The Kansas herald of freedom., 1858-05-08

LAwREScE, K 7.
Monday. May 3, 1S0S.S

LAWRENCE, n L.
Monday, May 8, 1855
This being the day appointed by law
for the organization of the City Govern
nent, the members elect Of the City
Council with his honor, the Mayor, as
sembled at the Office of Messrs. Babcock
& Lykins. Present Messrs. Eldridge,
Morrow, Bailey. Lowman, Totem, Hart
man, Haskell, Shanklin and Mallory. It
appearing that quorum, duly qualified,
was present, the Mayor then addressed
the Council as follows:-
GENTLEMEN OF THE CRY CoUNCIL:-
We are called upon to assume the dilec-
ton of municipal affairs at an important
period. The financial pressure which has
been felt so severely at the East for the
last six months could not be expected to
leave US unaffected. The fact that it has
in measure proved detrimental to US,
demands wise and prudent action on our
part, that while the growth and prosperity
of our city may be undated, our citizens
may not groan beneath the burden of
heavy taxation. The period of our ac-
cession is also an important one on account
of our city having arrived at that particu-
lar age and size when our action will most
affect its future prosperity. When it was
yet mere settlement of pioneers, the laws
and regulations springing from public
opinion, as in all cases of infant settle
ments, and having no other form of au-
thority, together with the necessity of
mutual protection against foreign foes
served to protect the lives and property of
our citizens. But our growth has been so
rapid, and our interests have become so
varied that it becomes necessary to inau-
g'trate neaO and efficient administration of
affairs. Within three years, from a small
encampment of immigrants, marked only
by tents and turf cabins, we have attained
to the proportions of fourishing city
the commercial center of large and rap
idly improving agricultural district. This
progress has been made, too, in the face
of difficulties and discouragements almost
incredible. Mobs of lawless men have
closed up all the avenues of our trade, thus
crippling an important element of d city's
growth-but that trade has been revived
and largely increased. A Sheriff's posse
has destroyed our presses, burnt our hotel,
and sacked our town; but the presses have
been replaced, and from the ashes of the
| hotel a magnificent structure has arisen,
unequaied by any building for like purpo-
SEES west of the Mississippi, and not often
excelled by buildings of similar character
in the metropolitan cities of our country.
To continue this prosperity will be my
constant endeavor, and, | trust, yours also.
am sensible of the great responsibility
which | assume in accepting the position
to which my fellow citizens have called
me, and having that responsibility con-
stantly in view, l am determined to use
my best efforts in all that Gevolves on me
to guard the rights and advance the inter-
ests of the people. l shall gladly co-ope-
rate with you, gentlemen, in carrying out
any and all measures which will tend to
that result. Let Us encourage immigra-
ton and the influx of capital by present
ing to the view of strangers clean and well
graded streets, commodious levee for the
landing of our wares, store houses, manu-
factories and shops, churches, school
houses, and well regulated schools. Let
US show them that here industry is re-
warded, and that idleneSs and crime meet
with proper rebuke and punishment; and
above all, let Us exhibit a high state Of
public morals, and the result will be per-
manent prosperity. A people can never
have too much of public spirit, or toe
high regard for morality : they are the
sure preludes TO success. Cultivate both
and you shall find our city not only in.
creasing in business and wealth, but wear
ing an air of attractiveness which will in.
duce many to make it their future homes
Hoping, gentlemen, that you may In
augurate system of measures which viii
secure such results, defer any specific
recommendation until your next meeting
C. W. BABCOCK.
Ga motion of Mr.. Morrow, the Council
proceeded to the election of President
proten.pore, and on motion of Mr.. Lowman
S. w. Eldridge was elected President
pr0tempore.
On motion of Mr.. Lowman, the follow
ing resolution was adopted
Resolved, That the Clerk of the Board
be, and he is hereby instructed to wai
upon the Register of the old Board and
request the delivery of the books and pa
pers in his possession belonging to the
city.
On motion adjourned until s o'clocf
Pm. CALEB 5. PRATT, City Clerk.