Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-03-21
local and State Nems.
CITY AFFAIRS.

Organization OF the New CITY Government
The Mayors Address-Elt elton OF city
The members elect of the new Board of Alder.
men and Common Council met in convention yes-
terday forenoon at 10 o'clock, in the Common
Council room, in conformity to the provisions of
the city charter. The Convention was called to
order by Mayor Cony. The roll of members elect
was called by the City Clerk, r. w. Black, Esq,
ana the members elect present, before Hon.
DANIEL A. Cony the retiring Mayor, took upon
themselves the oaths Of office necessary to qualify
them to enter upon the discharge of their official
duties.
The convention then dissolved
The Common Council was organized by the re-
election of p. C. Dolliver of Ward G. as President,
aud II. A. b. Chandler, Clerk.
In Board of Aldermen, message was received
from the Common Council, proposing joint con-
vention of the two branches, for the purpose of
administering to the Mayor elect the necessary
oath to qualify him to enter upon the discharge of
his official duties, to hear any communication he
may be pleased to make and for the election of
city officers. The City Clerk was charged with
message to the Common Council from the Board
OF Aldermen, concurring with the former body in
their proposition for the purposes indicated.
In CONVENTION.
Thereupon she Mayor elect, Hon. Charles f.
Nash, appeared, accompanied by the retiring
Mayor, Hon. Daniel A Cony, and the board of
Aldermen, and q convention was formed. The
oath Of office was administer to the Mayor elect
by the City Clerk, r. w. Black, Esq. Prayer was
offered by Rev. r. Sanderson. The Mayor then
proceeded to deliver his
Inaugural Address.
Gentlemen Of the City Council:
We have been assigned by our fellow citizens to
the important trust of administering their munich
pal affairs. This assignment implies that they re-
pose much confidence in us. Let us therefore Ia
Dor diligently to deserve it, and strive to occupy
our offices worthily. l esteem it high honor to
be one among you at these boards. l assure you
and the people who have sent me here that il will
be my earnest endeavor-my highest ambition in
the place allotted to me, TO render good and &C.
ceptable service to our city, and to assist you in all
your efforts toward the same end.
1t is peculiarly pleasing TO me that so many gen.
tlemen Of experience in municipal affairs, have
been returned by their several wards to their for
mer places in either board. l shall be obliged in
the performance Of my duties to rely largely upon
your counsel and judgment; and doubtlcssI shall
often need your forbearance. Let us 10 assuming
the responsibilities Of our several offices, be very
mindful of our human weakness, and seek wisdom
Of Him who must imrart it no less to those who
wisely guide the affairs Of little cities, than to those
who rule over mighty nations and peoples.
1t is reason for thankfulness that during the last
municipal year our community has not been visit
ed by any serious epidemic sickness, conflagration
or other severe calamity, but that our people have
been generally healthtul, well-to-do and in the
usual degree happy. Our business interests have
indeed suffered through sympathy with the depres-
sion so universal throughout the country, and, I'M
fortunately, few Of our citizens have been forced
into financial embarrassment; yet it is probable that
by their industry and energy they will speedily or
in due time fully repair their losses Each bust.
ness failure is in some degree public misfortune;
every friend of municipality must rejoice at the
thrift Of its citizens and grieve at their reverses
Business men who give employment TO others arc
the material supporters and benefactors of town.
Whoever puts his mouey at work and creates for
consumption and use, sets in motion the wheels
which convey prosperity, contentment and NUM-
cpal greatness. l am glad to learn that the pres
ent number Of manufacturing interests of our city
is to be increased by the rebuilding an early day
Of the steam saw-mill which was burned last Oc-
tober; and also that it is more than probable that
gentleman Of experience and means will soon put
in full operation the large shoe factory built by
Mr.. Stacy.
1t is my duty to call your attention to the condi-
ton of the several departments OF the city govern
men and in doing SO, will give to you such in.
formation as have been able hastily to obtsn,
tnTOuRn tne courtesy OF my esteemed predecessor,
Mr. Cony and from the annual reports of the va
rious officers. All Of these reports will probably
soon be laid before you in full.
The CITY FINANCES.
l am happy to be able to state that our finances
appear to be IN an excellent condition, and that
our total liabilities as city amount to somewhat
less than they did at this date year ago.
1t was found at the beginning Of the last mum.
cipal year. that the temporary loans of the city az
gregated SS4 ,6Sl, nearly all of which would fall
due during the year, and that the whole sum was
bearing interest at the rate of about per cent.
Such being the case, it was considered best by the
City Council to issue bonds bearing only six per cent
interest," to take the place Of the temporary loans
and so relieve the city from any possibility of being
compelled, in the event of financial panic, to 90
into the market as borrower, at great disad
vantage. These bonds were prepared to the
amount Of 900, and up to the present time
they have been exchanged for the city temporary
notes to the amount Of S7s,5oo The rest of the
series, Sc 800, in the custody of the treasurer
to be used solely to cancel the balance of the notes
nearly all of which will fall due sometime the
present year. 1t is CRAFTY ing fact, and signifies
the good credit Of the city, that in disposng of
these six per cent bonds, for per cent. notes,
the treasurer has realized for the city the sum Of
$725 as premium.
The first of this series of bonds will mature in
thirteen and the last in thirty years. The average
amount maturing yearly after 1888, is 81 1922 All Of
our other bonded Indebtedness, namely, 1924 300
series will all mature in 1887. The other 1872 500
will mature at the rate of $500 year from this
date to 1887.
1t is here seen that city debt is all bonded,
and that with the exception of the I'm
provement loan, it will fall due in small
sums annually, during a period of thirty years,
and in such nstallments as can be paid easily. l
find that the books show the cys liabilities to be
precisely as follows in the form Of
BONDS AND TREAsURER's NoTKs.
Five per cent. bonds of 1868 4 1872 500
Six per cent. bonds of 1867, POI 500
Six per cent. bonds of 1875, $500
Temporary loans provided for by bonds
of 1875, $500
Temporary loans. due 1876, 1000
Whole interest bearing debt, $32O, 200
This class of Indebtedness is one thousand six
hundred and eighty one dollars less than it was
year ago. find the further liabilities of the city
to be substantially as follows;
FURTHER LIABILITIES.
Due the State for tax, 1875, Sl4OOOOO
Due the Village District cash balance, 2,l7O.79
Due other School Districts, SSl.0O
The Sanford Legacy Gin trust) 1900 90
Due for over due interest and coupons, $50 90
Outstanding bills, Western District, 1880