The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1893-04-25
MAYOR BAXTER.
Continued from Fifth Page.


quire men of the highest character and
efficiency. Upon them largely depends
the preservation of public order, and
their services merit recognition.
To promote the efficiency of the de-
partment, however, wise system of dis
cipline should be constantly maintained,
and excellence in all those qualities which
make good officer encouraged. ] be-
lieve that the efficiency of the service
could be advanced by system of pro-
motion for meritorious conduct, by which
men in the ranks would have before them
the prospect of ultimately reaching the
marshalship. The tenure of this Office,
however, is so uncertain as to render it
somewhat undesirable to men in the
ranks. Could it be retained for fixed
term of years the case would be different.
By the present law policeman, unless
removed for wrong doing, may hold his
position until sixty years of age. This
initiates against the efficiency of the
force, and l trust that some change may
be made in the law SO that hereafter
when men are appointed it may be for
a term not exceeding four years. They
should however, at the end of this term
of service, be eligible for reappointment.
The Fire Department.
No less important is the fire depart
ment, nor do its duties require men of
less character and ability. Portland has
always been proud of her firemen, by
whose bravery and vigilance the proper
ty of her citizens has SO often been res
cued from destruction. These faithful
men demand our gratitude and support
and we should keep their welfare con-
stantly in view.
The Portland Water and Gas Companies.
During the administration of Mayor
Melcher, who took lively interest in
securing for our citizens low water rates,
this important question, by mutual con-
sent, alike honorable to both parties, was
referred to a commission consisting of
Chief Justice Peters and Judge Foster
The result has been eminently satisfacto-
ny to our citizens, and all questions be-
tween the city and the water company
have been happily settled except that re-
lating to the contract of 1887.
Z. An order was passed short time since
in the board of aldermen, to submit this
matter to the decision of the Supreme
court in the following terms:
City OF PORTLAND. !
In Board of Mayor and Aldermen,
Portland February 6, 1898.
Ordered That the proposition of the Port
lend Water Company. submitted at this meet
ing for reference of pending questions to the
next law term of the supreme court for decis-
ion, be and the same is hereby accepted. and
that upon payment by the water company of
the taxes now due the city solicitor be and is
hereby directed to take all such legal steps as
may be Necessary and proper for carrying the
same into effect.
This order was, however, subsequently,
laid on the table. l trust that steps may
be taken to have the matter so adjusted
as to subserve the best interests of the
city. Our citizens also demand a reduc-
ton In the price of gas, and I believe that
an amicable arrangement can be made
with the Gas Company, whereby this de-
sirable end can be accomplished
Our Summer Visitors.
During the coming summer we shall
doubtless have larger number of visit
ors to our city than usual. The advan-
tages of Casco Bay as summer resort,
though well understood by our people,
have never beenssufficiently made known
to the outside world. 7 would recon-
mend the appointment Of a special COM
mittee to act in concert with commit
tee of the board of trade, to extend prop
er civilities to visitors, and to judiciously
advertise the attractions of our summer
surroundings.
Evergreen Cemetery and Our Parks.
The trustees of Evergreen Cemetery
will require an appropriation, as usual,
for the maintenance and improvement of
this favorite burial place. So, likewise,
our park commissioners, who have wise
ly and faithfully performed their work,
will call upon us for funds to preserve
what they have already done, and to
make further improvements to our parks
which have already become necessary to
the comfort and enjoyment of our citi-
zens. I am sure that their requirements
which are always reasonable, will re-
ceive friendly consideration.
Department Reports.
In conclusion, I call your attention to
the various department reports. With
your friendly Incorporation, shall hope
that the business of the city will not be
permitted to get behind, but that every
thing will be promptly considered and
acted upon. 1t is my purpose, and am
quite as certain that it is youripurpose,
" 1ldhC Cltlo DuSlAoSSf dulllulSUrdulOu.
By performing our duties to the best of
our several abilities, we shall be able to
meet with equanimity whatever criticism
may be directed against us.
Exhibit A.
STATEMENT OF THE CITY DEBT.
The municipal debt March 81, 1892 was:
Coupon and registered bonds, 6s...S 4Ol 900
Coupon and resistered bonds, 4s..... $4,000
Trust funds, $13 900 IS, and $3.50, As 1920
Total. ;.......:.... .....:.. 81, 221 $50
Less paid and cancelled since Mar.
81. 1892. .......................... 10o,5oO
,$1,l2o,75o
Amount of funding bonds issued
March 1, 1898, 49, on twenty years
under order of City Council, Feb
ruary 16. 1898. .............. $4,000
Bonds in aid of Portland and Roch-
ester railroad, original issue ST.
$50 5000, due July /, 1s97...:..:.. 10000
Bonds in aid of Portland and Og-
densburg railroad, original issue
81 $780, 900, due September L, 1907 100000
1898 .................. 81. 81. $50
AVAILABLE ASSETS
Ra1anna IN tho cradif nf