The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-02-19
pEERINc TOWN MEETING.
The Proposition of Annexation Sup
ported by Vote Of Sc to f76,
The Town Votes to Decide what to
DO for Its Own Welfare.

Despite the falling snow there was num-
erously attended meeting in the venerable
ola town house of Deering yesterday after
noon.
Inc business before the assemblage was to
chose moderator; to listen to the report of
Tue committee chosen at the annual town
meeting 10 propose code of bylaws for the
town 10 see what action shall be taken to
secure city charter for Deering, or to an
mex the town or any part of it to the city of
Portland.
The meeting was called to order by the
town clerk, Mr.. F. Burnell and Mr.. c. A.
Woodbury. chosen to preside. The chair
read the articles upon which the meeting
was to act and also quite lengthy report
from the town committee to the inhabitants
OF Deering, in which its good government
and improvements made in the town since it
was set off from Westbrook IS years ago
were set forth, and the fact noted that Deer
ing had voting population but 100 smaller
than Westbrock that had asked for and OBJ
tanned city charter and valuation of
about $3,0OO,0O0. The report concluded as
followed:
Resotred: That our representative in the leg
lslature De, ana Is hereby instructed, to urge the
passage OF the enabling act prepared by the town
committee on bylaws; and also the enabling act
c Gr te OF the town Of Deerng 70 the
committee, and thus enable the town to consider
and finally adopt one of the propositions or re.
lect them, as IL may deem best; and all part of
the warrant for this meeting inconsistent with
TINS resolution are, by its adoption indefinitely
postponed.
The resolution was signed by l.. B. Chap
man, Daniel D. Chenery, Ruel Small, Isaac
l.. Elder, f. o. Bailey. j. III. Hutchins,
Adam W. Wilson. The report was accepted.
Col. E. b. Moore. who represents the town
| in the legislature, stated that no action had
been taken upon the matter; that reports to
the contrary were untrue. He said that If
the committee of the judiciary should report
bills submitted as illegal he did not want the
| town to ask him to advocate them.
Geo. 9. Hopkins, ESQ.,, explained at some
length the substance of the result of the con-
ference with Portland officials. Upon the
matter OF valuation he stated that on the
streets were property belonging to the town
OF Deering on one side, and the CITY Of
Portland on the other, which was examined
as to valuation, that Of the city was found
to be the lowest He Furthermore stated
That Portland stood ready to fix Joint
valuation that should not be charged for ten
! years except for some specific purpose.
The town could see the valuation before 1t
voted, and 1t would remain until 1890 if it
| decided for annexation.
what right will Portland have to take
any part In this valuations" was asked from
| the floor.
They would have the right of law at the
proper time" was the response.
Mr.. Andrew HAYES wanted the PROPOSE
tons divided, whether to ask for CITY char
ter or annexation to Portland, and made a
motion to that effect.
"A voice from the floor said that such a
division was simply move to defeat annex
It was so understood. and test of the
arrived at
A. viva voce vote was first taken. and the
chair was unable to decide A vote by rails
Ing OF hands was equally unsuccessful.
Inen a division Of the house followed, with
gentlemen on opposite sides of the question
10 count did not seem to meet with unapi-
nous favor, and 1t was finally decided to
nave the voters file past the usual place of
voting, enclosed by a railing, with tellers to
count as they went by. Those in the affirm
ative, for separating the question, were first
called Then the negatives, or those favor
ing annexation. were given an opportunity.
Both sides were given proper time, and it
was a full and fair vote as possible under
the circumstances.
the motion, as well understood by the meet
ing, 1t was reported as follows;
Against annexation. .......... ....,1b8
FOR annexation .........................176
There was some slight attempt at speech
making, but the meeting had measured its
strength for that occasion and was satisfied.
LII promptly adjourned with the friends of
annexation well pleased with the test of
strength which had been brought on by Mr..
Hawes's motion.
The meeting was very harmonious, and is
certain to have an important bearing upon
the futura nf fhic tou -