The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1896-02-11
SOUTH PORTLAND.
Some Reasons Why 1t should Become a
City.
To the Editor Of The Press:

| i o Jt6 GUttOF " Tue Ef6SS.
Referring to recent article appearing
in one OF our Sunday papers relative to
the call OF town meeting to be held in
the town OF South Portland on the goth
inst, l would respectfully submit the
following. While I do not believe it good
policy to answer in public print all such
criticism that may be thrown out
against the opinions Of citizens in ques-
lions of this kind, 1 will make an excep.
tlon to this only on account of the
writer's name being mentioned in ,on-
neotior with the move referred to. The
heading OF the article prominently refers
to march being sprung, etc. am
very sorry to see such prominence being
given as would appear to place the citi-
zens who signed the call in false posi-
ton. The question of different form
OF government for the town of South
Pol tland has been for number of wears
before the psople, hence it is not new.
1t has been thoroughly discussed by all
partles and the recent charter which was
granted at the last session of our lepisla-
ture was gotten by committee COM
posed by men from all sections of the
town and principally by prominent oiti-
zens OF the village of South Portland. C.
A. Tilton, f. H. Hartford and others.
NO doubt we shall find opposition to it's
adoption, tho same as we have found to
all public questions that have come be-
fore our town for number of wears
past SO the question naturally arises,
Who are the opposers?
One portion of the article refers to the
fact that Mr.. Dyer, chairman of the
board OF selcetmen, is "solid against it. !"
1t that statement is true it is only nat
ural, and we must expect such opposition
from all the salaried officers as well as
from those who are aspirants for those
offices. AS long as they hold those posi-
tions, just SO long Will they desire to
hold them, for all men arc selfish to
certain extent
Now what are the advantages in favor
OF city charter for South Portland?
There are many, and few will men
tlon. First, it will do away with our
obsolete and troublesome town meetings,
which cost such an amount Of time and
Inconvenience on account of SO large
body OF men being crowded together and
requiring two days to complete, and then
only by rushing through an amount of
business that actually requires four days
10 complete intelligently and In a bust
ness like manner.
Second, we shall enjoy a saving of
about $1,000 per year in salaries OF officials
which we pay every year, and for which
I'VE plainly see is the reason why our So
leotmen are "solid against it'
Third. unless we do make change
soon and lel1eve the people of such high
rate of taxation, we will be compelled to
submit to another slice of territory being
taken from us, the same as we exper-
fenced one year ago, when the town was
divided on account of burdensOme taxes.
AS regards any move being sprung"
on the people, would say that no such
move was or is intended. The gentlemen
who signed the call have only the well
fare OF the town at heart. and desire only
to see the best interests of the town ad-
vanced. and for that reason alone deem
1T proper to bring the matter forward
for the consideration of the people.
We do believe that with valuation of
about Sl, 5OO, 900, we can enjoy much
peuter returns and aU a much less cost
than we do or have enjoyed in the past.
Ii we decide by our votes that the reform
is needed, We shall certainly have cause
to congratulate ourselves on the change,
and 1t will place US on line of progress
which coupled with the other improve
ments which we now enjoy, cannot fail
to be greatly appreciated by the people,
One argument against the change, and
which requires some attention, is stWe
should wait till affairs of the two towns
on account of division are djusted'
Why should we wait, and if we wait
how long shall we wait for that event?
| ma
years, and unless by help of the legisla-
ture, l see no reason to change my opin-
ion.
But why wait? Does that question
enter into the matter in any way?
Would it interfere with its adjustment,
and II SO. how? IT our system of govern
ment change, does the character of the
people change? Not by any means, and
neither will such a change interfere with
such adjustment. The waiting process
can still go on, and will go on until a
commission is chosen by law to compel
a settlement.
Let us put on the now garment bv dis
carding the old. Let us open the way for
capital, in building up our town by re-
moving the barrier that is now keeping it
cut. The article mentions the names of
prominent citizens of South Portland
village as being opposed. I cannot be-
lieye those gentlemen advanced any such
argument as claimed. / believe them to
be men of honor. and believe they would
be ready at all times to edo unto Others
as they would have others do unto
them" They are now, and have been
for sometime, without representation
in tie official board; but under city
form of government, would always be
represented, and they can readily see
that their wants and needs will be much
better provided for at All times. The time
Will then be when Jealousy and feeling
willBbe laid aside, and the need of the
people without regard to section will be
looked after and provided for in a bust
ness like and honest way; when the
barge and other teams will be relic of
the past, and the jams and confusion ct
orr town meeting' will soon be forgot
ten.
! CNFhyT