The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-03
Meeting of the Aldermen.

The first meeting of the new Board OF Alder
men, last night, was characterized by the usual
opening features. Dr. Taylors ward presented
him beautiful floral offering. and supplied
boutonnieres for the entire board Alderman
Clarke had box of fine cigars, which he
opened for general distribution. Alderman
Rail was made temporary chairman. and the
rol-call showed all members present except
Laut After the temporary organization had
been effected, Aldermen Granville s. Wright
and Miles NJ Reynolds were unanimously
elected president and vice president. respective
II, and NJ. W. Toomey was confirmed clerk Of
the board.
President Wright then read his inaugural ad-
dress After stating that Indianapolis is the
only city In the State governed by Council and
a Board of Aldermen, and after reviewing the
original organization of the board he said: sit
ought to be the policy of the city to lessen the
cost to the property-ow of the improve ment
of public streets. saving of one-ffth to one
fourth could be made on all streets used only for
residence purposes by narrowing the roadways
OF such streets to a minimum width. and adding
the surplus to the sidewalks and parking the
same. The appearance of the city and its
beauty and comfort would thereby be greatly
enhanced. This could be further increased
by the uniform planting of the best varieties of
shade trees along such newly-improved streets
In the matter of public parks the city is very
deficient By reason of the very low tax limit
hxed by State statute, under which this city OPP
crates. and the great uncertainty and doubtful
expediency of an increased rate, the city has not
been financially able to properly undertake the
Improvement of what parks we have to con-
slider the purchase OF additional grounds for
park purposes. The question has been one of
finance. Garfield Park ought to be improved.
Land on the north ought to be acquired for park
purposes. This should include Fall creek and the
low grounds adjoining, from the MICHIGAN road,
If possible. to Schofeld's mill. The surface of
the ground is such that it is now almost a COM
plete park How best to create a fund for this
purpose has received many suggestions 1
accomplished by creating a park fund in
increase of the city poll tax. It
would seem proper that fund should be created
for this purpose from such source, especially
whore the benefits to be enjoyed are SO nearly
personal and individual The city now collects
tween the ages OF twentyone and fifty years.
It would require State legislation to increase
this tax, but if increased 81 would give this city
a fund amounting to more than ST, 600 the first
year, and constantly and rapidly increasing,
the number of polls returned by the last assess
with the gas company, for STRENGTHENING. will be
subject to a revision By the city. renewal of
this contract. if made, ought to be made at a
very material reduction from the present price.
Under the terms of this agreement. the city has
the right to substitute any other mode OF street.
lighting than the one in usethat is amy other
than artificial gas-eectricity being specially
mentioned. The city also has the right at any
time by giving one weeks notice. to test the uti-
lity of any other mode of lighting many as 800
lamps embraced in any district or portion
of the city. The property owners have paid for
and own all public street lamps and fixtures to
the number of 2, 60. and for furnishing light,
lighting and extlnguishing the same, the city
pays go. 90 per post per annum. being 2, TAO
hours of light per post through burner having