Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1855-06-07

,iun, The Aldermen Joined the Common
Council in Convention, when Mayer Coz
z,ns del vred the following
vALEDICTOHY ADDRESS.
G.Wlemen Of Tie CITY Council
la assembling together OH lhi' occasion,
TO transfer 10 those who have been elected
10 succeed Us in the affairs and duties of
our city, it is meet and proper that we
should review what we have done during
our term of probation, and as far as pracii-
cable make report OF what has been PROJECT
ed or undertaken, and which time and
means have prevented us from accomplish
ing,-by which community always suffers,
when the unmatured acts, labors and expe-
rence OF a municipal corporation dies with
them. know that it is quite usual for
each administration, as it is called, TO sail
its own ship, take possession and do what
comes before it during the period Of its ex-
istence, regardless OF the progress which
has been made, or the information which
has been acquired by its predecessor, often
involving delays or the loss OF some of the
most important and necessary measures
which experience has suggested and con-
frmed ; but our frequent changes in egis-
laton, not only in the city, but in state and
nation, has always worked To disadvantage
The municipal year which closes to-day
has been an eventiul one in our history
the second only of our enewed city organ
izaton, it has been an active and laborlous
one TO us, who have had its duties TO dis
charge. While we can congratulate our
selves on having accomplished some good,
we are not unmndtul Of our impcrfections
and shortcomings. One thing is cerlain,
we have expended all the money raised
and estimated as necessary for the current
year b. our Finance Conmittee,--an the
sum Of S6O5S,6l besides; hut it must be
remembered that they made their estimates
and recommended Tax Immediately after
their election, without the least experience
of what was required or would be needed
1t is impossible, therefore, in the early
stage OF an organization OF City Council
TO anticipate what they may do, or what
contingencies may arise to require extraor-
dinary oulays; several such cases have
arisen this year, and will always be liable
to occur. And first, the alteration and r..
pairs Of the City Hail and permanent fire.
proof accommodations for our Records
making ample and convenient a, conmOda-
tons for b. tn Boards of the City Council,
for the Officers of the City, and also a com.
modious room for the City Clerks Office
and Court Of Probate, with a fire-proof
vault for the Records; this has cost Ss2725,-
and believe that it gives general satlsfac-
ton, and will answer our purposes for
many years to come. When we consider
the anxiety Of our citizens generally in re-
gard to the immediate importance OF max
my some such accommodations, by building
u new City Hail, or Hall of Records, and
their apparent willingness TO be taxed for
tina object think they will agree with
us that what has been done, will answer
every purpose, and at less Than one quarter
the cost Of a new and suitable building.
While making the repairs OF the Parade
it was discovered that The pipes and logs
leading water from the large Well or Foun-
tain, near the State House, to the foot of
the Parade, were much decayed and need.
ed considerable to be done, besides frequent
ly breaking up the new pavement and work
lately done by the State you wisely sec
onded my efforts to have new iron pipe, in
more direct line through the Mail, which
has been done, with two hydrants placed at
proper distances apart, and fitted for filirg
Engines in case Of Fire also a gate or
yulator at the Fountain,to aid in the same
purpose; by this arrangement a larg' and
immediate supply of water may be made
available tor cor siderable distance, ana
with good effect it has also been arrang-
ed for filing Reservoirs in the Mall or on
the edge Of the streets on either side /; the
building of two hope will receive AL early
consideration from our successors. THIS
unexpected outlay cost, including the re-
building aud fitting tn, upper F,un!ain,
$93l,33
The School Committee also found it me-
cessary to have an additional appropr ration
of s. 900 more than was proviied for by
the Finance estimate. The new Barn at
the Beach cost $Si5,l5; when we add to
these items the amount of $2043,l3, cX-
pended during the last summer, occasioned
and made necessary by the visitation Of that
awful scourge of the human race, the Chol-
era, we have made up in these five items,
for unexpected and necessary outlays, the
sum of $65i5,23, exceeding by consider
able amount, t G sum now overdrawn by
the Treasurer. Besides, it will BE- rcco.
Iected that the permanent debt has been re-
duced two thousand dollars, besides paying
the interest due thus it will appear that
the ordinary and usual expenses OF the city
have been Kept entirely within the esti-
mates, and would have left surplus on
hand, but for the improve nonts and expcn-
ditures before enumerated.
The improved condit on of our streets
to-day also bear testimony to the amount
expended a much greater amount of work
has been done on them during the year than
ever before, and under the present organi
zation of our excellent Street Commission
or, with the advantages Of large supply
olnatcria on hand, great work may be
accomp ished during the next season. This
is the first time that we have ever had ma
tcrials in advance for early Spring work,
and hope that my earnest efforts, not only
this year, but while under Town govern.
mont, to establish such an arrangement,
will be- hereafter appreciated and carried
out ii IS the only way successfully 10 pr vs.
ccule conveniently our street repairs. AS
some imaginary reports have been in circu.
iiion about the amount expended on our
streets, deem this proper place to say
that ten thousand dollars were appropria-
ted tor streets,--and that up TO June only
S9D7l,93 had Ueen expended for that spc-
cial object the difference between that
sum and the amount appropriated is now on
hand in stock. In addition, as a matter OF
convenience aud profit buth The City Coun.
Gil authorized tn Treasurer 10 hire S3,-
500, for the street commissioner t. pur.
chase stock, to have on hand Tor use, IN the
carly Spring, and 10 furnish prnprietor. on