The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1892-03-22
TAKING UP THE REINS.
Men Who Will Guide the Affairs Of
Maine Cities.
WHAT MAYOR TWITCHELL WANTS
TO DO FOR BATH,

Lewiston's Democratic Mayor Complains
of the Liquor Law-Auburn Makes a
Good Showing in Its Finances-Mayor
Chase Refers to Augusta's Prosperity
How Biddeford's Mayor Wants to
Punish the Owners of the Big Mills.
Especial to the Press.1
BATH, March 21.-Monday was inaug-
uration day in Bath. The new city gov
ernment assembled at 10 o'clock in the
forenoon, at city hall, and, after prelimi-
naries were adjusted, went into joint
convention. Mayor Twitchelps inaugural
address was then delivered.
''From the report of the finance COM
mittee, . said the Mayor in his inaugural,
s'we learn that the gross liabilities
of the city, March 1, 1892, were 1865, 900,
and that the assets amounted to $549, 953.-
70, showing an excess of liabilities over
kassets of $4O3, ,94621." The city property
is valued at $113500. The net debt of
the city, March 1, 1892, is estimated at
$290, ,44621.
city, so as to make it as attractive as pos
sible. At the same time he recommends
that the tax rate be kept as low as possi-
BILE, with view to bringing new business
and manufacturing Industries to the city.
He calls attention to the limited accom-
modations of the public schools, which
must be increased before long, and also
advocates the adoption of more practi-
cal course of study. He recommends a
continuance of the policy of improving
the streets, particularly as to paving and
macadamizing, also re-survey with a
view to the making of accurate street
maps.
The evils arising from the lack of a
sewerage system are very fully and
plainly set forth in the Mayors address.
A letter from competent sanitary engi-
neer is cited as authority. This letter
| shows state of affairs which it is diff
| cult to believe exists. A strenuous ap-
peal is made for an ordinance which will
change conditions so detrimental to the
health and welfare of the city. A recon-
mendation is also made for an extension
of hydrant service.
The original contract with the Electric
Light Company expired in December.
In the matter of renewal Mayor Twitch-
| ell favors the adoption of o yearly con-
| tract rather than one for an extended pc
riod. More lights are recommended and
| an all night system, provided that the ex-
pense can be satisfactorily adjusted.
In regard to the fire department. the
statement is made that it is in frst-class
| shape. The alarm system if adopted tit
was put in on triaD should be perfected
by additional strikers, or an alarm whis-
tie. The mayor also recommends per-
manent board Of engineers. No change
in the size of the police force is thought
| desirable. Attention is also called to the
additional expense Of the board of regis
tration, and the preparation Of the new
polling places as required by the new bal
lot law.
William f. Donnell was chosen presi-
dent of the board of aldermen. John O..
Shaw will again preside over the lower
board, with Cyrus W. Longley as clerk of
the common council. George H. Clark
was reelected city clerk. This is Mr..
Clark's third term in that position, hav-
ing served in 'S9 and '91.