The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-04-07

Mahon-Gordon. Rcags' >edlroy. Flana-
CHAN. Sweeney. NeaV ~Zeidler. Hickey.
Norton-9.
On motion of Captain Moir the rules
of the last council We're adopted and
council adjourned to so into joint ses-
sion.
REORGANIZATION OF SELECT.
There was no fun at all at the reor-
ganization of the select branch. Clerk
Lavelle called .he meeting to order
shortly after the old body had ad-
journed sine die and when the certifi-
Gates Of the new members had been
presented and read Mr.. Chittenden was
unanimously chosen temporary chair
man.
Colonel George Sanderson was NOM
mated for the presidency by Mr.. Lans-
Ing and unanimously elected. Mayor
Connell swore him in and he in turn
administered the oath to the new and
reelected members, who are: Messrs.
Kearney Robinson. Frable and Nc
Andrew. new members, and Messrs.
Ross. Williams. Roche, Chittenden.
Sanderson. Fellows and Lansing, re-
elected.
At 1910 o'clock the roll partitions be-
tween 'he two council chambers were
raised and the joint session for the
purpose of .electing a city clerk was
proceeded with. A roll call showed
every member in place. Colonel Sand
erson was chosen chairman. Richard
H. Williams nominated Martin T..
L.avelle for city clerk and he was re-
elected unanimously.
Colonel Sanderson then announced a
recess until ~, o'clock when council
again met to listen to Mayor Bailey's
inaugural.
At11.4O Mayor Bailey, accompanied by
his secretary. r. j. Beamish, and his
personal friends, W. j. Welsh and A.
r. Bedford. drove to the city hall and
repaired to the mayors office where
eXMayor Connell received them. Mr..
Bailey took the oath in the private Of
flee in the presence of those mentioned
above.
Just before the clock struck twelve
the incoming mayor, accompanied by
the retiring mayor and large delega-
tion of personal and political friends,
filed un stairs to the council chamber
where the joint session was in waiting.
Chairman Sanderson introduced Mayor
Bailey and announced that the new eX-
ecutive, owing to his weak physical
condition. could not attempt an ad-
dress. but would be pleased to shake
hands with the members of the coun-
ellis. The councilmen thereupon filed
past the new mayor and each in turn
was introduced by Mayor Connell.
Secretary Beamish then presented
the new mayors inaugural address to
City Clerk Lavelle. When he had con-
cluded reading it, Mayor Bailey was
assisted back to his carriage and re-
turned home.
MESSAGE OF THE MAYOR.
To the Honorable the Select and Com
mon Councils, of the City of Scranton:
Gentlemen:-The administration Of pub
lie affairs of SO great IA city as this Scran
ton of ours involves much care, much
thought. much prudence. much RESPONSE
bility. | fully realize this fact and / also
realize and appreciate the confidence
which the people of this city reposed in
me when they placed upon my shoulders Il
portion of this honorable burden
Tho distinguishing characteristics
which, in the past, placed Scranton In the
van of progressive American cities are
still in existence ard still potent for the
city's further advancement. These char
acteristics are nimmcnse municipal pride.
a superabundance of that great American
quality known as hustle, high sense of
honor among our business and tradespco-
pie and an attention of each man to his
own particular business that Is unrivalled
in any city in the world. These qualities
superadded to the many and great nat
ural advantages with which this region
Is blessed have made us prominent among
the cities of the nation and are a guaran-
tee for our still greater and better deVel-
opment.
OF course, 1t could not be expected
that, with our phenomenal growth. there
should come an equally sudden municipal
perfection. The things that so to round
out "a great city such as paved streets, a
comprehensive system of sewerage, public
parks, the best ire-fighting system and all
the details that make fos public comfort,
public health, public safety and public
recreation are not expected in their per
fection in a city so young and so vigorous
in its development as Scranton. 1t must
be acknowledged by every one that our
predecessors In office from the time of
ScrantOn's Incorporation have worked
faithfully and intelligently for the city 5
development.
They have accomplished great results
in the time and with the means at their
disposal. 1t only remains with US to car.
ry on this work of progression.
CONCERNING THE REVENUE.
To maintain this progressiveness there
must flow into the city's treasury an an
nual revenue sufficient to meet the neces-
stiles of the several departments. How
and from what sources this revenue shall
come are questions, the solution of which
| entrust entirely to you. Many and large
expenditures have recently been made fol-
the permanent Improvement of the city
and these have entailed an Indebtedness
which must be met. Scranton's credit has
always been good wherever her securities
| were offered and we should see to 1t that
she suffers no deterioration in that re-
Spect. An equalization of assessments
would provide the needed revenue.
would urge your careful consideration OF
this most important subject. 1t Is alleged
that abuses and discrimination exist In
the presnt assessments. If this be true
you have the power to alter that condi.
ton for the best interest of the individual
citizens and for the welfare of the city 1t.
self. -
THE CITY'S STREETS.
The time has come when we must pay
more attention to the condition of oul
streets, particularly to those in the subur'
ban districts. Without wishing to be un
derstood as singing out one section more
than another, desire to call attention &c
some of the streets in the North End o1
this city. In their present condition they
are a powerful influence against that sec
| trevelng public. Some measure of relief
should be provided by you. The same
| condition of affairs exists in other sec.
| tions, notably on the South Side, and the
| application of the relief should also be eN'
| tended to them. would also call to youl
attention the condition of the pavet
| streets. 1t will be my policy to compe
| those who tear up pavement for any pur
pose whatever to replace them in the SAME
| condition and at the same grade that ex
| listed before the excavation.
THE WEST LACKAWANNA AVENUE
VIADUCT.
After careful consideration I am fully
| convinced that viaduct Is necessary or
or near West Lackawanna avenue. Sucf