The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-04-29

which about one-half are improved by being
paved and macadamized. To suitably admin
lister the affairs OF SO large an area is hercu-
lean labor, and one in which it would be no
surprise II mistakes were sometimes commit
ted. This Board has been cOnside; a.
bly, embarrassed in its desire to improve the
new streets in the suburbs, and fulfill the ex
pectations Of those who reside upon them by
the failure Of certain parties owning prop
erty through which they run, to con-
sent to a. satisfactory condemnation, or OF
donation of the same. The effect OF this is vex-
atious litigation and delay. invite your at
tention to come practical suggestions IN regard
to the improvements OF these streets, and Of
keeping them in repair, contained in tue valu-
able report of the City Civil Engineer, A. ..
Tripp, Esq. While have every confidence In
the gentlemen who now and have in past years
been connected as Directors with the Board Of
City improvements, yet have serious doubts
whether we have. not been working under
false system. All descriptions Of county
work, such as the building Of bridges, cul-
verts, and roads, are upon public advertisement,
let out to the lowest bidder who can give the
required security for the faithful performance
well to introduce this method Of improve
ment, which has worked 30 well in the COun-
ties into the city governmentP The change
suggested is radical one but 1t is worthy Of
your consideration, especially in view OF tie
fact that nearly one fourth Of our taxes are
levied for the purpose mentioned.
The STRENGTHENING Department in Its. ex-
penditures has cost $lO7, ,893 for the past year.
The year previous it was $l27sO4, being re-
auetion Of over $4,000. This is highly credit
able to the Department., but the suggestion
that a greater force is needed should not be lost
upon you.
The important duties of the Plating Com
mission in mapping out Of new streets in the
lately annexed wards is nearly completed.
Their lab0rs have been well performed, and
should feel that had not properly discharged
my duty II did not, on behalf Of the city. re-
cOnnOGtuH Com.
mission it's thanks for the gratuitOus and ardu-
GUS service they have rendered.
Reports have been received from the Direc-
tors Of the House OF Refuge and from the Di-
rectors of the Work house. Those from the
Infrmary and Hospital are still behind. There
is but little new to chronicle Ia the administra-
tion of these important institutions. The
buildings for them have all been completed,
and their general appointments, for the pur-
poses designed, are not excelled, II, indeed
they are equaled, by any city In the Union.
II the present market system is to be eontin-
ued, we should, as soon as our financial condi:
tlon admits, proceed to demolish the old and
rickety market-houses now standing on Court,
Sixth and Pearl streets. They have literally
come down to us from former generation,
and relics Of the time when we were large
Cincinnati Of o-day. When, in the future,
there Is a new construction Of these market
places, it Is worth your. attention to consider
with upper stories for police and other muni:
cipal Accommodations. -
I again renew the suggestion made in my
last annual message to Council of the PRO-
s strse Raioad "a ROAD nj establishing M some me
central and convenient place from which all
the cars ON the various lines will depart and
arrive. This is necessary to the completion OF
the Street Railroad system. Itwould be great
same time be public convenience.
There has been no material change ip the
general management Of the public schools.
Not having the report OF the Board Of Educa-
as to its expenditures, between the last and
previous years. will here renew my previous
suggestion, that there is an undue multiplica-
of ot 81 boards takng SogIzance n Oh ae IN sHp
and clashing Of interests that could be pre-
vented, il they were all under single head.
We have in Cincinnati private corporation
known as the "Cincinnati Gas aud Coke Com
pany," which has been in existence for thirty
years. Its business has grown with the in
crease of population anu wealth. Of the city.
Originally OF small proportions, it has now ono
hundred and seventy miles OF streets g ia which
it has pipes. Its consumers numper 1900, and
the valpc and franchises Of the works can not
be less than S6, 00J 900. The price now charged
for gas is less than almost any other large city,
he' chase the 'yU WorRs on n behalf it Of the City,
although often suggested in influential quar-
tiers, was snever adopted By the boards OF Cosn-
Gil, and in so doing, believe they acted wisely,
decision was rendered by the supreme Court OF
OHIO, number Of years ago, to the effect that
the City Council has full power to authorize
other parties and other corporations to use the
same streets for gas purposes that are now oc-
cupied IN part by the pipes OF the Cincinnati
Gas and Coke Company. 1t is IN reasonable
competition tnat the people can protect them
vinced that If we had two Or more companies
there would be considerable reduction IN the
rates NOW charged for gas; that it would be OF
q better quality, and that, judging by the value
of the present coinpanyt's stock, 1t would be a
During the past year, tho Fire Department,
under its Board OF Commissioners, has made
every possible effort to reduce expenditures
and economic in that important branch OF the
city government, and at the same time preserve
its efficiency. We have had no large fires, and
the department, upon all occasions, has been
prompt in its attendance, and vigorous in the
extinguishment of con1lagrations.
am pleased to say, that during the past
year, Cincinnati has been visited by no epi-
dcmic disease, and that it has well maintained
its reputation as being one OF the most healthy
cities ON the American continent.
Tie long continued and vexed litigation be-
tween the city and private parties who have
rights that were affected by the construction
Of Eggleston avenue, has been brought TO y
conclusion through the zeal. energy and abil.
ity Of City solicitor John w. Warrington, and
made IN regard to the slow progress Of the de-
termination Of suits in which the city Is inter-
ested, do not justly lie against this depart
meut, but are the fault of the crowded dockets
OF the courts before whom they are brought.
The receipts Of the Mayors office for
Licenses and from other sources amount
to $27,SSS 02. l would suggest that the
licenses to peddlers, which are now
$15 90 per annum, be reduced to 81 w. Tax
alton upon trade and individual enterprise is
anti American, and illiberal in idea, anu bears
oppressively upon many worthy persons.
Here follow statements and receipts for the
city during the year, and a statement Of the
financial condition, all Of which have already
appeared in the STAR.
In submitting this annual communication to
the Common Council, 1 should do injustice to
my own feelings II did not express my high
sense of the courtesy which has existed be-
tween your honorable body and the Mayors
Office; the duties Of the latter without such
cooperation and support would have been ex-
ceedingly unpleasant.
q. W. g. JOHNSTON,
Mayor.
Newport.
Voters will remember that the Magis-
terial Districts have not been changed
bv the recent change of the wards. They