The Portland daily press., 1893-02-16
Cape Elizabeth Division.

To the Editor of the Press:
The division or set off of certain terri
nv and inhabitants of the town of Cape
Elizabeth, which has been for many
years matter of discussion through all
parts of the town, seems now to have
have taken form. In fact, if the feeling
of the people of all sections, as expressed
in acts and words, can be correctly read,
the time is fully ripe and the necessity
has come which demands change in the
municipal relations of the different parts
of the old town. Natural changes and
developments seem to positively decree
the exit of the overcrowded and, at
times, uncomfortable sstown meeting of
thousand or more voters, assembled in
jostling, surging, and perhaps, noisy
gathering. No public business can be
discussed and determined amid such a
confusion. Any project can be previous
ly arranged and rushed and shouted
through, while the careful and deliber-
ate taxpayer is unheard, unseen and I'M
cared for. More especially may this be
true when appropriations and expendi-
lures of money are nearly exclusively
sought and obtained for the wants and
conveniences peculiar to a populous sec
ton having a large majority of voters to
reap the entire benefits, while helpless
minority are obliged to pay their equally
proportionate tax and reap nothing.
This positive divergence of interests
seems to have prevailed in Cape Eliza
beth for years, and of late has come to
be burden, positive and Oppressive, to
a minority located entirely outside OF the
populous section, engaged exclusively in
agricultural pursuits, reaping therefrom
the usually limited remuneration OF the
tillers of the soil in New England. Any
system of municipal government which
would still continue this taxation OF farm
property over the rebuilding of populous
communities engaged in manufacturing,
mercantile and other remunerative avo-
cations yielding ready money in hand,
would surely be but a continuation OF
the unjust burden, increasing as the
wears pass on and as the deparity in num-
bers and divergence of interests in
crease.
Friction, disagreement and strife are
the natural outgrowth of such condi-
lions, the more especially SO when an
overwhelming majority complacently in
quires-'What are you going to do about
| it?' Now, it being fact that a set OFT
may be made of this minority OF unre-
| Quilted tax payers, compact, peculiarly
| 10, mi nfa
and employment, it goes without saying
that such set off must be conducive to
harmony, prosperity and good govern
ment. In perfect line with our good
policy of government by and for the
people, themselves, so inherent IN the
| mind of every true American.
| Thus it comes that minority, more
marked and distinct as time passes, are
| asking a set off in Cape Elizabeth, as a
justice to themselve, in their present and
| future prospects, and without wrong or
| loss to the great majority in any OF their
interests or in their development, growth
and prosperity. 1t is a governmental
recognition of natural condltlon OF ousl,
ness and interests already estaplshed
without the let or hindrance OF any man
or set of men, geographlcaliy' moreover
or also economic. =.
Such a set-o off. with a Just apportion-
ment of nubIic burdens, with an equita-
ble adjustment of the business relations
of the two divisions of the town, is
sought. and Justice, fairness and good
government prompt the petitioners to
exnect favorable action by our legisla-
tors upon their case.
Since the movement has been SO far
unfinished during the past month or
more by the PRESS, the Express, the
Sunday Telegram, the Lewiston Journal,
the Sentinel and other newspapers, the
public must be well appraised of its ex-
istence. Reports, however, have at
times been erroneous. Persons and af-