davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-01
BUSINESS SYSTEM.
Board of Trade Recommends
Change in City Charter.
Important Move to Have a Thorough
Investigation Of Affairs.
Opinions by Citizens on Subject Of More
Defined Responsibility.

1 The charter of the city of Augusta
was the subject of discussion before
the local board of trade, Monday even
ing.
That there is general feeling in
favor of a change is voiced in the fol-
, lowing motion made by Hon. II. NJ.
Heath. and unanimously adopted:
That a committee of thirteen. with
the president as chairman. ex ofiicio,
be appointed to formulate and report
to the full board of trade such con-
sentative changes in the city charter
as they deem to be for the best inter-
! ests of the city:
The following We're appointed to
serve on the committee: c. S. HIGH
born, ex-officio; H. NJ Heath: J. F.
Hill; NJ. V. b. Chase; c. B. Burleigh;
NJ. S. Holway; Frederick Cony: w. H.
Davis; A. S. Bangs; Thomas j. Lynch;
0. d. Baker; A. w. Brooks; w. G,
Boothby.
The committee thus created at once
proceeded to set a date for meeting,
next Monday, Dec. {, being the day APP
pointed
Any and all citizens of Augusta are
most strenuously invited to be present
at this meeting to offer any and all
suggestions or opinions which may
occur.
The move for more business
like conduct of the city af
fairs in all branches. and a concentra-
ton. and the placing of responsibility
to as few as possible, if made, will be
made for the benefit of the citizens of
Augusta.
The board of trade. then, has wished
it distinctly known. that all its opera
tions on this matter are perfectly
open; moreover that the cooperation
cision of the question is not only
wanted but needed.
The change includes a placing of
city affairs beyond the influence of
party 1t seeks for a location of re-
sponsbility in an office that shall have
the power to appoint other offices and
that ability for Office and the affairs
demanded by that office shall be par
amount, and wholly regardless of any
party.
| The mayor of the city, as the virtual
head Of the city is that officer to which
reference is made as being the respon-
sible person.
| The meeting held, Monday evening
in the aldermen's room, in the city
building. was a business meeting, and
| the following prominent men present
either had something to say on the
matter relative to a change, or else
expressed themselves as heartily in APP
prevail of a change and a radical one:
Hon. II. NJ. Heath, j. r. Townsend.
Hon. o. d. Baker, NJ. S. Holway Esq.
W. H. Williams. Charles A. Price,
Judge Andrews, Hon. S. w. Lane, Capt
| Fl. f. Blanchard, c. S. Turner, W. ID.
| Stinson Col. A. S. Bangs. G.. Il. Bur
leigh. O. II. Groves, w. y. Getchell, c.
S. Hichborn, F. j. c. Little, Melville
Smith and Stephen d. Blaisdel.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-01

Many people may not be aware that
it absolutely makes no difference in
obtaining a successful sitting for a
photograph. whether it rains or shines.
just as good results can be obtained on
a cloudy day. This is the meaning of
F. II. Burgess heading to his ad,
Rain or Shine.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-01

inconVenient at first but this does not
necessarily mean their inadyjsa bility. -
w. ID. Stinson called special atten-
ton to the necessity of redistricting the
wards of the city, as being a matter
or primal Importance, that the tax
payers might be properly represented.
He said the registration figures showed
it took five tax payers in Ward | 10
equal one in Wards or I.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-01

A. S. Bangs was called on. He said
every mayor of Augusta for several
years, previous to the present one, and
every one had said:
Had the appropriations been more
definitely under my control. | could
have saved from s to Is per cent. on the
city'S expenses"
He further stated that he had in his
investigation made many inquiries in
to towns and cities in Massachusetts.
with populations ranging from $1,000 to
80, 900, and found similar moves to that
now proposed for Augusta, widely bene
fetal.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-01

Will c. Miller manages to keep his
large crew busy though the season he
far advanced. He has the contract for
heating Samuel b. Folsom's house, and
will use the Furman boiler with steam
heating system. Has also just com
pleted the new hood for the highest
smoke stack of the p. O. Vickery
building
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-01

+. II. Jenkins, East side, is moving
into his new store, where he can dis
play his bargains to so much better
advantage. He will occupy both stores,
and increase his stock largely in the
clothing line.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-01

