The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-01-07
RETIRING
MAYOR IS
HONORED.
Handsome Testimonial Pre-
s.n,ad 10 Hon. Vim. C. Baker
by Ills Many Friends.

A very pleasant affair took place In the
offices of the executive department. city
hall, shortly after IL o'clock this morn
ing, and IL was one that convinced Mayor
Baker that In leaving office he had more
friends than ever before.
At IL O'Clock the members OF the board
of aldermen, heads OF city departments
and many others, making up largely the
same gentlemen that dined with Mayor
Baker on Thursday evening last. as
sembled in the mayors office.
A few minutes later Mayor Baker mr.
rived. and when he had taken seat at
his desk all assembled around him, con-
cealing the big centre table from view.
and President Of the Board OF Aldermen
Walter b. Vincent, acted as spokesman.
Alderman Vincent in making the presen-
tauon said:
MIR. Mayor: The office you have filled
during the past three years, the duties of
whicn you are now about 10 relinquish. Is
one OF dignity and Importance. Your fell
low citizens have thrice called upon Sou
to preside over the affairs OF the munici-
pallty. comforting upon YOU the highest
honor I'm their power 10 bastow.
You came TO the rnayoralty three years
ago. posse ing political views and senti-
ments at variance with those entertained
by the most OF us, but such has been
your discretion and Judgment. and so
thoroughly and completely have you
given your thought and effort to the best
interests OF our city. that political differ
ences and considerations have been lost
sight of, and we can today only remem-
Der that you have discharged the duties
OF your position conscientiously, wisely
and well.
There Is. however, a success, still
greater. which you have also achieved,
and that success is found In the esteem
and regard Of your associates. When you
go forth today. freed from official cares
and responsibilities, you will carry with
you our kndest and best wishes for your
future health. prosperity and happiness.
THE hour is at hand when our official
relations must cease. but while you are
yet mayor, the board of aldermen and the
city officers beg you to accept from them
this cup. ~.
May IL convey to yon.y better tifnn any
words. OF mine, their kindly feeling. their
friendship aud their affection and may IL
be to you for many years TO come an
emblem OF peace and good>eheer."
The group in front of the centre table
then drew back, and revealed the beauti-
full cup.
Mayor Baker was evidently taken by
surprise, and for a few minutes had hard
work to suppress his visible emotion. lie
then. in his usual graceful manner re-
turned thanks for the handsome testi-
monial and said that he would always
treasure IL as one of his dearest posses
sions.
The cup which was made by the Cor
ham Manufacturing company. came from
the store OF the Tilden-Thurber com
pany. Ii is Is inches hgh. and is a dupli-
cate of the cup presented 10 the late Gov.
Wocott OF Massachusetts. 1t stands on
an ebony base II inches high. and is en-
closed in black, rose colored silk lined
case.
on the cup is the inscription: Present
ed to Hon. William G. Baker. mayor of
the City OF Providence. by the Board of
Aldermen and City Officers, January Z,
1911"