The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-01-15

site, but they probably would not seriously
oppose us, and the legislators say this year
they want to come to us. Mr.Fobes thought a
million dollars could be appropriated for the
building and he would like to see it placed
on the Western Promenade, and then Port
land would have something of which size
could well be proud. [Great applause.l
Hon. George Walker said it was evident
that Mr.. Fobes had the unanimous senti-
ment of the meeting on his side. What was
needed was an appropriate resolution of the
expression Of the Board Of Trade. He was
satisfied this legislature was very largely in
favor Of moving the Capital, and this city
has the preference. But what we especial
ly want at this time is a resolution from this
Board.
Hon. George w. Woodman said the time
had arrived for the removal Of the Capital to
Portland and an expression should go from
this Board to that effect.
Mayor Chapman sad the City Government
were simply waiting an expression from the
citizens to show that they were backed up by
them before meeting Of the members was
called to show what part the city would take
in the matter. For his own part he could
hardly restrain himself. He believed the
removal could be accomplished. He had
to visit Augusta some time ago
and found a strong feeling there in
favor Of removal to Portland. Many of the
legislators then came to Portland and when
they saw the Western Promenade they said
it was just the place for the capitol, and a
resident Of city between Augusta and Ban
gor, one of the most influential men in the
State. came into his Office and told him now
was P0rtland's opportunity, and that if we
took hold Of the matter the removal could
be accomplished. Not only that but he
would assist Our own sluggshness, said
the Mayor, viii be our great stumbling
block, but IL the citizens take hold properly
and hold out the right inducements to the
legislature they can succeed. A large sum
of money is owed this State by the. national
government which will go far towards de-
fraying the expenses of the capitol. He
agreed with ex-Mayor Walker in reference
to the passage Of a resolution by the Board,
and then he suggested that committee be
appointed to cooperate with one to be ap-
pointed by the city government to look up
proper site for the capitol. He referred to
the splendid lot Of land owed by Messrs. J.
Z. Baxter and Albion Little on the Western
Promenade, which contained three acres,
and could be purchased and used for the
purpose. West street would be discontinued
at the point where the capitol grounds would
begin and the front entrance would face
down west street giving a superb 'front.'
age, while. the rear and side views
could not be surpassed anywhere in the
country. BY this location Chadwick street
would be extended to Bowdoin street. thus
giving another street parallel to Vaughan
street. Another good site, and one suggest
ed. Is the Brown homestead site on the
Promenade, containing ten acres. The loca-
tion decided on could be purchased by a syn
dicate and an arrangement made by which
the city could pay so much yearly until the
| debt was cleared up; or the expense could be
| all assessed in one year on the people and he
believed they would be willing to pay % per
cent additional to their taxes for one year il
the capital could be moved here. But these
are all matters of detail for after considera-
tion. More money goes out West monthly
| from Portland than this scheme would entail
| on us, while this would add greatly to the
valuation of our property here. [Great ap-
| plause.
Mr.. L. A Goudy moved committee of
| three to draw up a resolution and Messrs.
George Walker, Charles s. Fobes and M. N.
Rich were appointed.
Hon. Albion Little said he had visited the
| city of Augusta good deal during the legis-
lature OF 1887, and he then found a strong
sentiment in favor OF removal to Portland.
Many OF the legislators then came to Port
land and were delighted with it for the seat
| Of the capital, and many of the present legis-
| latOrs had been here lately and so expressed
themselves. and especially with their accom-
| modatlons. Although local pride would
| cause Bangor men to first name that city for
| the capital he was confident their second
| choice was Portland, If the right thing was
1 done TO bring IL here.
| Major H-S Melcher believed every loyal
citizen was In favor Of this project, that the
1 fnaa axuao ri for ffu Itah.
that il We are alive to the best interests Of
| the city we shall accomplish il.
Mr.. Geo. s. Hunt thought the Brown place
was hone too large for the capitol Site
.. Mr.. Theodore Woodbury. wanted to call
| pers had done in the matter. He felt that
| much was due to them for their energy and
| persistence, [tbe PRESS and the Advertiser
are the only papers that have done anythingl
| and deemed 1t well that the Board had taken
action in this matter. 1t is this energy and
perseverance that our city has needed. Mr..
Woodbury. then said our citizens have been
owning the banks in Kansas to greater ex-
tent than we have imagined, and a quarter of
million went to Dakota last year. 1t Is
natural to go for the largest interest, but al
| so natural to use a part of our money to
| help our own city
The committee reported the following res
olution:
Whereas, A very general opinion has been ex-
pressed by the citizens Of Portland and vicinity,
and by many citizens In various parts Of the State
that in view Of the present inadequate capacity
and condition of the state House at Augusta, that
anew building is necessity in the near future;
therefore,
Resolved, That it is the sentiment Of the Board
OF Trade that the city Of Portland furnishes the
most de- esirabr and most eligible location for such
new building, and relying in full confidence upon
the public spirit and generosity Of its citizens be-
lieve they Will offer TO the State suitable cite for
| the erection OF the same.
Resolved, That the Senators OF Cumberland
county aud the representatives Of the city of
Portland be requested TO take early action to bring
| about the desired result.
| Resolved, That a committee of twelve be ap-
pointed by this board to cooperate with such
| committed as may be appointed by the city gov
ernment OF Portland to carry out the views here
in expressed
| The following committee was appointed
| from the Board Of Trade to cooperate with
one from the city to be appointed hereafter
| to take this matter in hand, and look up an
| appropriate site: j. 5. Winslow, Philip III.
| Brown, Samuel j. Anderson, George s.
| Hunt. j. p. Baxter, c. S. Fobes, Payson
| Tucker, George Walker, w. q. Davis, w. w.
| Thomas, Jr., T. j. Little, l.. A. Goudy, and
they have powerto enlarge their number.
| 1t was a very enthusiastic, earnest and
largely attended meeting, and II the signs
| are correct there win be great effort made
bV Our citizens tn secure the caDital