The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-01-04
Agitation Over the Fire Dis
trict Question.
Johnston Doesn't Want Any Part Of
Providence Protection.
COMMITTEES 20 Present Facts and Fig
ures TO Mass Meeting.
Tun NEWS BUREAU,
No. s. Hartford Avenue.

No. 5. Hartford Avenue.i
Some go citizens, mostly taxpayers In
The Oineyville section OF Johnston, assem-
bled at the fire station on Plainheld street
last evening TO discuss the advantages OF
fire district division of the town or an
nexation TO the city.
IL there was any sentiment TO become q
part OF Providence In the gathering 1t did
not materalize in very clear expression
TO that effect, while on the contrary
several expressed themselves against an
nexation at the outset.
The views of those who spoke were con-
servative, with an evidenI desire for In
formation that would aid in informing
them as to the better plan TO adopt. IL
was generally conceded that some change
would be for the best interests OF all con-
cerned.
AS no ore was prepared to suggest
plan, committee TO present facts and
hgures to mass meeting OF the electors
oil the town was appointed which covers
the town geographically and IKE
the meeting from which IL
emanated is a representative body and one
that Will give the matter iDtrusted TO their
investigation the care and attention II re-
quires, and whose finding will be received
with interest and probable Endorsement
by the citizens In general.
Willis w. Fiske was elected chairman
of the meeting and without any prelimi-
nary remarks asked those present TO ex-
press themselves. III. Ii. Wood stated
that he was unprepared to discuss any
PARTICULAR plan, but deemed the question
one OF great Importance and one that
would have To be met sooner or latter. lie
suggested a mass meeting OF citizens and
general discussion, after facts and
figures had been obtained, that all might
act inteligently.
A. Waterman Smith thought that be-
fore action of any kind could be taken
fap f4xs. yr.v tx.x .HAat M "A =
ferent plans should be furnished. He
favored committee of inquiry.
John Il. Collision wanted better
fire service. He would like to
see paid department established.
Geo. +. A. Beane stated that he came az
listener. IL had been some time since he
had given the subject consideration. At
one time he had procured figures OF the
expenditures and amount OF tax received
from the different sections OF the town,
but conditions have changed In few years
and they might not beapplicabie now
section probably some arrangement salts
factory TO all could be provided. James
Davis, town treasurer, said that IL
division of the town was made
the farming territory would furnish only
small amount OF property to receive
taxes from In comparison to the towns
valuation, only about million and half,
against four and one-half millions dol
lars in the Olneyville section, He be-
lieved that II the people voted
might regret it, as did the residents
in Ward 10 OF the city when they were
set of from North Providence. The peo-
pie can have better police and fire service
IL they pay for 1t, in q district, and az q
probable less cost than II they went into
the city to get them.
John j. Harrington desired to learn the
costs under the different plans and why
the people of North Providence went into
the city when they were paying so cents
on hundred tax when Providence was
getting II 90 rate ON hundred. No one
replied.
Samuel T.. Graves wanted to learn
whether the people wished to curtail ex-
penses or desired more improvements. He
believed we could get all we wanted as we
are now situated.
scns 5S;spA into e0ess ss e and mo nssS sSorss S
committee OF inquiry. He said
we could have improvements
as we are, II we desired to pay Cor them.
IL we went into the city We would have
them and be obliged to pay for them
whether we wanted TO or not
John 4. Kenyon, was not sure as any
great number wanted to shake of the
Olneyville section, perhaps disgruntled
few who have axes to grind. Let Us
inform ourselves what Is for the best In
terest OF All SECTIONS Oh the Town ana then
act accordingly.
John McGlinchoy was emphatic in his
opposition OF annexation. He said: "Wc
are we'll enough off as we are. Time
enough to consider going into the city at
some time in the future"
III. A. Page favored that plan which was
the least expense TO the taxpayers.
w. l.. Plaisted complained of poor water
service, but conciudeGit could be reme-
died by grading Kiil:ngly road and re-
ceiving water supply from Fruit Hill
reservoir. He favored permanent fire
department as one OF the first require
ments OF this section. rE
rhefoilowing committee was appointed:
Herbert b. Wood, William X. King, John
T.. Dowen, +. A. Twitcheil Gilbert X.
Parker, George W. w bite, Dr. Charles A.
Barnard, Theodore $. Hughes and Leander
W. PeckhLm.
rhe committee Will meet for organiza-
tion at the council chamber next Monday
evening.