Salt Lake evening Democrat. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1885-1887, 1885-03-17
PARKS AND RECREATIONS.

the streets are well sprinkled and kept ii
fair condition; in the lower wards and in
the higher parts Of town the roads and
walks are not so bad. But the great
fault of our city government is the very
lax manner in which private corporations
are allowed to use the streets as
they choose, without any supervision
and without any regard to the public. As
an instance, look at the manner in which
the gas company lays down pipes from
the company's mains to private houses
The ridges which necessarily result from
the operation, are nerer, even after
months of settling, made level with the
street. They certainly should be, and
why are they not? The reason is not
far to seek, and it is simple and ordinary
when found there is nothing occult in it
either:
1t is simply negligence and imbecility, ir-
responsibility and immovability in office
Let us not be misunderstood, and have it
said that the gas company is chosen be-
cause gentlemen who are in it are
prominent in public and ecclesiastical
affairs. Equally, if not more outrageous,
is the mannerin which the telephone COM
pany was allowed to place their unsightly
poles anywhere in the street, no matter
how dangerous. But more than that, it
was allowed to cut down the shade trees
on our sidewalks, trees whose growth
had taken twenty years. The utility and
wonder of the telephone are great, but
not so great as to justify the subordinat-
ing of everything to them. On some of
the streets can be seen the tall and stately
telephone poles using the noxious and
uncomely tree for anchors to hold them
fast. These are but two things, but they
are most important ones.
During the summer if any one petitions
the City Council to repair a street, or fix
a water sect, after laying the petition on
the table and considering it for some two
sessions, the petitioner is gravely in
formed that his petition will be granted
provided he bears the expense under the
" direction of the supervisor of Streets"
Has any one the temerity to ask more?
He may have, but he will get no more.
When things of minor importance,
such as increasing the tax rate and rails
ing the salaries are brought before the
Council, they pass unanimously and
without discussion, for these are financial
matters and Of finance they are masters.
These are things which create discomfort
among the citizens of all classes and
parties; they are things which are wrong
no matter what party does them. The
city has done some commendable things,
and among them was the purchase
of Liberty Park. The improvements
are as yet very meagre and rather show
what should be than what has been done. |
The work thus far has been preliminary
and expensive, and had to be done. The
Park has already become favorite place |
to while away a sultry afternoon, and it
is free from those pests of public resorts
saloons. The drive is of sufficient length !
10 be pleasant, and if there could |
be place fixed to serve as |
4 Rotten Row it would be still |
more popular. Many gentlemen
of the city who subscribe literally to
he sprinkling of the drive, are advo-
'ating the expenditure of the money on
he circular drive of the Park, and for the
'eason that loaded wagons would not be
allowed. there, and the roadway could be
)etter and more cheaply kept. This
would be an improvement, as it would
all all riders and drivers together,
md there would be the pleasure of
many friends together; and society
s never SO agreeable as when all
round are in high spirits and health
nd in generous and friendly rivalry.
.et those who are among the leaders of
7ealth and fashion among us, recall the
aiety they have so often seen in HYDE
ark or the Bois de Boulogne, and that
Rome calls are made in the Pincian
rardens.
Recalling these facts we have had it
lggested to us to advodate the closing of
j business at, say 2 pm, on Satur-
avs and that the city be asked to
rnish band of music to play
ere. The suggestion will meet with
ady favor among business men we are
and will give to employees a
w life, and new interest in their en- 7
oyers' affairs. It would tend to make
classes more considerate of each other,
I'd would give to our out door life bet
r tone. Ii the city cannot afford to hire
band every Saturday, let subscription al
raised, and it can be readily done, so N
at we may have it. The best bands g
ould be hired, and their musical merit II
ould be the only test. The music will al
t cost so much as may be thought, and -
e hundred dollars would doubtless pay A
whole summers pleasure and recre-
on in this line. 1t is time TO begin
mixing of the matter, and it should be Br
III and favorably considered.