The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1897-03-18
CITY Government Organized.

were present. The oath of office was ad-
minstered by Joseph Williamson, ESQ,
Justice of the Peace. Prayer was offered by
Rev j. F. Tilton. Mayor Fletcher then read
his address as follows:
GENTLEMEN OF THE CITY COUNCIL: We
have been chosen by our fellow citizens to
manage the municipal affairs OF the city for
the ensuing year, and have now assembled
to enter upon the discharge OF our reSpec-
tive duties. The assumption of such a trust
brings to us no small measure of responsi-
bility, as the welfare of the city, to some ex-
tent at least, depends upon how successfully
We manage its affairs. 1t Will be necessary,
therefore, to familarize ourselves with all
the duties upon which we may be called to
act-to thoroughly investigate every matter
in which the city Is interested, and to give
these matters as careful consideration as
We would our own private business Ii you
do this [ am confident that our admlnistra-
tion will be successful, because you have
demonstrated your ability to manage sue
cessfully your own private business, and in
my opinion, this fact is the best posi- bic
proof of your ability to manage the affairs of
the city. [ Will take this opportunity to
congratulate the city on her good fortune in
securing your services for the work you will
be called upon to perform, and to express
my pleasure in being associated with You
1t is more than we can reasonably expect
to please satisfy all OF our constituents in
every respect, but let us endeavor to do the
best can, to give thema wise, economical,
and impartial administration of their affairs,
governed always by strict regard to the
dictates of our conscience, trusting that
such a course will be for the best interest of
the citv, and most satisfactory to those who
have regard for honesty and fair dealing.
As rule, individual prosperity depends
upon good business calculation and the
nf a la
tion and eXtravagant expenditures bring
trouble to those who do business in that
way. Why'is not this rule applicable to
municipalities? l think it is, therefore l
ask every one of you to carefully enquire
into all the needs of the city, so that when
the time comes to make our appropriations
we shall be prepared to act understanding y
in this matter, in order that we may pro-
vide for all necessities and at the same time
make our taxes as low as possible.
] think, too it will be advisable to require
of every officer or agent who has in any
mode the disbursement of money raised 10y
or belonging to the city to render detailed
and full account of all expenditures made
by them, and L recommend that, at the close
of the year, the report OF every officer be pub
liahed, containing an ltemized account of
their disbursements, so that every tax pay
see how his money has been eXpend-
ed.
FINANCES OF THE CITY.
For a detailed statement Of the financial
condition of the city and of its different de
partments, l would refer you to the report
of our city treasurer. The statement of our
assets and liabilities are as follows:
1897, March 1st. LIABILITIES.
per cent. bonds due in 1885,. 500. S49S 700 co
4 40 's - 90 1925......... -. liz, 900 10
4 " - g g 1922............. 1,10C 90
Outstanding orders. ............. ....-... 401 So
Roll of accounts No. lZt....,.-........ Il 3,i39 OF
s615,64o ga
Cash in treasury ...-.... ......s $500 73
Due account of 1896 taxes. 1S, 420 81
. - sewer assessments. ..... Z81 81
1000 shares b. q NJ, L. R. R. stock par
value.,... ..........- ......... ..... 100000 90
sheritls deeds for taxes for 1895. ....... us 70
s525 ,523 rs
Balance of ascertained liabilities. ILLS 901l6 SO
1t is matte. II regret nat the balance of
our ascertained liabilities las increased to
the amount of So $40 49 during the last two
years, but under cur present circumstances
with the prospect of having our interest
account very much reduced in the near
future and our tax rate cOrrespondingly re-
duGed, l would not recommend any increase
III taxation on account of it. Among 0ur
liabilities are bonds amounting to S49S, 700
bearing six per cent. interest," due August 10,
1898, therefore, the time is drawing near
when some provision should be made for
the payment or the refunding of these bonds.
| have considered this question quite care
fully. and as a result | am of the opinion
that it would be advisable for the city to en-
deavur, az soon as possible, to refund these
bonds at lower rate of interest by exchange,
believing that terms can be made hereby it
would be for the interest of the city, as well
the holders of the bonds, to make the eX-
change; and | would recommend that suit
able action be taken, as soon as practicable,
to accomplish this purpose. To fully eX-
PLAN my reason for recommending this plan
for retunding, and to suggest the conditions
and means to execute it, would now occupy
too much of your time, consequently we
will leave these questions for future consiGl-
Grafton.
HIGHWAYS.
Our highways are not in good condition
as usual, principally on account of a heavy
rainfall of last summer and autumn; conse-
quently an extra amount of labor will be re-
qulred to bring them up to the average stand
ard. | have too frequently experienced the
discomfort and disgust produced by riding
over bad roads, and the comfort and pleas
ure IN riding over goods roads, not to appre-
ciate the difference between them, therefore,
| would recommend an appropriation large
enough, which, if judiciousy and economi-
cally expended will furnish us with good
roads.
More dissatisfaction has usually been ex-
pressed du Jut ulduntE III winch money mas
been expended on the highway than in any
other department. 1t Is my earnest desire
that those having charge of the highways
for the ensuing year will give us full
equivalent for all of the money used by them,
so as not to be deserving of censure
So much has been said during the last two
years concerning the condition of the lower
bridge (so-called) that it seems to me it
would be advisable to have it inspected by
some competent person or persons to ascer-
tain whether OF not it is safe for public
travel. If it is found to be safe, we shall
rest easy concerning it, but if found unsafe,
we shall be glad that we ascertained the
fact so that the necessary repairs can be
made thereby avoid endangering the life or
property of any one, or incurring liabilities
on the part of the city.
SCHOOLS.
Our educational depar tment is the most
important of any for which we have to pro-
vide, because it is the most potent means at
our comm and to mould and cultivate the
characters of our children and fit them to
become good and useful citizens. For this
reason, | would recommend that our appro-
priation for school purposes be liberal
our circumstances will permit.
In my opinion, the quality of our schools
has improved under the new system chat
our school committee has done vast
amount of valuable work, and has right
TO claim large share of the credit of max
ing this system a success that our Supern-
tendent has also rendered valuable services
and has been an importaut factor in prOmOt-