Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-08-05

think that the sooner individuals in Coun-
ellis become prepared to merge their identity
in the common good, the better it will be for
the city at large There is this satisfaction,
however, know that the leaders in both
Common and Select Councils believe that
very general Improvements must be made,
and large majority of the citizens are
likely to favor any plan that will result in
the improvements of our streets. The rate
OF taxation in Allegheny City is much
lower than any other city of the same size
and importance, and the additional burden
to be imposed by a comprehensive system of
improvement would fall lightly. There
would be neither possibility nor an excuse
for Jobbery. By borrowing the necessary
funds the city government would be COM
PEELED to render faithful stewardship of its
task, and much mistake the character of
our citizens if the substance of this plan is
not put into execution.
PLANS IN DETAIL.
'The multitude of new buildings in
course Of erection, the possibility of new
public buildings, the presence of an edifice
like the Carnegie Free Library, the numer-
GUS plans for more rapid transit and the
character of other pending public improve
ments render it imperative to bring the
streets into harmony with the new Allie.
gheny, Federal street is unquestionably
the main artery of traffic. 1t should be ex-
tended straight through the hill at the
further end. Between the Ft. Wayne depot
and the Sixth street bridge exists depres-
sion which should be brought up to grade.
A great many business houses in that por-
tlon of the street are already somewhere
near grade and other property y-holders
would not object in view Of the nature of
the change. All of the principal streets are
as badly in need of repaving as Federal
street. was out riding on Ohio street
extension recently and found that it
is in such wretched condition from
trade is being actually diverted from Allie
gheny. Farmers are almost unable to haul
loads in or out of the city. A number of
other highroads leading into Allegheny are
also in very bad condition. The time is
ripe for the execution of a'vigorous policy,
and shall certainly present the matter to
Councils. 1t is no use to disguise the fact
that the condition of our streets is a menace
to trade Health has also suffered, because
it is impossible to clean the uneven surface
of the thoroughfares. The ways and means
will be easily met. 1 have no doubt that
an issue of city bonds could be placed at
premium without the slightest trouble. 1t
is positive necessity that must be met, and
/ hope that policy of obstruction will not
prevail when the commercial life and ad-
vancement of the city are at stake. It is
impossible to please everybody, but 1 am
convinced that majority of our citizens are
prepared for radical improvements"
CONCERNING ELECTRICITY.
The Mayors attention was called to the
fact that the bids for the system of electric
lighting would soon be opened. His Honor
said: have had some conversation upon
the subject of electric lighting with Super
intendent Armstrong. of the city water
works. He says that there is enough sur
plus power in the engine system at the
works to operate enough dynamos for the
ample lighting of the city. In this way the
city could be saved the expense OF an elabor-
ate plant either now or in the future, and
with the added advantage of owning its
own plant entirely from the first There
is no trial of systems necessary. Every
body knows that a certain amount of dyna-
me power will light a certain extent of ter
ritory, and the details OF wiring and pre-
paration do not require any fancy expendi-
lures. The city must unquestionably have
electric lights and think no cheaper means
could DE devised than that of making use of
what is now lying dormant as against the
plan of paying eventually for big power
house, engines, etc. There is a future for
Allegheny if she shakes off her swaddling
clothes and puts on metropolitan habil- |
ments"