Passaic City record., 1891-01-22
REVIEWING THE MESSAGE.

The Mayors Message is very
dienifed and important docu-
ment which cannot fail to make a
deep impression upon every
thoughtful and public spirited
reader. The paper is a monument
to the intelligence and wisdom OF
our Executive. Some brief COM
ment upon the more important
themes treated of in the Message
is appropriate.
CITY HALL.
The RECORD has consistently ad-
vocated the transformation OF the
Castle into a City Hall, as being
located on or near the geographical
centre of the city territory, in
dignifed and commanding position
on the crest of the Hill, and at the
heart of the respectable residence
portion of the city,-that is, in the
midst of the homes of that large
class of substantial men of business
or professions, of property, intel
ligence, and influence, who are the
leaders in public life, the trainers
of public policy, the moulders OF
public sentiment. Far be it from
us, however, to urge undue haste,
or to involve the city in too much
expense. We have simply urged
that ultimately the Castle property
be utilized as City Hall.
SCHOOLS.
Concerning the public schools,
Mayor Howe manifests a lively in
terest, expresses confidence in
their conservative and business
like management" and recon-
mends 'liberal measures" in
support of them. Of course, we
heartily indorse such sentiments,
cherishing as good Americans this
all-important institution.
WATER.
1t is indeed matter of congrat-
ulation that at last clear pure water,
invigorating and healthful, may be
drawn in our homes. This new
water supply is notable advance
in the direction of development.
THE EXCISE BOARD.
The Mayors censure of the
Excise Board is highly important.
| If the liquor traffic must exist, at
least let every legal means be used
to its utmost for the suppression of
drunkenness and its attendant
evils.
| THE POOR.
Perhaps the most important
topic of this admirable Message,
and one which will commend itself
to the earnest attention of every
sympathetic person, is that of the
Poor" In the great public char
tiles of the day, many of which
are marvels of organization and
efficiency, the optimist perceives
the dawning of that fair time when
the strong shall assist the infrm-
tiles of the weak,-not partially,
imperfectly, caring for few while
thousands live and die unaided, =
but Systematically, with calm and
intelligent generosity, redeem, re-
claim, uphold the infrm and aged
poor, no matter what may be the
cause of their weakness or inefici-
ency; reducing the sum of human
misery to a minimum which shall
finally be nil. The Mayors sug-
gestion to purchase tract for the
housing and maintenance of the
City's poor, is a thoroughly practi-
cal and commendable one.
He says, "the amount now paid for
renting apartments will pay the
interest at five per cent. on an
amount more than sufficient to
purchase the property"
CONCLUSION.
AS the last few years have been
the most important ones in Pas
saic's history, extending the hor-
izon of public life and interest
with the rapid growth of popula-
ton, so the administration of
Mayor Howe has been and is more
important and fraught with greater
responsibility than any that have
preceded. He is to be congratu-
lated upon his thus far intelligent
and efficient discharge of the du-
ties and obligations of his office.