1 8 7 9. I Mayor's A ddress. Gentlemen of the City Council: I trust that to those of you who have been associated with me in the government of this city during the year that is past, it will be unnecessary for me to state, that it is my earnest desire that we enter upon the duties of the ensuing year, forgetting entirely the differences and rising superior to the animosities which are always engendered in a municipal election, and that we shall all work in harmony to promote the public welfare

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... nd improve the public service. The best public service is not always rendered in re­ turn for large salaries, and I am of the opinion that when, last year, a large reduction was made in the run­ ning expenses of this city, the efficiency of the public service was not impaired, or, if so at all, only in excep­ tional cases, and I shall most heartily join you in any further attempts at reducing city expenses, which shall not reduce the security of life, liberty or property. It will be an anomalous condition, if the members of your boards are not continually importuned by many persons, applicants for subordinate positions, and I trustit may not be intrusive for me to suggest that these posi­ tions are not to be regarded by us as rewards for polit­ ical service, by any means, and that I should look with disfavor upon the displacement of any officer, who is doing his duty faithfully,-administering the affairs of his department in the same spirit that an economical individual manages his own business. The financial condition of the city claims early and constant attention. The honor of the city, as a municipality whose credit has never been called in question, will be most surely established, if in the commencement of the year, we make our preparations for meeting our maturing pe­ cuniary obligations promptly in the future, as they have been in the past. The bonds of this city heretofore issued, whether for municipal or railroad purposes, will continue to com­ mand a large premium in the market, because of our prudent management, and economical administration of our affairs, and our willingness to pay, no less than because of our pecuniary ability?-to meet our obligations. Most of the municipalities of this country, which now have such an unenviable character for repudiation, 4 m a y o r ' s a d d r e s s. [ 1879. CITY OF BAtfGOR. 1879.] 5 enjoy that reputation not so much from poverty, as from their unwillingness to pay. Municipalities must repudiate-not their debts-but the loose ideas of the times; that money can be manufac­ tured, not earned; that property can be acquired by idleness-and clamor, and not by industry. The economy and careful management of our city during the past two years has shown itself, not only in a reduction of appropriations and expenses, with the result of diminished taxes, but in the noteworthy fact, that we commence this new year with $35,752.02 in cash in the City Treasury. But with even this favorable exhibit we mus.t not be content.