Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-03-17

seers of the poor, who for the faithful
manner in which they are discharging
their duties are entitled to the graft
tude of our citizens. We are fortunate
III having as superintendent and
matron of the aims house. Mr.. and
Mrs. Merrill. who take great interest
in the unfortunate persons under their
charge. The buildings and grounds
are well kept. neat and homelike.
Our police department. although not
the largest, is one of the most i'm
pcrtant of our city. No serious crimes
Lave occurred during the past year,
| and our streets have been kept order
ly and quiet.
Marshal Andrews. although this is
| his first year has proved himself equal
| to the occasion: and think I voice
| the sentiment of a large majority of
our citizens when I say that he has
performed the duties Of his office in
| creGitabln manner.
| Our fire department is in excellent
condition. The apparatus and per-
sonnet of the various companies were
never better. / consider ours one of
the best volunteer fire departments in
| the State.
Owing to the amount of work done
on the Gardiner and Randolph bridge
during the past year, the appropria-
ton was largely overdrawn: but I am
informed by the committee in charge,
that it was necessary to do this work,
ave that in their opinion, the bridge is
now in excellent condition. There is
one matter which I wish to call your
attention to and that is the condition
OF the draw. which is old and needs re-
pairing. l think some provision
should be made to rebuild it. I also
suggest that something be done to i'm
prove the appearance of the covered
portions OF the bridge; these are in an
unfortunately dilapidated condition,
presenting SAD spectacle to strangers,
especially to the hundreds of visitors
who come up the river by boat I
trust you will give this careful con-
sideration, and that you will make
some provision in the matter.
The city's sewerage was extended
last year; but there are some unfin-
finished parts which must be COM
pleted as soon as possible, this should
be looked after as soon as the frost
leaves the ground.
February II, 1S03 an act was passed
by the Legislature of Massachusetts
Incorporating the town of Gardiner
| The first own melting was held March
q of that year; hence few days more
mark the close of our first century. A
| few weeks ago it was proposed that we
| httingly celebrate this event. My
| predecessor. Mayor Danforth, appoint
! ed committee to make arrangements
| and they have requested that a day in
June be devoted to this purpose.
understand that only a small sum of
| money is needed to carry out the pro-
| POSED program. ! suggest that small
| appropriation be made. and that said
i appropriation be placed at the disposal
| OF committee selected from the city
| council and from our citizens at large.
| In making your appropria tons for ,he
year you should carefully study the
needs of each department: and though
you are expected TO cconomize as
much as possible, you should give to
each an amount sufficient to pay the |
necessary expenses. / Shall then ex-
pect the heads of these departments to |
keep within their appropriations, and |
shall not allow them to oNerdraW with |
out your advice and consent
One of the first duties you will be |
called upon to perform is the election |
of the various officers provided for in |
our city charter. Much of the success
of our administration depends On these
officers. In your selection you should
not be Influenced by personal motives,
but should remember that the interests
of the city alone should be considered.
This can only be done by selecting
capable and trustworthy men, | am
aware that perhaps this will be one of
your most unpleasant duties, but | am
confident that your honesty and good
Judgment will guide you right in your
choice.
In conclusion allow me to remind YOU
that we. being but servants of the city.
should be ever ready to promote Its
best interests. l hope we all shall en-
dcavor to perform our duties in such
a manner that in after years we may
look back with just pride and salts
faction to the city council of 1903.
Following the address. al committee
was appointed TO receive, sort and
count the votes for the subordinate /
city officers. Aldermen Turner and
Burns and Councilman Harrington
comprised the committee. The first
officer elected was the city clerk and
Charles o. Wadsworth was unani-
mously chosen and he took the oath
of office. For second assessor Marshall
A. Haraden received IL votes out of 22
and was elected. The overseers of the
poor were then elected and included
G.. n. Johnson, NJ A. Haraden and
John w. Peacock. City Marshal
Frank E. Andrews was reelected by
a vote of l6 out of the "a votes thrown.
DIR. w. o. Cobb was elected city ply
stefan by II out of %. Henry Far
rington was unanimously elected city
treasurer as was Albert K. Jewett COL
Hector of taxes. Five ballots were nee s
essary before the street commissioner
was elected. The result of the fifth ,
ballot was whole number cast, 23; /