Casco Bay breeze. [volume] (South Harpswell, Me.) 1901-1917, 1909-08-19
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sort, and many other incidental fac
tors, deserves better treatment from
the town government. Had even a
half hearted attempt been made to
guarantee the citizens and property
owners of the island some measure of
protection, full credit would be accord
ed. But even this has been denied.
No sign of initiative in this direction,
not even the shadow of a beginning
appears in the fatuous policy thus far
pursued by those entrusted with the
well being of the entire community.
For this apathy, the citizens of
Chebeague themselves are not wholly
irresponsible. Municipal benefits are
rarely showered upon an apparently
apathetic community. Until 1t is def
nltely shown that the property owners
of the island are a unit in demanding
legislation by the town government
along these lines, we expect to see
little accomplished. Selectman Rob
bins, however able and willing to CO.
operate, can do little until he Is armed
with the powerful weapon of an
awakened public sentiment.
Towns, like individuals, must be
able to forecast and prepare for the
future. The shepherd boy did not for
ever cry "wolf,' when there was no
wolf. The blood-thirsty animal finally
appeared and collected his dread toll
Similarly, one of the first duties of a
community is to ensure the reasonable
safety of its builded property.
The FIRE fend is never asleep. Like
the wolf, he comes upon the unguard-
ed victim. What sadder spectacle is
there than a homeless family driven
from their cottage by a night FIRE,
watching the remorseless flame devour
each familiar corner and crevice of
the once sheltering structure.
The loss by fire of even one of the
established hostelries of Chebeague
would shrink the valuation of the
town far more than the expense of
fire apparatus. And greater than this
is the inevitable setback to the in
catastrophe would bring.
Prohibitive rates of insurance be.
cause Of inadequate protection, com
bined with a destructive fire will do
more to "throw n wet blanket on the
prosperity and growth of the island,
than any other one thing. If il be
argued that the buildings on the is.
land are isolated one from the other
and therefore protected from the
spread Of FIRE, we reply that building
conditions at Chebeague are rapidly
taking form which is bound to pro-
duce congestion and added danger.
The need of fire apparatus here is ur.
gent, obvious, and can be satisfied with
a very small outlay.
Some concerted effort is however
necessary. Unity Of action by the citi
zens must first be secured. We suggest
that a meeting of the voters and tax
payers be called at once, with special
notices TO all interested persons, and
that resolutions be presented, acted
upon and fled with the selectmen of
with request for hear
ing and immediate action. Once the
apparatus Is installed, we have no
doubt that competent fire brigade
will be forthcoming. II would be
well for the resolution to state the
sort Of apparatus desired so that the
upon which 70 act.
Every householder should cooperate:
their interests are the most vital of
all. We believe that n well defined
public sentiment exists in Chebcague.
We can only suggest the need of
aetion-but the action itself must be
taken by the property owners as
body. The "Breeze" believes in Casco
Bay, and therefore believes in Che
beague. This Is the Goth century, and
communities are entitled to conditions
different from those obtaining in the
dark ages. This Is q common interest
for the entire island. Let our effort
not be small. The "Breezcv welcomes
BuRRestions, and any comment on this
matter from any Of its readers.