The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1922-03-16
GRATITUDE FOR SUP.
PORT EXPRESSED
Clyde II. Smith Speaks 10 The Citi.
ZenS Of SkOMhcgan

Perhaps ! never found myself in {,
situation where | was so completely
unable to express my feelings as al
the present time. Struggling in my
heart for expression are gratitude ant
thankfulness and at the same time an
almost overwhelming sense Of respon
sibility. | wanted, to win, very, very
much indeed. was eager to know
whether my fellow citizens, men am
women. believed had made an homes
effort, believed | had been fairly eff
cient; whether they trusted me am
gave me credit for sincerity. Moro
than this, | felt longing to know
that the spirit of Kindness which ha.
been shown me for the past seven
years was still to be mine. | make
no claim as to Il perfect record, | an
sadly aware that in the perpleXitie.
and problems encountered in trans
acting town business have moi
tlways gone right; my judgment ha.
sometimes been at fault For sucl
instances no regret could possibly h(
greater than mine, but | did SO wan
q feel that sympathy rather than un
friendly criticism would be bestowed
Last Mondays vote, with all th'
friendly greetings which preceded
md followed it, answered in rici
abundance the needs Of my heart am
my mind. | am powerless to thanl
YOU. You must understand what
would say if words were capable o
.elling the whole story.
Now as to the future: No man il
my situation could do less than hE
best. To abate one atom of energy
o be guilty of one moments inattcn-
ion. tu omit a single endcavOr woult
1e monstrous ingratitude. Such !;
victory imposes care and great respor
sibility. They are gladly accepted
| know | shall have your help, sym
pathetic counsel, and patient for
bearancc in the future as in the past
With this feeling | shall face the com
ing year unafraid. If we only coult
10 all that the ambitions of my hear
suggests, this good old town shoul
blossom like the rose; no worthy citi
zen should be unemployed or lack tn
abundant reward of labor: no siCl
or needy person should want cithc.
necessities or comforts for their re
lief. no little one should sorrow 10
the rcCrcations or cnjOymentS Whicl
are by right the inheritance of child
hood. This world of ours, intendct
md perfectly fitted for the home of
race universally happy. prosperous
and contented. some time will be al
actuality. We must go as far aloni
hat road in our day as circumstance
will permit. Charity for each other
fellowship of kindred minds, patienc'
ror those who may differ with us an
sincere effort for the good of all i
our plain duty.
want to say few words dircctl'
10 the 55S people who did not vote fo
me last Monday. There is no diIlicult
in believing that most, it may be al
of you. acted from worthy motives
Perhaps in some instances | could no
take this view of the case and, in tn
excitement of the brief campaign, ma.
have said so. For this / ought t
apologize. The life of any man is /
compromise between his ideals an
his necessities. None of us can know
i what surroundings and what force
/ are working upon an individual caus
i have | gift or warrant either of HEAVIER
or earth to sit in judgement on m
/ fellow men. Anyhow. the battle
over: let's forgive and forget, bury th'
i hatchct and smoke the pipe of peace
| | don't want to feel, and I am no
! going to believe. there is anyone il
Skowhcgan watching hungrily for al
! opportunity to put me in wrong
Come around and talk it over. W,
shall find it ever so easy to be tho
best of friends | have all the cOur
age in the world to urge you to dc
/ this because | have been selected fo'
public job your job. We can dt
very much better if we start togethe
on it,
close extending renewed thankt
and plcdging the best that is in me
to Il faithful discharge of the dutie
Of my Office.
CLYDE II. SMITH