Norwich bulletin., 1909-10-13
TOWN TAX OF TEN MILLS
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting Waxed Warm as it Ad- vanced-Lawyers had Lively Tilt and Accusations Made-$15 5000 of Notes and the Otis Library Highways.

The usual amount of interest was manifested in the adjourned annual town meeting held on Tuesday evening in the town hall, and the interest in- creased as the meeting advanced until at the close there was a lively tilt among the lawyers, with some per- sonal remarks, which added life to the session of nearly two hours. A tax of ten mills was voted, it being decided that s15,000 o fthe $30,000 floating in- debtedness should be paid this year, the appropriation should go to the Otis library. the Taftville and Nor wich Town propositions were killed, as was the free textbooks resolution, while it was decided to take advan- tage of the state aid in highways. Desk Changed.
 The change of the desk in the town hall to the west side of the room from the north side was appreciated by the large crowd, as all were able to hear and be heard. The seats have been rearranged. The change was made by the decision of the se- cation poor one. The hall was completely filled, many standing up during the evening.
 First Selectman Albert w. Lflli- bridge called the meeting to order at o'clock, stating that the first business was the election of mod orator. J. J. Corkery was chosen on motion of Joseph T. Tanning. Town Clerk Charles s. Holbrook read the warning, and Moderator Corkery call ed for action on the report and rec concentrations of the selectmen.
 Mr. Shields Urged Economy.
 William H. Shields took the floor to address the meeting, stating that statement from the selectmen would seem in order regarding the fiscal needs of the town in the coming year. He was informed that there were eX- traordinary expenditures coming. There was the extra burden of a state tax of about $11,o00 for two years. He said that he didn't know why this tax was imposed. Our rep resentatives are sent to the legisla- ture and get much honor, but the taxpayers get it in the pocket. There is also $10,000 more for the court house, these eXtr a mounts altogether amountln gto more than mill and third and he thought it was time for this town meeting to show symptoms of economy. We are getting into a position detrimental to our credit, and we should have some explanation of where we are at and whither we are tending.
 On motion of o. F. Ryther. the se- lectmen's report was accepted as printed.
 Action was next taken on the rec concentrations, which were read by Moderator Corkery on request of MT. Shields. They shove da tvrai amount to be raised by tax of $171,156, for which a 1O-mill tax would be neces- sary, but by not paying off notes due the Norwich Savings society, they rec commended that tax of 1-2 mills be laid.
 s1s,0oo for Outside Poor.
 It was voted on motion of Gen. Will jam A. Aiken to take up the items separately in the order in which they appeared in the warning. First, was the sum of $1S.000 for outside poor. Replying to MT. Shields question, Moderator Corkery stated that $24,O0O had been spent last year and $16,OOO appropriated. MT. Shields moved and it was voted that the first selectman of the town be requested to explain the items. A few words from Nicho- las Tarrant brought out the fact that MT. Shields meant the former first se- lectman, Arthur D. Lathrop and not Arthur w. Lillibridge, the present selectman. MT. Lathrop did not ap- pear to explain, but Mir. Lfllibridge said he couldn't say that the work l could be done for any less and this amount was voted.
 The sums of $11,o00 for almshouse and SS,000 for insane were also voted after First Selectman Lillibridge had said he would not recommend any less amount.
 Other items taken up and approved were as follows, there being slight discussion on few of them: Neglected and dependent children $4,000, high ways to city $1S,000. highways outside | s6,OO0, highways, state, Occum road | $3,720, bridges s1,000 contingent S7,00O common schools s50,O00, elections $2,- i 900, vital statistics $500 sinking fund $S,400, evening schools s1,200, commit tation $2, 900, town clerks office $500. When it came to the $30,000 owed the Norwich Savings society, MT. Shield; | thought it ought to be discussed. He | thought 1t little use voting on estimates | if selectmen were going to exceed them It is a mockery, he declared, and ought | to be stopped. There was not one item which was not exceeded last year. Thi: | 0,000 wouldn't be presented here to- night if your selectmen had stood III | to what you ordered. He declared him. self in favor of paying debts before making gifts and it is time the towr | was on a business basis. He urged paying the debt and not pile up ex- 1 penditures beyond appropriations. H. moved the amount be paid.
 | Dr. Cassidy asked when the debt: were contracted and was informed by | the chairman that it was during tht year. S10,000 at a time. He considered MT. Shields remarks very appropriate E. Kirby thought it wise to pay of $10,0O0 a year until paid, and made tha' as an amendment.
 MT. Shields considered that course simply the approval of the selectmen'i action of going into debt as they please 1 Do that and you will have more unti you are submerged in debt. The true | policy is to pay your debts and hold the selectmen to their obligations and i the resolution is passed he promised tt see that it is not violated.
 SeIectmen Not to Blame.
 A. w. Dickey explained that s12,5 was voted at a special meeting las year for which no tax was laid, whil' the selectmen must look after schooli and poor.
 w. B. Wilcox said he understood thu 900 was contracted last year, bu 1 thought that $10,000 was carried ove from the year before. It showed III last year, but no one said anythin; about it.
 Town Clerk HolbrooS said that tn $10,000 of 1908 was paid, but that tn $50, 900 of 1909 was contracted during that town year. However, the SIP, ,50 for the Otis library, the celebration and the Reliance company with $2,50C | while the receipts fell short from les liquor license receipts, and $5,000 les