The Portland daily press., 1891-03-11
The Long Looked For Valuation
Commission Report Has Arrived.
Lewiston Police Will Continue In the
Hands Of Politicians.
Especial to the Press.1

| AUGUSTA. March 10.--At meeting of tb
York county delegation this afternoon.
was practically decided that steps should b
taken to settle the case Of Judge Hamilton Q
the Biddef0rd Municipal Court by introdut
ing bill abolshing the coart. Such bi
has been practically drawn. This course
taken with view to remove the Judge with
out the delay of a long impeachment tria
After the court was thus abolished, If tn
legislature should pass the bill, second bill
would be presented to re-establish tn
court
Is Lewiston a Very Wicked City?
The above question was canvassed in th
House this morning In connection with bill
to provide for a new police system in tha
city. Mr.. Noble of Lewiston brought tn,
matter before the House when he called ul
the bill which provides for the appointment
by the governor and council of police board
of three members, each of the two leading
political parties to be represented on the
board. This body Is to have control Of the
police, and the appointment Of the city mar
shall and other officers under suitable regula-
ti0ns. The mayor of the city may assume
command of the police In case OF riot and re.
tain and command during the disturbance.
Mr.. Callahan OF Lewiston made brief
speech in opposition to the bill claiming that
1t was unnecessary and not in accord with
the spirit of American institutions.
Mr.. Noble made long speech in support
of his bill. He disclaimed any intention of
rejecting upon political parties in his re-
marks, devOting himself to the system of
managing local political parties which he
said was such as to lead to bad administra-
tion of police affairs at the dictation of the
rum selling element. Members of the force
themselves would like to do their duty bat
were placed in such position that they did
claimed that the city he represented was
rather tough place owing to the large num-
ber of lawless characters found in any man
ufacturlng city. He spoke of the extent of
the liquor traffic there and read petitions and
letters from prominent citizens in favor Of
the bill. Among the letters were several
from members aud officers of the police
force. Mr.. Noble said that this bill was
similar to the law which had
worked beneficial results in the city Of
Boston. The speaker said that similar laws
even in successful operation In Portland and
Boston. He referred to the fact that the
bill provided for a board to be composed of
Lewiston men, appointed by the Governor so
that the police force would still be under the
control Of Lewiston men.
Mr.. Drew of Fort Fairfield, spoke against
the bill. He did not believe that it was nec-
essary or wise to remove from the control of
the people of Lewiston part of their own
affairs for the expense OF which they must
be taxed.
Mr.. White of Bangor did not believe that
Lewiston was such wicked place as repre-
sented. 1t had been demonstrated, bowev-
er. that Lewiston had splendid water power
Mr.. White opposed the bill.
Mr.. Peaks of Dover, referring to the state
ment of Mr.. Noble that when the bill was
given hearing before the committee on le-
rx,l ff,t. Al<AAx 30
said that he found the original bill quite a
different measure from the new draft pre-
sented by the gentleman from Lewiston.
The original bill created police board to
be composed of three members, one
to be selected by the city committee
and the third member to be appointed by the
mayor. The new draft placed the appointing
power in the hands of the governor. Mr..
Peaks said he could see how those who
might have had no objection 90 the first bill
might make opposition to this new move-
ment. Mr.. Baker was another member who
did not believe that Lewiston was as bad as
painted.
Mr., Osgood of Lewiston wanted to say
something in defence of the fair fame OF his
city and In addition read from long list of
remonstrants against the bill under discus
sion, these remonstrances all having been
secured within the last two days. Mr.. Os-
good also read list Of questions proposed
in the form of interrogat0ries, gave facts and
figures concerning the business Of the Spindle
City.
MIR. Noble took these questions as the
model of few more.
'.Do you u,know how many saloons there are
in LewiStOn?"
!, "Do you know how many gambling houses
there are in Lewist0n?"
"Do you know how many young men and
young women are annually led astray to 4heir
destruction in Lewiston?"
The House apparently did not think that
Mr.. Mobiles bill was the proper method OF
correcting what wrong might exist In Lewis
ton for, on motion of Mr.. Dckey of Lewis
ton. the members voted to indefinitely post
pone the bill, 70 to 80, the vote being. taken
by the yeas and nays.
For the New Ins ane hospital.
Mr.. Hawes of Deering, presented today
the resolve favorably reported from the
special committee on the subject making an
appropriation of $S75,OOO to begin the erec-
tion of the Eastern Maine Insane Hospital
at Bangor. Under the resolve of the last
legislature committee has selected a site
buildings. The commission has also en-
ployed an architect who has drawn plans
for the new institution. Now the state is
asked for money to build the main building
facts Of the purchase and preparation of the
site and the crowded condition of the pres
ent hospital, urging this as a reason why the
main building and wings OF the institution at
Bangor should be COMPLETED by March /,
1898. The resolve creates commission to
take charge OF the erection of the hospital
buildings The commission Is to consist of
three. to be appointed by the governor, with
the advice and consent of the council, not
more than two of whom shall belong to eth
er OF the leading political parties, and two,
at least, OF whom shall be men of practical
experience In the construction of buildings
and competent judges Of the materials which
enter into the construction of such buildings
as provided for in the resolve with whom
shall be Joined the superintendent of the
Maine Insane Hospital. This commission is
to be kno wn as the Eastern Hospital Com
ks mmedate ned they seUs are to directed s4est
a manner to be fire-proof hospital for the
insane on the site at Bangor already secured
for that purpose, and substantially accord
ing to the. plans and specifications. The
chairman of the commission shall be prac.
tlcal builder, who shall devote his entire
time to the work Of the commission, and for
his services shall receive s. per day and
travelling expenses. The remaining csm-
missioners shall receive SO per day for the
time actually employed, and their reasoua-
bic expenses, the same to be paid out of tha
appropriation. The commission is author
lied to expend the whole of the S475 900, or
so much thereof as may necessary for the
erection OF the main building and wings nv
March !, 1893. but 1t Is provided that the
commission shall not proceed to make anv
expenditure or contract therefor until they
shall have first obtained a contract or con
tracts from responsible parties to build and
complete said main building and two wiSes
fire. proof and foundations and Sewerage
therefor such sewerage to have its outlet al
some point in the Penobscot river below the
Bangor water works dam, for a sum not ex.
ceeding the amount specified In this resolve
which contracts shall be secured by hond
to be approved by a majority Of the com.
mission.
The Late Representative Trafton.
Mr.. Herrick of Bethel presented the fol.
lowing today which the House adopted bv
rising vote:
Resolved That we have heard with sorrow y,
the death of our fellow member, Newell A. Traf
ton of Norway, and recalling the many exeeIien,
qualities which made pleasant our interconroe
with him, render our sincere sympathv to w.
afflicted widow and children for the loss whicf f
they have sustained.
Resolved, That the clerk be directed to enta,
the foregoing resolution upon the journal of ~.
House and to send copy thereof to the widow ~ y