Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1919-01-31
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be increased. 1t was the best police
force Lewiston had had in . years. He
felt that in normal times So week
was too little for policemen.
Chief of Police Arthur a. Field of
the city Of Lewiston described the nan
ner in which the men were worked.
They were. he said, good, honest, etfi-
Gent and faithful men, who never re-
fused the call of duty. He said that
$40 was not sufficient for them to live
decenuy upon. support their families
and pay their bills. The captains work.
ed nine hours day. but the day cap
tain frequently worked three or more
hours at night.
In May of 1918 he was requested by
the mayor to prepare a budget. He
did this to the best OF his ability, using
records of the department.. This showed
that si".eS5 would be required for the
work. When the appropriations were
made by the city council the amount
for the police was but $25. GOO He said
that 10 years ago the department with
six less men and % per cent. less wages
cost the city $3.50
Answering a question by Senator Cur
ney, he said that fees from the Lewis
ton municipal court had gone to the
city treasurer; all others to the men
themselves. This was according to Gus
tom.
Replying to Mr. Brann. the chief said
that his net return from fees last year
was about s17n. He further answered
Nv Prov 1.
automobile valued at about 500, which
he used in his work and for which ne
received $50 month, the city furnish
ing gasoline and oil Out of this he
paid the repairs and upkeep of the car.
lie had paid s106 for a pair of tires and
$50 for other repairs and the car must
be thoroughly overhaued this year.
To question by Senator Thombs.
Chief Fields said that his net income
as chief last year was $3.50
Mr.. Brann started to question further
about fees. when he was interrupted
by Senator Quincy, who asked il ne
claimed that the State Of Maine could
compel these men to pay fees received
from the United States court into the
city treasury. Mr.. Brdnn said he did
not.
Commissioner Crockett said it was
more economical to use the chiefs car
than to 90 the work in any other way.
Rep. Brann OF Lewiston, speaking for
the opposition, said he wished it un-
derstood that the opponents did not
protest an increase of pay for the pa
trolmen. The citizens of Lewiston
che ~
no criticism of the work of the police.
He appointed many of them to be po-
licemen. They made no criticism .hat
the city was not properly policed They
did say that the chief, captains AMI the
inspectors were amply paid. The same
was true of the police matron. Con-
nected with the overseers of the poor
department was woman who did mLcn
of the work of police matron.
The chief and the two captains ,c-
ceived fees. Last year those of Capt
Picard amounted to s3l227. and Of Capt.
O'Connell to sl1o96. while the chiefs
net returns from this source were about
$40.
1t was nonsensical for the commits
sioners to stand there and say they
should have $500 each per year, said
he. If they We're to have a salary, he
said, replying to Rep Neatherbce. It
was the Judgment of Lewiston people
that it should not be over 500. Other
commissions in the city worked for
nothing.
Mr.. Crockett interrupted to remark
that the salary Of the mayor had Just
no \
that perhaps he ought to work for MOTH
ing
Benz. s. Keegan, city treasurer Of
Lewiston and former chief Of police
told of the fees which various members
Of the police department received in
1918. AS chief of police he retained the
fees which came to him outside tn
municipal court. Answering quest.c MS
by Senator Parent he said there Was
another police department OF two men
in Lewiston, appointed by the mayor
He paid them s2l a week. He lad
consulted legal authority before max
ing these payments. Chairman Thorlbs
of the committee stopped further talk
on this line.
Mayor Charles f. Lemaire Of Lew
iston said the other commissions OF
the city worked for nothing. He op-
posed a $500 salary for the POLICE COM
missioners; thought good men could be
had for nothing. Taxpayers opposed
it, also opposed increasing pay of CHIEF
and captains He was forced to APP
point his special police because certain
Of the commission would not do their
duty.
This caused laugh and the mayor
exclaimed. looking toward the mirthful
ones: 20. YOU can laugh