The Portland daily press., 1891-05-05

from which Deerlng would still be two miles
farther distant than the rest OF the city
would be 0ser $4,000, figured according TO the
relative aggregate valuations OF the two
places. At this rate we could better afford
to pay Portland $1,000 fire, IL necessary.
"Our roads seem to be the fayorite theme
Of Deering critics, In spite Of the fact that
they are, and for years have been, equally as
good as roads found in any town In the
country, and far better than roads within the
city limits In localities Of the same density Of
population. II Deering Is willing to pay for
them, the town may Ihave roads as nice as
they choose. We have considerable money
to go and come on before we reach the cost
OF Portland's roads, Jas the following figures
Will show:
Portland has 55 miles of streets; Deering
has 50 miles. Portland appropriates, on the
average, for street purposes, $4,000 an
nually; Deering, on the average, raises $4,000
for the same purpose. That Is TO say Port
land pays 1851 per mile annually, on her
difference s per mile mile 81 rs Sioss @ Do % the an,
nexationists desire and expect to have that
amount OF money appropriated and spent on
our 5S miles alsop IL they do, what is the
prospect OF 1t IL we annex this year? Port
lands estimated rate Of taxation is $3.50.
IL would be necessary to reduce expenses
over 100000 for the coming year, or Iborrow
money, in order to reduce the rate to $40.
Note the fact that the road appropriation Is
almost the only one that can be cut down.
They must maintain their present status In
force, must pay THAR $4,000 In salaries,
their interest money. their Increased State
and county taxes. and must meet their con-
tracts with water and light companies, etc.
No material reduction can be made ex-
cepting In the road money. Supposing they
reduce this from S9O,0O0-which they say
they need-to $4,000 or $4,000. as one item
OF economy: What is to become OF
the 5S miles additional roads In
DeeriDgs 1t Is an open secret that the
road money In cities goes where the rich
men live first where 1t Is most needed
secondly. For example, witness State
street with its little travel aud excellent road
and then look at Commercial street, and
worse still. Washington and Portland streets
each OF which has three times as much
travel. Has Deering the prestige and politi-
cal power to demand like consideration?
Another argument brought forward by
the annexationists-and that, too, with SEEM
Ing seriousness-does not bear examination.
namely, their statement that annexation viii
enhance the value OF property In Deering.
Upon what Is this statement based?
Surely upon nothing unless they show that
annexation will increase the number OF inn
proyements and advantages now enjoyed by
the inhabitants OF Deering. No one can se-
riously argue that man would knowingly
pay more for biscuit because Its name had
been changed. He would look for the plums
In the bun the first thing. and not finding
them he would say: "Tbe biscuit Is as good
as the bun for me, I'll not pay the extra
price," And so those village land holders
who are so anxious for annexation will sure
ly discover, If ever the time shalt come when
their lands will be part OF Portland. It's
advantages that men are willing to pay for,
not name; substance, nor sentiment"
As stated In Saturdays PRESS 1t is not
yet decided when the meeting win be called;
but probably May 18th will be the day.