Daily Kennebec journal., 1877-03-20

cry Omcerss
The members elect of the Board of Aldermen
and Common Council met in convention yesterday
forenoon at ten o'clock, in the Common Council
Room, in conformity to the provisions of the city
charter. The convention was called to order by
II. w. Black Esq. City Clerk. The roll of the
members eject was called by the City Clerk, and
the members elect, before r. w Black, 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
election Of s. l.. Boardman OF Ward |, Presldent,
and II. A. B. Chandler, Clerk.
In Board of Aldermen, a message was received
from the Common Council, proposing joint con-
venton of the two branches, for the purpose of
administering to the Mayor-electth 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 to elect city officers. The
City Clerk was charged with message to the
Common Council from the Board Of Aldermen,
concurring with the former in the proposition for
a convention for the purposes Indicated
In CONVENTION.
The Mayor-elect, Hon. Charles E. Nash, ap-
peared, to whom the oath of Office was admins
tered. Prayer was then offered by Rev. j. II.
Ecob. The Mayor then proceeded to deliver his
Inaugural Address.
Gentlemen ofhe city Council.
To-day begins q new municipal year. The one
just ended-the eghtieth in the history of the
town and the twenty seventh of the city-wa'
comparatively undistinguishcd and uneventful.
WAS Centennial
Republic, and also the year of national election
of President, those events served rather to excite
quiet, patriotic feelings end actions than any ex-
ceptonal diversion from our everyday life. We
have enjoyed a happy exemption from epidemic
sicknesses, disasters and co1tlagratioas. Provi-
dence has been very kind and nercIiul TO US as q
community. And let US, at the Threshold of the
year, as we dedicate ourselves to the duties and
responsibilities which fellow-citizens have
placed upon us and which we by our oaths have
solemnly assumed, feel becoming gratitude to
the Great Father of all for his blessings in the
past, and look reverently to Him for wisdom and
strength in the carrying out of our purpose to
serve the city WELL that our stewardship may be
in some degree successful, and conduce to the well
fare of our loved city.
1t is a pleasure to me that my felow-citizens
while again assigning to me this high place in the
City Council, have chosen to be my associates so
many gentlemen Of ability and municipal expert
ence, who will honestly seek the greatest good Of
the city in all propositions which shall be pre-
scnted.
Allow me in this connection to express my pro-
found acknowledgements to my fellow-citizens Of
both political parties for their generous kindness
towards me as manifested in many ways; and also
to all those members of the recent city govern
men whose sympathy and support helped so much
to Tighten the duties of my office the past year.
THE CITY OFFICERS.
1t will be among the first of your duties to elect
the officers Of the several departments of the city.
This duty, hardly need suggest, is one Of the
most important which you will be called upon to
perform during the year. The success or failure
of an administI alton depends almost wholly upon
the manner of men chosen TO FL the subordinate
offices. In making your selections, therefore, you
will best serve the city by keeping in mind that
high character. adaptabiity aud acceptableness to
the people, are qualities indispensable in every
office. You can hardly err if you are sure the per-
sons for whom you vote possess them.
1t is proper that advise you at this time Of the
general condition Of the several departments ofthe
city.
OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION.
The kindness of the City Auditor enables me
to briefly present to you statement Of the fnan-
cial liabilities and resources of the city, on March
81 inst