Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-02-28
Accrued Rentals
ArmOries Sought
By Several Cities

National guard officers and offic-
ials of the city of Lewiston appeared
before the military affairs committee
Friday, to present their proposal that
the Legislature, by special resolve
appropriate $4,000 for the rental of
the Lewiston armory. In answer to
questions from Rep. Decker Of the
committee they insisted that Lewis
toms armory was of a character to
make 1t a special case and therefore
deserving Of special appropriation.
The measure was unopposed, al
though James w. Hanson, the adj
jutant general, said he beloved that,
should the appropriation be made, it
should either be excluded from the
general armory rental item. or else
sufficient amount added to that item.
j. S. Z. II. Wilson, city manager
of Auburn, also favored a special re-
solve for Lewiston, but said that Au-
burn was supporting two units of
the guard and he believed was de-
serving of recognition.
Lewiston speakers included Rep.
Lessard, Rep. Holmes, Capt. James
III. Carroll. Timothy f. Callahan,
Mayor Louis j. Brann, Col. James l..
NJ oriarty, Capt. Daniel S. Dexter and
Mayor elect Robert J. Wiseman.
SSiSt a. hVSStNv
The general armory resolve. to
recompense cities for accrued rent
ais, was favored by representatives
from several Maine towns. The COM
mittee was told that the State, in re-
quiring the Accommodations for the
military units stationed in these
towns, mad created moral obligation
to pay the rentals. but that the
towns had not been reimbursed for
the amounts SO paid.
Those appearing for the resolve
were Reps. Hamilton Of Caribou, b.
man of Ninalhaven, Leland of San
gerville, Kilbourne of Fort Fairfield
and Mitchell of Houlton.
I'VE have had more trouble over
the armory rental in one year than
any other one thing" said James w.
Hanson, the adjutant general. 1T
costs more in some places than in
others, and we also have to consider
whether the armory is owned by the
city or rented. The date for begin
ming the fiscal year was changed so
that we had to stretch appropriations
for IL months to cover Is months. In
doing this we allowed the regular
payments for six months and then
apportioned the balance for the re-
manning II months. In the latter
So percent of the rentals. / feel that
the State is under obligation to pay
these amounts"
Gen. Hanson said that the future
rental would be provided for If the
legislature granted the amounts pro-
Vlded in the general estimates for
armory rental
Rep. Lessard Of Lewiston
KEEP. Thomas f. I4essard of Lewis
ton said that the city built an arm
DRY When the State agreed TO pay
$4,000 toward the cost. AS the
building progressed, he said it was
deemed advisable to make changes,
and the armory finally cost S414,OOO.
1T was suggested that it be turned
over to the State" he said. but by
referendum it was voted to keep
1t. 1t is one of the finest armories
in the State. 1t is modernly equip
cpd and centrally located 1t is near
the State range and near it is land
suitable for drilling. All we ask is
fair rental on the amount invest
ed"
"On what do YOU base Your figure
thoine.
ON the basis of what the State
spends for the State owned Portland
armory," replied Rep. Lessard.
Rep. Decker-"Do you think the
amount should be fixed by law rather
than by the armory commission?"
Rep. Lessard-"How is Portland's
fXed?"
Rep. Decker-"That is State
owned armory."
Rep Lessard-'I am willing to abide
by any decision OF the committees.
we ask only a fair rental"
Rep. Decker-"Do You think Lewis
ton should he given preference over
the other % or 26 cities and towns
~ the State that have armories ?"
Keep. Lessard-'I believe we have
a special case and that a precedent
should be established"
Mr.. Lessard was unable to furnish
the committee with concrete figures
on the cost of maintenance or in
come for the Lewiston armory.
i was never even a horse marine
IN the Swiss navy" said Rep Herb
crt j.. Holmes of Lewiston, who
pointed to the Lewiston armory as
one of the finest in New England.
Instead of eulogiZing the armorv
and the public spirit of Lewiston /
VIII attempt to furnish in a general
way some information on the cx-
penSeS and income of the buildintyo