Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-03-10
The INAUGURAL
Of Hon. {. {. Webb, Mayor
of City Of Watervi|Ie,
Advises Changing Fiscal Year and
AtoIishing 0verseers Of Poor.
counsels Holding Strictly to Appropriation
limits - The Officers Elected.

| Watcrville, March 9. Especially. Mon
day morning broke through and parted
far and wide the storm clouds that had
lowered over the city for many days 1t
was bright crisp and pleasant morning,
and it was Inauguration day. The 1896
robin had been delayed at Augusta, &C
cording to Mondays Journal, but never
theless the morning passed, the cere-
monies were over and everything passed
off as smoothly rs it could possibly with
every tree laden with red breasts and every
corDfield fence covered with the waiting,
expectant crow.
The aldermen and couBoilmen elect
were early at the city government rooms,
arrayed in their best. Mayor elect Webb
arrived at the office Of the city marshal
at 9.55 O'Clock. A great crowd, com
pletely filling every inch OF space behind
the desk, was also present II was evil
dent there was considerable in the pro
ceedings to follow.
At 05 both boards were called to or
der and in less time than ittakes to write.
committees were appointed to examine
Five minutes more and Alderman
Ransted moved that the common council
be notified that the board of aldermen was
in session and requested a joint convcn-
ton in order 10 receive the mayor elect
and listen to his hunor's counsels The
town board took seats in the aldermen
room, being ushered in by City Marshal
Mctadden. The city marshal also kindly
looked after the representatives of the
press.
Aldermen Ransted and Wilson were ar
pointed by Mayor kpauff to notify the
mayor elect that the joint convention
awaited his pleasure and tn escort his
honor to the room.
The committee returned, escorting the
mayor elect, ut 1918, amid applause
every body rising. The oath of office was
administered TO Mayor Webb by City
Clerk Brown. Mayor Webb called npon
the Rev. 7. jefferson Valentine Of the
Main Street Unitarian church. TO invc BE
Divine blessing Following came the
calling Of the roll of aldermen by Clerk
Brown and the administering Of the oath
of Office by Mayor Webb, and then the
same followed with the councilmen. 1T
the conclusion of this ceremony Mayor
Webb suggested if there was no other
business it might be well To dissolve the
convention.
Alderman Ransted stated that he knew
Of no other business except to listen to the
mayors address.
Mayor Webb-"Ob, l hoped you had
forgotten that.
TIE mayor then addressed the conYen-
ton as follows:
Gentlemen Of the City Council:
In entering upon the duties Of mayor
appreciate the inconvenience that arises
from inexperience with our municipal
government, but with your cooperation,
which invite. | shall endeavor TO dis
charge the duties of this trust with a
view to promote the interests Of the PEG
pie and the general welfare of the city,
keeping in mind that public office is
public trust
The people take an active and intel
l'gent interest in the municipal affairs Of
the city. l believe good results come by
the city government keeping in touch
with the citizens, and that consideration
and attention should be given to we'll
considered views Of representative bust
ness men.
If l sense the municipal mind of Water
vile correctly,it expects us to select heads
Of departments and subordinate officers
who have developed business capacity
and who will expend the peoples money
with the same good judgment that they
would their own.
The city charter requires the mayor to
communicate to the city council such in
Continued Oh page 5.