The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1849-04-03


The Members elect of the Board of Aldermen and
Common Council being assembled, their names were
read by the City Clerk who stated that all were present
except one. The oath of office was then administered
to the Mayor elect by Hon. Thomas Kinnicu Judge of
Probate Of the County, after which he Mayor admins
tered the oath OF office to the Members of the two
Boards. An appropriate prayer then offered by
Rev. Aonzo Hill.
The Mayor then delivered the following
ADDRESS.
Gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen, and of The
Board Of Common Couacu:-
The second year of the existence of our CITY
commences today. Most of the able and expe
rienced men who have labored so faithfully to Law
the foundations of our future growth and pros
perity, this day retire from office. and We their
successors, are called upon to discharge as best
we may, the duties which now devolve upon us.
To some of US at least, the positions in which we
find ourselves, are as unexpected as thew are
undesirable. But in country like ours, each
citizen is liable, in one way or another, to be
called into the public service, and whether the
selection is wise or unwise, it is made in accord
ance with that fundamental principle of all Re.
publican Governments, that the majority for the
time being, has the right to choose the agents bv
whom the affairs of the people are to be admins
be mere question OF finance or the personal
freedom OF untold millions OF men.
Coming into office, as we do, it can hardly he
expected that at this time there should be made
to Won any lengthy or detailed communication
The statement which is to be prepared by the
Treasurer under the order of the former Board.
andwhch will be published for the benefit of the
citizens generally, will furnish the information
which is most important and desirable That the
ohi Of IL.
and effective administration OF municipal affairs.
Is too well understood to need argument or illus
tration. That means are to be provided literally
for the education OF the young is universally ad-
mitted among our people. The edi6ces which
have been erected for this object we look upon
with pride and pleasure, and for others which are
TO be erected, we are willing to be taxed in pro-
portion to our means. That streets and avenues,
safe and convenient, are to be provided-that
lights are to shine for the protection and accommS
dation of the nightly soiourners-that unnecessa-
ry fires to be extinguished-th the hungry
are to be ted-the naked cothed-the houseiess
and the homeless find shelter and a resting
place, with proper reservations and restrictions
seems 70 follow as matter of course. Taxes
should be assessed justly and legally as posi-
Bile, and the rig hts of the outer school and high
way districts should not be lost sight of in our
anxiety to improve and beautity the Centre Dis
E
property protected, and men, women and chill
dren walk our streets in safety, will depend upon
the dispositions OF our citizens, and the efficiency
OF Police. And here allow me to say, that
law is presumed to have its foundation in the con-
sent Of the governed, that while it remains upon
the statute book, it stands there exponent OF
the will of the community, and unless the law
contains within itself an element of sin, it is the
duty OF every citizen, not only to obey it bimseIf
but TO do what be can to induce others to 90 and
do likewise. 1t may be convenient as matter
OF reference, to close what have to say upon
this subject by an extract from an Ordinance
adopted by the City Government on the 4th day
of May last, entitled SAN Act concerning the
Office OF City M arshall." Among various sub
iecs it is declared to be the duty of this officer
''to notice all offences against the laws and CITY
ordinances, taking the names OF all offenders; 10
to receive all complaints for violations of the laws
and City ordinances, and for that purpose to at
tend daily, at some stated hour, in public and
central office; to prosecute, promptly and with
effect, all offenders against the laws and CITY or
dinances and to all lawful means to secure
convictions" The people expect and have right
TO demand, that this ordinance of our predeces-
sors shall be carried into effect firmly and faith.
fully.
Since the 9th day of September last, there
have been nearly 800 Commitments to the watch
house in this City, and of these at least nine
tenths have been for the cause of drunkenness.
This startling fact should lead every citizen to
inquire, whether he either directly or Indirectly,
either by preeept or example, is in any way re-
sponsible for this state of things and if he is in
doubt as to the matter, wives worse than widows,
children worse than orphans, and parents worse
than chidless, may help him to answer the ques-
tion
The improvements which have been com.
menced by our predecessors will require that
suucll larger sum OF money be raised the present
year. than was raised the past year. 1t is fit and
proper that we proceed to carry into effect what
has been so wisely begun But at the same time
it is as fit and proper that all parties should have
their due share Of the responsibility OF the ex-
pense. Three new school houses are to be erec-
ted--a portion of Main Street is to be paved-the
common is to be fenced-a bridge across the
Blackstone River is to be buiIt-arrangemen
for the introduction of gas are to be carried into
effect and various other matters which will re-
ouire the outlay Of large sums Of money are
found ready fitted to our bands No sensible
man will contend for one moment that the debt
of the City should be increased. It already
amounts to the SUM OF about 100000 Those
who NAV come after ms. will have calls enough
upon their means, without being obliged to pro-
vide for the payment OF bills, and it is there.
fore our bounden duty to act in this matter like
wise and prudent men, and "pay as we 60"
Al the same time, SO far as we can do so conss-