The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1896-01-30
Belfast Board of Trade.

THE HOTEL MATTER GOES OVER. THE BRING
ING HERE OF NEW INDUSTRIES DISCUSSED.
An adjourned meeting of the Belfast Board
of Trade was held at the Police Court room
in Memorial building Monday evening, Jan.
9th. There was good attendance of men,
bers of the Board and citizens. President
Sibley presided. 1t was announced that the
committee on hotel would report at the next
meeting of the Board.
j. E. Wilson spoke in favor of new manu-
featuring enterprises. He understood this
meeting to be called to talk up new manu-
factories for Belfast. He would not only try
to get some good company to occupy the
Dana Sarsaparilla building, but would in
duce smaller concerns to occupy some of the
Every business man, especially the young
men, should belong to the Board of Trade.
He moved that article l of the constitution
be suspended and such of the citizens pres
ent as wished be made members at this
meeting. The article is as follows:
Any citizen of Belfast may become men,
Der of this association on the payment of two
dollars (S2), and signing the constitution
and bylaws, provided he shall have been
proposed and elected at regularly called
meeting, not more than three (3 negative
votes appearing against him.
President Sibley ruled that the motion
was out of order, as portion of the consti-
tuition cannot be suspended.
Mayor Hanson, being called upon, spoke
earnestly in favor of new manufacturing en-
ua Ia Dol tol,
the place among the cities of the State to
which her natural facilities and advantages
entitle her. He has taken great interest in
the prosperity of the city, and has done
what he could to promote her interests. He
thinks we should look for outside business,
which will prove of the greatest help in
building up the city. He has written to
several shoe manufacturing firms, telling
them of the advantages Of Belfast and offer
ing free rental of building. Shoe men say
the Dana building is adapted to the shoe
business. Tie building cost S27 600 and it's
present owners inform him that an offer of
S15 900 will be favorably considered. He
outlined the two plans by which it is pro-
posed to deal with the matter; namely, for a
company to buy the building and give the
rental to the manufacturers, or for company
to buy and own the building, the citizens to
guarantee the interest to them, and give the
use of the building free to the manufacturers.
He favors the latter plan as easier of ac-
complishment, He thinks if we could offer
free rental we could easily get relia BILE firm
to locate here. He does not criticise the
Board of Trade, but what he has done was
in field not at that time occupied by the
Board. There is no better way to harmonlze
than for all to join the Board of Trade. The
Board of Trade might be made a mighty
factor for the welfare of our city. He is
positive that something will be done. Belfast
will have a new hotel. new factory, a new
bridge and electric cars. He is willing to do
all in his power to be able to point to Bel
fast as live and progressive city.
Frank l. Wilson stated that although a
new conner here he was in full sympathy
with anything that will advance the inter-
ests of the city. Thinks new industries are
needed.
j. F. Wilson again took the floor and stat
ed that he had been about among the busi-
ness men and found that the prevailing
opinion is in favor of shoe factory first,
and that hotel will come. Our business
men expect something to be done now Do
not believe in delays. Appointa committee
to 60 to work at once. He believes that if
the Board adjourns tonight without doing
q off oh 11o
called to take the matter up.
Joseph Williamson, Esq, stated that he
would cordially join in any movement that
will advance the interests of the city.
Thinks the matter should be in the hands of
a practical committee.
Alderman F. H. Welch stated that he be-
lieved that as many public spirited citizens
as possible should become members of the
Board.
Mr.. Wilson advised the appointment of
committee OF 9 members at least to have
charge OF the matter. they to appoint sub
committee of to go to Massachusetts and
make arrangements for getting some manu-
featuring concern to come here.
Mr.. Welch hardly agrees with Mr.. Wilson
as to sending committee to Massachusetts
unless they know just whom they are going
to visit. The matter can be arrived at by
simpler and less expensive method.
President Sibley again spoke for himself
and the firm of Critchett, Sibley & Co., and
said they would extend hearty right hand
of welcome to any reliable, honorable man
ufacturing company, whether of shoes or
other goods that will locate in the city. He
stated that now is busy season in the shoe
manufacturing business and it would prob
ably be difficult to get an established con-
cern to move at this season of the year. He
cautioned the members not to get their ideas
too high.
F. E. Wiley, in answer to question, said
that the Dana Sarsaparila building is in
his opinion well adapted, as to sze arrange
ment of rooms, light and power, for shoe
manufacturing.
On motion of James FL. Howes the meet
ing adjournedi indefinitely, and a call, sign
ed by five members of the Board, was pre-
sented to the President for special meet
ing to be held at Memorial building Tuesday
evening, Feb. 4th.
Jock Darling in Trouble