Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-03-17
INAUGURATION.
Continued from Page Ten.)

extended to the Edwards mill and
Cushnoc Heights. The radius of the
sharp curve at the west end of the
bridge would be increased and the
danger of the curve greatly lessened
Such improvements would open for
business the site of the existing sta
tiOnS on Commercial street, from
Winthrop to Bridge streets. This strip
of land is of sufficient width and in Il
proper location for stores and other
purposes, and if Augusta continues
her present splendid growth, would be-
Come very valuable.
From its sale the Maine Central
Railroad Co. might pay a large part of
the cost of the suggested Improvement
The railroads should bear the cost.
The city of Augusta was here before
the railroads. with it's streets unob-
struc-ed. For the valuable franchises
which they enjoy the roads have paid
nothing, and they should cheerfully
render the streets as safe as when they
obstructod them.
With the grade crossings at Rines
Hill. Court. Winthrop and Bridge
streets abolished and with a new COM
mercial district, our city would grow
in population and prosperity even more
rapidly than in the past few years.
i therefore recommend that the city
government take this matter up with
the two railroads interested. If the
abolition of these grade crossings cam
not he obtained by negotiation, 1 sug-
gest that the city apply to the legisla-
ture which will be in session during
will cause the abolition of these cross
ings without expense to the city. I also
recommend that the cooperation OF
other towns and cities whose inhabi-
tauts are also endangered by the Rines
Hill crossing be sought and if possible
enlisted.
HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS.
Tie success or failure which will at
tend this administration viii depend
upon the zeal and fidelity shown by the
several committees of the city govern
ment to some extent but to a greater
degree upon the men whom you shall
select TO have charge of each depart
ment. Ability and fitness for the po-
sitions they are called to fill should be
carefully considered by you who are
responsible for their selection.
l am pleased to commend the faith
full ard efficient service which has been
rendered during the past year by every
member of the retiring city government
and by the heads of the several de-
partmentS.
The Fire Department, under Chief
Buckley. has reached a high degree of
efficiency and it's record has never been
surpassed. There We're SO fires to
which the department responded dur
ing the year and not a total loss. The
value of the buildings involved was
$19S,400 ard the damage only $7,964. The
value OF the contents was $4,000 and
damage only $4,000. The total amount
of insurance on buildings and contents
was s164,1S6, and the loss the smallest
on record.
The police department under City
Marshal Fletcher's management has
received well deserved praise from all
our citizens and favorable comment
from visitors. to our city.
The work Of OverseeF of the Poor,
Spaulding has been. of the most intelli-
gent and faithful character and merits
the communication of all. In fact, |
can find much to commend in the work
| of every official who has served with
| me during the year just closed. They
have, | trust, all done their best for the
people of Augusta whose interests were
intrusted into their hands.
APPROPRIATIONS.
In the important matter of appro-
priations | trust that when. after due
deliberation, you shall have fixed the
amount of money which may be ex-
pended in each department during the
ensuing year, you will cordially sup
port me in an effort to keep within the
appropriations
1t is not SO much the amount we
authorize to be raised for needed eX-
penditure that will subject us to praise
or censure. as the way In which the
appropriation is expended. A large
expenditure may be an economical one
and a small outlay an extravagant one.
The taxpayer has a right to demand
full value for his money.
We need at the beginning of a new
| municipal year courage and vigilance,
a reawakening of civic pride and the
cordial cooperation of all citizens.
fLfltFSy ana lIle right spirit Will over =
come every obstacle that may be en-
| countered. Every citizen is entitled to
his rights; he can justly receive no
! more Let us have no favorites.
When a decision must be made let the
question be: What is right" and the
| answer, THE greatest good to the
greatest number"
OUR INTERESTS ARE IDENTICAL.
The city of Augusta is our home, in
striving to promote her best interests
we are working to increase the pros
perity and happiness of our friends,
our neighbors and ourselves. We are
members of one great family. the sue
cess and pleasure which comes to
| one is shared by all.
We have the best schools in the
State: let us keep them at the head
We have a loyal and efficient volunteer
fire department; let us cordially sup
port it and increase its efficiency. We
have a good police force and the lives
| and property of our citizens are safe:
| let us make it the pride of every
| citizen and a cause for commentator
| to others We have the best business
| houses and the finest business street of
any city of its size in New England.