The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-12-28
Berlin Special Town Meeting.

The special town meeting, held Tuesday
afternoon in Berlin town hall, called out
nearly every able-bodied voter in the town.
Old and decrepid men who have not been
to the polls for years were there, and call
OF the check list would have discovered few
absentees. Scores of interested persons
from Montpelier were also in evidence, and
many were unable to get even standing
room inside the hall.
The meeting was called to order at two
o'clock by Moderator Levi Strong, who
read the warning. Orrin Kimball, first Sc
lectman, read a statement of the financial
standing OF the town at present, showing
total indebtedness, including a surplus
fund of $3,O00 of about $500. This in.
Guided the estimates of expenses to Febru-
airy next. IL. X. Wheelock inquired il
this included any fees for legal services
and was informed that there was a bill of
800 for such services. A rambling discus
sion regarding this item of expense followed.
The report OF the town treasurer was
called for, and was made by M. w. Wheel
ock treasurer. III. r. Wheelock enquired
how much the town of Berlin will be in
debt after the town hall, school building
and school money from district No. is
turned over. Wilbur Brown said this had
nothing to do with the case. Constable
Dawley enquired about other assets, includ-
ing two safes, road machine, scraper, snow
rollers, school supplies, etc. George Gran
dali did not think these things were intend
ed by the legislature to be counted in as as
sets when the town is divided, but as a sort
of compensation for the loss of 80 much of
their grand list.
John j. Eagan made fiery speech against
the bleeding process proposed by this
meeting. He was originally opposed to an
nexatiOn, although he has q residence in
district No. 8. The selectmen of the town
OF Berlin have been, by their words, not by
their actions, driving Berlin street away
N 10 nb
street must help pay any Indebtedness then
let the assets be div ded.
Wilbur Brown referred to the action of
the recent Legislature. and said he would
guarantee that If special tax was voted
to-day 1t could be collected, All the town
OF Berlin asks Is what is right.
Daniel Worcester said It was nothing but
revenge that animated Mr.. Brown, he has
made his threats, and he is trying to-day to
carry them out.
AZ this point the utmost confusion pre-
vailed. The moderator tried in vain TO
keep order, and Mr.. Worcester sat down
amid tremendous hubbub.
M. W. Wheelock read a tabulated state
ment OF the assets that will remain in the
town after the division, and read letter
written at his request by Representative III.
w. Kemp to the members OF the legislative
committee having in charge the bill to di-
vide the town, asking them whether the
committee took into account the fact that
the town Of Berlin is out of debt also the
replies received from the members of this
committee expressing their surprise that
the town Of Berlin should attempt to raise a
fund OF 81 600 to pay an imaginary liability,
and that had the committee known this
they would not have recommended that the
town hall and school-house should revert TO
the town after annexation.
deacon" j. N. Perrin was opposed to
voting tax at this meeting. He favored
arbitration and when the right time
comes the town of Berlin will get from
Montpelier all that belongs to it. He had
ways been proud OF the little village Lets
settle up this business honorably and peace
ably aud part AZ friends.
j. j. Eagan moved TO dismiss the first
and second articles In the warning. On
this question ballot was demanded
While the ballot was in progress twenty
five ladies', property holders and tax payers
in district No. we're marshalled to the
polls by Deputy Sheriff Wedge. Their right
TO vote was promptly challenged, the stat.
utes were hurridly consulted, the board of
civil authority was called together and the
vote of these ladies was finally rejected.
The result OF the vote was as follows:
Whole number OF votes cast, 1872
Necessary for a choice, 1877
In favor OF dismissal, 1866
Against dismissal, lit
and the articles were not dismissed.
The motion was then made that the town
raise tax OF twenty cents ON dollar OF
the grand list. A ballot was called for and
the use OF check list was demanded. The
result OF the vote was eleven majority In
favor Of the motion.