Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-01-08
THE MAYORS MESSAGE.

city brought with it a comprehensive and interesting summary of information collated by Mayor for the enlightenment of the citizens and the guidance of the city fathers in their legislative work for the year. Nothing of public interest has escaped our industrious executive. and his familiarity with everything that per tains to the city's affairs has enabled him to present some strikingly radical rec concentrations. The message is deserv ing of careful attention and will well repay the perusal of all who take an interest in the growth and prog ress of our expanding city.
 The mayors opening recommendation for a consolidation of our double-headed government is in line with a sentiment that has already taken deep root in the larger municipalities of the state. Whether the entire extinction of the town government and its absorption into that of the city is feasible has not been settled satisfactorily even in the minds of those who are most earnestly com mitted to it. and it is very certain that a move toward consolidation would arouse opposition in certain quarters. just as it has done in New Haven where the uues- tion of town and city consolidation has been a burning one for years. The sub ject is an interesting one. however, and Mayor Boughton's recommendation will give a renewed impetus to popular dis cussion concerning its advisabilty.
 The inventory of public property and permanent city improvements, showing total value of S59, .O00. is interesting as an offset to the increased appropria
 tion made last month to provide for the liabilities of the current year. As the city expands and its improvements re- Quire increased outlays it is natural that the yearly expenditures reach a larger figure. and yet the taxpayers have right to expect that the running expenses will be kept to the lowest pos sible limit. The city fathers must dis courage any tendency to unnecessary ex- 1 travagance and seek by wise pru- dence to keep the financial exhibit of the city on a sound and satisfying basis. Mayor Boughtons summary of the city S
 finances is particularly interesting and will be apt to receive wide attention from
 the taxpayers.
 | The condition of the various city de- partments merits good word from the
 mayor and receives it. It is highly credi
 table to those who have been entrusted
 with the care of these departments that
 a comparison with their management ir
 other cities would result very favorably
 to us. His honor's recommendation il
 regard to a police wagon is an excellent
 one, and an acceptance of it would very
 quickly prove its wisdom. It would in
 crease immeasurably the efficiency
 of our already excellent ant
 we'll equipped police service. The
 recommendation for the location Of !;
 branch of the fire department in tn,
 northern part of the city is sensible anC
 timely, as was shown by the fire Sunda,
 evening.
 The suggestions for permanent i'm provements on our streets will strike responsive public chord and meet witt favor on every hand. The streets O
 Waterbury. and the sidewalks too, ar, more in keeping with the spirit O laisser faire that actuates a country vii lage than the progressive ideas tha should animate a fast growing and pros pering city. There is nothing that speak l better for a city than the condition of it streets and walks, nothing that gives } better tone or better impression t
 strangers, or gives it's own citizens , more complacent and satisfied feelin 7 with themselves. We hope Mayo 7 Boughton's suggestions in regard to ou = streets will bear fruit in awakening tn spirit of permanent improvement h comments.
 t The message favors the position take f by the DEMOCRAT in favor of Bantar l lake as the source of our new water sup