Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-05-23
TAX ABATED.
Edwards Co.'S Valuation Not
to Be Increased.
City Council So Voted at Special
Meeting, Last Night.
Aldermen Stood q to 2, CounciImen 8 to
d, for Abatement.

voted, last night, to abate the taxes
of the Edwards Co. to the same amount
as last year. The vote in both branches
was largely in favor of the proposition
to this effect, which was submitted
by Alderman Manley of Ward 6. The
aldermen voted four to two in favor
of abatement, with two absentees. The
common councilmen voted eight to four
in favor, with four absentees.
Before action was taken d joint con-
vention of the two branches was held
for the purpose of considering the mat
ter Mayor Robertson presided.
Alderman Manley was the first
speaker and he began by stating that
in 1883 the city of Augusta entered
into an agreement with the Edwards
Manufacturing Co. that the property of
that company should be valued at
$500, 900 for a term of 10 years begin
ming with 1888. -Four years after"
said Alderman Manley, IAN entirely
new proposition was adopted by the
city council, which provided that the
valuation of the company's property
should be fixed at 100000, provided
new mill be built and put into oper-
alton, and continue for 10 years after
1893 Now, then, l submit that the city
has not kept faith with the company,
for in 1893 the administration of that
year raised the valuation to $1l2,0o0
and it has remained there until the
present time. This contract is plain
and unequivocal. 1t says that the val
uation of 100000 shall continue for
10 years after 1893. Ten means 10 and
does not mean g. after means after
and does not mean before. The 10
years have not yet expired.
Councilman Boothby of Ward , next
addressed the convention. He said that
there had been good deal said about
the city not having kept faith with
the Edwards Co, but he did not be-
lieve there was a member of the pres
ent city government inOr citizen of
Augusta who desired to break faith
with that company.
II have been trying said Council
man Boothby, "to convince myself that
1t was right for this city council to
abate a portion of the tax of the Ed
wards Co. this year, but | have not
been able to find reasons sufficient to
Justify me in so voting. | have been
looking UP the records and / find that
the Kennebec Journal in 1887, prior to
the date of the holding of the public
meeting of citizens to act upon fixing
the valuation of the Edwards Manu-
featuring Co. for a term of years, pub
lished several statements i'm relation to
the matter. And all of these statements
bear out the assertion that the citizens
of Augusta did not vote in favor of eX-
tending the exemption beyond 1903
They voted in favor of having the ex-
emptiOn close in 1902. That was the
intention of those voting in favor of
the proposition of the Edwards Co at
that time. | voted for the exemption
as did many others, but | did not UNI
derstand that it was to continue be-
yond this year. Nor do l believe any
body else so understood it. The Ken
nebec Journal published, Sept. 10, 1881
report of meeting of the Board OF
Trade, which reads as follows:
""There was a well attended meeting
of the managers of the Board of Trade
at Mayor Macomber's rooms, last evcn-
ing, and many expressions of gratifica-
ton at the bright prospect for Il large
increase in the number of spindles al
the west end of the dam were heard
The following resolutions were given q
passage and adopted.
wards Manufacturing property is now
100000, and will continue so unit
1898, and
Whereas. The Edwards Manufg
Co. offer to build new cotton mill ot
from 10000 to 10000 spindes, on wes'
side of the river. and a wooden machine
factory on the east end of the dam. suf-
ficient to accommodate the enterprises
tl, Ia; .l,, l. nil
ings at the West end, provided the
citizens will advise fixing the valuation
of the company's property at 100000
commencing when the new cotton mil
shall commence operations. and the
continuance of that valuation for II
years from the expiration of the pres
ent limit of valuation, j. e., 1898, there
fore.
"'Resolved: That the Board of Trade
recommend to the citizens of Augusta
that the proposition of the Edwards
Manufacturing Company be accepted.
THE Kennebec Journal, that same
day. also published the following cal
for public meeting:
state of Maine, City of Augusta
s. s. Greeting: To the inhabitants of
the city of Augusta qualified to vote ac-
cording to law. In the name of the
State of Maine. you are required to as
semble at Meonian hall. on the 18th day
Of September. A. D.. 1887, at O'Clock
p NJ. then and there to act on the fol-
lowing articles, to wit
First. To choose a moderator to
preside over said meeting.
Second. To see if the city will fix
the valuation of the property of the
Edwards Manufacturing Co. at 100000
for the purpose of taxation for Is years
U5 years. beginning with the next mu-
ncipal year. provided said company
will build a new cotton mill on the west
side of the river. having a capacity of
10000 spindles. or more, new mill for
small manufacturers on the east side of
the river. and make other improve
ments.
Third. To act on any other business
legally before said meeting. The meet
ing will be omen until o'clock. Given
under our hands this 18th day of Sep
TENDER, 1887 George E. Macomber,
Mayor: Henry G.. Staples. Frank A.
Brick. &. f. Gaslin, B. E. Folsom, w.
H. Williams. Aldermen of the City of
Augusta