Russell & Weston have Just received
q very pretty and durable, large size,
school bag. II is all stamped for en-
broidery, only costs 10 cents.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-01

Hon O. d. Baker spoke of the aver
age tax rates of the State at one time
when he happened to investigate, Were
from 16 to Il mills. with many towns
and cities less. There was no reason
why Augustus rate should not come
down. with proper management. He
said in conclusion:
I'VE want to get our moneys worth
and the most for our outlaws. In
board. has struck pretty near the
ground. and l hope to see some we'll
advised changes tried and given a
thorough square trial. They may be
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-01

President Hichborn opened the meet
ing with a brief Introduction of the
question He stated that, as he viewed
the question; there was disposition
to enter upon new city conduct that
might be free from partisanship. and
a Capitalization of power, with a result
ing fixing of responsibility AS to this
last he said:
The more spread out the RESPONSE
bility. the more it will be everybody s
and the more it becomes nobody's.
He brought forth the question OF
the institution of a police commission
to be appointed for a term of three
years. one to drop out each year, new
member being elected.
He also spoke of advocating a fixed
sum for each branch of the public
duties that there be no transferring of
moneys appropriated for certain pur-
poses, to any other purpose; or in any
way of mourning expenses beyond
amounts to be definitely allotted
To employ a highway engineer to
oversee all work of this department,
and to know at all times where and
why all expenditures We're made and
that he be competent to control all
highway employ
Mr.. Hichborn concluded with a most
complimentary reference to the ad-
dress on the subject made by Hon. Fl.
M. Heath at the last annual dinner of
the board, last spring, and calling up
on that gentlemen for any remarks he
might wish to make.
Mr.. Heath addressed the body as
follows:
THAT the main part of the progress
siye municipal government, which l
outlined last spring, was welcomed by
very many of the citizens of Augusta,
well knew by the congratulatory
Iatters T received, and other demon
STATIONS. which ! knew to be born of
a strong feeling in favor of this cause.
"The time never was better for this
movement than at present. There is
some claim of humbug made regarding
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-01

Mrs. w. Fl. Gannett, accompanied
by her mother, Mrs. Hill. went to
Skowhegan. Monday afternoon,
where she will make a visit at her
former home
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-01

Remarks were made by J. r. Town
send, who advocated that one of tn,
ticiently acquainted with school af-
fairs to enable him to be power in
strengthening out the taxes in connec-
ton with this, and also by NJ. $. Hol-
way, Judge A. q. Andrews. W. n
Williams. d. S. Blaisdell, w. Il. Gctch-
ell, Charles A. Price and Melville
Smith.
The meeting, Monday evening. will be
held in the aldermen's room.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-01


party has way of claiming. Of tax.
ing upon itself the virtue of non par
tsanskip in government But aside
i from this. there is feeling by citizens
| that the elimination of partisanshir
from the government of this city will
result in a positive. permanent ad
vantage, and will bring more pros
perity to our city.
What we want is a thorough re-
| construction of the methods of running
the affairs of our city. 1t is some form
| of legislation that is needed for this
to be permanent; we want no spurts,
II must be an earnest. decided action.
This city corporation should be run
as any bank, or railroad, or take for
instance, any corporation like the
Edwards Manufacturing Co.
1T has taxa ble' property to the value
of Sc, 900, 600. On this it levies a tax of
$14O, 600
Spends this in city expenses, and il
should see TO it that it is properly
spent. And it is only proper. and fit
ting that this be placed before the peo-
pie. to meet on common footing
Party feeling is not now strong.
There is no feeling of asperity, to the
extent there once was, which makes it
all The more feasible
The State tax never will be more
| than it is--it lis likely to be diminished.
| The county tax will be no larger. The
interest on the city debt ought not be
larger. 1t. should be smaller.
Had some other system been COM
menced % years ago, the city debt
have wasted it through a vicious sys-
TEN. We should know what our ex-
penscs are to be, in poor and other
matters. The water will be next to
nothing. and the lighting, now that
electric lights are added, inconsider-
able.
The common council doesn't do any
good. 1t can't do much harm. if the
revised charter be supplemented with
the proposed reforms. We should have
a reimbursement of the highway control,
and what is paid out should be done so
shape, disgraceful shape. We are no
longer able to keep up with the pro-
gress about us if we continue to do as
our grandfathers did.
The police officers should not have
to lose their heads for party aiiiia
tons: but should be kept for their abil-
ity.
"As to Augusta it is second to none
as a residential city. 1t is geographic
cally attractive, and in every way Of
fers the best natural advantages for
manufacturers to come here But with
a tax of p mills the city places Il in
cumbrance on the people which it can
not bear and beg to prophesy. if a
change of system is made. there will
be a more reasonable tax rate.
The mayor should be at the head of
this city corporation. in power of veto,
and appointment. and be the RESPONSE
bic head to look to for everything con
nected with the city. He should be the
officer to hit if there be hitting.
AT the conclusion of the address Mr. |
Heath offered the motion which was
promptly seconded by Hon. S. w. Lane. !
the city auditor. and unanimously &C
cepted by those present.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-12-01

