The Portland daily press., 1894-03-13
DEERING.


was inaugurated at Lewis Hall last even
ing. in the presence of an audience Of in
terested citizens and friends of the vari-
Gus officials. Mayor Sawyer delivered
his inaugural address as follows:
Members of the City Council:-In pre-
senting ourselves for qualification to as
sumo the positions that our fellow citi-
zens have honored us with, it is fitting
that we should express our qualification
for the confidence expressed as the re-
suit of their ballot. l hope that l may
so fully have the cooperation of the
council that united and having always In
mind the best interests of the city, we
can show that their confidence has not
been misplaced.
Finances.
The subject most important in all COM
mercial and incorporated institutions is
finance. | feel that it will not be pre-
sumptuous to expect, with your aid, to
so manage as to show the best results
with as small burden for the citizens as
is consistent for the many necessary I'M
provements to enable us to rank among
the first of our Maine cities, and to con-
tinue our steady and prosperous growth,
desire that must be in the heart of ev-
ery good citizen, la result that can only
be obtained, as in the mercantile world,
by an attractive display of our many nat
ural advantages.
Seventeen Thousand dollars of our
bonded debt falling due within the past
year were refunded ut per cent, the
bonds selling at premium. Our tempo
rary loan of $25, 900 was also placed at
the same rate of interest.
AS YOU are we'll aware, this loan or in
debtedness was contracted through. or
by. the extended system OF sewerage
constructed last year, from which we
must and will soon receive benefits.
Among my recommendations for the
ensuing year is the sum OF S50oO to be
applied to the payment OF portion OF
our Indebtedness. While l feel that
certain amount is not at all unhealthy, L
do know that nothing will give more
confidence than partial payment; there
fore the recommendation.
The assessessed valuation of the city
for 1898 was 1924. $50. an increase of
S131 $50 over that of 1892. The general
funded debt existing at this date is $685.
475. The temporary loan on account of
sewers is $25, 200.
For detailed account of the financial
standing of the city will refer you to
the treasurers report.
Schools.
Our schools, through the efforts of an
efficient committee, have made advance
ment that enables me to assume that they
compare favorably with other cities
throughout the state, and our appropria-
tions should be made on a basis that will
enable them to continue their good work.
For the detail of their work will refer
YOU to their report, now in the hands OF
the printer, which will soon be ready for
distribution.
In connection with the subject of edu-
cation, would call your attention to the
statute laws relating to free public libra
ries and state aid in the establishment
and maintenance of the same, also chap.
242. an act of the last legislature, to
amend chapter 55 of the Revised Statutes
and l recommend to your favorable con-
sideration proposition to the Deering
Library Association (Which through the
efforts of the ladies has maintained an
existence for several years. to make their
library nucleus for the establishment
of free public library, thereby furnish
ing the means of self education, open to
the use of every citizen alike.
Our shoot houses are adequate to our
needs. An appropriation of $4,000 for
some needed repairs will put them in
the best of condition.
[ have examined with satisfaction 1.-THE
report of your overseers of
The Poor
and can assure you that the economy
and Judgment used in the management
of the alnshouse and farm, together
with the positions and conditions of our
outdoor poor, this branch requiring no
appropriation for the ensuing Year,,
leaves no chance for citicisD1, and only
an opportunity for praise and CONNER
dalton.
Your city physician in his report, will
call your attention to the necessity for
some suitable place for use as an hospit-
al; and would recommend the removal
Of the old almshouse to a proper loca-
ton. making such repairs as are needed
for it's use as hospital which, undoubt-
edly will answer all purposes for years to
come.
Police Department
During the past year a police force
was established, consisting of chief
and six patrolmen. who receive compen-
sation only when called on duty. The
efficiency was somewhat impaired by
having no place for the confinement of
prisoners. I would strongly recommend
as in my last years address, that some
action be taken towards establishing a
lookup or police station. I would also
recommend for the next year that
small specific salary be fixed for the city
marshal, and that the office may be that
of director of the force and not necessa-
rily that of patrolman.
Fire Department.
The fire department., being of great
and possibly OF vital Importance to the
city interests, requires men of charac-
ter and ability for its management, and
necessitates your particular attention.
For the past year we have been especial
ly favored in not sustaining heavy losses
by fire. The experience of many cities
throughout the country should be
lasson TO Ours Therefore the increase