The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-01-04
ANNEXATION OF DEER1NG.
70 the Editor Of the Press:


my former communication, the Commits
sion to draft the terms Of annexation has
reported, and we have learned that it is
indeed fact that the percentage of the
debt OF the city of Deering at the present
time when con pared with the valuation,
already exceeds u trifle that of the net debt
OF the city of Portland, that of each
being about 3.4. while that of Deering is,
Mt least, small fraction of one per cent.
the larger, without including soma large
liabilities in the way Of unfinished under
takings, the cost of which is not yet de-
terminable, such as finishing tho new
schoolhouse and Forest Avenue. Both of
these will also probably be paid for by
borrowing money instead of by taxation.
L am sure that many anti .annexationlsts
will be as surprised as l was, after
hearing SO much about Portland's larger
debt, etc., to learn that the ratio of debts
is as it Is. 1t seems that Deering has
not been paying for all of her much
needed improvements; but has been
mortgaging her future prospects, laying
up grief for her grandchildren, while re.
duoing her tax rate to keep up appear
aness Of great prosperity; while Port
land, enjoying more experience in fnan-
ces, has been making incredibly enormous
strides towards paying off her debt by
placing the tax rate where it properly
years, Portland may be practically free
from all the burdens of the past.
1t is we'll, sometimes, to look at the
annual reports of our city before becom-
ing too thoroughly imbued with the self
satisfaction and complacency which has
been so manifest of late among the oppo-
nents of annexation in Deering. Facts
are stubborn things, and l believe that
the next Eannual report of our City
Treasurer would, if it could be seen be-
fore the vote upon the proposed annexa-
ton is taken, prove powerful antidote
for much of this sentiment. 1t certa My
must show a largely increased city debt,
with more necessarily to follow. 1t would
seem to be only fair to the public that
this report be seagonably distributed this
year, instead of delaying 1t, as usual, nm
til after the spring election. So much for
the debts, if, indeed, they really are so
important consideration as we have
been led to believe.
Some OF our citizens. in their zeal,
.eeJn to forget that cities and towns are
institutions established for the convent
ence and well-being Of the people, indi-
vidually and collectively, rather than
the people are created for the purposes OF
the city or town. 1t is the individual's
comfort, convenience, bust
ness prosperity, and general we'll being,
that is the objective point; not the in
crease of population, buildings and taxa
Bile valuation; and SO as well, we may
say. it is comforts, conyeniences and
beauty more often than u low tax rate
that makes place attractive to newcom-
ers. want TO ask my friends who are
opposed to annexation, have you seriously
questioned yourselves, and considered
bow annexation would affect you person
Gify? Have you studied this out for
yourselves, or have you allowed yourself
to De influenced, / do not say persuaded,
by some oticeholder or other direct ben
eUG1afy OF bt6 IbunlClEdllly
Contlne yourself, II you choose, to the
mentioned in my last com
alone, without entering into
the ciEcum stances peculiar to your partic-
alar case. an you not ina good reasons
for voting fer the annexation of Deering
TO PortlandP Then consult your own
personal, business, social ana public in
terests and tell ne how you will be
affected. If you want to be loyal, know
hn11 no will oft
as we'll; that you ere not confronted with
an International question. nor by an an
tagonlstic or competing community; you
are simply asked to collect yourself to-
gether, to bring your business, rs we'll rs
your bed, within the scoops Of the influ-
ence of your vote and citizenship; to pat
yourself into position TO have 8 part in
the expenditure OF the taxes which you
pay in Portland.
Deering is not invited by annexation to
become annihilated, to surrender her
affairs to others; this is fallacious CRY;
Deering is rather asked to join in q
larger life. GTandsr career, TO have to
part in things row beyond her most SAN
guine hopes. She is asked to look no
longer with envy upon the accumulated
institutions and acquisitions OF d long
and noble past; the achievements posi-
bis only to time, centralized wealth. and
culture; she is invited TO freely become 3
part of 1t all; to assist and to share.
What could be- fairer? What, g more
reasonable proposition?
Nor can annexation change the face Of
Daering, or move it nearer or farther
away from tho business center; it VIII
not abolish schools. streets. sewers, light
and water supplies, nor any kindred
blessings. It certainly cannot deprive
the citizens Of Deering of sidewalks. for
they have none to lose; and, rs for bridges,
Portland has always maintained ours
for us. Our neighbors will not change
faces or characters, and ] have no doubt,
too that we shall still be subject to "a few
little annoyances.
My friend, Mr. Clarence Small, in his
careful and well written communication
published in the PRESS of Dec. 3lst,
remarks: ''The real reason of the majcri-
ty Of the Observation-Disclosures for oppo-
sing the union is "a political one. They
ma protest that they are out Of politics
and do not want to get in; but u ere is
3 deep seated hope that lightning may
strike" This is undoubtedly true of
some, ut least; but l want to assure my
political friends that, if they ara worthy,
tightening is just rs likely to strike them
rs cstizans of Portland as il they were
still citizens of Des ring; that their polit-
icai friends and allies will still he near
them: and that the two Deering wards