The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-12-17

John WIZ; ". Low, James James McGhnchy,
Trap. Harrington.
Representatives Of the press.
The following was the menu:
Blue Points ON Half Shell.
Poulette a la Creole.
Baked Haddock-Tomato sauce.
Asparagus. Pommes de Terre Parisiennes
Turkey-Cranberry Sauce.
Tenderio Of Beef, Larded with Mushrooms. Ss''
Roman Punch.
Broiled Quail on Toast.
Tutti Frutt.
Chocolate Squares. Almond Kisses.
Confectionery. os N'SS'
Malaga Grapes. Oranges.
Apples. Figs.
Cigars. Coffee.
After supper President Blabon called to
order and spoke as follows:
PRESIDENT BLABoN's SPEECH
1t was thought best by the committee of
arrangements not to have any set speeches
but If anyone present can make any remarks
as to the promotion of the interests of our
city we shall be very happy to hear from
him. l am happy to report that our Board
of Trade at the present time Is in a very
prosperous condition. /, myself, have taken
this present week 30 new applications for
membership. which will make total mem
bership of $40. Our merchants seem to take
lively interest in the Board and feel it my
duty to suggest that they should also take as
much interest in the Merchants Exchange.
That should be the headquarters Of the bus
iness men of Portland. / think am safe in
saying that from seven hundred to a thous-
and people visit the Merchants Exchange
daily. l hope you will pardon me for max
ing another suggestion which l think not
only worthy the attention of the Board of
Trade, but OF everyone who owns property
and is Interested in the city Of Portland.
This city is in great need OF an opera house.
We are city of 10000 Inhabitants with no
decent place of amusement / hope the cit
Trade, and see il we cannot devise some
means to build a suitable opera house on a
suitable and popular site. It seems to me
that 1t can be easily done. We could make
stock company, say for $4,000, and call up
on such merchants and citizens as are not
only able to subscribe but II need be able to
lose their subscription, sell stock enough to
raise S35, 900 or $4,000, and after that IL
would be very easy matter to mortgage the
whole plant to some trust or insurance COM
pany who would be willing to take 1t at a
fair rate Of interest and finish 1t up. Then
IL the enterprise was a success, which have
but little doubt 1t would be. the stockholders
would obtain an interest on their invest
ment. But looking at 1t in its worst aspec.
the party that holds the mortgage would be
secure for there certainly would be income
enough from the property to keep that safe
and good. Now, would like to hear from
some of the distinguished gentlemen present
In relation to this enterprise. In conclusion
/ wish to extend to you my sincere thanks
for the interest you have taken In our Board,
and by your presence in making this ban
quet success. lApplause.l
COLLECTOR ANDERSON.
General Anderson was the next speaker
He said Our worthy president has suggest
ed something which has been In the minds Of
many Of our business men for many long
years. When first went into business in
Portland it was a subject that the men on
| Commercial street all agreed upon that
| Portland afforded no suitable place for
amusements; that suitable opera house
would bring to our city and retain here
through the twenty-four hours men who
| come to the city to buy goods but rather than
lose the opportunity for little amusement
| would go elsewhere where 1t was provided
| for them. 1t Is true we have fine city hall
| but it does not ill the BILL We want a
| house specially devoted 10 amusements. We
| want an opera house. 1t can be used Tor all
| the different kinds Of amusements which
| come to such places. / see upon each side OF
| me gentlemen who have been brought to our
| notice In reference to another matter OF city
| reform. The new powder house.. l was
L
| posed of using one of the forts for that pur-
| pose. One thing is certain, 1t isn't ht for
| anything else. In conclusion let me say
| that we have with us guests whom we are
/ glad to meet A year ago there was blight
| on the feelings Of our citizens from the fact
| that our wharves knew the big steamers nc
| more and we were fearful that 1t might be
| forever. But this year our friends have re-
turned TO us and we are glad to see them and
| in behalf of this board Of trade l bid them
welcome here tonight. [Applause.]
Mayor Chapman was then called for and
responded as follows:
MAYOR cHAPMAN's SPEECH.
Mr.. Chapman said: believe 1 should
prefer to undertake to carry into successful
execution the erection of an opera house than
to find site for powder house in the city
of Portland. Now / feel that something
should be done TO stimulate the trade Of
Portland. We all regret to see so many en-
terprising business men leaving us for home:
in the South and West. have heard 1t re
marked that Portland is declining. Now
Mr.. President, desire most emphatically Il
| disagree with any such opinion. Compare
you please, the Portland of 1878 with the
Portland Of 1888, our municipal debt reduced
| within that period nearly 80 per cent, oul
l voting list swelled from 5000 to more thar
$500, our valuation increased several mil
lions, our financial institutions increased, til,
railroad facilities enlarged, our islands anC
places Of summer resort developed, and th'
multiplication of our industries. and It seems
TO me there eau be but one answer from am
Intelligent observer, and that Is that Port
land has made a substantial increase within
the past decade. i believe the true reason