The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-12-17
Our Municipal Affairs.

Mayor Clark presented to the City Coun-
Gil yesterday paper in which he marks
out the policy which, in his opinion, should
control our Municipal affairs, and makes
various suggestions which are expected tc
have the effect of improving the financial
condition of the city. The value of these
suggestions will, of course, mainly depend
on the manner in which they are carried
into effect; but it is proper to consider at
once the general outlines of the scheme Of
retrenchment, improvement and reform.
In this city we are not accustomed to sud-
den and violent changes, and, although we
have passed through war of gigantic pro-
portions, and an armed peace which over
turned nearly all that stood erect when the
clash of arms was hushed, the whole frame
work of our Municipal administration is
the same that it was eighty years ago.
There have been changes and notifications,
it is true; but the organic law Of the city
has not been substantially changed since
it was formed in 1888. 1t is evident, then,
that changing times and changing circum-
stances have made necessary more than one
amendment of the city charter, and when
the proper time comes We shall be prepared
to define what notifications are most re-
auired. In the meanwhile, it may be said
that the Mayor should undoubtedly be
nothing more than an executive officer with
out q vote in Council This change must
be made al the first opportunity.
We concur with Mayor Clark in the opin-
ion that it is of the first importance that
the city should meet promptly and punctu-
ally the interest upon its obligations, and
we sincerely hope that the interest on the
city debtmay be paid on and after April next.
This would be of vast benefit to the whole
city, as well as those most directly inter
ested. The estimated expenditures for the
year ending January, 1871, show fiat
tering reduction from the estimates OF
the current year. A saving of one
hundred and fifty thousand dollars is,
in this way, expected to be made;
while fifty thousand dollars of borrowed
money will be paid, the interest maturing
after January be met, and sundry sub
stantial improvements be carried out.
A change in the system Of assessment
may probably be made with advantage, and
although the city may not call loudly for
new assessment, the citizens do desire that
taxation may be equitably distributed, and
that every kind of property shall pay its
quota to the common fund. No change how
ever, could be made in time to affect the
taxation for the year beginning January,
1869.
We think that the Mayor is mistaken in his
estimate ofthe value of the landed estate in
this city ofthe South Carolina Railroad Com
pany, and we do not see how the city can tax
property which is by charter exempt from
taxation. This matter, however, could
easily be determined by the legal adviser
of Council. If the action of the railroad
company is ''in accordance with laws" no
legislation can constitutionally deprive them
of privilege which is made perpetual.
The consolidation of the two city hospi-
tails, if it can be done without affecting the
value of those institutions, is certainly ad-
visable. This matter should be considered
at an early day. We believe with Mayor
Clark, that the remarkably healthy condi-
ton of the city during the year is mainly
due to the Health Department, and hope
that it will be maintained in all its vigor-
GUS efficiency.
The recommendations of the Mayor in
regard to the House of Correction, the mar
kets, the police or Mayors Court, salaries,
the city buildings, the city printing, the
tidal drains, and the plank and shell roads,
are generally prudent and sensible; but we
are not disposed, with the information be-
fore US, to advise that every poor woman
who is unable to cara bread for her family
should be forced into the Aims House or
allowed to starve.
The police can, We believe, be reduced in
numbers, without any injury to the efficiency
of the force or to the city. We have, it
seems, more officers than we need, and two
horses, to be used for giving alarms, ought
to be enoul =.
We are well satisfied that it is cheapest
in the end to do the city work substantially
and well. Much of the work done on the
streets during the last twelve months has
been of lasting and durable character,
and it has cost less money than the same
work did under the old system.
Lighting the streets is an expensive mat
ter. If the cost can be lessened, so much
the better.
The Fire Department it is better to
| leave untouched. 1t is volunteer organ