The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1915-03-18
City Government Organized.
Mayors Address, Appointment of Com
mite es. Etc.

| The members elect of the city council met
at 10 a. m. March 18th. and were called to order
In joint convention by Maurice W. Lord, deputy
city clerk, who then administered the oath of
Office. After prayer by Rev. Arthur E. Wilson,
Mayor Charles R. Coombs read his address, as
follows:
Gentlemen of the Common Council: We
enter upon the duties OF managing the munich
pal affairs of the city of Belfast at this time
with. trust, a full realization of the RESPONSE
oilties placed upon US, and as far as l am
concerned with a great deal of trepidation
But when l look into the faces of the men
whom l have to depend upon to carry on the
business OF our city l wonder why should feel
OF US: or all of US. Of being business men, we
would all plead guilty to the charge. We are
business men. And we want to demonstrate
that fact to the citizens of Belfast. If there
Is any way the financial affairs can be estab-
llshed on sound business basis, then think
we can do the trick. That we shall be criti.
cised goes without saying. But that we can
make good, have no doubt The experience
will be good for US all. 1t will broaden us and
bring us up against problems that will try our
executive abilities to the utmost. It will have
tendency to make US stronger and better
men. At the end of our term we shall be
wiser, even if we are sadder. However let US
not worry. but bend all our energies to do the
best we can, and be assut ed that the best we
can do will be all that reasonable people ought
to expect of us. Our financial affairs and con-
ditions will demand our greatest consideration
and careful study. Rigid economy must be
exercised, that all necessary expenses NAV be
taken care of.
Unfortunately have not been able to learn
how much our city is in debt We have heavy
debt, PLACED upon US by former administrations,
and l was in hopes that my predecessor, Mr..
Dunton. would be able to reduce it before pass
ing it along to me. But as we have nv report
from the treasurer, and no report from the
city auditor, am unable to learn how we
stand.
HIGHWAYS.
This will be the hardest problem for US to
conquer. and will give much of my person.
al a tention to it as possible Our main travelled
roads have been in very poor condition for a
long time. The whole surface OF our roads
should be smoothed and kept as smooth as pos
sible and as much good gravel used as can be
secured at reasonable expense. Especial care
should be given to drainage. l would recon-
mend that the full amount allowed by law be
appropriated for the building of State Roads.
PAUPERs.
The contract for keeping the poor expires
May 10Th. We should be prepared to under
standingly draw up new contract, embodying
in it what will eventually be required by the
State Board of Charities and Corrections.
have written to them for instructions and ad-
vice. in the meantime / would recommend i'm
mediate study of the situation, for we must
take action at our next meeting.
WATER SERVICE.
There is little l can say about our Water
Service. We have, believe, two suits at law
with or against the Water Company. On the
outcome of these will depend our standing with
the Water Company, financially. would re-
commend that these suits be tried, and settled
as expeditiously as possible.
CEMETERIES.
Our cemeteries are in fine condition and
are self sustaining. shall have some recon-.
mendatiof to make to you later in the season.
l believe our cemeteries should be entirely
eliminated from any future political interfer-
ence.
SCHOOL HOUSES.
There is a very imperative need of radical
change for the housing Of pupils in our city.
Careful and urgent consideration of any feas-
ible plan to secure such building should be
given by the committee, and by US.
SEWERS.
AS far as l can learn we shall be ask ed tn
put in more sewers this year than we can Dos
sibly raise the money for. We shall have to
use our best judgment and only grant what We
consider will be for the interest of the greatest
number of people.
STREET LIGHTING
Our street lighting has been extended in
many directions and further than we can afford
to pay for. l would recommend that no fur
ther extensions be made until we are finan-
cialy able to afford such. Our contract with
the Penobscot Bay Electric Co. will expire
this year. We must be prepared to make a
new contract with them and to as good advan-
tage for the city as possible.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
1 understand our Fire Department is we'll
equipped, and in good condition Yet it NAV
be good policy to make some changes, along
lines of economy, as may be suggested by the
Chief Engineer.
And now. in closing, l wish to say to you,
my co-workers for the coming year, we shall
be called upon to make sacrifices of time, of
labor and worriment of mind. Yet let us re-
member we are working for Belfast our native
city. We are working for the prosperity of
ourselves, our neighbors and our homes, and
only by united effort, and by working as one
harmonious unit, as members of one family
and with one obj ect in view, the best interest
of Belfast. First, last and always only by so
doing can hope for success to perch upon
our banner
The council organized by electing VIM. K.
Keene president and Henry B. Ladd, clerk.
In joint convention the following officers
were unanimously elected:
City clerk, Carleton Doak.
City treasurer, Clifford J. Pattee.
City Solicitor, Carleton Doak.
City physician, Foster c. Small.
Chief engineer, Stephen S. L. Shute.
First assistant engineer, Ira T. Clough,
Second assistant engineer, Eugene L. Cook.
City marshal, George W. Frisbee.
Auditor, Frank R. Woodcock.
Harbor master, N. S. Lord.
Port warden, N. S. Lord.
Truant officer, George w. Frisbee.
Inspector of buildings, George Weymouth.
Inspector of milk, W. L. West.
Assessor for three years, Robert P Chase
Overseers of poor, VIM. A. Mason, o. E.
Frost and G. G. Abbott.
Board of health, O. S..sVickery, chairman,
Marcellus R. Knowlton. Carl H. Stevens.
Trustees of Public Library, Ben Hazeltine,
Rev. A. A. Blair, Selwyn Thompson, Charles
s. Bickford, Charles R. Coombs.
Sealer of weights and measures, Percy S.
Edgecomb.
The city clerk cast the ballot for the follow
ing officers:
Cullers of hoops and slaves, F. A. Holmes,
W, G. Hatch, R. H. Mosher Rufus DYER