Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-01-08
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labor.

labor.
Streets and Hiahways
Probably this department is Of more
Importance to our citizens than any
other In the pursuit OF business or
pleasure it is necessary for almost
every person. to Use in some way or
other some part of our streets or side
walks every day.
For this reason this particular de-
partment is subject to more or less
ciltlcisms. At the present, high cost
oi labor and materials for construction
OF new streets and sidewalks and keap-
ing IN repair those we already have il
VIII De necessary 10 study carefully all
oehianos Tor such and confine our con-
Spuctioh OF new work especially TO
'hat locality where it is found most
needed.
II seehis to me that as far as possible
We shouio build what is known AZ per
ihahent roads. While the first cost is
greater am convinced that in the end
II Is Tar cheaper. The streets and
slueWaikS IN the business section Of our
ti'S should not be neglected. for the
Deter these are cared for the more de-
ihahu VIII be for stores and offices am.
the impression 10 strangers passing
lhroush will be more favorable.
during the summer months more at
tentlon should he given to shrinking
Tor the dust has bseN Of great annoy
ahce TO our merchants in past wears
FIRE Department
1t seems 10 me one of the most inn
rortant things We have 10 consider j.
cur fire department. AT the nresant
time every property owner is aware OF
the excessive rate put upon us by Inc
iHsn7 ance companies. This is dus
largely. if rot entirely 10 our lack or
fire protection. We are now rater in
class u by the insurance underwriters
and | am Informed by those who usya
made an investigation OF the matter
mat with reasonable outlay and by
conforming, 10 certain requirements we
can be placed IN class c and POSSIBLY IN
C'aSs Is which you'd mean bjp de-
crease from our present INSURANCE
rates.
10 sum up The matter il seems 10 he
question: of whether our people shall
continue 10 pay the present high rate
OF insurance 10 the Various compa MICS
, " pa! small increase in taxes to IA
'i'N ana ~ return receive n lower in
Suraiice rate and better protection frxa
IRE believe this matter should n.
{ oeiVe our immediate attention and thJh
/ ne cltlZens be given a chance to eN
press their views in the matter.
Our school department regrets the
loss or MI. Chase. most efficient lead
er' 'but 1t welcomes Its new superin-
tehdent a man of experience and vision
whose work is all ready telling In WAYS
or heipfulness The problem of over
| crowded rooms is still upon us and the
ehtlfe CITY regrets the necessity which
compelled us to postpone building
operations, but this matter is stlil in
! the hands OF most efficient committee
and doubtless will be pushed to comple-
| non as soon as conditions shall make
1t possible. In the meantime, officers.
/ teachers, students and parents NAV
rest assured of the most earnest CO.
operation OF our boards of commits.
sioners.
The Public Library
am convinced that one Of the city'A
most valuable assets is the Public lin
fary and in no department docs the
money appropriated do the real lastin 2
good as it does in this one.
All classes are benefited by it. and the
money spent for good books whether il
be by an individual or by the city is 10
my mind gilt edge security.
That our citizens appreciate this in-
stltution is clearly proven by the steady
increase in its patrons. I repeat here
what ] said some years ago, while ono
o. its directors. that it was a great mis-
take 10 keep such valuable institution
closed so much Of the time and ! trust
that in the near future It will be pos
slble in some way to open its doors ia
the public morning, afternoon and eve-
ming.
A conservative sum has been appro -.
prlated for the last two years for the
library; aud while believe more could
be used to good advantage 1t seems ia
me ti,at owing to conditions at present
this amount will be as much as car
wisely be appropriated this year.
, The other departments of the city
. present no unusual problems. But oui
care here. as elsewhere, should be &c
. Continued on Faye 5-coi. y
Mil = ~