The Portland daily press., 1868-03-20


The City Council assembled Thursday af-
ternoon at the call of Mayor Stevens, fol- the
purpose of clecting a Mayor for the ensuing
municipal year, 10 choice having been effect
ed by the people on the second ballot. The
Council Room was crowded with spectators.
A convention of the two Boards was form
ed, Mayor Stevens presiding.
The City Clerk read the record of the Board
of Aldermen, in canvasSing the returns from
which it appeared that no choice had been eff
fected.
The Mayor then said that by the provisions
of the City Charter, it devolved upon the City
Council to elect Mayor for the ensuing year;
and that the constitutional candidates were
Jacob Mcclellan, William L. Putnam and
VIII lam Deering.
Alderman Deering then arose and said:
Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen of the Convention
By our city charter the election OF a Mayor
| for the current municipal year is now devoiv-
| ed upon the City Council. My name is an
| nounced by your Honor, as one OF the three
| candidates legally eligible TO that office.
In my opinion no Republican member of this
| convention is legally or morally debarred the
| exercise of his individual choice, and the car
| ryiDg out OF the wishes of his constituents.
| am also equally we'll assured that the members
| of this convention with whom am more es-
| pecially identified in the minds of our people,
| have the power TO control the result of the
| election now about to be made.
Nevertheless, feeling DESTROYS as 1 and my
| friends do to promote unity and harmony
| among those who agree so well in the main,
| and hoping that hereafter no occasion of dit
| terence may occur, L have concluded to ask
| that my name MY not be used in this conven-
| ton, and that my friends unite in the election
OF the Hon. Jacob Mel elan to the important
| office of Mayor of Portland.
This declaration was received with applause
| by the spectators.
On motion of Councilman Burgess it was or
| dered that the viva Uoce system be adopted in
in electing Mayor.
| The City Clerk then proceeded to call the
names of the mem ers of the City Council,
commencing with the Alderman from Ward
1. Every member of the City Council was
present except the President of the Board of
Common Council, George A. Wright, ESQ.,,
who was detained by illness.
As each members name was called he
promptly responded for whom he voted All
the Republican members voted for Jacob Nc
Lellan and the Democrats for William l..
Putnam.
The Mayor then announced the
Whole number of votes 27
Necessary for choice, IA
Jacob Mcclellan had 10
William l.. Putnam 8
And that Jacob Mcclellan was constitutional
ly elected Mayor of this city for the ensuing
year.
The announcement was received with APP
plause by the spectators.
A Committee consisting of Aldermen Mar
wick and Rounds and Councilman Jose was
appointed to wait upon Capt Mcclellan, and
inform him of his election, and request his ac-
ceptance of the office.
Subsequently the committee returned bring
ing with them the Mayor elect, Capt McLel-
Ian, who signified his acceptance of the office,
whereupon the oath of Office was administered
to him by j. NJ. Heath, ESQ.,, City Clerk.
The Mayor elect then assumed the Chair
and informed the Convention that he had no
communication to make 10 them at that time,
but would hereafter communicate with them.
The Convention then dissolved and both
Boards adjourned.
Frederick N. Dow, Esq, was elected Presi-
dent pro tenn of the Board of Common Coun-
Gil in the absence of President Wright.
The next meeting Of the City Council will be
on Monday evening next.