Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-03-17

their confidence in us. Let us work to-
gether in a spirit of mutual helpful
ness, feeling that our obligation is to
all the people, for the good of all the
people.
FINANCIAL.
For information regarding the finan-
cial condition of the city, 1 refer you to
the report of the city auditor.
We are to make provision for the
various needs of the city. Liberal ap-
preparations should be made where
liberality will be for the city's best in
terests. Economy should be exercised
where economy will not cripple any
department in making necessary eX-
penditures. 1t should be our aim to
keep our tax rates at the lowest
practicable limits, while sacrificing
nothing of needed expenditures.
When, in the exercise of our best
thought for the city's good, we have de-
cided upon the amounts to be appro-
priated, then let us keep expenditures
within the limits of appropriations. If
we find that any appropriation is too
small for actual needs, supple
mentary appropriation should be
itldut IdlueI lItH " COlllIdCl DlllS Ill
excess of the amount provided. After
mature thought I am fixed in the de-
termination that will sign no warrant
for expenditures beyond the amounts
actually available and appropriated.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
An efficient fire department is a ne
ccssity in a city like ours. Such de-
partment is at it's highest efficiency
when properly organized, equipped and
managed. A chief knowing his bust
ness and master of himself and of those
under him. force loyal to their chief
and taking pride in the right perform
ance of duty, all the appliances for
fighting fire which modern invention
has provided-these are the conditions
to be secured if our people are to feel
safe from the ravages of fire. 1t will
be our duty to see that our department
is so organized and equipped, so far as
in us lies. If money is needed to make
it efficient in any of these regards, we
should provide the needed money. If
it is within our province to make it, l
recommend the regulation, that in
case of every fire the chief be au-
thorized and directed to establish fire
lines within which none but members
Of the fire department shall be admit
ted. unless summoned by the chief.
POLICE FORCE.
Upon our police force depends the
Orderliness and good name of the city.
Such force should be made up of men
who in the performance of their du-
duties will be firm. decided, determined,
fearless and self controlled. Under no
provocation should they be brutal in
dealing with offenders. While in
making arrests they should bring in
their man at all hazards, they should
use only so much force as is absolutely
necessary.
POOR DEPARTMENT.
The deserving poor are worthy of
our sympathy and kindly, considerable
care. The undeserving-the poor by
choice-poor by reason of laziness or
intemperance-while they should not
be allowed to suffer for food or cloth
ing, should be made to feel that their
poverty presents no claim to sympathy.
Our poor department has to deal with
both classes. To deal with them
wisely requires at the head of the de-
partment a man specially fitted for
the place. He should be q man of
large heart, of kindly and sympathetic
manners, of sound common sense, not
easily imposed upon, and of firmness
and decision.
SCHOOLS.
Augusta has always been proud of
it's schools. 1t will continue to be
proud of them if we shall provide for
keeping them not only at their present
state of efficiency. but for making
them better. as doubtless they can be
made better. To this end, liberal ap-
preparations should be made for their
support. .u