The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1895-05-25
WATER, POLITICS, SILVER.
How George p. WescOtt Visits Spring
field, Missouri.

Presidency-What Down East People
Think of Free Silver,
The Republican, of Springfield, Mo,
says that Col George P. Wescott, presi-
dent of the Springfield Water company,
arrived from his home, Portland. last
week. and will spend few days in that
city. II e was seen by the Republican and
stated that his visit to Springfield was
simply a business one. He was looking
over affairs there and said he would re-
Urn to the East in a few daisy. When
asked as to how the business of his COM
pany in Springfield was progressing, he
said:
"W ell, it is not as satisfactory as
would like to have it, but we are holding
own in hopes of something better in the
future. The town is scattered over SO
much territory and so few people use
hydrant water that the business is not
what it should be. We have about sixty
five miles of pipe and are putting in new
mains whenever asked to do so by the
council and we have no complaints to
make, notwithstanding the fact that
many of the new pipes do not bring us
any returns.
"I am connected with nineteen different
water companies, and this one pays the
least upon the amount invested Last
year we put in $685. 600 worth of improve
ments which of course includes the new
pumps. We were compelled to put in a
new pump, that cost several thousands
dollars, to be used only in the case of an
emergency or short spell of dry weather
While do not want to register any COM
plants yet. the business, like everything
else is not so profitable as the public gen
orally supposes.
"How about Tom Reeds chances for
the presidency" asked the reporter
"Oh, well, we are all for Tom down
East. He will of course have solid dele
cation from his state, and in my opinion
would be nominated beyond question
were it not for his location. The fact that
he lives in Maine is the only objection ]
can find against Tom Reed anywhere. II
should not be an objection, in fact, as
there is no truer American in the whole
United States than that good natured,
whole souled, broad minded Tom Reed. I
have known him intimately for twenty
four years. He and had offices in the
same building together for several years
in Portland
"The only fault that can be found with
Reed is the fact that he is not poll
tician He never uses political tricks or
methods usually in vogue among poll
ticians. He does what he believes is right
no matter who it hits. He would as soon
strike friend as foe did the friend
chance to be on the wrong side of meas
ure or attempt to work any skull-dullery.
He is one of the few men who have at
tanned an eminence in natl onal affairs by
reason of his ability and natural fitness
| for the position which he holds He never
gained anything by political trickery OF
the use of money. What he is he has be-
came from his own natural worth and
ability. In fact l have often become dis
gusted with his apparent lack of policy,
and have at repeated times, conjured him
to act differently, but were he to do that
he would not be Tom Reed The people
admire him for his ability and power, and
after all, presume he is wise, as such a
man is to be admired -
Chow do you pepole down East stand
on the money question:"
"Well, I hear very little about the free
silver question in Portland or any where
in the East. The people are anxious to
get hold of the almighty dollar, but they
are not at all particular whether it be sill
| yer or gold. Not one man in thousand
| in the East thinks or cares what kind OF
money we have just SO it is money and
they can have some kind of employment
by means of which they can get hold Of
| it.
"The East is getting over the Demo
| cratic panic rapidly now. Factories are
opening up, business is reviving and
| times are about the same as before the
panic. Many factories that closed down
two years ago have reopened and the
wheels are all humming. The West ap-
pears little slow about Catching on,
| but the ball has started and it is a
question of only very short time when
the whole country will be enjoying the
good old Republican times before the
present Democratic administration took
charge of affairs :"
Col Wescott is a man of pleasant ad-
dress and freely expresses himself He
has served his native city of Portland in
| the capacity of mayor and also his district
in the state senate. He will return to
Portland next Monday
Death of the Decadent PIaYwrieht.