The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-03-12
8 240,724 AS
s2.846.77b.56



To apply towards payment OF this the city
has 22,005 shares Portland q Ogdensburg
railway stock on which the city Is now re-
ceiving one per cent. per annum In dividends
from the Maine Central railroad, and after
three years from date Of the lease Trey pay
the city two per cent. per annum, payable
quarterly.
There are outstanding debts due November
2, 1S8S-S5,000 not yet presented for payment
No coupon or registered bonds mature
There are, however, two city notes originally
issued for payment OF matured 0onds-one
for $4,000, due May 4, 1899, the other for
$1,000 due June g. 1889. which must either
be temporarily renewed In part or paid from
the available assets Of the city.
The gross debt of the city has been reduced
the past year $4,000 and the net debt about
$4,000. There will probably be a further
reduction of the net debt before April l. 1880
by payment Of matured bonds aud additions
to the sinking fund
The gross city debt March 6, 1889, s3 Os7, 500
The gross city debt April 1, ls77,..... 6,0oO,250
Total reduction in 1e years. 81 962, ,250
Wereit not for the obligations increased
by extending aid to railroads the debt would
be small, but by persistent economy 1t will
soon be reduced to sum not exceeding the
five per cent. Of the city's valuation, an end
to be desired for many reasons,
STREETS AND BRIDGES.
The imperative demands upon this depart
ment are so great, that it makes 1t desirable
to economist in every direction that can be
done consistently, to be able to make as
the expenditures should be made with intelli
gent skill, both in construction and repairs.
The present high cost Of gravel makes 1t un-
desirable for use, as 1t Is carted into the
streets only to be washed out to choke gut
ters and fill up culverts. Permanent work
in granite blocks and macadamizing should
absorb most Of the expenditures on the
streets.
The location Of the Union passenger station
makes 1t important, almost imperative, TO
pave with granite blocks one side at least, OF
Congress street from the depot to State and
the piece between Park and High street as
soon as our means will permit. IN order to
facilitate the immense travel now passing
back and forth on that street.
The work Of paving Commercial street
should be pushed forward as fast as posi-
BILE and to the full extent Of our means. as In
its present condition the wear and tear on
horses and vehicles engaged in moving
heavy goods along that thoroughfafe Is very
great.
There is demand for macadamiz'ng State
street from Congress to Spring. also Congress
street from Franklin to Washington.
1t Is important that the driveway on the
Eastern Promenade should be opened up in
its proper location In order that the commits
sioners may begin the work Of improving
and beautifying that interesting portion Oh
II will also be necessary to provide for the
construction Of the approach to the new ferry
landing.
for an expenditure on Central avenue on
Peaks Island. and also on the street on Long
Island.
While it will be necessary to replank a
portion Of the Clark street overhead bridge,
49, kw.rfn a. h.
necessary to expend much on the bridges
leading out Of the city.
DRAINS AND SEWERS.
Much should be done in this important
branch Of work which conduces so much to
the health of the city, the extent at preser I
only conditioned by the means available, and
as large an appropriation should be made as
can be afforded.
Something should be done to prevent the
frequent oyerfowing on both sides Of Port
Land street beyond the Maine Central rail-
road.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The splendid condition, good discipline,
and efficiency Of this department Is a just
cause of pride to every citizen and inspires a
feeling OF security against any wide spread
contlagration.
Such demands as will be made to keep this
department up to its present condition VIII
Of course be granted.
For the greater efficiency Of this depart
ment, a hook and ladder truck should be To-
Gated on Munjoy Hill as soon as proper
building can be prepared;
This arrangement would make avallaOle
room for a cover wagon and horse on Mar
ket street. which the underwriters could pro-
vide to advantage as Is the custom In other
large cities.
POLICE.
No recommendations will be made in re-
gard to this very important department, un-
til time has been taken for careful exami.
nation Of its condition, and its needs under
stood as far as possible
The attention OF the Board OF Aldermen
will then be called TO such changes as may
appear necessary for the dignity and highest
efficiency Of the force.
RAILROADS.
The city is nearly out Of its quite extern
sive business in railroads which IL has been
engaged In during the past half century, and
1t is to be hoped that the large investment OF
money, with the accompanying burden OF
taxation which was so nearly permanent
that but a small portion has or ever will
come back to the city directly, has been
lesson that will not be forgotten, that rail-
road building and like matters are not desir-
able enterprises for municipalities to enter
into.
The majority Of the popular vote IN the re-
cent election having granted to the Portland
& Rochester railroad the right to extend It's
tracks to the Union Station, the "construc-
tion' maintenance and use will be conditioned
by the Board Of Mayor and Aldermen and
the damages by the City Council
UNIMPnovED REAL ESTATE.
As all of the lots at present available have
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