Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-03-16
City VAR hal and Pellcs.

MARSH IOs 1881
City var hal and Pelics.
One of tie most important departments
If ,u- muricipsI government, and one IN
which every citizen of HslIoxell is interest
ed. is the dcpartme MT of police, for We look
to them 10 enforce the Laws OF our Stale
and ci ordinances, to naiLtsin order upon
our streets at all times day and night, an
TO protect our property when left IN their
charge. from all danger. The successful
admin stration of municipal affairs aepsnd
LARGELY upon the enforcement OF our oy-
laws or ordinances, and while believe we
have capable, efficient officers In this de-
nartment, regret to say We have not been
above criticiem in the enforcement OF our
local and State laws. That the prohib-
i,ory law does not prohibit the sale
of intoxicating liquor in the city OF
Hallowell is to be regretted by every citi-
zen who has the moral welfare of our city
at heart. The laws upon our statutes
touching this important question are 50
emphatic in their language. so plain IN thele
meaning. that there can be no excuse for
violating them through ignorance, and l
shall expect you, gentlemen, to cooperate
with me ia making this subject so interest
ing, so instructive to the would-be- offender,
that we may safely predict good results.
| In your choice Of officers for this depart
ment, desire to emphasize the Importance
of appointing men of character, men who
have the moral courage to do their duty,
men who will uphold and enforce our laws
| impartially and honestly, then we may
safely have cOnfdt nee in and respect for
the Individual members of police service.
| In connection with this department, de-
sire to make recommendation with refer
euce to the election of our city watch and
special police. l believe our present sys-
tenn of electing these officers Is entirely
wrong and not calculated to increase or
even maintain that high standard of fficlen-
cy and conduct SO essential in the proper
discharge of their duties. When politics,
party feeling and petty prejudices are to b.
cor silered in the appointment of our local
police officers, / believe it is high time we
| had a change in our city ordinances.
therefore recommend that the appointing
power and control of our city watch and
| special police, subject to the approval of
the city council, be assigned to our city
marshal, and that he be held personally re-
spons BILE to the city government tor their
conduct an the proper perform snce of their
duties. This would not be surrendering
any authority or control nov vested in the
city council. Give this subject your atten-
ton, and if the suggestion meets with your
approval do not hesitate to act.
Sewerage.
That system of sewerage is necessary
to public health, profitable Investment
upon our streets and convenience for
those who are assessed, no intelligent per-
son will deny.
There was appropriated last year for this
department $1,000, and in addition there
was collected during the year from abutters
1891. According TO the report of the COM
mittee on sewerage, there was built duiing
the last year PLY feet of new sewers on
the following streets: Winthrop, Sl3,
Union, 10. Central, $50, Middle, $50.
Warren to Spring. 404. The average cost
per foot being 81 IA cents. The COM
mittee's report in detail will be found else
where.
In making the appropriation for this de-
partment, would recommend a sum large
enough to complete the work planned last
year. The committee should make a care
full survey of our streets before ordering
work to be done, ascertain where it is ad-
visable to construct sewers, and then, after
carefully considering the estimated cost,
make every dollar of the appropriation ex
pended count 100 cents in benefiting our
streets and those who are assessed.
Fire Department.
Fortunate, indeed, have we been the past
year in the small number of fires that have
occurred within our city. When we think
of what our neighboring cities have suffered
by fire, during the past winter, in the loss
of valuable property causing temporary, if
not permanent suspension of business,
when, upon investigation, we find this is at
tributed largely to insufficient fire pro.ec-
ton, it is well for us to pause and consider
what our facilities are in battling with
serious conhagration. Every business man
upon our streets, and every property owner
in our city, is, or should be in favor of pro-
tecting his buildings against loss by fire, and
while our present fire apparatus is well
equipped, and well managed, the time is
coming, gentlemen, when we shall awake
from our slumbers, although l fear it will
be too late, and realize the importance of
securing adequate fire protection for our
factories, our business blocks and our
homes. The importance of keeping our
fire engines and apparatus in perfect work
ing order, ready to respond quickly at the
sound of the fire alarm, cannot be over
estimated. Before making your appropri
a,ions l ould advise that you consult with
the proper officers, or committee represent
ing this department, and ascertain what is
actually needed the coming year in the line
of repairs or supplies.
Taxation and Assessors.
If it were possible to have all necessary
city improvements, pay the current expen-
SEES of the various departments. and make a
IL or 10 mill rate for series of years, i.
would undoubtedly meet the approval of
our tax-paying citizens, but unfortunately
in "ihese perilous times of peace" it would
not he practicable or possible. In the mat
ter of taxation, the majority of our citizens
are willing to substitute brains and common
sense to theoretical or visionary IDEAS, and
as rule, are satisfied with the lowest rat
possible, consistent with the actual need,
and reouirpments of our city