The Portland daily press., 1888-07-26

duct business enterprises, ask, in view, OF
what has been said, whether the burden
does not rest upon the opponents of this
lease to show that better disposition can De
made of the road than is therein proposedP
Suppose you say, | am opposed 70 leasing
the p. & o. to the Maine, Central, tneh II
NAV be asked, "What will you do. with the
road?" If the Judgment OF the full board OF
directors of the p. & o., including its presi-
dent, who has served from its very begin
ming. is not to be followed in this matter,
what other method of disposal do you sug-
gest? And, if not any, should the city's ac-
ton be determined against the experience
and counsel of gentlemen who have served
as its officers and trustees for years,-and
whose business interests and prospects are
involved in the prosperity and growth of
Portland. For myself / must say after hay-
ing made prolonged study of the whole
question and carefully examined every prob
able opportunity for disposal-while some
what disappointed at the amount of annual
rental to be received, and not altogether sat-
isfed with the provisions of the lease, yet, l
am forced to the decision that, being rela-
lively fair to both parties. and the best OBJ
tainable under all circumstances, 1t Is wise 10
approve it. And if. through deliberate con-
sideiation, had reached the opposite con-
clusiOn--kn0wing, as l do, that the people
are the final arbiters in the matter-I should
not feel at liberty in matter of SUCH great
Importance, involving as 1t does the question
VI GOU,UUU peI duuuH tpclpctudilg, anu VIC
appreciation of securities from. nominal
value at present to a recognized worth OF
more than million dollars, l say L should
not feel at liberty-unless my conclusion
had all the positive force of conviction
that was right, TO oppose negative. and
thereby, perhaps, prevent my fellow citizens
from opportunity of action for themselves.
After Mayor Chapman had finished
speaking Alderman Cunningham called for
the question which was put, the board vot-
ing unanimously in favor of the lease.
Charles Merrill was granted permission to
erect wooden building at sc and SS Quebec
street.
A communication from the Electric Light
company asking to remove 40 incandescent
lights and put in their place nine arc lights
was referred.
A communication from the Portland Water
Company asking permission to close travel
on North street between Nos. 125 and 243
during the grading of the street by the COM
pany was received and an order passed au-
thorizing them to do so.
An order authorizing the committee on
public buildings to contract for the stating
of Centre street school house at an expense
not to exceed 500 was laid ON the table,
license was granted Charles Newell to
run Portland Theatre through the season un-
I'LL u uQt 10. 1903.
The Portland Club was granted permission
TO erect flag pole in front of the club house.
The following order was passed:
That the committee on finance procure the
printing of ballots and make all necessary
arrangements for the ward meetings called
for the purpose of submitting to the legal
voters Of the city the question of leasing the
Portland &Ogdensburg to the Maine Cen
trail Railroad Company.
Thursday, the second day of August, was
decided upon for the election.
Papers from the lower board were passed
in concurrence.
The Portland Cub extended an invitation
to the members of the Board of Mayor and
Aldermen, the City Clerk, the members of
the Common Council, and clerk and reporters
to banquet at the summer club house July
81. The board accepted the invitation.
Charles p. Garland was granted permis-
sion to erect wooden buildings at p o street.
IN Common Council.
Absent Mr.. Hill.
PORTLAND AND oGDENsBURG.
After the board assembled the president
read the order leasing the Portland & Og-
densburg TO the Maine Central on the part
of the city, and said the order was open for
discussion.
Mr.. Crockett moved the passage of the
order. lie said the investment was made by
the direct vote of the citizens and they
ought to have a chance to say whether they
will hold it longer or let it 60 on this lease.
The responsibility should be upon them
rather than upon the few members of the
council. IL we vote no, we assume to de-
eide the whole matter, giving the great mass
of voters and taxpayers no voice. III there
was large and powerful protest made in
this body, or before it by the citizens, we
might assume that the voice of the public
thus expressed, showed their wishes plain
enough to warrant us in stopping it right
here. No such protest has been made,
therefore in justice to the taxpayers. we
should allow the question to go to the peo-
pie, by passing the order presented here.
Mr.. Jordon seconded this motion. He
said when he first heard the lease read he
was rather disposed to think the terms were
not sufficiently advantageous. He talked
the matter over with leading taxpayers in
his ward and they said 1--WE must go slow"
As he became more familiar with the subject
after investigation, he became satisfied that
the terms were favorable and that it was
advisable to make the lease.
The order then had a unanimous passage.
OTHER BUSINESS.
Mr.. McGlaufln offered an order for the
laying of brick sidewalk on Lowell street.
Referred to street committee.
An invitation was extended by the men,
| bers of the Council, members of the P.rt-
land Club, to the other members, to the
City Clerk, Clerk of the Council, Messen-
| ger and reporters of the morning papers,
| Club House, July 31st, and it was accepted
with thanks.
Papers from the upper board received con-
| current action.
IN JOINT CONVENTION.
Joseph A Rumery was elected a surveyor
| of lumber.
| DDIEE