Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-08-14

cessary for the good Of the city to hold a
convention they might have the Opera
house. But the convention could be held
in the armory hall once in four years, IS
often as conventions are likely to be held
here. Under the existing financial col
dition of the city, he submitted that v e
should get along with existing condi-
itons. When the city is able he would
advocate a city building that would be
an ornament to the city. Hi. idea was
that the present plans would not give
satisfaction.
The city is now getting along for about
$1,000. With the building there would be
the 4 per cent, the exemption from taxa
ton, also the insurance and the j%anitor.
Altogether the cost will be nearer $4,000
than $1,000. Mr.. Haynes then said taxes
were a Chinese wall about the city, No
doubt this ! per cent. seemed low. But
did they realize what a 4 per cent. bond
for a century meant? He dwelt on this
at length until Mr.. Vickcry interrupted
and said: II will give you 500 for every
$1,000 to carry my stock for me for 10
years"
Mr.. Haynes replied that he did net
think Mr.. Vickery was in the project for
what he could make out Of 1t, and didn't
uieh to Ea CO rnJorc%ooJ -.-lA /.
wrong for the city to erect a building
under these conditions. 1t would be ne
cessary for the syndicate to have it.
friends in the city government right
along, although these gentlemen were now
acting as they thought In the line of pro-
gress. As to the location, he thought
representatives of two-thirds of the valua-
ton of the city should have something to
say. Again he thought it wrong for the
without consulting the public. He would
admit that if the people, the constituents,
had not said anything about it. they We're
recreant in their duty. And it was
claimed that they had not opposed it at
the meetings.
Mr.. Vickcry said he thought the people
were four to one for the building. If
they weren't, why in all this time hadn't
they got the requisite 80 names calling
for a public meeting? He wished they
would aud settle the question.
Mr.. Haynes repeated that he thought
the citizens had been recrcant in thci
duty. He doubted the constitutionality
Of 1t. He knew of a strong determination
to test this before the court.
H. NJ. Heath called attention to what
he termed legal errors made by Gen.
Haynes. In figuring the cost of the
building he hadn't introduced the sup
posed increase in the salary of the city |
treasurer. 1t is proposed to elect the
treasurer as a mere matter Of conven-
fence. The contract provides 1t shall be
done without compensation. He was
willing to stand upon the care with which
this contract is drawn. AS to the 4 per ;
cent. fallacy: A 99-years bond with an
option after 10 years, would be figured
on 10 years. 1t is fallacy to speak of this
rs a 4 per cent. investment for 90 years.
The charter of this city provides that on
petition of 80 voters this board must call
a public meeting. Now Mr.. Haynes saws
he represents the Edwards Manufacturing |
Company. Now it i'll becomes the Ed
wards Manufacturing Company to raise a
technical question. If 1t stood on tech
nicalities, how much tax would it payf
How much does each citizen pay in add
ton to what he otherwise would pay were
it not for the exemption of the Edwards
Manufacturing Co.? As to the constitu-
tiona'ity of this project he cited just such
contracts as this in principle that had
been construed to be constitutional. He
believed 1t strictly within the power of
the city to make this contract.
Gen. Haynes said that the Edwards
Mfg. Co knew that its exemption could
not be maintained at law, but they be-
lieved it was for a consideration and ex-
pected fair treatment.
Mr.. Vickery wanted Mr.. Haynes to I'M
derstand that this project was not started
by one mar or one set Of men.
Hon. Harrison Hume of Robinson,
M in tho o;t- T,,nCdar -,,ock - ~. |