The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1873-05-15


favorable condition Of the affairs Of the
city now with what it was when he was
FIRST elected, 1T the time Of the inoorpors-
tioa. On motion, Aid. Bridgmsn and Will
son were appointed COMMITTEES to wait up
ON Mayor Boyd and inform him that the
Council was organized and ready to hear
any Communication no might have to make.
After brief absence the Committee re-
turned with His Honor, who being intro
duced by the President Of tho Council, de-
ivsred tho following
INAUGURAL.
Gen tltmen Of the Council:
Custom has made 1t necessary for tho
Mayor of this, and other cities, to present
an address At the beginning Of his term Of
Office to the Common Council, and it 10 with
great hesitancy that l attempt to comply
with tho usage, and to present for your
consideration such views, and to offer
such suggestions ss may occur to me-
This duty 10 rendered more difficult, from
tho fact that nearly every member Of your
body has had much more official experience
than myself.
The position occupied by each Of the
gentlemen, 70 whom is entrusted the man.
sgement Of our municipal affairs for the
coming year, is certainly far from being
ono Of profit, and whether honorable or
otherwise, depends upon tho integrity with
which he discharges his duty. He should
approach tho consideration Of every SUBJ
ject pertaining to the city government as
carefully 40 if it were personal matter
affecting his own private interests, and if
impr operly managed certain to result in
injury to his own private estate. Let US,
then, determine to guard the financial in
forests and daily welfare Of this city -
considerably as We do our own.
Ineed not specially sllude to the condi-
ton of the treasury. While our debt has
been largely increased by the issue Of rail-
road bonds, and for the purchase Of FIRE
engine, it must appear to ell that your
predecessors have carefully attended to
that part Of their duties relating to taxes
and taxation. An examination Of the f.
nancisl reports, just submitted by the
proper officers, demonstrates more clearly
than can be done by me in this document,
the fact that skillful management has
brought about excellent results.
desire to particularly call your atten-
ton to the condition Of the bridges and
sidewalks within the city limits, and TO-
urge that they be repaired immediately.
Within . short time two slight accidents
have occurred by reason Of neglect in
promptly repairing these much used struc-
lures, and few dollars expended in time
may save litigation and severe loss to our
city. Few places Of this size have escaped
suits for damages caused by unsafe bridges
and defective sidewalks, and unless repairs
be made at once, wemay expect similar ex-
periences.. You might also consider the
propriety Of extending eur sidewalks, es-
pecislly in the direction Of tho new depot.
also call ysur attention to tho ruins Of
the Broker block. am not prepared to
say what can or ought to be done, under
the peculiar circumstances of the case,
but advise that the situation be investi-
gated. and such action taken - safety to
our citizens and the adjoining property
may seem to require and the law justify.
A new fire engine is soon to arrive, and
l spprehend you will find it necessary to
provide for its housing, IS we'll as for An
adequate supply of'water in case Of fire
| This element, 80 essential for the successful
working of an engine, cannot, in my opin-
ion, be had from the wells sunk in tho
streets, some six years ago, along with tho
money expended in their construction. A
hook and ladder company would aid mate
rally in case Of fire, and should one be
formed, as is now contemplated, hope
such assistance will be given as will full
ly organize and equip it.
In making these suggestions, gentle
mon Won will bear in mind that I dafars
my judgment on these, as veil as all other
subjects pertaining to your duties, to your
convictions. believing that your former ex-
periences and undouoted business abilities
can but lead to satisfactory results, and
assuring you Of my hearty co-opera-
ton In all efforts to promote the growth
and welfare Of St. Cloud, remain
Very respectfully, your obi servant,
JAMES r. BOYD,
Mayor.