Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-01-03

The necessity of a union depot for t bet ter and more convenient accommodation ot the travelling public is unquestioned, and the loss of life by reason of grade crossings within the past few years should cause us to put forth every effort and to resort to every means necessary to abolish these death traps.
 I ask and request the members of the city government and every citizsn who can do so to attend this hearing. The attendance will be indicative of our interest l1 the matter and will have it's influence, besides being an encouragement to the city attorney.
 LAW.
 The policy of settling oatside of court suits to which the city Is party should be adopted only in exceptional cases and when the basis of such settlement is a favorable one to the city. The contesting in court of all suits in which the city is interested would have tendency to lessen litigation against it.
 The settlement of many of the claims for injuries resulting from icy and defective sidewalks have been due to inability on the tion pertaining to same. For want of facts and information relating to these cases, the city attorney Is greatly handicapped in his defense of the city. There should be some competent off cer entrusted with the duty of looking up evidence for the city in these cases.
 The attendance of the city attorney al every meeting of this courr and of the boards or fOAQ ana sewer com mlSSlOn6rS IS very Q6- sirable. The business transacted by these bodies is very important and should be done in compliance with the provisions of the charter and ordinances.
 would recommend that the city attorney make report to this court of the titles of all aetior s in which the city is interested with the status thereof and with such other icfor- nation in respect thereto as he may deem necessary and proper,
 PURCHASE OF SUPPLIES.
 Section 60 of the charter says that "He (the auditory shall contract for and provide the necessary fuel, furniture, stationery and in- ctdental articles and services required for the different offices and departments, sub- jeet 10 the approval of the mayor" Large quantities of supplies are yearly purchased by ihe city and inc advantages resulting in having this work done by one official must be very evident. A strict compliance with the requirements of the charter in shls mat ter Is recommended.
 CONSOLIDATION.
 In presenting to you proposition to reor- ganize the town, city and school governments by placing the administration of affair s of the three cOrpo ations in one government, 1 anticipate that my recommendation will meet with oppo- ition. The opposition will arise from those who object to so radical change from dong established condi ions, and also from others who seek political preferment and position without due regard to the well fare of the community.
 The consolidation of the town, school and city corporations into one, managed and gov srned oy one set of officers, would be step in the line of progress and advancement. There Is no good reason for the existence of three separate governments or municipal within the territorial limits of the town of Waterbury. This condition of affai:s is relic of bygone generation. The people desire an up to.date management of their affairs.
 The great increase in the running expenses fhrn.A -hnnl lad yuhi hiah iS nnt nf to increase in population and sources from which revenue is derived would | seem to be worthy of good deal of thou4ht md consideration on the part of the tax | payers.
 Saving in salaries, centraliZ ng and locating | res responsibilities, unity of administration and | equalization of taxation would be a few of he benefits resulting from consolidation. city of Bridgeport have been 1 very satisfactory during the four years 1t has | been iu operation there. For purposes of | axatIon, in case of consolidation, the city i would be divided into two districts; the first district would correspond with the pres- | mt town limits; the second dristrict | with the present city limits. This would | prevent unit ust taxation on property In the | lrst district outside of the second, for large i md costly improvements made within the | second district.
 l would recommend the appointment of l committee to inquire into and consider this natter of consolidation, and to report such | recommendations pertaining thereto, as they | nay deem advisable.
 In conclusion let me remind you that good work depends upon harmonious action, and ! action depends largely upon honesty Of purpose. ask your cooperation md support in forts to advance the inter- ss of the city. Without it all personal en- leavors will tail.
 l wish you all a year replete with happi- l"ss and pro perity.
 EDWARD G. KILDUFF.