Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1914-04-10
MESSAGE Of THE new MAYOR
DIR. G. M. A. FORTIER GIVES HIS
VIEWS ON MATTGRs PERTAIN
ING TO WELFARE OF CITY

VIEWS ON MATTGRS PERTAIN
ING TO WELFARE OF CITY
The message of Mayor Fortier IS
read to the council Tuesday evening is
as follows:
TO the honorable council of the city
of Little Falls; Mr.. President and
gentlemen Of the council:
Following custom which, 80 far as
we are concerned. has been established
at the installation of the first city
council of Little Falls, l will, with
your kind indulgence. address you with
S few words. My purpose in this short
heart to heart talk, Is more for paving
the way to harmonious. profitable and
constructive work during the ensuing
year. than for the idea of suggesting
any special or specific legislation.
The unfinished business which may
come before the council is, have no
doubt. we'll understood by the hold over
aldermen, who will gladly and intel
ligently instruct the newly elected
members as to fa:ts and purports. and
all together feel confident, will care
fully study and consiGer those matters
as we'll as the new questions which
may come before the council, to finally
come to sound and business.lik con-
illusions.
Gentlemen, one predominant thought
should possess our minds, and accord
ing to my way of thinking. we should
all work together. like fair minded
men, to obtain that result, namely-the
best interest Of our home city, and the
greatest share of happiness for our fell
low citizens.
Everything that can be done, for ag-
grandizement, establishment, and ad-
vancement of Little Falls. should be
done as far as caution, good judgment
and economy will permit. Let US en-
deavor by our actions to prove that
the citizens of Little Falls. shall not
be deceived in their manifestation of
confidence. in elevating US to our re-
spective stations. There is no doubt
that the greatest reward to anyone is
the self satisfaction of duty we'll
done, and that the honor bestowed is
doubly enjoyed when truly lnerited.
Looking over the gentlemen con-
shutting the city council, and knowing
them as vel! as | do. / feel assured
that conscientious and profitable work
can be done in harmonious and manly
way, and that thereby our individual
task will become more cheerful, pro-
portionately.
May law. broadmindedness, and
charity be our instruments with which
to accomplish our work, and may we
act toward all, as if the citizens OF our
city were members of large family
to the direction Of whose affairs, we,
as mayor and members of the council,
have been greatly hcnored in being
called upon to minister.
As to myself personally. l am,
materially speaking, of too light a
weight tn keep the lid down tighter
than the law intends and desires, and
am lacking in too many inches to pre-
sumo to reach so high up. as to use the
same law as a string lever. to raise
the lid. An oath of office is binding,
and by all the laws of self respect,
honor and morality could not know
ingIy break it. and call myself per-
jurer.
feel certain that all those coming
under the mayors jurisdiction, and
that of the police department., will do
all in their power to contribute, in the
full measure. toward the attainment of
peaceful. clean and manly admin,stra.
ton of our civic affairs.
My line of conduct. IN that respect,
shall be policy of reciprocity. l shall
be fair and square with those who will
be fair and square with me. shall treat
a man with respect and kindness as
long as his actions shall be in accord.
ance with. and conducive to the full
observance and respect of the law of
our state. and ordinances of our city.
am convinced that it is to ones
best interest to do so and certainly to
the interest of the people as a whole.
Ii person is bound to break the law,
make himself obnoxious, and a cause
of disturbance. there are ways to deal
with him without molest,ng those who
conduct themselves az they should.
The saloonmen, judge. have their
rights under the law, as we'll as any
other law abiding citizen for, by the
mere fact that man is the owner of a
saloon he surely does not abdicate his
right to justice and fair play. 1t is my
purpose, with fair means at hand,
to keep q true record. during the whole
year, of the doings Of the refractories,
il some should be found. and it at the
time of license renewal. the black
marks overbalance. it will be of their
own fabric. and they should be game
enough to stand by the consequential
results.
You can readily see, gentlemen, that
my intention is to establish the "honor
rule" and if one should be found lack
ing in that characteristic disposition,
be should be seQuestered. as an act of
justice to those who have the posses
sion of their bonor and manhood.
As I judge it better not to bring the
police question az an issue at each
spring election. l have concluded, after
an extensive and careful investigation.
and after positive spoken opinion by
many Of our best citizens, not to make
any change in the existing police force.
l never believed and do not today. in
removing a man from bis position for
Innovations sake, or for personal rea-
sons. The chief Of police, and patrol
men intended to work With and under
him, are bound to learn more and more
with time, and become more efficient