Eastern times., 1856-03-20

L
in the condition and appearance Of our streets
within the last four or 6ve years, and tnere
still remains much more to be done. Before
commencing any permanent Improvement, IL
will be we'll TO look first TO the sidewaiks, and
see that they are in safe and comfortable con-
ditiun. Then. that the streets are put IN good
| repair. so that the lives OF those who travel
them will not be put in jeopardy, nor the city
made liable to heavy damages.
| yonr a,,ention will undoubtedly be called
a, an early day, to the condition of Front
Street. 1t seems very desirable, indeed, al
most indispensable. that something OF per-
manent character be done for the Improvement
of that street, especially that portion between
Centre and Elm streets.
There are also many inhabitants suffering
much Inconvenience for want of streets BY their
premises.
You will undoubtedly examine all those To-
calities, and do what yuu can consistently for
their accommodation.
There is, and always will be, so long as men
are selfish, much sectional feeling and prefer
ence, manifested in these matters of improve
ment, and you will be under the necessity Of
relying entirely on your own judgment, in re-
gard to what shall be done. and in what locali-
ties you will do it. For if il is undertaken to
meet The wants of all sections in one year, no
permanent good can be accomplished in either.
Ia consequence of the Improvements which
have recently been made in our streets. tie
debt Of the city has been very considerably in
creased, especially during the wears 1853 and
1854. 1t will be for yor 10 decide whether ii
is for the inierest of the city, TO continne in
cressing Its Indebtedness in the same ratio for
the same purpose, or whether il is wiser poll
cy TO keep more nearly within the means af-
forded by taxation.
II would seem to be Of the utmost impor-
tance in these matters that you the City Coun-
Gil. should decide, at the outset, what you
wish 10 have done, what the public good re-
quires, and then that you provide means 10 do
II.
The City Council, through its Committees,
should, it seems 20 me, take the initiative in
matters of street improvement, and assume the
responsibility, so as not to have it thrown up
on the Street Commissioner. He ought 10
have definite instructions in regard To your
wishes, in order 10 he able 10 proceed with his
work advaniageously, and to refer all matters
of controversy directly 10 the City Council.
Perhaps you will also consider whether
small sum of money expended in planting trees
at the sides of the streets, would not be a ju
dicious expenditure, adding in few years,
very much TO the beauty of the city and the
comfort of lis inhabitants.
As the peace and good order of place de-
pend much on well organized and efficient
police, you will Of course be careful that such
men are appointed TO that department, as are
fitted by ability and experience for their sever
al stations. Judging from certain indications,
II would seem TO be wise policy TO make some
more definite bargain than has heretofore been
made, with the different members of the po-
lice, and 10 have their duties so well defined
aud understood that there can be no liability 10
misconception, or of paying twice for the same
service
DO not pretend that these matters are not
all right as they are. If So of course there is
nothing 10 change, but if on investigation, a
screw is found to be getting loose in this de-
partment, you will undoubtedly apply the
proper remedy.
You will, doubtless, make every reasonable
effurt TO preserve in lis present condition, our
well organized and efficient Fire Department
BY rigid enforcement of the Ordinance for
the prevention of nuisances and the preser-
vaiion of health" it may be made very effect
ual in preserving internal cleanliness, and pre-
venting the spread of contagious disease. 1t
is 10 be hoped that unusual care and watchful-
ness will be observed by our health officers in
order that all nuisances, dangerous 10 the
health of the inhabitants, be at once abated.
As the expense TO the city, arising in conse-
quence OF contagious disease, which has
been lurking in our midst for the last six
months, is becoming quite onerous, it may be
well 10 ascertain if some measures cannot be
adopted 10 prevent the liability to so heavy an
expense from this source, and also, some more
stringent measures TO prevent the further
| spread of this loathsome disease.
That unfortunate class of our citizens who
are dependent on your bounty for their support
! deserve your kindest care and most generous
/ sympathies, and | trust you will, as has here
tofore been done, make ample provision for
/ their necessities and comfort, and that such
men will be placed over that department as
will not think more of the pecunlary interests
of the city than of the necessities of the poor
A statement of the Financial condition OF
the city will soon be laid before you, and you
will doubtless seek 10 become thoroughly ac-
quainied with lis liabilities, resources and
wants, in order that in the appropriation and
disbursement of the public funds, YOU may act
understandingly and with entire reference to
the interests of the WHOLE public.
The affairs Of the city during the past year
appear 10 have been managed with great de-
| gree of prudence and discretion.
Quiet and good order have been very gen.
orally observed by all classes of our ctlzens.
Harmony and genllemanly bearing have
characterized HE proceedings and intercourse
of the members of the entire government. Nc
wild speculation have been entered into, and nc
evtravagant expenditures of the public monies
have been made. ln reviewing the lahors o
the retIrilg board, we can cong ralulate Them on
their entire success in carrying on The opera
tions of the government to the general satlsiac.
tion Of the public.
In concluding these desultory remarks,
wish 10 urge upon every member Of this City
Council consideration of his individual re-
sponsibiliiy. We have all something To do
We are placed in our present position for some
purpose; and by accepting the Offices with
which we have beeu honored, and by Solemn
oath, we have pledged ourselves 10 the faithful
discharge of all the duties which pertain TO oul
several official stations. | trust that every
man will so bear his responsibilities, and per
form his labors, that, al The close of the year
he can review his acts with conscience VOID
| of offence" WIN. RICE.
FIRE AT TURNER-THIRTY THoUsANr
DOLLARS WoRTH OF PRoPERTY DESTROYED