The Portland daily press., 1891-05-16
SHALL DEERING BECOME WARD EIGHT ?
An ntI-AnnexatIonist Returns to the
Fray Once More.
Arguments Based Largely on FInan-
cIaI Considerations.
Something More About the Date Of
the Town Meeting.
To the Editor of the Press:

The writer does not purpose to enter into a
controversy with the "Deering Annexation
ist," whose reply to the anonymous pamph-
let" you published May 9th. The gentleman
is evidently mistaken In his ideas as to the
authorship Of the pamphlet, as we believe he
is also mistaken In his ideas on the question
| at issue.
AT all events, the writer Is content that
those highly respectable gentlemen, whose
names the "Deering Annexationist" has so
gratuitously introduced into his communica-
tioD, whatsoever be their opinions on the
question Of annexation, should pass judg-
ment upon the pamphlet and the reply, with
out further comment.
1t seems desirable, however, that some
facts should be reiterated for the benefit Of
those who have followed the discussion In
its integrity, especially since the "Deering
Annexationist" has been at pains to contra
dict some of them. Amy doubling mind Is
cheerfully referred to the annual reports Of
Portland and Deering
Deering's annual expenditure for town off,
GERS is about S2S00. and not $4,000, as was
stated In the 'reply."
A careful examination of the Deering re-
ports for the last ten years shows an average
expenditure on roads and bridges Of 5000
per year. The 5000 average mentioned In
the pamphlet will more than include also the
bills for new streets, land damages, etc.,
which are special appropriations. aud neither
OF which are included In the $4,000 for
Portland. These figures are averages, and
not the figures of any particular year. The
GA Uhfah fc aIf al xcy.
ture upon roads for last year includes s45C0
spent In entirely reconstructing, so that 1t
will last for fifty years at least, the only
bridge which the town has to care for, also
two bills Of land damages and the expense
OF building three new streets, yet 1t does not
disturb the average given above.
The writer has the authority OF at least
two Portland papers for the estimated tax
rate OF S23.70 for the coming year. Presum-
ably. though an estimate, 1t was ascertained
by arithmetic. Portlaud's last annual re-
port shows total tax valuation for the city
of little less than S35, 100000. At the time
the estimate was reported. there were de-
mands for about S860,OOO, required by the
city for the coming year. Since then, the
board Of aldermen have passed a bill for
1921, 900. which does not seem to satisfy the
city council as yet. There are pressing
needs for $4,000 more for the streets, also
for more money for two of the school
buildings. one in process of construction, the
other said to need $4,000 to make 1t fit for
use. Probably all Of these will be heard
from at later meeting Of the city govern
ment. Now. a rate Of $50 on $1,000, assessed
on SS5,0O0,000, will provide $4,000 only.
Where will the balance of S12l, 900. probably
$4,000, come from? They can borrow, yes,
and increase their debt. Perhaps they
might get part of 1t from their S65, 900 In
come. But the mayor. In his inaugural ad-
dress, advised that their securities be trans
ferrec to the sinking fund. Do they propose
to rob them every year of their coupons,
which are all the value there is to the larger
| part Of them? II so, how much will they
avail In the sinking fund? IS 1t any wonder
that the sinking fund has to be replenished
by city notes for 100000 occasionally, as
shown by the 1890 report? Contrive as they
may, Portland's expenditures for this next
year will be from $50, 900 to SS60,OOO, which
is between S23 and S2i on $1,000. assessed on
S35, 900 of valuation. The rate is not
fixed as yet, but when we estimate let us
look the probabilities squarely In the face,
without calling to our aid any extraordinary
proceedings.
1t has been stated that Deering's debt Is
steadily increasing A town or city debt Is
to be reckoned by-its percentage of the valu-
alton.
Examination Of reports shows that Deer
ing's bonded debt In 1872, just after it was
separated from Westbrook, was about 81 per
cent Of the valuation. In 1880 1t was about
per cent of the valuation. In 1890 1t was
about p per cent Of the valuation, steady
decrease, in spite Of all Of the improvements
which have been made. The report OF
Portland for 1890 shows that their gross
bonded indebtedness is about 81 per cent Of
| their valuation, or deducting their securities
at market value 1t nets over 81 per cent. a
| difference in Deering's favor OF per cent OF
the valuation. more than Deering's whole
bonded debt.
Attention is called to the fact that II Deer
| ing is annexed, and II then provision is made
| for just what each place has provided for
| now, and nothing more, the aggregate
| amount Of money to be provided. taking
Portland's smallest figures. is 1921, 900 for
Portland. plus $4,000 for Dsering. or total
| Of 1881, 900. or this amount behring's valu-
alton will compel her to bear over liz part,
| or about $74. 900 In place Of the 100000 now
| raised by Deering. No extras for Deering
are included in these figures excepting an ex-
ira burden of S14, 900. for which we get moth
| ing What becomes Of the S14. 900?
Portlands appropriation bill designates
S161. .320 for this years interest money on her
| debt Deering raises $4,000. Total, II an
nexed, S167, ,320, 1-l2 Of which, Deering's
share, would be S13,443 In place Of $4,000
| now; a difference of s7443, thus accounting
for the disposal Of so much of the $4,000
mentioned above. The rest Of 1t is easily
found in such appropriations as those for
| police and fire departments. public grounds,
etc.. In none Of which Is there any proyis-
ion for Deering.
| Coming now to the main point Of this CON-
municatioD, the "Deering Annexationist" is
reputed to be the author OF a document
which just at present is claiming more at
tention In Deering than is his "reply;"
namely the enabling act by which Deering 8
is or is not to be annexed to Portland. Your
attention is especially called to this.
The writer has had the privilege of casual
ly over-hearing numerous discussions by
Deering enthusiasts on the advisablllty of
annexing the town to Portland, providing, Of
course, that Portland Is willing Repeatedly
the question has been asked "How do you
know that we shall have all Of these good
things which you are holding out to us II we