The Portland daily press., 1893-03-14
Schools.

About 20 per cent of all money raised
annually by taxation is expended upor
our public schools in addition to the
generous sum received from the state
treasury. This is large amount and it
rests with our school committee to see
see that the money is expended Judlc'
iously. Our people believe in having
schools that shall give orr scholars q
thorough and practical common school
education, and are always ready to give
to such schools AN adequate support. 1t
is also true that nothing adds more to
the desirability and attractiveness or our
city as place of residence than the
character and standing OF its schools.
Our common schools have helpedito bring
us desirable citizens in the past, and are
still helping to build up our city.
There seems to be some advancement
made from year to year, and certainly
any reasonable demand that can add to
this advancement should be needed by
the members of our city government In
this report of our last school committee
will be found recommendations for a
new school building to give increased
accommodations to the grammar grades
of large sectio of our city. The CON
ditions to be met and the advantages of
the plan recommended are there clearly
set forth, and I would recommend to
the present city government that cam
did consideration be given to the matter.
and if it seems best that the necessary
steps be taken to provide for these needs
of the city.
Fire Departments.
Il commend to your especial care the
fire department, inasmuch as believe it
to be one of the most important of the
various branches of the city government
Its actual needs should receive your
prompt attention. OF it's importance to
the welfare of the city no words are
needed. We all recognize it. Their
calls upon us are few and comparatively
slight, but when made j trust they will
be favorably considered.
From the report of the chief engineer
I find that he believes that a hook and
ladder truck is an urgens necessity; that
we are in need of more hose; that the
hydrant service should be extended; and
that some better system of fire alarm
should be provided. These requests.
with others that may be presented to
you from this department, | believe
ououiu lSSOiPO youI PAOHPe oeiiu S"A u IA
attention.
The City's Poor.
That you may more clearly understand
the needs and wants of this department.
I will refer you to the report Of the over.
seers Of the poor, giving the number OF
inmates at the almshouse, and the mum
Der of families and individuals cared fol-
during the year. Also the recommends
lions made by the overseers should re-
ceive your careful attention.
A City Building.
The need of building owned by the
city officials as offices, and for any other
public purpose deemed necessary, seems
to me to be matter which should have
your careful attention. Not only would
such building be matter of conven-
fence, but the rapid and steady growth
of our city demands it as a necessity
Those who transact public business
should certainly be provided with suita-
BILE quarters. where they may be found
by those doing business with them.
Then again the city records of a public
nature should be kept in safe and con-
venient location, ready of access. ! hope
lhe subject will receive your careful con
sideration, and have no doubt your de-
cision will be for the good of the city.
Let us strive in all our acts to do what
Will best promote the interests and wei
fare of the city.
The city council then proceeded to
organize, and on the third ballot Mr.. w
W. Cutter was elected president of the
hoard