Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1870-01-14

lNAUGURATION OF MAYOR MARTINI
Promptly at 8 O'Clock Monday afternoon
the new Mayor and Board Of Aldermen
assembled in the City Hall to enter upon
the administration of the affairs of the
city government for the ensuing year.
The oath Of Office was administered to
the Mayor and Aldermen elect by Judge
Russell.
After the new Mayor was sworn in May
or Neff, in a few remarks, formally re-
tired and turned over the control of the
city to his successor.
On assuming his seat Mayor Martin
read the following inaugural address:
FELLow-C CITIZENS II return my most sincere
thanks to my fellow Republicans for the conf.
dence reposed in me. in nominating and electing
me to the important position of Mayor of the
city of Wilm ington, the duties of which l now
enter upon. ask every good citizen to aid me
in the work of securing to this city such an adj
ministration of its affairs will rebound to its
prosperity and the satisfaction Of our people.
The Board of Aldermen, the Mayer and all
other officials connected with the city govern
ment are the servants of the people--this should
| be borne in mind at all times. Great RESPONSE
bilities rests upon us-responsibilities insepera-
bic from the position we occupy.
The citizens of the city have right to demand
| of those who placed in situations of trust
that they administer it's affairs with economy,
honesty and faithfulness. The taxes are heavy;
the taxpayers have right to know that every
dollar they pay into the treasury is used to their
best advantage and honestly diabursed. Ia this
respect, so far have the power, they shall
be satisfied.
| While the interests of the city should not be
allowed to suffer in the way of necessary i'm
provements, it ought to be our frat duty to de-
crease our expenditures and to require of every
officer and employe Of the city tho same dill
gence and economy as if employed by private
citizen.
| The debt of city, amounting to over
half a million dollars, is heavy burthen. The
principal and interest ought to be promptly paid
when due The increase of this debt for any
present apparent purpose ought not to be enter
tanned for one moment. No action has been
taken to gradually extipguish our debt-this
should receive our earliest attention. A sinking
fund ought to be created, the funds to be so in
vested to assist in the work of payment.
! The credit of Il city is Influenced By the same
causes as is that of an individual. we'll adj
mnistered city government, scrupulous regard
for our obli8 cations and prompt payment can
{ only give value to our Bonds. No citizen, [ am
sure, will differ from in the desire to have our
credit preserved and or securities eought after
at par value.
In my official capacity it will be 10Y desire to
act for the best interests of our city. 1 yield tc
no living man, in my desire to see her prosper
Gus, improved and great. II l shall make mis-.
takes, [ ask the kind indulgence of those among
whom have lived and labored for nearly the
quarter of a ury.
have takon oath ''to diligently endeaYol
to perform faithfully aud truly, according to my
best skill, Judgment aud ability, all the duties O.
the Office Of Mayor and to cause to be executed
as star as IN nly power extends, the ordinances
Of the city''-and, sin the discharge OF my duties
to DO equal Justice in all cases whatsoever"
Pledged, as l am, in this most solemn manner
I Can only add that intend to act n accordance
therewith. faithfully and fearlessly.