c. s. Turner wanted to know if any
one present could cite instances wher,
city officers had procured material for
the city at any discount. Perhaps "
said he. They get discount on theil
private bills. But it is the city's affair
| am speaking of. Further. | believe
we have, more | may say | know we
have had city officials whose approval
of bills has been followed by more bills.
the latter cmbodying among them some
of the money previously charged for
the same articles.
No well conducted house would al
low its clerks to spend money for any
purpose, without a head. Let that head
be Il thorough business man, capable
of handling our expenditure of $4,000.
With proper management $50,000 | be-
lieve, will go as far as $4,000.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-11-05
REPUBLICAN STATEMENT.
Henry Payne Gives Certain for Mckin
ley 2G4 Electoral Votes.

Chicago. Nov. Mr.. Henry c. Payne
of the republican national committee is
sued the following:
Chicago. Nov. 4.-Considering the wild
rumors which are being circulated
throughout the country. we deem it prop
or and advisable to state the result OF
the election as indicated by the returns
reported to the Associated Press and con-
tirmed by kilograms to this office from
the chairmen of the several state COM
mittees and the members of the national
committees in the several states. Mckm-
ley has carried. beyond Il doubt, Il sutfi-
Client number of states for the electoral
college to be not less than 2G4. These
states are the following with the cleo
tOral vote of each state
California .. Connecticut &, Delaware
g. Illinois n, Indiana 49, Iowa Is, Maine
&, Maryland s, Massachusetts Il, NIichi-
gan II. Minnesota ., New Hampshire 4,
New Jersey 10. New York 80, Dakota
3 Ohio %. Oregon t. Pennsylvania 81,
Rhode Island 1. South Dakota 4, Yer
mont t. West Virginia g. Wisconsin ID;
total 264.
In addition to these the states of Ken
lucky. North Carolina and Wyoming are
in doubt with the chances about even i'll
the three states, although the republicans
of Kentucky claim the state VIII give us
electoral vote to Mckinley by Il majority
of not less than 5000.
1t is proper to give the basis of the
claims in the disputed states. Advices
late this evening from California from
members of the national committee place
the majority in that state at 5000. This
is confirmed by reports to the Associated
Press. kilograms from Indiana from the
chairman of the state republican central
committee show that the state has given
not less than $4,000 and probably over
10000 for Mckinley, and the republicans
have elected all their congressman and
carried the legislature by a majority of
forty on joint ballot.
kilograms from North and South Da-
kota have been confirmed by the reports
received by the Associated Press and
place the majority in the states at Il little
more than 5000 in North Dakota and
300 in South Dakota. In North Da-
kota we have elected the entire state
ticket and carried the legislature. In
South Dakota the legislature is in daubt
There is no foundation for the report that
Mr. Bryan has carried any of the states
placed in the sure column for Mckinley
HENRY {. PAYNE.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-11-05
WAS FAVORABLE TO M'KINLEY
At 10 O'Clock Wednesday Morning Nc
Kinley Was Reasonably Safe.

