Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-03-17

4 12sutftc, On 1ccOuEt OF which she Was
thrown out of her carriage
There are five claims against the citv in
ciudlng last named, growing out of the same
accident. which are mentioned in the solicit
tors report. Quite a number of claims for
damages against the city have been fled with
the city council during the past year, which
the solicitor Investigated and found the city
not liable.
i POLICE DEPARrxEsr-ExroRcE OF THE
LAWS
This. undoubtedly, is one of the most i'm
portant departments under the control of the
city government involving the good order OF
the community and the execution of the lava
The security of our homes and the safety of
our property depend very largely upon thi.
department. | most urgently impress upon
you the duty of electing men to these stations
who have the confidence of the public and
who will discharge their full duty without
fear or favor. In this remark | DO not de-
sire to reflect any discredit upon those who
have heretofore served we'll in this depart
menf No one that you can obtxin to per-
FORM these duties will be able 10 satisfy all.
1t will be sufficient if they perform their le-
gal duties. This you can but reasonably de-
mand OF them; they are entirely under your
control and direction.
are calculated to aid the police in its enforce
ment, making the dumps" and other para
phernaiia used in the liquor business evil
dence against the rumseller in the courts OF
justice. But however rigid the law expe-
perience proves that moral efforts and infin-
ences are more powerful than legal enact
ments. Certainly there must be healthful
moral sentiment behind the officers to ensure
rigid enforcement of the law
FIRE DEPARTMENT
We have been remarkably exempt from
any serious losses by fire thu past wear, and
have been spared any sweeping and dis
astrous conhagration The fire department
has been called out l6 times, and there have
been, in addition, seven fire. that have been
started. but have been extingushed without
help from the department. The entire loss
by fires the past year was about S26, 900; in
sured Tor S22, 600 The report of the chief
engineer of the department will give you
Information concerning this department, its
wants and necessities. The several COM
panies are composed of men experienced in
the service. The most of them have long
been residents Of the city, and they have a
personal interest in the protection of the
property of the city from the devastation OF
the flames How little we realize when Sc.
cure in our peaceful homes, how much we
are indebted TO our active, alert and faithful
hremen. Ii ia of the first importance tc
maintain the efficiency of this department.
Schools.
The importance of this department is con.
coded by all. None comes nearer the
heart and home of every family. Many of
the children of our city receive their ejuca-
zion and fitting for the stern realities of life
! N tho al fric sahnols a., ,bx hi
allowed by the school money at our disposal.
Our High and Grammar schools rank among
the best in the State, and the interest taken
by our citizens in the schools is most praise
worthy. They are watchful that the best men
are secured TO look after their management
without regard to political utilization. Our
; district system is criticised by some of our
citizens who have the cause of education a,
heart, and have been asked to recommend
a change, the abolition of the district system
and placing all the schools of the city under
one management; but notice that the peo
pie of this State, as shown by the proceeding.
in town meetings, hold widely differing view.
on this subject. The town system answers
best in some localities and the district best in
others. This is a question for the people
themselves to decide. Whatever may aid in
the advancement and progress of our schoo
system and the education of the youth, be
lieve you will at all times give your corda
and earnest support.
There Is an increased number OF
scholars in the High school, which is nov
under the control of the city. Owing to thi,
increase the directors state that there should
be appropriated at least $500 more than las
year, in order to supply the school with
sufficient number of teachers. refer you tC
, their report. and the report of the supervisor
of schools for much interesting matter con
} tanned therein.
, The Poor.
The depression in business which on,
city has shared with other portions of the
country. has occssioned unusual demand:
upon this department. AT the city farm the
past year, SO persons have been cared for
four have died The present number at the
aims house is Is, costing, as find from the
overseers report, to support poor at thu
aims house, S2ls6.43. Assistance has beer
rendered persons in distress outside ofthe
aims house at an expense to the city O
S3756 ~ In addition to this it has cost ths
city to support their poor in the Insane Hos
pital. 1888 %, costing in gross to support al
the poor. including repairs and furnishings a
the aims house, S7l03 SO the last year. There
are some outstanding bills in this depart
ment. estimated to amount to about $500
The condition of many destitute families ha.
been greatly alleviated by The benefacitons OF
the Howard Benevolent Union: the func
raised by Seth Williams Post of the Grand
Arms OF the Republic. and faithfully dis
trbuted by the Ladies Relief Corps; the
Masonic and Odd Fellows Associations the
practical WORK of the churches; the temper
ance organizations and Young Mems Chris
tan Association. through their efficient work
ers. keep many. in times Ct great distress
from calling upon the city tor aid
The care of the poor is a sacred trust
Poverty may have come to them through
their own folles OF wickedness the care il
nevertheless upon us the hand of benevo
lence must be extended, the hungry fed ant
the naked clothed. Yet our charity should
he reasonably guarded against abuses bv un
deserving persons.
TAXATION AND APPROPRIATIONS.
Each new city government necessarii,
receives from its predecessors legacy Of
unpaid bills and there will be no exception
this year. | trust you will look the matter
squarelv in the face and be ready to take the
responsibility of making the appropriation.
for each department sufficiently large to
cover the expenditures of that department
and the deficit referred to. There ought no,
to be anS conceslment or misunderstanding
about so vital a matter that of our CITY