The Portland daily press., 1898-03-04

| orators OF 6oth farCtee SCI rorth A"0AA
! Cause iu Strongest Possible Light-No
Remarkably New Arguments were De-
| veloped.
| The first of the series of three meetings
| to be held this week prior to the close OF
the annexation campaign was held last
evening In Oakdale hall, Pitt street, and
was well attended by representatives
| from every ward with the exception of
ward two. Ex-Mayor Merrill, the presi-
dent of the society referred to the finan-
cial credit of Portland and Deering say
ing that Portland had recognized stand
ing in the commercial world, and that
her bonds would sell at 1-2 per cent
higher than those of Deering. The ez-
penses of Deering as city have increased
Ialarnlingly since it became city. Our
| Improvements have doubled the current
expenses during the past three years.
| In the list of needed appropriations as
suggested by the mayor for the use of the
oity during the coming year, every item
| is underestimated, which indicates over
drawn accounts. and the money must be
raised by increased taxes.
| Mr.. Luther B. Roberts, the Democratic
nominee for mayor Of Deering, said it is
really wonderful thing that Portland
has such world wide reputation with
the comparatively small population of
40, 900. One would suppose in the West to
hear Portland mentioned that it was a
place large in population and area. This
gentlemen is what it should be. If we
annex to such a city 1t seems to me to be
the best thing. Portland is a great COM
out on the side of annexation even though
I am running for office. I have always
| been in favor of annexation, and shall
continue my interest in the plan. even
| though am defeated as q candidate for
office. believe the pepole are ready for
it and will vote fayorably. on Monday
next
| MIR. Thomas G. Harris thought that the
recommendation of the mayor on the ap-
preparations for the coming year were too
small by at least $4,000. This amount
will have to be made good by excessive
taxation.
Mr.. Clarence Small said: 1.-THE appro-
priation for the streets Of Deering during
the past five years amounted to nearly
$65, 900, of this amount s4s00 has been ex-
pended for tools and supplies, $500 for
material Our money has been spent
almost entirely for labor and
nothing is left to show for 1t in the way
of permanent work. II Deering becomes
annexed, Portland would then be entitled
as a city OF $4,000 inhabitants to become
connected with the reserve fund of the
Bankers association.
The next meeting in the series will be
held this evening in Illsley hall, East
Deering, commencing at 745.
THE ANTS.
The Deering anti-annexationists, over
an hundred strong, held forth in Lewis
hall last evening. having most success
full meeting.
A number of interesting speakers were
present and an hour was passed In what
the anti's termed most profitable way.
Scott Wilson, ESQ.,, presided. Messrs.
William E. Leighton, A. W. Pierce,
Adam Wilson and G.. s. Farnham opened
the meeting with bright, spirited re-
marks.
Mr.. c. B. Varney OF ward three, who
spoke in an interesting manner, said that
he wished more of the laboring men were
present at the meeting, that he might tell
them what he had whispered in his ear
IA xL-I
of those who have charge of the work on
streets in Portland was addressing Port
land laborer, who now works only few
! weeks out of the year. He informed the
laborer that if Deering was annexed he
1.-THE laborer) would have work every
working day in the year. Now how much
good would the Deering laborers receive
more than now. He said that ward three
could be depended upon to be almost
unanimous against annexation.
Mr.. Charles Foss Of ward five who said
he was not an office seeker, and would
not take an offi,e for 800 per minute, is
heartily opposed to annexation from
Deering standpoint.
Judge /. L. Elder made q spirited
speech which was interesting as we'll as
convincing. He said that ifDeering is an
nexed her representatives will be petition
ers to Portland. That oity's government
is now made up of twenty eight officials
and Deering would have eight more.
Now what influence could these eight
men have with twenty eight men2
Ex-Street Commissioner Gardner
Walker and Mr.. Charles Jackson Of North
Deering also addressed the gathering.
The meeting last evening had represen-
tatives from all over the city.
Another meeting will be held at Lewis
hall Saturday evening.
The dance at Red Mems hall, Morrill's
corner last evening. marked successful
close of the fair held by the Red Men of
Rockameecook tribe of Morrills corner.