The Tombstone epitaph., 1882-01-23
MAYOR CARR's INAUGURAL.
A GOoGeDocument, Promising the Right Hing, and Full Of Logical AdyINA

Oenuemen or the Common COuncil--i
 large majority of our fellow-citixens o Tombstone have seen proper, in their soy
 ereign capacity, to place in our hands tn,
 political destiny ot our young md grow
 ing city for the ensuing two years. Let il
 be our highest aim to see that their con
 fidence IS not misplaced. Let all our acti
 while serving the people be for the benen, of the whole city-legislsting for neither clique, faction or persons, but keeping . steady watch over the entire city and the best interests thereof.
 There are few matters which would call your attention to, that in my judg. ment, require your immediate action First, our
 FIRE DEPARTMENT
 IS very imperfect for city containing % many large and combustible buildings as we have in this city, with but one small hand engine and not one gallon of water in tank belonging to the ci.y for use in case Of fire. We'll may our citizens dread the sound of the fire alarm. for many of our citizens that tonight may be in affluence, be- fore to-morrow's sun may be left penniless. In my judgment the city has more to fear from the ravages of that destroying ele- ment, than all other things combined she has to contend against, COW boys thrown in. l woald not say one word dis paraging against the gentlemen, cempris. ing the fire department, from their worthy chief down to the smallest torch. bearer, but would give them most worthy praise for what they have accomplished, and l believe with proper machinery they would stand second to none ou the Pacific coast in the discharge of their duties as firemen; but, gentlemen of the council, they can do nothing withuot proper implements to work with. Then again, our citizens would save sufficient money in one year by the decrease alone in insurance rates to equip respectable fire department. Therefore, gentlemen of the council, hope you: will give this department your ear. Hest consideration, and do all in .your power to make the fire department the pride of the city and the salvation of the property of our people am sure you will have the aid of all good citizens in your work.
 Again, gentlemen of the council, l would call your attention to that much discussed question of
 TITLES TO TOWN PROPERTY, that tends so much to retard the growth and prosperity of our young city. It is indeed vcxed question that is we'll to be settled as soon as possible, so that men may improve their property and secure proper and valid titles for tue same.
 Now, gentlemen, it seems plain to me that the property within the city limits either belongs to the city or to MT. Clark, and which is the proper owner 1t will be well for the courts to decide, and think the city the proper party to begin suits for the recovery of her endowed rights, which the laws of the United States have granted to her. The issue involved in this much vexed controversy is remarkable. Had Mayor Randall the right and power to deed to the Townsite company the whole of the real estate of the city, irrespective of the rights of the bona fide settlers! In my judgment, the laws never intended to give him or any other official the power to sell or give to company of speculstors the homes of our people. I believe, gen. tlemen of the council, that every foot of ground within the city limits belongs to the city, both in law and equity, exceLt that which is covered by valid mining claims. According to the laws of the United States, therefore, in my judgment, it is the imperative duty of the mayor and council to defend the rights of the city against all and every person or persons who may seek by fraud or other means to deprive tie city and the citizens thereof of their just rights under the laws of the United States.
 REvENUEs.
 would call you attention to the mode and manner that is now in use for raising revenues Of the city. In many cases be- lieve It to be unjust and oppressive to many of our citizens The system of licenses which is largely resorted to from one end of this vast domain to the other, is in my judgment, but species of double taxation, and should only be reserted to in cases where It is impossible to raise sufficient revenue for the maintainance and support of government without it, and when neces- sity compels license to be levied on legiti. mate business, it ought to be done ss lightly as possible, placing as little burden on the industries of the people as possi. ble
 Our system of collecting taxes and Ii. censes seems to me to be wrong; that of making the licensee pay for collecting, in addition to heavy license, regard as un- just and detrimental to the business inter- ests of the city. l would recommend the passage of an ordinance requirlng all per sons whose calling makes them subject to pay license, to have the privilege of paying the same to the city auditor without sddi- tlonal cost. If they neglect to do so within a gwen tune, then add a. reasonable ice for collecting by the proper officer.