The Portland daily press., 1885-03-24

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March II, 1884 say............. 100000
Net debt March II, 1884, without
deduction of value of Portland
Ogdensburg railroad stock aud
bonds held by the city So. .075, ,625 so
It is hoped that the surplus of cash income
and surplus of unexpended balances aud re-.
aeipts at the end of the financial year, March
81, 1885, will be sufficient to cover the amount
short, say 81 000 on sinking fund at this date,
March II, 1885.
The gross debt has been reduced the past
year $85 600; additional bonds to the amount
of $2 500 have matured, but have not been
presented for payment.
TAXATION.
1t is exceedingly important that our taxes
should not exceed 500 on a thousand, and If
possible should b9 even less based upon last
years valuation. IT, as it seems to appear
now, we must raise larger sum than that
rate will give us, small increase in valuation
over the assessed valuation of 1884, would pos
siby be better for the welfare of the city, and
by this course keep the rate as low or even
less Our high rate of taxes prevents many
from making Portland their home, and there
fore it seems to me most important, and also
desirable that some steps be taken to secure
even lower rate than $40 on the thousand. l
would advise a committee OF conference with
the assessors to take this into consideration:
and in this connection desire to recommend
Gul5 Olb1 OOunCll bO bdho bOII6 measures look
ing forward to change in the city charter, SO
that the municipal elections may occur in De-
cember, and allow the financial year to COM
mence in the month nf JANUARY, instead of
April, as is now the case. This would give
more time and better methods for the disburs-
ing of the public funds than the present. AS
you are aware, we do not get our estimates un-
til late in the spring, or our taxes levied until
late in the summer, and often October ap-
ploaches before the assessors give US the rate.
1t will be necessary to go to the legislature to
change the city charter, but this City Council
can institute the steps necessary, if on investi-
cation they deem such to be desirable, and at
the close of the year, refer such action to the
next city government, leaving it for them to
ask the consent of the legislature for the rro-
posed change.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.,
In addition to our financial affairs the peace
and good order of our city is paramount, and
desire, in this connection, to draw your atten-
tion to these facts:
On the 21st day of April 1884, Mayor King
notified Marshal Andrews that he had con-
cuded to ask the advice and consent of the
Aldermen for his removal from the Office of
marshal, to which he was appointed April 2,
1883, upon charges which he had filed with the
city clerk. Some of these charges were vague,
some frivolous, and others of the gravest char
acter. After long hearing at two sessions,
the last one protracted into the morning, a
majority of the ldermen refused to vote upon
the separate charges, bat voted to advise and
consent to the removal of Marshal Andrews,
without giving any reasons therefor. He was
therefore removed by Mayor King, May 1st,
1884, and notice given him forthwith. At the
next regular meeting OF the board, May 9th,
Mr.. Andrews notified the Mayor and Alder
men that he had been advised that the at
tempted removal was void and unlawful, and
that he wished to continue the performance of
his duties, and should endeavor by all lawful
measures to retain his office. 1t was not until
May 14th, that an attempt was made to ap-
point successor, and three days afterwards
Mr.. Andrews commenced proceedings, in cer-
ti0r0ri, In the Supreme Court, looking towards
his reinstatement. The case was argued before
six judges, last j uly, aud is still pending in the
law court. Upon the decision of this court OF
last resort depends the validity of the pro-
ceedings instituted against the head of the
police department, nearly year ago. And =
the Judgment of this court is adverse to the de-
PENDANTS, the attempted removal, as l under
stand it, will prove nullity, and Mr.. Andrews
will be restored by operation of law, to the
office from which he will, in such case, be
adjadged to have been unlawfully deposed and
consequently the city will be liabla to incur the
loss of a considerable amount of money, for
which loss this administration is In no manner
RESPONSIBLE. Besides, we have at present the
curious spectacle of a City Marshal contending
in the courts for his position, and another City
Marshal in the ofica appointed by our prede-
cessors In consequence the police force is fast
becoming, from the effective force Of one year
since badly demoraliZvd, and some steps must
be taken at an cary date toward reorganiza-
tion. In The meantime. and during this muni-
cioal year, we must look to and expect A
faithful performance of duty, not only from the
police force, but from all men who wear the