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

their work, but to help both children
and teachers by showing my inter-
est in the work they are doing. Should
see things which seem to me to need
correction, 1 should make such sug-
gestions to our superintendent and
school board as may seem proper, but
in no case shall 1 make personal or
public criticism of the work of any
teacher.
LITHGOW LIBRARY.
A properly maintained and managed
public library is a real necessity in a city
like ours 1t makes for the Intelligence
and moral wellbeing of all. 1t stands in
such special relations to the work of our
schools that it is an important adjunct
to that work.
In Lithgow Public Library. Augusta
has an institution of which we NAV we'll
be proud, and for whose establishment
and endowment we may feel grateful to
those to whose generosity we owe it. The
good it has done to our people and our
children and promises to do in the flu
ture, cannot be estimated in dollars and
cents. 1t is deserving of our liberal sup
port.
Heretofore the city has appropriated
annually for library expenses the sum of
$1,000. The trustees in charge inform me
that a larger amount can be profitably
used to improve it's efficiency, and that a
larger amount is actually needed. Hav-
ing carefully considered the facts which
they. have given. me, and the reasons
which they submit. recommend the APP
preparation of $1,000 for the ensuing year.
MUNICIPAL WATER PLANT.
A bill has been introduced into the Leg
islature now in session creating a water
district for this city. II this bill receives
passage, the city will be enabled to own
it's own water plant and to improve its
supply by going to those sources whence
pure water can be obtained
This matter of a municipal water plant
has had considerable discussion among
our people in the past. The epidemics of
this winter in the cities along the Kenne-
bee has called the sharp attention of the
people to the water we are using as the
probable cause of disease because of its
impurty and to the necessity of looking.
to a supply of purer water as a measure
of safety. Ninetyeight per cent of our
people are favorable to change in this
matter of water supply. am heartily in
favor of the movement, and recommend
the adoption of joint resolution of both
branches of the city government urging
the passage OF the bill referred to.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
There are three matters in the line OF
public improvements to which l invite
your special attention.:
First | recommend that suitable wa
tering trough be placed in the square at
the foot of Winthrop street. There Is
now no suitable place at which citizens
and people from the country coming in-4
to the city to dispose of their products,
can furnish their horses with water. Such
place should be provided at once.
Second. Something should be done to
prevent the danger OF accidents at the
crossing of the electric and steam rail
roads at the foot of Rhines Hill | need
not give in detail the circumstances of the
late close and fortunate escape from large
loss of life by collision of the electric
ON OF m 1t that DOlnt | recon-
mend that action be at once taken to
guard against the recurrence OF like
danger.
made for the continued improvement of
our streets and sewers. Good clean
streets make city attractive and add to
the value of the property upon them IN
larger measure than the cost imposed.
Proper efficient sewerage is vitality neces-
sary to the health of our people.
| earnestly recommend action in these
matters, and that such appropriation be
made therefor as you in your wisdom
shall deem proper.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, let us remember always
in whatever we do that we are the SER
wants of the people, not their masters
Whatever ordinances we find II, necessary
to pass let us be sure are for the general
good. Whatever appropriations we make,
let us make after careful study OF the de-
mandS for them and because we are con-
WINGED that they are for the general good.
Whatever officers we elect or appoint, let
ne choose because we believe them fittest
to perform the duties imposed upon them
by the positions to which we c&ii tEeth.
7 ct whatever men are to be employed TO
labor in the various departments, be en-
Moved not because they belong TO one
nartv or the other, but because OIL their
fitness to do the work required ana pc
cause they will be faithful in doing that
work, and especially let those who labor
e. No oft IN streets and elsewhere,
be made to feel that so long as they are
faithful and give us honest Gays service
for their DAYS wages, they need not lear
that they shall lose their places by reason
of any personal or political favoritism.
The mayor closed his address by a |
supplementary extempore statement OF
his position on the temperance ques- |
ton, saying that he did so because the
inquiries of the public upon that topic |
had been so numerous. Ii they want
ed to know, they might look up what |
he wrote in his annual report as over
seer of the poor in the spring oil 1882
which states his beliefs, and he has not |
changed those beliefs. In that report
he said: when men. strong and able
hodied. with the reek of bad Whlskey |
in their breath, cell for food and fuel
and clothing at the public expense,
and one knows that what mas
gone for drink, and the money lost by
loafing, might have gotten a large
part of those things for lack of which |
their wives and children are suffering,
he would be false to his duty as citl-
zen and taxpayer if he failed to cry
aloud to have the rum shops closed
Gentlemen, 1 am convinced; / know
that eighty per cent. of the pauperism
of Augusta is due to the ease with
which liquor can be obtained by, any
body who wishes it. This means that
a large per cent. of the taxes assessed
in this city for the maintenance of the
poor is paid practically towards the
support of the rum shops"
Following the address. came the
election of the various city officers,
the following nominees of the Repub-
lican caucus being chosen without OPP
position:
City clerk-Frank G. Harrington.
Treasurer and collector-James r.
Townsend.
Assessor for three years-Ruel w.
Button. Mr.. Dutton resigned as coun-
Gilman from Ward s.
City marshal-Henry NJ. Breen.