The Portland daily press., 1900-04-17

Thomas that some Of the appropriations
for The poor department last year was 10
Be taken away ana added 10 this depart.
rnsnt this year.
Alderman Gsrrish said that more
money would probably BE- needed
ON account of the bath houses being
swept away In the past winter. This
sally brought out ripple Of laughter.
This Item was passed.
On the land purchase Item In ward .
Alderman Thomas ebjsotsd. saying that
land shouidI OF he b; ugat In that section
for simply an engine house. The city
couidn't afford 10.
Alderman Miiliksn argued that the np-
preparation should be made IS the resi-
dents Of that part OF the city were In need
Of an engine. He detailed che history OF
the Ere department In that part OF the
city and showed that mors and more each
year tbs city nssded IN engine house In
that section. All that the people Of the
west end OF the city ask 10 protection.
"Don't turn ms down and say We don't
need anything because We are under the
hili," said the alderman from seven.
In answer to . question by Alderman
Thomas, Alderman Milliken said that
the chief engineer had said during the A.
tefnoon chat the lot In question Was an
ideal one for the location OF house. The
item then passed with two dissenting
votes.
The Hquer agency Apr opriation came
In for some discussion. ave are going to
have better stun this year." said Alder
man Milliken. Auditor Saaborn said
that the agency was not salt sustaining
and that State Liquor Commissioners
Wakefield had told him he had got tired
Of waiting for Portland to pay her iiqour
bills.
"It IL pretty mean man who won't
pay his bills" commented Alderman
Moultou.
Ths item that an appropriation Of $500
be made was then passed.
Alderman Moulton objected to the ap-
preparation OF $500 for q milK inspector.
He doubted II the city could pass an ordi-
nance covering this point and delay
should be made until next winter when
the Legislature convened.
Alderman Milliken read q statute of
the Massachusetts, laws that every town
having population Of three thousand
should have . milk inspector.
Alderman Gerrish thought that 1t was
an Important matter, but wished that
the subjsct might be laid over time
longer.
"L We don't appropriate tAe money
and then get our Law. We viii be adrift.
said the mayor.
Alderman Driscoll thought 1t was
very timely question.
vote was thsn taken that the order
be passed for the present. II had pas
sage.
The increase In the stationery bill OF
last year was on account Of meeting bills
of last year.
The increase Of police contingent WAS
made necessary on account Of one ambu-
lance. Objection was made by Alderman
Ierrish who believed that 1t was hardly
necessary TO buy an ambulance. But the
item had passage.
| .,h. Was on
account Of ellis which amounted to near
~ the sum asked for.
The item OF six thousand for Schools
was passed without debate.
when the itsm Of $4,000 for school
salaries was reached Alderman Mouiton
thought this amount might be decreased.
He said that two years ago the combined
salaries Of the Dsering and Portland
schools was $l06. $50. Last year 1t was
jumped up to $4,000 and now 1t Is pro-
posed to jump to the salaries up to sll9.
00n. Mora than this the plans Of the
school board contemplate an increase
from year to year.
Alderman Drisooll said this increase
was not In higher grades but In the
lower grades.
Mayor Robinson was asked to express
his views Of the matter. He said that by
q special law all power is vested in the
school board. They have the right to FIX
salaries and the city council cannot in
crease these salaries or dsorease them.
The school board asks for money and the
city council can appropriate the money or
not rs 1t Gees ct. The school year begins
In September and our year begins In
April. These salaries will not begin I'M
till next September. These salaries apply
to the grades. There are five grades in
the primary schools and four grades In
the grammar schools. Ths scheme Is to
provide uniform system Of increases OF
salaries In these grades.
A large amount Of the proposed increase
IL for salaries In the Deering high school
where the committee had an understand.
Ing with the teachers that they should re-
csive more pay this year. They mayor
said only one teacher had been before the
estimate committee to urge an increase
In salary.
Alderman Johnson wanted to know If
the school committee has the right to
spend all the money they want to. They
oyerdrew their appropriation last year.
Can they do whatever they wishs The
mayor said that this would have to be
asttled In other tribunals.
Alderman johnson tho rght the teach
ers were paid as much for their work rs