interYenes
between Congress and Free Streets
a few years since, the opporu unity offered
by the demolition of Lancaster Han, to effect
this much needed alteration, at a reduced cost,
was neglected. A prudent foresight and true
economy now suggest the improvement Of a
second opportunity just offered, by the recent
rxnnAa H. -.
line of buildings which cover more than half
the westerly side OF the remaining narrow part
of Centre street.
For these reasons I recommend immediate
measures for the widening OF that street, on
its westerly side, at its upper extremity, SO as
to give TO our citizens a spacious aud uniform
avenue, 45 feet vide aud nearly one-third of a
mile in l-ngth, extending from Congress street
to the wharves.
SEWERS.
A most important step was instituted by the
city council of 1884 towards remedying the nui-
sance of the Back Bay sewage, sand plan se-
espted. Since the acceptance of the plan suo-
mt5ed by City Engineer Goodwin to the coun-
Gil of 1884, most important criticisms Ia regard
to its effectiveness, have appeared in two Of oar
newspapers. Some of the suggestions made in
that communication seem to be Of such import
anee, that deem 1t important L should bring
this matter to your notice. aud to ask of the city
council committee to investigate the charges
specified, whereby this writer, an engineer of
ability, declares that the proposed sewer will
be imperative and worse than useless. A large
sam OF money is to be expended, ana it is ex-
ceediDgly important no hasty steps should be
taken until the city council is fully convinced
that this sewer, as accepted, is, in their opin-
ion, capable OF doing the work called upon for
it to perform. That something should be- done
quickly is imperative, but | advise patience
until this matter can be looked into, as the
property owners and citizens Of the localities
most interested, desire and demand (as they
have right to do) that when this werk is
done it should be done properly and effect
lively.
PUBLIC PARKS AND COMMISSION.
BY an act of the Legislature of 1SS4-S5, the
city is authorized to place its parks and other
public grounds in care of a board of three COM
missioners, to be appointed, at first one for
three years; one for two years, and one for one
year; thereafter, one to be appointed each
year to hold office for the term of three years;
thus giving continuity and stability to this
board, and charging them with corresponding
responsibilities. This is in accordance with
the methods Of larger cities for the care Of
public grounds.
1t is hoped that this board will become q
power that will protect and preserve for Port
land the great natural beauties OF sea and
landscape which nature has bestowed upon
our city. We all see the necessity of guarding
with Jealous eye these inestimable treasures,
which no other city in New England possesses
in such variety
| wish to call the attention OF the City Coun-
Gil to the necessity of walling in the lake in
Dsering Park. 1t is encroaching upon the
earth walls surrounding it, and the water is
destroying some valuable shade trees. The
water being stsgnant. is fast becoming q
nuisance, especially in summer, and mosqai-
toes are abundant, while a few yesrs since
they were unknown in the western part Of the
city. An appropriation for Deering Park
ant FOR 10 and IN Al ~
fountain ia the centre of the lake would be OF
great value, ana during large part Of the