Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-03-22


ton with the Superntci1dents of the
different departments during the year.
My business relations with them
have been cordial and friendly. and so
far as am able to ascertain they have
all performed their duties creditably
and nearly all of them have kept WITHIN
the amount Of their appropriations.
Although it has become Il custom anu
is generally expected of the Mayor in
his address to discuss at some length
the details of each of cur departments.
it is not my purpose to do so at this
time. but | will at different times dur
ing the year, submit to you for your
consideration whatever suggestions or
recommendations / may deem neceS-
sary for the welfare of the city.
I am aware that there should be
many improvements made this year
yet l feel that our finances will permit
of only those most needed. and l Will
call your attention to the more urgent
ones, with the hope that it may assist
you i'll making your estimates of the
expenses of the different departments
for the year.
There seems to be much dissatisfac-
ton among our citizens in regard to
the valuation of their property. For
various reasons and causes which are
beyond our control, the valuation Of
real estate situated in different parts
Of the city has changed in the past few
years. In some localities it has in
creased while in others it has de-
creased. In order to rectfy this and to
do justice to all concerned l would re-
commend that a complete revaluation
be made of all the property both real
and personal in the city. To do this
would mean considerable expense but
feel that our citizens would be amply
repaid by the result.
/ would urge that all work done on
the streets hereafter be Of Il permanent
character rs far as possible. l would
recommend that crushed rock or other
liz" material be used for the roads, and
concrete for the sidewalks. 1t is also
my opinion that the use of planks for
walks should be abandoned as far rs
possible: and it should be used only in
repairing the old ones.
l call your attention to the condition
of the street in Depot Square. This is
one of the most conspicuous and fire.
cuently used places in the city; the
Sidewalks are bad and the whole square
except in very dry weather, is one mass
of mud, which gives it not only an I'M
slightly appearance but also makes it
exceedingly lncOnvenicnt for business
and travel. 1t is therefore Il public null
sance. l would recommend that the
portion of it owned by the city be paved
ana L think arrangements can be made
with the management of the Maine
Central Railroad Co. to have that part
owned by them done at the same time.
This would not be :; very expensive
undertaking ana | am sure it would De
greatly appreciated by the travelling,
public and by those whose business
calls them to this locality. such inl-
provemcntS render satisfaction and also
add much to the cleanliness and good
looks of the city.
l think something should be done this
year to improve the condition of the
paving and sidewalks on Water street.
lille they really need relitying, l
would not advise this being done ut the
present time; but | do think they could
be put in safe and presentablc condi-
ticn with but little expense. l would
recommend that this be done, and |
hope you will carefully consider this
matter when making your appropria-
ton for the highway department.
Nearly all the avenues and prominent
streets are now properly severed, and
as the health of our citizens depend
largely on the sanitary conditions Of
the city, l would recommend adding a
little to our sewerage each year until
we have 4 complete system.
The Liquor Agency has been the
cause for some criticism from our citi-
Zens. Much of it | think is unjust and
uncalled for. In Mr.. Marston, the agent
the city has a competent ana faithful
servant, and his duties are performed
in Il very satisfactory manner, but i'll
order to assist him in maintaining this
place as it should be | would recon-
have general supervision of the agency,
and that this committee be instructed
20 use all proper means to keep the
sales within the confines OF the law.
Our Park, which is credit to the
city is fast becoming a favorite resort
for citizens and visitors i'll summer. We
should appreciate this, and should be
proud of the fact that we have such Il
beautiful and r1stful spot. A liberal
appropriation should be made to Sus-
.;in it. \ number of nuisances have
been committed there during the last
few years. which | hope will not occur
again, and in the name of the city l re-
quest every citizen to assist in MAIN
tanning order there and in protecting
the seats from the malicious acts of
few people who seem to delight in caus-
ing all the damage and trouble they
can.
l think it is our duty as citizens and
more especially us members of the city
government. 20 be interested in the
prosperity of our city and to do all in
our power to increase its growth. with
that end in view | would recommend
that 4 small appropriation be made and
Il committee appointed to advertise and
bring to the attention of the business
world the natural advantages and good
facilities which our city affords for
manufacturing and other business en-
tcrprises.
One OF the first and one of the most
important duties you have to perform is
the election of the different department.