The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-03-13
Reforms in Police De-
partment
Are Practically Impossible
Under Existing Law.

The organization of the city govern
ment for the municipal year of 10000
was perfected yesterday morning when
at a few minutes past ten O'Clock both
boards convened and then went into joint
con vention. This meeting OF 10th boards
was held Ia the common council chamber
and there was a large crowd Of people In
attendance many ladi q being numbered
IN the gathering.
City ClerK Dyer callsd the board CT
aldermen together and Alderman Driscoil
vas chosen the temporary chairman.
Aldermen johnson ana Moulton where
chosen q committee on credentials and
reported that the following aldermen had
bsen duly elected: Elmer q. Gerrisb,
Florence r. DrIscoll, Fred II. johnson,
Walter II. Brown, Elias Thomas, Jr.,
Edwin q. Miliiksn, Augustus +. Moul =
ton, John ]. Frye. The committee re-
ported that there was vacancy in ward
four, no return of election having been
IN AIDE. Clerk II. NJ. Bieelow OF the com
mon council appeared at this junoture
and stated that the lower board had or
Ranizsd with the choice Of Councilman
McLaughl0 as temporary chairman
CoGncilmen Dyer, Sionan aud Roberts
had composed the committee on orsden-
tiAls OF the lower board and had reported.
There was a vacancy in one OF the list oil
councilmen in ward four, returns of elsa-
ton not having been made from tha
ward for this vacancy.
Clerk Dyer, on nation Of Alderman
Moulton, was requested to notify th'
council that n joint convention be
granted for the Inauguration Of the may o.
} and council. The lower board signihec
Its acceptance and at the joint convention
Alderman Drisuoll acted as the.presidi z
officer. City Clerk Dyer read the vote FOL
mayor showing that Frank W. Robinson
had been elected.
Then Aldermen Frye and Thomas anC
Councilman Murphy were appointed {
oommitsse to walt upon the mayor-eleo
and notify him of his election. The com
mIttes returned ana stated that thG
mayor -elect would at once wait upon tn
convention. Mayor Robinson. escorted
by Marshal Sylvester and accompanies
by Rev. Henry Blanchard, ID. d., ap
, peared and was formally introduced b
the presiding officer. Clerk Dyer admin
istered the oath to the mayor and In tur
TO the aldermen and oouncilmen. Th
oath was omitted in the case Of Alder
man Frye, a member of the Society 0
Friends, who affirmed.
DIR. Blan chard offered prayer and the
= Mayor Robinson delivered his inaugural
4 He read in a clear, distinct voice whic
E could bs easily he0rd by all in ATTENDING
and at the conclusion Of his address va
accorded hearty round Of applause an
T. paid the unusual honor Of being given
rising vote Of thanks.
The address is as follows;
Gentlemen OF the City Council:
One of the most important matters tina
will be presented for your deliberation
is the Joint order known as the apprC
nriation bill. Ii determines the sum G
. money to be raised by taxation, appoi
= tions IL for expendituTe. and involves
J its consideration an inquiry into tn
|, into the merits and urgency of tn
. various projects that cali for appropris
. tlons. No other measure will be brouRh
:. before you that involves so large sum Z
money in the aggregate or that auec'
= directly or Indirectly SO many person
. and interests.
1t is of great consequence that ever
mem her OF the city council should full
aoquaint himself with the condition
a under which the affairs OF our city are
It be managed during the present veal
u especIally as our method of government
il so far as the discharge OF the adminlstrI
y tive duties is concerned, is essentially or
v of committees.
% Your attention Ia Invited, therefore, {
a some of the circumstances under whic
Is YOU will De called upon to act:
l. Our citizens desire that Portland sha
o rank among the most attractive, progre
], sive and anlig hteneu cities OF this oouI
b try; they feel and reapondsto the impuii
!, of advancement impaired from othi
/, committees, where there Is q forWaE
n movement In municipal development an
l. improvements, and they seek to lndu'
a similar aetivity here In order to shal