Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

TOWN WATCH.

MESSRS. SHIRLEYS,

The discussion of the question of a town watch, has become generally interesting and it is believed that a very great majority of the inhabitants, are in favor of a watch of some sort or other.—There is to be sure a difference of opinion with regard to the kind of watch that ought to be established. By a late vote of the inhabitants of the town in a legal meeting assembled, at the unanimous request of the fire wards, the report of the committee appointed at a previous meeting recommending a hired watch, was accepted without a dissenting voice, provided the approbation of the Selectmen and Justices of the Peace, qualified to act could be obtained. A meeting of a part of these gentlemen took place, consisting of no more than six or seven besides the Selectmen, and the conclusion of this meeting was that it is inexpedient to have any watch whatever, which seems to be in opposition to the opinions of a great majority of the town. And it is believed, if all the Justices had been present, the result would have been very different. No one can pretend to censure the gentlemen present for acting their sentiments on the occasion. Yet it cannot but be regretted that six or seven thus assembled should have it in their power to controul the wishes of the town, on a subject so interesting to the security of the lives and property of the inhabitants.

After all, the decision of these gentlemen is not conclusive or binding, it amounts to no more than this, that in their opinion no danger exists, which deserves just as much weight as the opinion of any other six or seven individuals, and no more, because they could act only for themselves and not for a large majority of their brethren who were absent.

For one I must take the liberty to dissent in opinion from those who voted against any kind of watch, for one or two, were, I understand, in favor, and I may not be considered rude in giving the preference to the recommendations of the Firewards, who ought to be as adequate judges as any, and some little consideration should be due to them in their official capacities.

Without entering into a detail of all the losses and distresses occasioned by fire, for many years past, let us for a moment recur to the disaster of the last winter. Nearly the whole of the property then consumed would in all human probability have been saved if a faithful watch had been patrolling the streets. It will be recollected that this fire had gained such an ascendancy, at one time, as almost to bid defiance to human exertions, a loss of time of two minutes, hay a single minute, would have proved the certain destruction of nearly the whole eastern section of the town. Can we remember these things and still say there exists no danger? Are we not just as liable to this calamity as we ever have been? If a watch could be the instrument of saving from destruction the house and property of the poorest family in the town, it would be productive of a good, far outweighing the pitiful expenses of supporting it, by a fair assessment on the property of the inhabitants. What is the consideration of five or six hundred dollars, thus assessed, to the loss of a life or the ruin of a single individual?—Who does not feel a double security when he knows his dwelling is visited at different hours of the night by the vigilant and trusty watchman?

It is unnecessary to say any thing of the additional security of property from depredations.

At a reasonable compensation the services of the best men in the town, for this purpose, may be had.—I hope the subject will not be permitted to rest where it is, it would be fulfilling the old saying of being "a penny wise and pound foolish." It is a pitiful economy at the best which refuses a cent to save a dollar.—A town of the size of Portland should never be without a watch during the winter months.