Los Angeles daily herald., 1873-12-13
gos Angelss Aerala,
MAYORS MESSAGE.

TO he Honorable, the Common Co,oa-
ciI of the city of Los Angeles-GENTLE-
MEN: During the year now drawing
to close, the people of this city have
been exempt from serious calamities,
and although some of their various in-
dustrial pursuits may not have re-
turned highly remunerative rewards,
want and suffering have not been felt,
but competence and comfort have
been the reward of the fugal and in
dustriOus.
OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION.
1t is a gratifying fact, that although
there have been large and unusual
expenditures imposed upon the city
during the last year, growing out Of
the condemnation of lands for railroad
purposes, and for the construction Of
sewers, amounting to about $4,000,
the revenue of tho city for the same
period, notwithstanding the very con-
siderable reduction of the rate OF taxa
ton over the previous years., has been
sufficient not only to meet the total
expenditures for the year amounting
to about $4,000, but to promptly meet
the interest on our outstanding bonds,
and to reduce the Indebtedness of the
city about $4,000 by the redemption
of city bonds.
On the first of December, 1872, the
debt of the city was in round num-
bers, $3.50, 900, of which $2l9,0OO was in
outstanding bonds, and $11, 800 was in
outstanding warrants or floating debt.
On December 1st, 1873. the amount of
indebtness was 100000 in bonds, and
$4,000 in floating debt, and of the
bonds $4,000 are Railroad, and $780,
600 are Schoolhouse bonds, and $1O5,-
600 are city bonds proper.
Although it has been necessary, in
order to meet the demands upon our
empty treasury, caused by the awards
for lands taken for railroad purposes,
sewers and current expenses, to issue
script for less than its fair value, there
by entailing loss upon the city, l
am happy to say that the revenue
paid into the treasury prior to the 1st
of November, is sufficient from that
day forward to permit the resumption
of cash payments for all orders drawn
upon the Treasurer; and there is no
good reason why with due economy
aud proper management hencefOrth,
that the current expenses of the city
will not be met with cash payments
~ they become due, thereby escaping
those great losses and Inconvenience
resulting from the issuance of script
upon Treasury without funds.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Our public school o0ldepartment, owing
to the able management of our worthy
Board of Education, presents an inn
proved condition. There are fifteen
schools with their respective fifteen
teachers.
The schools embrace one High School
three Grammar schools, six Inter-
mediate schools and five Primary
schools.
The annual expenses of the School
Department, including salaries, jani-
tors, repairs, insurance, the taking or
school census, etc., amount to $lS,2OO.
The number of children attending the
public schools is 800. There are also,
including the College, six private
schools in the city, with all attendance
of 800 pupils. The whole number Of
school children embraced in the last
census is about 2,10O.
The establishment of the Woolen
Mill and their successful operation give
reasonable hopes that in the near
future manufactures and new indus
tries will spring up in our midst.
ray OUR PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The organization of the Los Angeles
Library Association, and the energy
manifested by the officers in procuring
the vast display of books, magazines,
newspapers, including the current lit
erature of the day and works of sci
ence, as we'll as the liberality shown
by opening their doors to all visitors,
residents and strangers, is alike hon.
orable to the members of the Associa-
ton and the city, and beneficial to the
present and rising generations, and is
worthy of our consideration and such
aid as may, in your province and sound
Judgment, be deemed expedient to ex-
tend to it.
A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
has been formed in this city, the
members and officers of which are
manifesting considerable zeal for the
welfare and advancement of this COM
munity. An association of this ma
ture, which can have among It's men,
bers no common interests but such as
must be of general benefit, is deserv-
ing of and should receive the cordial
approval and support of those to whom
is entrusted the good name and pros
perity of the city. Associations made
up of such men as are usually found in
those of this class can discuss ques-
tions of the greatest interest, and
reach conclusions less influenced by
bias or personal interest than those OF
any other class; and for this reason,
in all countries and places, the Opin-
ions and judgments of chambers OF
commepce have been gladly and con-
siderately received by political author
tiles when seeking the welfare OF the
people.
THE RAILROAD PROGRESS.
The Railroad Company has made
good progress in the construction OF
the different sections Of their road,
the building of which was promised
by the company, when asking aid
from the city and county, and there is
every reason to believe that the COM
pany will fully perform all which ii
promised. The completion OF the con-
templated railroads will greatly af-
feet the business and prosperity of this
city and county. and every opportu-
nifty and means should be embraced to
secure to this city it's just proportion
OF the benefits and advantages that
may result from their construction
and operation, n~ft-,,ss3nsg ,
THIN CLIGHTING OF OUR STREETS.
That provision should be made fol
lighting the streets would seem to be
so evident as not to require from me
any mention, much less argument Ol
.ooo,,o M ~ ia tfn,a. h,,< a.ndor tho DIR.