1878-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

17 ed, so far as it relates to the affairs of the town; it is therefore presumed the account we have given may not be as plain or explicit as may be desired, we there- fore earnestly wish any who are not satisfied .with the course that has been pursued, or who seek further in- formation, to make known their views or desires, when this report is submitted formally to the tow at the annual March meeting. Every citizen has the right to demand an explanation of every town officer, the reasons which actiated or influenced them in performing their duties as they did. Again, we express the hope that this right will be fully exercised, so that a mutual understanding may exist in regard to the management of the affai: s of the town the past year. As the financial year draws toward its close and as we review our official acts, in the three -fold capacity which became necessary by uniting the duties of the Overseers of the Poor, and Surveyors of Highways, with those of the Selectmen, it would most z.ssuredly be an anomaly, if there were not some acts of indiscre- tion or lack of judgment committed. It may perhaps be thought by some that when advice has been proffered, or recommendations suggested, we have not received that advice or recommendation in the spirit that we ought, as servants of the :own, by not heeding or adopting them; we have alwayE- listened with pleasure to any suggestion offered, and have been guided by them whenever we considered it practicable and for the interest of the town. If in word or deed we have seemingly evinced a dis- position to be partial, or have not manifested a desire • 18 to consult the interest of the town, our deeds or inten- tions were misconstrued. The following oath was administered to each of us: that "we would dis- charge the duties of the office, to which we had been elected, according to law, and the best of our ability." This oath we have the consciousness of having kept inviolate . It would be presumptuous to arrogate to our- selves any pretensions that the course pursued in the general management of the town business the past year, is not susceptible of improvement, therefore it would be injudicious in us to venture any suggestion of the course to be pursued the corning year. WEBSTER SMITH, Selectmen OTIS WENTWORTH, of ALBERT W. BRYANT. Lexington. Lexington, January 31, 1878.