Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1893-06-19
cU PHOSPHATE.
AUGUSTA LOCALS.
CITY GOVERNMENT.
Special Meeting Saturday Night to Act Upon
naadamus Matter.

010d1mus Matter.
Saturday noon special meeting of the
city government was called for that even
ing To act upon the mandsmus matter.
The mayor and Aldermen Lovejoy,
Blaisdell. Martin, Ayers, Wight and
Spaulding were present in the upper branch,
and President Holway and Couneilmen'
Dudley, Moore, Michaud. Tillson. Saun-
ders, Taber, Prescott, Hewins and Harvey
in the lower.
In the absence of the city clerk, Alder
man Lovejoy qualified as clerk pro tent
pore Alderman Martin moved joint or
der for the immediate formation of joint
convention. This received a passage in
both branches and the joint convention as
sembled. Alderman Martin arose and on
to the taxation of the Edwards Company,
made a report. Alderman Martin said in
brief;
Mr.. Mayor and Gentlemen As one OF
that committee appointed some time ago TO
confer with the Edwards Company TO Sc
cure more equitable system of taxation be-
tween the city and that company, and on be-
half of his honor and that committee wish
TO make statement in regard to the pres
ent status of the matter.
His honor has conducted the correspon-
dence with the company for the commit
tee.
The first letter written was statement
made after consultation with members Of
the city government and business people
generally. The letter stated the demand,
which was thought reasonable. and which
was that the Edwards Company should
pay the increase in State and county tax
above that paid in 1887.
| This would not cause the company to
to pay one cent more to the city than the
latter received under the vote of 1887.
We made this demand in accordance
with established precedent. When the
same thing happened in Waterville the peo-
pie there made the same demand of the
Lockwood Company, which met the de
mand promptly and has since paid the diff
| ference.
Ii A reply was received from Treasurer
Jacob Edwards evading the request.
| His honor wrote again putting the case
more forcibly and no reply has been re-
eeived.
/ TWAS then thought proper, pursuant
with resolutions passed at the last meeting,
to apply on behalf of the city for writ of
mandamus. The proposition his honor
made is a fair one. not violating any con-
tract. 1t Is understood upon good legal
authority that even under that vote the peo-
| pie did not contemplate that the company
would build business blocks and dwelling
houses to compete with those of private cit
| liens, which latter were fully taxed.
think this statement represents fairly
the communications and the prcsent posi-.
ton of the matter.
Councilman Dudley then asked if ii
would not be well to produce copies of the
letters written by his honor.
The mayor stated that he did not have
them with him.
MIR. Dudley and Alderman Martin then
had discussion in regard to the occupants
OF the dwelling houses owned by The COM
pany. The one claimed that they were
practically entirely tenanted by operatives
and the other that persons having no con-
nection whatsoever with the mills lived in
them.
Mr.. Dudley understand that you say
that you did not ask anything violating any
contract?
Alderman Martin-No, we did not.
Mr.. Dudley later addressed the chair
saying, in brief: The people deliberately
! next State valuation of the plant would in
crease it quarter of million or more. You
stand in position of breaking solemn
contract entered into by the people by a
vote of $40 to So. When the first contrac,
was made in 1852 the vote was close as he
people did not trust the company but in
1887 it was overwhelming. There has no,
been business man on the street who ha,
not been benefited under this contract.
The mayor-But what has the city got?
Mr.. Dudley--It may have been bad
bargain for the city but it has been very
good one for the citizens. know
that you have every legal right to tax the
company what you please but in doing SO
you break the moral law. 1t is Just as
though his honor was to verbally promise to
sell me lot of land for certain price
Although | would have no legal power to
| compel him to live up to his agreement,
know well enough that he or any other
high minded man would do so. This is o
similar case and do not think that the city
should deal differently with corporation
than with individuals.
Alderman Blaisdell moved that the repor,
of the comniite be accepted.
Mr.. Dudley asked to be recorded in the
negative and the motion was declared
carried
discussion then arose among the mem
bers in relation to the valuation of the plant
by the State. The convention dissolved up
on motion of Councilman IIolway.
In the upper branch Alderman Martin
introduced the following resolution, which
received unanimous passage:
Resolved, That the city of Augusta
invoke the aid Of the court by IA petition of
mandamus, or by joining in a petition for
mandamus of Moses X. Leighton ct ais vs..
the assessors of Augusta now pending, to
cause the completion of the valuation and
assessment OF taxes for 1898 and that the
mayor Of otirr proper officers be authorized
to insiitutr or take part in such proceedings
in the ci'y's behalf
In the council President Holway made
an explanation of the matter saying it was
of formal nature, the intention being to
have the city appear instead of members of
the city government as individuals. Coun-
Gilman Dudley requested to be recorded in
the negative and the resolutions passed
afterwhich both branches adjourned.
Bishop Healey at the close of high mass
at St. Mary's Sunday morning confirmed
IS children presented BY Father Doherty.