Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-03-22
local ann State Nems.
Organization OF City Government.

in the room of the Common Council, at ten
O'Clock yesterday forenoon and we're called to
order by Joseph Noble, City Clerk. In the
absence of the Mayor, Councilman Atkins was
called to the chair. On motion Of Alderman
Weeks, the following gentlemen were ap'
pointed committee on credentials Alderman
Chase, Councimen Mcfarland and Cony.
The committee subsequently reported the list
which has already been published in this pa
per. All the members were present with the
exception of three. The convention was then
dissolved.
The members of the Board of Aldermen
withdrew to their room and organized by the
choice of Aldermen Chase as chairman.
Mr.. Page, Clerk Of Common Council, then
called that body to order and Councilman
Atkins was called to preside
George Z. Weeks was elected President of
the body for the ensuing year. Mr.. Weeks on
taking the chair thanked the members for the
honor of the election, and with their assist
ancc promised to perform faithfully the duties
of the Office.
Levi Page was then elected Clerk. Mr..
Page returned thanks for renewed expression
of confidence, and promised to perform the
duties of his Office to the best of his ability
The Council then proceeded TO drawing
their respective seats.
A message was received from the Board of
Aldermen, by the City Clerk, proposing
vention of the two branches for the purpose Of
administering to members the oath of Office
A message was sent to the Board Of Alder
men, by Mr.. Cony, informing that body that
the Common Council is duly organized and
ready to proceed to business.
Forthwith the members of the Board Of AL
dcrmcn came in and Il convention was formed,
Aldermen Chase in the chair. The oath Of
Office then administered to the members
of both branches by the City Clerk.
committee was appointed to wait upon
the Hon. Samuel Ttcomb inform him of his
election as Mayor of the city for the current
political year, and to receive any communica-
ton he may be pleased TO make. Alderman
Swan and Councilman Eaton and Clark were
appointed as that committee.
The Mayor cleo, then appeared, took and
subscribed the oath of Office, and deli, cred
the following
ADDRESS.
Gentlemen Of the City Council.
Under the provisions of our city charter, the
administration OF oar municipal affairs for the
current year has been entrusted to us. \
faithful performance of our respective public
duties, will often require patient investigation.
ddgcnt attention, and acrifice of priv ate
interests. ! gu may be required to attend
regular or special meetings or serve on com
mittees when your private business demands
your attention. | am confident however that
all reasonable sacrifices will be chctrtullv
mace.
The severe storms, extraordinary freshots
and destructive conflagrations III different
parts # our country, causing extensive dam
age, destruction Of property. and loss of lite
during the past year, must render 1t ever
memorable in the annals of our history.
The loss of property and arrangement Of
business in our city in consequence of the
freshet Of last month, win fall heavily upon
some of our citizens.
The damage to the Kenncbec Dam however
Is understood to be much less than was an
ticipated and it is gratifying to know that this
property is now in the hands of Company
having the ability and dispo siton speedily to
make all necessary repairs.
The loss of the Railroad bridge will be severe
ly felt, not only by the Company having control
of it. but by the travelling public. | learn
however, that this bridge will be rebuilt in the
most substantial manner, soon practi
cable, and all possible facilities will in the
mean time be afforded for the trans portation
of passengers and freight
The injury to the kenncbec bridge, is the
only immei late damage worthy OF mute, to
the property of the city. Immediate meas
ures were taken for its preservation, and
under the faithful superintendent of Mr..
Noyes it has been partially repaired, and
travel thereon resumed after an interval of
eleven days, during which it was closed against
teams. | doubt not that the requisite sum
needed for its thorough and substantial re-
pair, will be cheerfully appropriated by you.
FINANCIAL.
The amount allowed this city according TO
the report of the Commissioners on the equal
iza,on Of municipal war debts was S44 ,46Gj, of
this amount Si4 400 has been received in State
bonds, and the balance in money. BY an
order of the last City Council, the City Treas
urer was directed to sell these bonds and iu-
vest the proceeds in City Improv cmcnt bonds,
issued under the act of Jan. Is, 1867. The
net amount received from the sale of the State
bonds, (includlng the balance received from
the State) was +4,3l604. The Treasurer
has purchased City Improvement bonds of the
pr value of S7l00 for which he paid SG734.
The balance in his hands has been put at in
trest, with view To purchase additional
City Improvement bonds, (Which can be OH
tuned in July next at the rate designated in
the order,) unless a different disposition of
this fund shall be made by YOU.
BY the provisions of the act under which
the State Eonds were issued, the application
OF the proceeds thereof is restrictC d to the eX-
tinguishment OF the Indebtedness of the city
incurred prior TO March T. 1865. The amount
of outstanding notes and bonds against the
city is as follows:
Notes overdue and uncallcd for, Sl5,G45. 95
Notes not due, 4l,S16. 90
Five per cent. City Bonds, CO, 500 90
City Improvement Bonds (eyclu-
sive Of S1l00, held by the City, ZAP 900. 90
1863 72l. 95
Several of the appropriations for 1869 have
be, erdrawn, but the amount of tie over
la on taxes S445S 0j
And the supplementary tax, 921. SO
With other sums paid into the Treasury
will probably be sufficient to balance the