Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-03-10
Nallomell loraI Nems.

Organization of the City Government.
The members elect of our city government
for the current municipal year, assembled at
the city rooms on Monday at 10 O'Clock, A.
M, for the purpose of organization, and to
listen to the address of Mayor Sanborn. The
board of Aldermen was called to order by the
City Clerk, and organized temporarily by
the choice of Alderman Wilson of Ward for
chairman. In common council the members
elect were called to order by the Clerk of that
body, and committee was appointed to ex-
anime credentials and report. A convention
Of both branches then assembled in the COM
mon council room, and the oath of office was
administered by S. X. Gilman, Esq, Judge of
the Municipal Court of this city. Prayer was
offered by Rev. Mr.. McCully; after which the
Mayor was notified by committee, that the
City Council awaited any communication he
might be pleased to make. The Mayor
promptly responded, and after the admins
tration Of tine prescribed oath proceeded to
deliver his inaugural address, as follows:
GENTLEMEN OF THE CITY COUNCIL Hay
ing been called by the voters of this city to
the office Of Mayor, an Office entirely unso.
licited and wholly undesired on my part,
| wish nevertheless, to have it understood
that fully appreciate the kindness Of my fell
Il
true sense Of gratitude to them for the honor
conferred upon me- and the most acceptable
way l can express my sense of gratitude, is
to work, according tC my best ability, for the
interest and honor of cur small but enterpris-
ing city.
Circumstances have been such l have not
had access to the report of the Finance Com.
mittee, and therefore am unable to give you
the financial condition of your city at this
time. This will be, however, matter of
small consequence, as the report of the finance
committee will be soon laid before you and
will speak for itself.
school committee, have, believe, given gen.
en- general satisfaction. A new school house
has been erected near the granite quarries,
which was much needed, and has, l am inform
ed, been suitably furnished much to the salts
faction of the inhabitants in that locality
Under the arrangements made with the Clas-
steal School for the instruction of our more
advanced scholars, it is believed that our edu-
catonai facilities are unsurpassed if equaled
by any city Of our size in the State.
Our city farm on which are most of our
paupers, has, l think, been we'll managed,
and the poor we'll cared for, and made as COM
Portable as it is possible to make them, which
is as it should be, since it is one of our first
vided for.
Our Fire Department, as managed by its
competent Chief Engineer and assistants, is
in good condition. Having recently been
called upon to exhibit their ability and eff
cheney, they have acquitted themselves as
usual with credit to themselves and advantage
to the city. Indeed, a more able and intelli-
gent body OF 6remen it would be impossible
to find. Still we need additional facilities for
extinguishng fires.
There ought to be one or more reservoirs
built in the south. westerly portion of the city.
You, gentlemen, or the Chief Engineer, are
better qualified to designate the exact point or
points than l claim to be. Other necessary
means for our protection from fire, if needed,
will undoubtedly be suggested to you in the
report of the Chief Engineer.
am in the same condition as to the Repor.
of the City Solicitor as all other city reports,
not having had an opportunity to examine
any; but know as a citizen that an eXpen-
sive law suit has been decided against us
Without entering into the merits or dement's
of that case, l would here earnestly recon-
mend that all claims that are made against
the city should be carefully examined; if
they are unjust. let them be rejected-if they
are just and honest they should be settled
without litigation. Let city officers exercise
would in their own business, and not fear I'M
popularity, by doing right and assuming the
| responsibility.
Our expenses on Highways the last year
have been unusually large. A very large
proportion Of the money expended has been
on Winthrop street, between Water street
and the Granite quarries. While it will be
your duty, as l doubt not it will be your
pleasure, to keep that great thoroughfare in a
suitable condition, it should not be done to
the neglect of other portions of the city
New sidewalks in some places should be built !;
in others old decayed plank sidewalks should
be removed and concrete substituted.
l understand parties are DESTROYS of pur-
chasing the engine house and lot, with view
to establish steam grist mill, which is
thought by some would be Of great advantage
| to the city. If an offer should be made which
| in view of all existing circumstances you
| should deem for the interest of the city TO ac-
| cept, it will become necessary to build d new
engine house in some suitable locality.
| In growing city like ours an efficient and
well organized Police is indispensable to the
good order and quiet of its inhabitants. 1t is
your duty to select men of character and So
briefly who will be willing to execute the laws
that are upon our statute books. If any laws
are deemed onerous or unjust let US exert
| ourselves w haNo theh iePedleui but Wulle
they remain unrepealed, let them be executed
and obeyed.
Gentlemen, for the time being the interests
and honor OF our city are to great extent in
our hands. Let us pursue in all acts, as far
as we are enabled to do, wise, judicious,
generous and at the same time strictly
economical course in all our conduct as city
! officers. Let us provide by taxation for money