The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1897-03-18
Turning Over a New Leaf.

however, than the men themselves is the
spirit of justice to all and loyalty to Bel
fast which mas inspired every step of the
movement from the preliminary arrange
ments for a caucus to the final organiza-
ton Of the Municipal board. There may
have been, and may be, errors of judg
ment, honest differences of opinion; but
there will be no attempt to punish any
one, to foment i'll feeling and strife-no
eXtravagant promises or extravagant ex-
penditures. The affairs of the city will
be in the hands of practical business men,
and will be conducted in a practical and
business like way
The Mayor address, published in other
columns, gives full expression to the above
sentiments. 1t is plain, straightfor-
| ward, business like document, and it's
| recommendations are all within the line
OF the public good. The suggestion as to
the publication of itemized accounts of
the disbursements of the city is one that
should be carried into effect. The people
have a right to know how their money is
expended. Such reports are made by the
towns and the counties, and the city tax
payers should also be furnished with like
information. This was done by Mayor
Swan, but, unfortunately, the precedent
he established was not followed by sue
ceeding Mayors. The Mayor finds that
our liabilities were increased to the
amount of s., 60 40 during the past two
years, but with the prospect of having
our interest account very much reduced
in the near future and our tax rate CORE
mend any increase of taxation on account
OF it. He thinks it advisable for the CITY
to endeavor to refund as soon as possible
at lower rate of interest, the $49S. 700 in
six per cent. bonds, due Aug. Is, 1898.
The Mayor says enough under the head
ing of highways to indicate that he is
earnestly IN favor of good roads, and it is
certainly high time for reform in that di-
rection. His suggestion that the lower
bridge be inspected should be acted upon
at once, and that structure be restricted
to the purpose for which it was intended
a public highway. The Mayor recon-
mends liberal appropriations for the
schools and shows due appreciation of
their importance and of the good work
that has been done in their behalf. The
Free Library has an appreciative para
graph, the need of an efficient fire depart
ment is emphasized, and the Mayor de-
clares for liberal appropriation this
year for the construction of sewers and
the continuance of work on them until
the system is completed. This should be
done, but we did not suppose the finan-
cial conditions would permit of an appro-
priation for sewers this year. The work
once begun should not have been inter-
rupted.
In electipg street commissioner there
has been decided departure from pre-
cedent A young man has been given the
place, and those who know his all-around
abilities, intelligence and resourcefulness.
believe that Mr.. w. H. Walker, the new
commissioner will justify the confidence
placed in him. His election meets with
general approval. The choice of Mr.. |.
L. Clough as chief engineer also com
mands public favor He has had expert
ence in the fire department, and is level
headed, quality most essential in such
position. 1t is only due to the retiring
chief, Mr.. Francis II. Welch to say that
he has been most Jealous and faithful in
the discharge of his duty, and we believe
that he leaves the department we'll equip
ped with all the apparatus needed for
lighting fire. This with an abundant
water supply ought to ensure adequate
protection. OF the other officers elected
IL is not necessary to speak in detail.
Some are reelected, others are restored to
positions they had filled most acceptably:
and all we believe will perform their re-
spective duties conscientiously.