The evening light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1881-1883, 1883-01-31
MAYOR FRENCH's MESSAGE.

To the Honorable, the Board of Aldermen:
GENTLEMEN-To undertake, in entering upon
my fifth term as chief executive, to outline a
policy as my guide for the next two year,
seems supertluous; for have, time and again,
expressed my views upon all matters likely TO
engage your attention..
Under the circumstances, il may not be inn
proper, however, to take retrospective view
of the past eight years; that, by comparison,
we may better realize the rapid advancement
made within that period, by our city. When
first assumed office, we had no modern inn
provements; our city was a laggard in the
march of progress; our people, without that
spirit of enterprise so necessary to meet and
overcome obstacles, which at that time seemed
to lie in the path of prosperity, now have
changed!
On February 10, 1877, we celebrated our con-
nection, by rail, with the cities of Houston and
Galveston. Then were completed, In rapidsuc-
street cars, other railroads, telephone ex-
change. electric light, ETC., until, at this date,
we are in the enjoyment OF most of the inven-
lions and cOnveniences of the age. Our popu.
| lation has increased in the meantime from
b. 600 to perhaps 10000. The value of real estate
has more than doubled, the trade of the city has
increased tenfold, and, as an evidence of the
citys increased and increasing growth, take
| the following from the record of building per-
mits issued for the past tree years: From
l, 1881 to January !, 1882, AS; January l. 1882,
| to January l, 1883. T9l.
In style of architecture, size and cost, there
| has been corresponding improvement and in
crease each year. The only public improve
ment, worthy the name, then existing, was an
iron bridge on Houston street Now we have,
or will have, on the completion of recent con-
tracts seven fine iron structures, giving con-
venient and easy communications between the
eastern and western portions of the city. Then,
two, school buildings, without teachers and
without pupils, stood alone, reminding us of
the apathy of our people in the cause of popu-
lar education, and representing the entire
available assets of once ample school fund.
Now, six ward school houses and a central
building in course of erection, permanent
fund of over 100000, 81 teachers, and upwards
of 1000 children enrolled, attest the change in
this important branch OF municipal govern
ment.
SIDEWALKS.
More than 5000 lneal yards of first
class, mostly cement, walks have been laid dur
ing the last Is months. No Improvement
could have added more to the public conven-
fence land comfort The alacrity with which
our property owners have confOrmed to the Or
ders of the council is the best guarantee that
the good work will continue, until from being
the worst, we shall be the best paved city in the
State
STREET IMPROVEMENTS.
In the matter of street improvements but lit
tie has been done. Such improvements cost
large amounts of money. Probably three-fifths
of the municipal debt of the country has been
incurred for this purpose: In considering this
subject, it should not be forgotten that we
stand in a very different position from that of
almost any other city.
In the North, for at least seven or eight
mOnUnS o. the year, Jfatnc ana other business
would be suspended, except for the improved
streets and highways. In this climate bad
weather is exceptional, and a wet spell lasting
more than Il week is unusual. The dryness of
the atmosphere tends TO dissipate quickly the
moisture, whereas the frosts and SHOWS in a
more rigorous climate keep the roads and
streets nearly impossible for many months in
succession. There is, therefore, with us not the
necessity requiring the expenditure of such
large sums of money. While do not advocate
such expenditure, | do not hesitate to say that
something done done ly
toward improving the drainage of our streets
and establishing system of sewerage.
No more streets should be improved without
first constructing the necessary sewers. Our
taxpayers should, without delay, author
Ize by vote sufficient amount of
let it be done by direct taxation. The average
Taxpayer may not be alive to the importance
of this work. 1t is our duty to do, at all times,
that which we think the public good demands
and no intelligent person, who has given the
subject thought, can doubt that something
must soon be done in this direction for the
preservation of the public health.
Assistant Engineer Morley has so far COM
pleted his Typographical survey as to be able
to indicate where this work should commence.
L regard sewerage and drainage as of the
very first Importance, and have been led into
making the foregoing remarks rather to indi-
cate my preference for the one class of i'm
proVementS, than my opposition to the others.
Our means being limited, we may be compelled
to choose between the two.
Four years ago | expressed the desire to re-
tire from the mayOrality at the termination of.
my third term, then commencing. Circum-
stances combined to deter me from following
out my wishes.
Upon this occasion, it is proper for me to an
nOunce that no possible combination of cir
cumstanceS could induce me to change my
determination to retire from Office at the eX-
piratiOn OF my present term.
| In conclusion, L cherish the hope that the
members of this board will lend themselves to
| the fullest accomplishment of the works before
| them, assured of my hearty corporation i'm
| any and all efforts 10 advance the prosperity of
| our city. j. III. FRENCH.
On motion of Alderman Schreiner, the mes
| sage was received and ordered recorded,
SALARIES FIXED.
| Alderman Dwyer read the following report
| for Committee on Salaries:
| City Attorney, $1,000 per year.
Engineer, $l,2eO and $50 per month for rod
/ men.
| Physician, SlOO per month.
| Sexton, $50 per year and pauper burals as
per ordinance.
City Marshal, $50 per month.
| First Assistant Marshal, Sl25.
| Second Assistant Marshal, $lO0
| City Clerk, $50.
| Assistant, S75.
Market Master 800.
| Assessor, $50.
Two Ditch Commissioners, S75 each.
| Public Weighef, 500
| Policemen, SI5 per month and S45 per year
allowed for clothing,
| Night clerk at police headquarters, SO per
| month.
Tailor, $50 per month.
| Alderman Pauley opposed the increase of the
| Marshals salary, and recommended that il re-
main ut Sl25
Story supported the change, and declared
that there is not city in the State size consid-
Ynf1 NaNr TO-