Huntsville gazette., 1889-03-30
A Brilliant Administrator

LOOhlug Udck over the SIX years aQ-
ministration of the Hon. Ed. l. Mastin
the most casual observer cannot fail to
see the great good be has accomplished
for the city. The three successive ad-
ministrations of Mr.. Mastin, mark three
important eras in the city's history;
they chronicle three successful strides
forward in the march OF progress and
reflect credit on the gallant, progressive
and untiring gentleman whose heart was
ever in his work, and whose motto al
wavs was, Huntsville and her prosperi-
ty, first, last and all the time"
1t is our object in this brief article to
review the progress made during the six
years Mr.. Mastin has served his fellow
citizens as.the chief magistrate Of their
goodly city. First let us look at
THE FINANCIAL CONDITION
of Huntsville to-day and compare it
with six years ago when he first took
the oath of Office as Mayor. There is no
city scrip worth so much on the dollar
in circulation now. on the contrary, the
city employees are paid in the lawful
coin of the realm, and furthermore, it
was only a few days ago that an adver~
tisement appeared in these columns in
serted by the city treasurer calling in
the city bonds and plainly stating to the
holders of those bonds that interest on
same would cease from the date of the
advertisement.
What better evidence is wanted Of
the sound financial condition of our city
than the fact that it rejoices in the pos>
session of a plethOric treasury?
OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Mr.. Mastin has Just cause to be proud
of the improved schools during the years
he served his people. On the eve OF an1
other election we can point with pride to
his successor, whoever that successor
may be, and say: ''See what Mayor
Mastin has done in the cause Of educa
ton Y We look at the public schools
only to find telling evidence of the fosS
tering care and public spirit Of The re-
fined and scholarly gentleman whose
hand has guided the helm # city affairs
a triple term. Both the white and co.s
ored schools have grown and prospered
under his administration, and if there is
one thing more than another OF which
he should be proud, it is the knowledge
that his labors in the cause of education
will be appreciated in ages to come.
TIE FIRE DEPARTMENT
How stands the fire department at the
present time as compared with its con-
dition six years ago? Well, it is easy to
see. The department is as near perfec-
ton as it is possible to make it. In six
years a new steam fire engine, new
hose reel, 1000 feet Of new rubber hose.
an automatic steam heater has all been
added to the department.
OF the tried and true members of the
fire brigade we have nothing but words
OF praise When called they were ready,
and it is cheering to know that the
brigade is meeting with great encourage
ment in procuring for their use the only
thing now needed, team of horses for
the department.
In order to facilitate matters in case of
a confagration Mayor Mastin urged the
fitting up of new fire plugs in the city,
and now with enlarged and improved
facilities the boys Of the fire department
are equal to any occasion.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.
The administration of Mayor Tastin
has been prolific in public Improvements:
The widening and extending Of streets
was hepun by him and carried on salts