Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-16

The Augusta city government held
its inauguration exercises Monday
morning and the brief ceremonies were
carried out in very impressive man.
ner
The old boards met in their respec-
tive rooms at 1920 and disposed of the
last business of the year by approx
ing and ordering paid the last roll of
accounts amounting to s160170 and re-
ferrtng all unfinished business to the
next city government.
Upon motion by Alderman Bassett
and Councilman Wilson respectively
the savels used by Mayor New3ert
and President Bangs of the council
were presented to those gentlemen,
who expressed their thanks with
much feeling.
" The boards went into joint conven-
ton at 1l.e5, all the members elect be-
ing present except Alderman Brown
OF Ward :, The usual swearing-in for
Iaalities were then taken, the joint
oath being administered and the al
derrnen and councilmeD then being
sworn in separately. The convention
then adjourned that the two branches
might effect their organizations.
The council elected Oscar H. An
deTson Of Ward l president, the NOM
ination being made by Councilman
Weston. The new president expressed
his thanks for the honor and pledged
himself to worl. for the best interests
Of the city.
John Lathe was elected clerk Of the
council.
The councilmen were then notified
of the election of Arthur y. Soule as
president of the board of aldermen
and the aldermen We're given notice
of the organization Of the council.
President Anderson and Clerk Lathe
visited the aldermen for confirmation,
while Councilman Williamson Of Ward
/ sat in the chair of the presiding Of
fcer during the iatter's absence. On
their return the two boards went lnto
joint convention.
joint Convention
Mayor elect Niles was escorted to
the chamber and the oath admins
tered ly City Clerk Matthew. PRAYER
was offered by Rev. Clayton u. Booth
by of the South Parish Congregation
al church. Mayor Eiles then delivered
his inaugural address.
The Mayors Address
Mayor Eilcs spoke as follows:
Gentlemen of the City Council:
We are at the beginning OF a new
municipal year and our fellow citizens
have entrusted to us the administra-
ton of the affairs Of the city. We
have accepted this trust and for he
year to come we shall serve as the
representatives of the people TO the
best of our ability.
We have just emerged from the heat
OF a political campaign that mas
brought its successes and disappont-
r2ents. but we are here now as citizens
of Augusta prepared to enter upon the
responsibilities of government.
| would indeed be ungrateful did
not at this time acknowledge my very
deep appreciation for the high honor
conferred on me by the electors OF tins
city, and my ambition is that this adj
ministration shall merit the approval
and confidence of the general public.
Finances.
The financial condition of the city
deserves not only the serious con-
sidcra ton of the incoming administra-
ton but of every citizen as well.
most urgently recommend that care
ful audit be made at once of city
finances and that the result be placed
before the people in form easily I'M
derstood.
Until such audit is completed I shall
not go into detailed discussion of
financial affairs, but l will say, that
good business practice directs us to
pay not only the bills of each par
ticular year. but to apply something
annually to the city debt. We must
not mortgage the future too heavily
for the benefit Of the present and the
city debt of Augusta must be gradual
Iy decreased.
If our system of bookkeeping is
found 20 be out of date and cumber-
some We should install a modern and
practical system.
If the ordinary citizen is unable to
ascertain the true financial condition
OF the city from an auditors report,
we should institute a new form Of re-
port easily understood by the general
public.
Highways.
The highway question is one of thu
most important problems before the
public today and Augusta as well as
all other municipalities must meet
the growing need for better roads as
best she can. Our system Of highway
work in practice at this time is not in
accordance with modern ideas. A bill
is now pending in the Legislature
which will be referred to the electors
of the city for confirmation providing
for one street commissioner, to be a
trained road builder, who shall hold
Office for term Of three years and
receive a salary of $4,000 per year.
The headquarters Of the present
highway departments should be locat-
ed in a place easily reached by the
public. Complete maps and equip
ment should be provided.
We should take advantage Of all
State aid funds. and believe that the
present patrol system for caring for
roads should be extended.
The city should certainly appro-
pirate for this important department
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