Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-03-09
RaIlomelI local Mems.


at the City rooms on Monday last, at ten o'clock,
for the organization and to listen to the address Of
Mayor Lowell. The board of Aldermen organized
temporarily by the choice Of Alderman Wilson as
chairman. The Common Council was called to
order by the former clerk of that body, Capt. j.
S. Snow and after ascertaining that quorom of
members elect were present, message was sent
to the board Of Aldermen proposing ajoint con
vention, for the purpose Of subscribing to the oath
required to enable them to proceed with the bus
mess before them. Prayer was offered by Rev
Mr.. Jaques, of the Methodist church, when the
oath of office was administered to the mayor, AL
dermen and Councilman by Judge Gilman Of our
municipal court. The Mayor then delivered his
address as follows.
Gentlemen Of the City Council:-
Being called upon a second time to join with
you in the management of our municipal ahalrs,
am in some measure aware Of the responsibilities
connected with the position assigned me; ana can
only pledge you the same efforts as in the past 1or
the faithful discharge OF my duties. According to
our method of tapping year upon another In our
financial department, it is not expected that at the
organization of the new board that we can be pre-
pared to give you detailed account OF our FL
nances or to offer new suggestions however, from
the integrity and faithful adherence to their own
several business relations, l consider it suth-
Gent guarantee that the present board Will hnd
many examples of good fnanciering, worthy to
be followed. A detailed account Will be furnished
you at an early day.
As in past years, our schools continue to occupy
an important position in our city. am informed
that they have just closed with their usual degree
of prosperity. The musical element which has
been introduced and so ably managed, adds much
to their interest.
am pleased to inform you that the city farm is
in better condition than for some year past, and
through the able management of your efficient
board of overseers, the poor have been made COM
Portable and suitably provided for. We have rea-
son to be proud of such home for this untor-
tunate portion Of our community.
Our fire department is in good condition. and
under faithful management We thus far have
indeed been favored community, but must not
allow this interest to decline; for we know not at
| what moment their services may be required.
We shall expect to hear the usual call for the
construction Of reservoirs; as many OF you may
be aware there was an appropriation made for the
above object some time since, but from some cause
they were not constructed. 1t may be worthy Of
your consideration to inquire into the feasibility Of
laying pipes from some suitable elevation Oh our
hillside, and to some extent, depend upon this
source for the extinguishmcnt of fires
Another, and one of the most important matters
for consideration is our hi hways. As you are
well aware, scarcely week passes, during which
we do not hear damages talked Of for defective
side walks or unprotected streets. | am informed
cities in this respect; but it is duty to examine
| carefully all places Of questionable safety and to
avoid, as far as possible, complaints against the
city.
The police department has also important claims
to be considered; and while believe il is gener-
ally conceded that we are an unusually quiet and
peaceably disposed class of citizens, yet there
should always be at a moments call, those armed
with tie law who may protect the community and
preserve order. We have usually been fortunate
in tlo OH Of Ital far hat
and trust good Judgment will still guide
| Finally, gentlemen. as has already been sug
gested, we are not at this time to decide upon ma
| tiers of importance; yet | trust that from this
our first assembling together we shall be fully
aware of the responsibilities we have accepted i;
| and whether in the council room, elsewhere,
| keep in watchful remembrance the best interests
! Of our chosen city, trusting for guidance IN Him
who has thus far vouchsafed to us peace and pros
perty. | am ready to attend to the duties OF my
| office.
JoHN II. LOWELL.
| The convention then separated, and the COM
mon council proceeded to permanent organize
ton by the choice ofC. B. johnson, President, and
John S. Snow, Clerk. Another convention of
both branches then assembled for the purpose of
electng City Clerk, the result of the first ballot
was the unanimous reelection of Albert II. Davis.
Without the transaction of other important bust
ness adjourned to o'clock, Monday evening next.
when City Marshal Street Commissioner, School
Committee and other subordinate city officers,
will be elected Every member of the board of
Aldermen was present at the organization, and all
excepting one, Mr.. w. II. Clearwater of Ward one
of the common council We learn that Mr.. Clear
water declines serving, and that another election
will be held in Ward one on Monday next to fill
the vacancy in the board.
We learn that the grand sleigh-rde of the sea-
son is expected to come off to-day. Horse flesh is
at premium about this time.
An appropriation for the purpose of five chairs
| for the accommodation of the board of Aldermen
when assembled in joint convention might be con-
sidere6 worthy of consideration, unless the men,
beers prefer to transport their seats back and forth
on such occasions.
We are sorry to learn that DR.. Nuttng was so
severely injured by the collision caused by an I'm
manageable colt running into his sleigh, on Thurs
day last that he has not yet been able TO leave his
house to attend to his professional engagements in
the city and elsewhere.
The venerable and worthy Judge of our NUM-
| cipa Court will have his joke, even on the most
serious occasions. When requested by our City
| Clerk on Monday to appear at the city rooms to
administer the oath of office to the members elect
of our city government, he gravely replied tina, he
would do SO with pleasure Sometimes, said he,
81 am called upon to quality people for office ;
which task am not always successful in accom-
plishng; but can administer the oath, and there
ends my responsibility! Very good.
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