Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1897-03-11

The city of Ellsworth entered most
suspciously on its new regime Monday.
Nature smiled in sympathy with the
friends of good government when Mayor
Davis took the reins of city govern
ment.
There was a brief inaugural address by
Mayor Davis as he took his seat, and then
the aldermen proceeded to business. In
he first hour the board proved itself Il
workn one. There were II decision and
promptness to the proceedings which
augur well for more business-like
met hods OF transacting municipal bust
ness.
The aldermens room was crowded Mon
day morning by those who came to see
the new mayor lake his seat, and hear
hat he had to say about city affairs. If
they expected to see the new mayor dis
concerted, they were disappointed; he
tell into place readily, said what he had
to say concerning municipal affairs in
plain, straig htfurward manner, presided
at the meeting with dignity and ability.
THE MEETING.
The meeting was called to order by
Clerk Wyman Alderman ockbridge
Was chosen chairman.
On motion of Alderman Whitney, it
Gus ward clerks, as read by the city clerk,
be accepted as evidence of election. The
answered present:
Ward l, Frank S. Lord.
Ward 2, John O. w hitney.
Ward 8, Richmond |. Moore.
Ward 4, Alvin E. Maddocks.
Ward 5, Sidney P. ockbridge.
The clerk administered the oath of
office to the aldermen.
Alderman Whitney moved that under
suspens ion of rules the clerk notify May
or Davis that the board awaited his
pleasure.
Mayor Davis stepped to the table and
was greeted with applause from the
crowd. After being sworn in by c. II.
Drummey, notary public, Mr.. Davis adj
dressed the board briefly as to the present
condition and needs of he city.
THE MAYORS ADDRESS.
He spoke first of the financial condi-
ton OF the city. The city debt now
amounted to So 656.5i, OF which $500
was in interest-bearlns bonds and
S24 ,3565i in short time notes and out
standing orders. The mayor mentioned
this as showing the necessity for strict
economy.
He spoke of the good work being ac-
complished in the public schools, and he
necessity OF properly providing for this
important department of the clty's work.
He had good word for the police SER
vice tor the past year, but made no al
fusion to the police muiIie. He gave
unstinted praise to the lire departments.
| OF the streets, the mayor said the APP
preparation last year, which had been
considerably overdraWn, was Sl3JO
Work had been begun which 1t would be
| nee, AIRY for tue present b )Ard To com
| plete and he would suggest that the APP
preparation for roads this year should
/ be. 3. 500. The appropriation for side
walks, too, which was 81 00) last year, he
thought should be increase TO II 90.
The asst board had made II contract for
the city poor, and the appropriation for
that purpose was therefore governed by
| the contract.
The mayor spoke encouragingly of the
sanitary condition Of the city. lie be-
lieved the rate of mortality OF Ellsworth
would compare favorabIy with that of
any other city in its class.
He suggested needed Improvements IN
Hancock hall, among Others better
| system OF lighting. He thought an APP
propriation of 300 should be made for
pairs and improvements on the hall.
The MAYORS remarks were received with
a ,plause, The board then proceeded to
the
BUSINESS OF THE MEETING.
! The first in order was the election of
citv clerk, for which the aldermen bal
loted. The vote resulted as follows:
r +. Hale......,....... ......4
l.. Il. Wyman......... Il
Mr. Hale vas declared elected, and took
his seat at once being sworn III by the
retiring clerk, NJ Wv"a'. Toe vote