The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1907-11-14
THE SCHOOLHOUSE MATTER.
A Straightforward Statement From Mr..
Charles w. Frederick.

| Charles W. FIeoerlCK.
| To THE EDITOR OF THE JOURNAL: Dur
ing the past two years there has been much
discussion among our people and in the
columns of The Journal as to the need of
| improvements bur schOolhouses, or of
new school building, if that were possible.
Incidentally the availability of certain
legacy, not yet matured, to meet this need,
| or greatly assist it, has been questioned. l
have understood that the Mayor, in a re-
cent public speech, alluded to this branch
| of the subject, and in a most hopeful man.
! ner, as furnishing the best, easiest and only
way out of the difficulties, either real or ap-
parent, that confront our school officials
and city council. As this agitation has
been in the air for some time and portion
of the public, at least, is only partially in
formed as to the conditions of this beQuest,
l have thought it best to make a statement
so that all may know, who read, what the
rights and possibilities of the case are, as
see them and that the legal points involved
be presented, as the Judgment of one of
our foremost attorneys. AS to Immediately
making available this bequest or portion
of it, were it possible so to do, as has been
urged by some of our off icials and best citi-
zens, l have given the subject full considera-
ton. This trust appeals to me as matter
OF so much Importance as to merit the most
careful thought and action. Most assuredly
| 1t is of such a nature as deserves right
| treatment of the interests involved, and
nothing less, and that conservatism should
baa i,ll, IL, a., I,
| been lead to believe.
| Therefore, to Substantiate my own views,
or disprove them, l have consulted with
several of our most experienced business
and legal men; also with one lawyer, we'll
versed in probate affairs, from another
State. These gentlemen all concur in one
| line of sentiment; that my duty and safety
lie in carrying out the provisions of the
trust as made, as nearly as can be. This
propose to do. There can be no right
minded citizen but approves the loyalty and
high-mindedness of the young woman who
wished to benefit her native city, and but
desires, with me, that this bequest shall be
faithfully carried out. SO why should not
the conditions which govern and are a part
|
see where the oft-recited inadequacy of our
present schoolbuildings by school commit
tee or newspapers has any relation to the
dutiful performance of this trust
Ii all goes well and the property cOnstitu-
ting the trust remains intact, and the obli-
cations under it remain to be fulfilled by
the executor, it is safe to say that by the
spring or summer of 1913,-a trihe over five
years,-the matter should be fully settled
OF in the way of early settlement. l can
imagine contingencies that might arise that
would postpone the benefits quite little
beyond this date, but | do not look upon
these seriously. From time to time l pro-
/ pose to consult with the city officials as to
such matters relating to the reai-eState in
volved as seems to be necessary for their
| protection and guidance; also to seek such
suggestions us they, in official place, should
/ be most competent TO give for the future
interests of the city. These are largely aug
menting each year. | do not wish any
thing to occur either through neglect or
over-zealousness on my part, that Shall af-
| feet in the smallest degree the final results
of the legacy for the lasting good of all our
| people
| l append to this a statement of Hon. r.
F. Dunton, of this city, pertaining to the
legal side of the question.
G. W. FREDERICK.
Belfast, Nov. 7, 1907.
BELFAST. Me-, Nov. 5, 1907.
MR. c. w. FREDERICK,
Belfast, Maine.
| My Dear Sir: l have carefully examined
that part of the will of your late wife, Lena
T. Frederick, which makes provision for the
building of public schoolhouse in the city
of Belfast from the proceeds of sale of Hay
ford Block. The following is an exact copy
of the provision of the will referred to:
81 give, devise and bequeath to the city of
| Belfast said "l1ayf0rd Block" and the prop
| erty adjoining the same, to take effect when
my husband arrives at the age of ffty-fve
| years, or at his decease, should he die before
arriving at that age, to be disposed of as
| hereinafter directed, and the proceeds used
! for the purpose of building public school
house in said city. The title to said property
shall vest in my said husband as trustee, in
trust for said city of Belfast, when he ar
rives at the age of fifty five years. And l
direct that he sell the same as soon there
| alLeJ as may De 10 tno DeSC advantage OF
said city, and apply tha proceeds thereof to
the purpose aforesaid. Said trustee and
committee to be appointed by the city gov
ernment shall decide on the location and
plans of said building, and superntend the
construction thereof. In case of the death
of my husband before SAID trust is executed,
! | hereby substitute and appoint James II.
| Howes of said Belfast as trustee in his
stead, with the same powers, authority and
! duties. This legacy is in memory of my
| father and mother, and | suggest that said
building be known as the Peirce School,"
by the express terms of the will this de-
wise does not take effect until you arrive at
the age of fifty-tve years. The title to this
property does not vest in the city of Belfast,
| but vests in you as trustee, in trust for the
city of Belfast, when you arrive at the age
of fifty five years. l am clearly of the opin-
ion that you cannot convey good title to
this property until after you arrive at the
age of fifty-five yakrs, and see no way in
which this property or its proceeds Can be
made available for the purpose provided in
the will until you arrive at tina: age. Mrs.
Frederick has clearly provided in her will
the time when, and the manner in which,
this property Shall be disposed of, anu the
proceeds used for the purpose of building a
schooihouse, and her intention, as clearly