Chicago. Nov. At is reasonably GER
tain that Mckinley and Hobart are
elected but the majority is likely to be,
from indications at 10 o'clock a. M, very
narrow and much smaller one than had
been looked for as n result of earlier dis
patches.
The following electoral votes were CON
ceded to Mckinley: Connecticut 6, Hi
nois "a. Iowa 13. Maine 6, Maryland 8,
Massachusetts Is, Michigan IA, Mime
sofa o, New Hampshire 4, New Jersey
10. New York SO, Ohio %, Pennsylvania
80, Rhode Island 4, Vermont I, Wiscon-
sin -; total 800. Probabilities point
with great certainty to Delaware with 3
votes and Indiana with u. as republi-
cans are furnishing more than the 224
requisite to make n majority in the cleo
toral college. The three votes of North
Dakota apparently belong to Mckinley,
and the same may be said of Oregon and
the thirteen of Kentucky but in all these
cases returns are too inadequate to JUS
tify n definite conclusion.
The following votes are conceded to
Bryan: Alabama -. Arkansas s. Colo
RADIO 4. Florida 4. Georgia 13. Idaho 3,
Louisiana s, Mississippi 0, Missouri IL,
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-11-05
EXCITEMENT At CANTON.
1t Was Kept Up Without Intcrmission
Throughout Tuesday Night

Canton. O.. Nov. 4.-Excitement in
Canton plunged last night and was taken
up again early this morning In fact,
there was no intermission, and today,
by untiring din. screeches of steam whis-
ties pulled open to their full capacity and
savage looking chorus bands and drum
corps marching and counter-marching, UNI
formed and ununiformed clubs parading
artillery companies shaking the town
with salutes and townspeople en- masse
joining in the demonstration of enthu-
siasm over the result of the election.
Whatever doubt may be as to the result
is being swept aside and Canton is CON
WINGED their townsman is the president
elect of the United States. Maj. Mckin-
ley was seen about the house at 9 o'clock
this morning after brief nap. broken
by demonstrations all around him. At
1 O'Clock this morning he had stood on
the roof of the porch reviewing the Tip
pecanoc Club, 1000 strong, from Cleve-
land. Maj. Mckinley took n final survey
of the estimates up to 400. In order that
Maj. and Mrs. Mckinley might have
rest the local reception committee was
early on hand to keep away visiting del
egations until later in the day. A curl
Gus crowd filled the sidewalks and streets
about the home, but no visitors were adj
mitted. kilograms by the hundreds had
accumulated through early moraing and
were delivered in huge punches. They
were mainly congratulatory with some
additional estimates on the situation.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-11-05
Vice Chairman National Silver Party"
THE CHANGE IN KENTUCKY.
1t Was Caused by Western Counties
Giving Unexpectedly Large
Bryan Majoritics.

Louisville, Nov. Ill p. m.-The re-
publican state committee claims kcn-
lucky by 1000 majority.
The official count will be made Thurs
day and Friday.
The sudden transfer of Kentucky from
the sure Mckinley to the doubtful roi-
umn early this morning was caused ny
simultaneous reports from counties IN
the western end of the state, where the
populists and silver democrats have iull
sway, which gave surprisingly large
democratic majoritics One of these
counties, Graves. from which no report
had been received last night, came for
ward late today with 3SOS majority for
Bryan. All the important democratic
gains were made in the four congress
sional districts south and west of Louis
vile, where ninc-tenths of the populists
of Kentucky are conferred The fusion
of the populists with the silver lcmo-
Gratis was perfect and the latter cap
tured the entire four congressional dis
tricts in exchange for two places on the
electoral ticket. Among the republic
cans who went down in the popullst
wreck were Congressman Hunter, who
managed last years campaign for Gov
ernor Bradley, and Congressman Lewis,
two of the ablcst campaigners in Ken
lucky politics. In Louisville and Lex
ington and in the Fifth, Seventh, Eighth
and Eleventh districts the republicans
made brilliant gains, but they were al
most wiped out by the democratc-popu-
list fusion of western Kentucky.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-11-05

raHty, and Adams has, without doubt,
been elected governor.
Idaho, Montana, Utah and Nevada
have all gone for Bryan by heavy ma
iorities.
California has, on the strength of the
returns at hand, undoubtedly gone for
Mckinley.
Delaware, where the republican party
has been rent in twain because of the
Addicks-H Higgins fight, has kept in the
republican column. The vote for the re
publican electors in this state has been
unusually large, showing that the 1rac-
tional disputes did not extend III any
,reot measure to the national ticket
The vote of Maryland has shown an
interesting reversal from that Oh l"S'
presidential election. Cleveland carried
the state by a plurality of 2l,loo' anu
this wear Mckinley has plurality OIL
slightly over $1,000 in the city Oh h"'-
timore.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-11-05
THE LATEST FROM JONES.
He Does Not Yet Conccdc Mckinley 5
Election.

