Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1901-03-13


ness men aud women. are interested in having
the affairs of the city governed in as wise con-
sentative and economical manner as is consis.
tent with good government. With all due
respect to you gentlemen, would say that not
/ all OF tho intelligence OF the city Is contained
witnin this board. There are many wise and
clear headed men and women among our citi-
gems. and would suggest to you the solicita-
ton of their advice, counsel and cooperation.
which, have no doubt, they will gladly and
willingly give.
There are several important matters Incl.
dent TO the ioterests and well.oein OF the city
which should receive your careful attention
and CON Liberation. The most important Is the
question of
| TAXATION.
| There Is 10 subject or question connected
with municipal affairs that Is the cause OF so
much discussion, controversy and dispute, and.
/ | may add. deception, as In the matter of tax
/ alton, aud yet there l. no other method devised
or adopted by which the necessary revenues
are raised to pay municipal expenses and debts.
/ II may be called n necessary evil, but as 1t
cannot be avoided, we each and all should
aequiesce, and pay our respective parts as cheer.
fully as we eau.
/ AS regards taxes II Is "a condition and not q
theory" thag confronts us. The conditions Of
/ the tax levies of the years from and including
lsa5 up to the present tlme--to say nothing of
old tax.deeds- are such as to cause a feeling of
humiliation, shame and Indignation, particu-
larry TO those of our citizens who pay their
taxes promptly and fully, and are interested in
the welfare of the city.
| refer 10 the uneollected taxes for the years
mentioned, amounting in the aggregate TO some
| 1900. Words enough have been spoken
about the matter, and IL the delinqueuts will
not respond, stringent measures must be used
TO collect the, taxes. The credit of Ellsworth
has always had a high rank, and we have been
able In the past to fioat our bonds, and make
\ temporary loans at low rates of interests, but
Il large per cent of our taxes are allowed To
remain unpaid. there Is danger that credit
may suffer.
Those OF you who have had anything to do
with city matters for the past two years have
BEEN made aware of the difficulty experienced
In the attempt to collect the tax. deeds owned
by the city. We were confronted with the
question OF their validity; much controversy en-
sueri. and trouble experienced In these eoliec
tons.
ing taxes that has prevailed for past years, Il
| unsound, and IL IA time that reform was be
gun and method inaus urated that will sieucs
the slightest question of their legality re
spectfuliy call your attention to this matter.
Il Is gratifying TO note that there Il an awak
ened int, rest on the subject of taxation among
some OF our people; it is hoped that 1t may
grow aud lsclude all our tax payers, until they
/ can ~ tha mn
lance of having all taxes paid within the yeai
Of their levy.
FINANCES.
| The subject OF huance ia closely connected
with taxation. II taxes are properly assessed
aud fully collected. appropriations prudeutly
made and wisely and economically expended
finances are In u fair way to take care of them
selves.
APPROPRIATIONS.
In making appropriations. 1t is good policy
not to BIO too niggardly nor too extravagant
they should be given due consideration. ths
prospective needs OF each department carefully
aseertained and then make your appropria
tons rather little more than 3 little less thar
the amount needed Then be careful that they
are not overirawn.
HIGHWAYS.
The highways, with possibly a few exeep
lions, have been In good condition for the pas
year. In the past there has been too much use
Of wood in making the larger highway culverts
During the past year severat- large culverts
originally constructed of wood, and decayed
have been wholly reconstructed of stone. In
smaller culyerts, where conditions have been
favorable, pipe has been used instead of wood
The nrst cos, may be greater. but 1t Is more
economical in the end would advise a con
tlnuance of the same policy.
The quite unprecedented fall of snow during
the winter has blocked and drifted the roads
badly There has been considerable "kicking'
by some, because the roads were not shovelec
out. bur Il was deemed wiser, so long as ii coult
lie done, to go over the drifts rather thar
through them
BRIDGES.
All our bridges are in good condition excep
a few OF the smaller ones and the Bango
bridge, which will probably have to be rebuilt
during the year. The abutments OF this hridg'
are built Of logs. In rebuilding, l should
recommend the use OF stone for abutments ant