The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-01-08
MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL THE
NAYOR'S MESSAGE


In consequence eff change made by the adoption
of the code, the regular session of the City Coun-
Gil commenced yesterday, instead of wo weeks
later, formerly The first annual message of
Mayor Brown, which was presented, and which
will be found in columns this morning
is document which, we think, will give very gen.
eral satisfaction. The following synopsis will be
found to cover the principal points:
The entire collection for taxes in 1860 amounted to
81, 25S, AIS 49, about $4,000 more than in 1852
OF the levy of 1859, SOL 500 90 of that of 1885,
Sl25, 573.70 remain uncollec OF this is
personal property, and owing to removals and nso-
vencies large amount will never be recovered In
view of this fact the Mayor recommends that the
tax on personal property be kept separate from
that real estate, and collected within five months
from the levy, allowing graduated discount, begin
ming with ten per cent. The basis of taxation for
1861 will be about Sl39 600, 900. The additional
assessments for 1860 are 81 80 300 law to reach
bona file residents of the city now taxed personal
estate in the county, is recommended. The
ordinance for the opening of Holiday street
should be repealed. The Mayor advises the abol-
ishng of the offices of the City Commissioner and
assistant City Commissioner, and the substitution
of Board of three in their stead. Also, that the
Board of Commissioners for opening streets be
abolished and their duties assigned to the Appeal
Tax Court. He recommends the city be cleaned,
&C., by contract. The inspection of gas is next
suggested as proper measure. The City
Passenger Railway comes in for an ex-
tended notice, and severe though just con-
demnation. In giving history of the trans
actions of the Company he recounts eleven distinct
and clear violations of the Company's contract
vitb ba oitv IF less he
ISOLATION have never punctually paid the one-ffth
of their receipts reserved to the CITY, and the quar-
tiers interest due on the 2Sth October last, is still
in arrear. He proposes resort to Court OF Chance
ry, with view to put the road, cars &C., into the
hands of a receiver, and finally to recover the pos
session of it to the city, if the Railroad Association
refuse to make an equitable settlement. He re-
CARDS the park question as settled beyond recall,
and recommends that the one-ffth tax,
on the receipts, of the Railway be retained
as a fund to pay for the parks. He re-
commends the running of the cars on Sunday
under restrictions against abuse, to enable the poor
and industrious to visit the parks that day-very
properly, in our judgment, regarding such meas
ure as promotive of good morals rather than OPP
posed to them. No supply from the new water
works can be expected under two months from this
fore next summer. Mr.. Manning, the Engineer in
charge, by accurate guaging of the flow of the
falls over the dam, found than eleven mir
lion gallons daily after protracted drought. There
can be little doubt, with the capacity for storage
in the lake and the reservoirs. that the supply Of
water will be ample for long time to come. The
Water Board have no doubt that largely increased
receipts will result upon the completion of the
works, which, after paying all charges and in
tercst will leave surplus to be applied to the re-
ducton of the water debt.
The new Aims House and Jail appropriately
referred to- A committee of Physicians has been
appointed to inquire into the healtbfuness Of
the location of the former institution.
The further prosecution of the erection of
City Hall, is objected to, and the ordinance prov
ding for it, recommended for repeal. The opera
tions in excavating the bed of the Patapsco have
been interrupted for want of means, but it is ex-
pected that channel Of twenty-five feet water
will be buoyed out before the close of the next sea-
son. Renewed attention to the health of the city
is invoked, and suggestions appropriate to
that end offered. The Fire Department is
spoken of approvingly, with some hints to fur
ther economy and improvement in its organization.
The present condition of the McDonough fund
is clearly presented and the Public Schools
and the House of Refuge judciously notified
The new Police system receives the need of appro-
baton it well merits, at present. but still further
improvements expected. After brief alluson
to the policy of the Baltimore Ohio Railroad and
to the Pittsburg & Connellsville and the Western
Maryland Railroad, the message concludes with
reference to the political troubles Of the country
at is not in the province of the Mayor" to make
suggestions bearing national questions, but the
city authorities can do much by a careful manage
ment OF the finances of the city, and firm and i'm
partial administration of the laws to avert of
the worst consequences which follows the train of
political commissions.