The Portland daily press., 1895-02-05
Pnblie Works Bill to be Urged at
Augusta.
THE PEAN TO REORGANIZE OVER
SEERS OF POOR.

The nesting of the Portland city gov
ernment Monday evening was more quiet
than usual, the Overseers of the Poor
furnishing the only extended debate.
The subject first came up when the
following report was made in the Board
of Aldermen.
The joint special committee on legisla-
tion, to whom was referred January 30,
1895, an act relating to the OVerseers OF
the Poor of the City of Portland, beg
leave TO report that it has carefully ex-
amined the matter and deems further
legislation inexpe dient at present. This
report was signed by J.P. Baxter, f.
H. Little, G. H. Randall, Henry S. Payson
and John T. Pagan.
The Aldermen decided to ask for a
joint convention to consider rhe matter
with the Council. This was obtained
and the two boards met.
Alderman McGowan, as soon as the
joint convention had assembled, arose
and explained the change which it was
proposed TO make in the constitution of
the board of overseers of the Poor. The
new plan would be to have seven over
seers elected bv the people, instead of
the present board of twelve appointed by
the Mayor. Mr.. MCGOWAN said that
there was general feeling among the
citizens that there should be changes
and reforms in the almshouse, but all
efforts were hampered by the unw1eldy
board of twelve overseers.
Mr.. MCGOWAN went on to analyze he
committee assignments of the board.
there generally being four memb bers to
each committee. Smaller committees
would be perfectly adequate to do the
work. One committee, on purchas-
ing supplies, in spite Of it's size. did not
do its duty properly. 1t did not adver-
tise for bids for articles, indicating that
the purchases might not be made to the
best advantage. t
Mr.. MCGOWAN compared the admins
tration o. the poor department. and its
large board of managers, with the school
department. and the fire department,
which were we'll administered with small
er committees. s
Mr.. McGowan then went on TO advo-
cate the election ofOverseers by the peo-
pie. If elected by wards, there would
be a representation of the minority
party, which would furnish the needed
checks and balances. If it was objected
there should be mo minority representa-
tlon, the whole board might be elected on
a general ticket, as the Mayor is elected.
In conclusion, Mr.. McGowan said that
he was anxious for reform in the poor
department, and he was ready to fall in
with any good plan.
Alderman Thompson said that he was
heartily in favor of changing the board
of Overseers of the Poor in order to put
it on a better business basis. He favored
reducing the number of overseers !, and
even would favor less number than
seven.
Alderman Smith said he thought that
one would only have to 20 out and get
acquainted with the institution to feel
that some change was necessary. He
would rather favor board of five elect
ed by the city government, as the asses
sors are elected. a
Alderman Little said that..the legisla-
ture already had two bills relating to
the streets before them, and he did not
believe in sending down any more of the
charter to be amended in sections. In
another year the whole city charter
ought to be revised. Then all the de-
partments could be examined. He should
| favor less number of overseers.
Alderman Peters thought the board
might be chosen as the school commit
| tee is chosen. A less number than at
present could perform the duties better.
| Alderman Dam favored a general re-
vision Of the city charter. He believed
in reducing the mum ber to five or seven.
Councilman Ilsley said he had not
given the matter great deal Of thought.
He supposed there were some things
that might be improved there, but he
never expected to see the comforts that
are found in some homes.
| Councilmen Mannix and Henley strong
| ly supported the plan advocated by AL
derman MCGOWAN.
CcrHuClludu NlCk6iSOu buouSAu uaC
| matter should be we'll considered.
| Councilman Holland was for letting
| we'll enough alone.
| Councilman johnson agreed with the
alderman from Five.
| Other councilmen were not in favor OF
present action, although Mr.. Slower
| thought there should be change, and
that farm should be bought. There
| was committee to buy new poor
farm, but he. lad heard nothing from
them lately. He 4 would like to hear
what they had done.
Alderman Smith said they were Oh
still hunt.
| Mr.. Slower said that before tomorrow
he could buy good farm Of 300 acres
within three miles of Portland, and sell
the present poor house for enough to
buy the farm and erect the buildings.
In conclusion Alderman MCGOWAN re-
viewed the objections to present action,
| and urged immediate action.
Alderman Smith said the matter had