The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-08-07

l was very DESTROYS to afford the children
some amusement on that day, and to make
beginning at least by introducing some better
methods for its observance by the rising geneI
inRly, on my own responsibility, made
arrangements for a free exhibition of
stereoscopic views to all the school
children of the city. intending to call the sub
regular meeting on Monday previous to the
Fourth, and to bear the comparatively small
expense myself, unless then approved by that
body. Owing to the Gary concert on that eve
ming, the Common Council adjourned without
transacting business, and the matter remains
for your consideration at this, your first stated
meeting since. l will say that the exhibition
passed off satisfactorily, considering the limited
notice given, and 1 think it points the way to
what may be done hereafter in very mex
pensiye manner for the pleasure of our young
folks in celebrating our national anniversaries
hereafter
Also in the afternoon before the Fourth. one
of the most respected and judicious members
of the city government informed me that he
had learned that the engagements of Chambers
Band az Saccarappa on the Fourth was such
that they would get through with their duties
at that place in season to give our citizens an
out-of-dOor concert in the afternoon and even
ing. and expressed to me the strong desire that
the band might be employed for that purpose,
assuring me that it would be most gratifying to
our citizens at large, and that from tie con-
situations be had been able to have with mem
bers, he had no doubt it would be cordially ap-
proved by both branches of the City Council.
The Board of Aldermen happened to be in ses-
sion at the time, six out Of seven of the num-
Der being present, and unanimously advised
compliance with this request There being no
time to call the other branch together, on the
strength OF these assurances of their subsequent
approval, gave my consent Since have re-
GREETED that l did so, on its coming to my
knowledge that there was not that unanimity
on the subject in the lower board as had rea-
son to suppose, although am satisfied that the
above representations were made in good faith
and with full belief in their correctness; but
did not know till few days ago, that the
subject of the employment of the band for the
Fourth of July had been discussed at former
meeting in the Common Council, and vote
passed adverse to such employment Had L
known this fact my action would have been
tue reverse OF what it was, least, for no other
reason, might seem wanting in that respect
and courtesy to the lower board which should
always characterize the official relations be-
tween the different branches of the city gov
eminent.
With this explanation made in as few words
as possible, l submit the subject to your con-
slderatlon. l would state, however, that in
order that there might not be any seeming
lrregularity. as far as the City Treasury is
concerned, have thought proper to give my
check for the amount of both bills, while
awaiting your action.
After thu Mayors address was concluded
councilman Chapman said that perhaps it was
proper for the Committee on Accounts to state
to the joint convention as they were unaware
OF the fact that their report upon the foregoing
bills and their'reasons for not approving them
were already before the Common Council to-
gether with recommendation that their pay
ment be authrized out of the city treasury.
The committee knowing that they were irregu-
lar had followed the safer course and declined
to approve them, but had the earliest posi-
BILE moment taken the proper measures to have
them sanctioned by the CITY Council.
Quite discussion followed the reading of the
message, in regard to indorsng it. The coz
vention finally dissolved without taking any
action upon it.