Chicago, Nov. 4.-Scnator Jones issued
the following statement tonight:
Il have counted from the beginning
rs the states from which we expected
Bryan's election the southern states and
those west of the Missouri. | had
hoped that we would carry Michigan and
Indiana. l believe we have carried
every southern state except Maryland
and that we have carried all the western
states heretofore counted on, Wnicn
leaves us. not counting Delaware, which
| think we have carried and which l
have not heretofore calculated on. 2O9
votes. Either Michigan or Indiana
would give us the remainder of votes nee
cssary. The reports received from botn
these states give encouragement ana
lead us to believe that while both states
are close that we have the better chance
TO win and may carry both. There can
scarcely he doubt of our getting In
diana. Under these circumstances, 1t
seems to me that we are entirely justl-
fed in claiming the election of Mr.. Bry-
an. which | do believe, and | believe that
the temper of the people is such that
they will not allow their choice to be de-
feated by tricks and fraud. The state
ments made in the city papers today
that we have given up the contest and
admitted that Bryan is defeated indicate
desire on the part of the papers and
the republican managers TO arouse false
hopes in the minds of the people and
lead them to believe that Mckinley is
elected. | have never conceded Mckin-
ley's election and will not until radical
changes are made.
JAMES X. JONES"
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-11-05
KENTUCKY IN DOUBT.
AT Midnight the Indication Were
Slightly in Favor of Bryan.

Louisville, Nov. 4.-(Midnight.) THE
situation in Kentucky is materially
changed by the receipt of late and com
plete returns from out in the state which
indicate that the result is in doubt with
n chance of victory in favor of the dem
ocrats. At the republican headquarters
it is still claimed that the state has gone
for Mckinley, and Chairman Roberts
latest estimate was a majority of 1000.
Tonight the state is being claimed by the
republicans, but no estimate given. The
democrats refuse to give out any figures,
but say the state has gone in their favor
by Il safe majority. They charge that re-
ports have been delayed purposcly and
that the late returns show beyond all
doubt that the state has gone for Bryan.
Tonight the streets are crowded with
silverites, who are Justify yelling the
name of their candidate.
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-11-05
THE DAY WITH M'KINLEY.
The Major Rccuperatng-He viii Not
Talk About the Election.

Canton. O.. Nov. Mai Mckinley
has spent a day of comparative quiet at
his home, seeking to rccupcrate from the
strain of the last few days. From the
porch he reviewed several uniformed
clubs and delegations from neighboring
towns. but made no speeches. He has
not said word on the election by speech,
letter or otherwise and appears deter
mined to reserve his judgment and even
his views until every vestige of doubt on
the result is removed
He sat in the library tonight until II
O'Clock smoking, looking over late dis
patches from waycring sections and chat
ting with callers. He retired at / :GJ and
the Mckinley home was darker tonight
than it has been in weeks. 1t is felt by
those about Maj. Mckinley that he
ought in justice to himself and Mrs. Me
Kinley, get away from Canton for Il few
days. After the tremendous strain of
recent days his friends went to him and
asked him TO take Il few days respite for
the natural conditions may in part he re-
stored
The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-11-05

been consulted over the telephone; that
he was told that there was an impromptu
parade and had given verbal permission
that parade of the silver men might
be held; but the man who had that con-
yersation with the chief could not be
found. and therein lies an issue of the
fact that made the parade a dismal fail
ure. 1t was also stated at democratic
headquarters that the local democratic
headquarters had been notified to form
in front of the annex. Therefore, while
some of the wouldhr marchers started
cast on Congress street and went north
on State, the number in front of the
Auditorium continued to increase.
A platoon of police were dctHied to the
Auditorium and promptly brone up the
first gathering. This, however. lid lot
qucnch the ardOr of the silvcritcS and
they got together again an hour later.
Some of them, who were left at the
Auditorium, had in the meantime in
tended to start a second parade. An
other detail of thirty officers, however,
kept the two bodies apart