The daily morning journal and courier., 1895-01-02

| ing the responsible duties pertaining to this elevated position, which by the expressions of the citizens of my below ed city, l have been honored, l desire at this time to extend my grateful ack- nowledgments for the very distinct re- mark of respect conferred.
 While l have my misgivings respect | ing my ability to serve you in this ca pacity, in a satisfactory manner, you may rest assured it will be my aim and object to promote the best interests of the city, bearing in mind that it is a very difficult matter to please all, and that the course pursued must be in ac- eordance with the provisions authoriz- ed by the city charter and ordinances. I am mindful that only modest and economical expenditure of the appro- 1 priation of all monies will receive the appreciation of those who each year bear the burden of taxation, and especially so on account Of those who by their small means have been deprived of their occupation, many of whom own their comfortable homes, ard have their share 1 of the city taxes to bear, It is to al. classes that the greatest care should be exercised by the controlling influences of the governing board of our city af- fairs. We have yet to learn that eX- travagance has been a fact in the past, and I am aware that it is very natural fer new administration to preach economy.
 Gentlemen. you and know of the limited powers of the mayor, and that but little can be accomplished with8it the aiG of each officer appointed or elected each of whom should assume his portion of the responsibility The alderman, the councilman. the comnis- sioners all fill important positions, and they should be actuated only by spirit of fairness toward the whole people, re- membering that only by the faithful discharge of their duties can satisfac- tory results be obtained. What the people require of their officials is to have public affairs at all times transacted in a business like manner
 It should not be expected of me to re- view the work o&the city government of the past year. as the annual reports bearing upon the several departments will soon be pres autei to the common council, who will prOmu,gate their con- tents in such q manner that all may become familiar But will not hesi- | tate, when I dee it necessary, to com mupicate to the governing powers such matters that may develop from time tJ time that may prove of public interest. I will simply refer to few points in n brief manner, wh'cn my thoughts have p.rmpted at th;s time
 THE SERVICE IN THE DEPARTMENTS.
 It must be conceded that the well fare of the city depends largely upon the departments of public safety and | protection, and they can only be pro- i noted by the best of service. To the boards of police and fire, our citizens expect and are entitled to, service of security at all times. Each official and subordinate holding positions in these important departments bear a portion of the responsibility pertaining to such l service To the police we look for and expect good order, and the enforcement of laws seven days in the week. To the 1 fire department, at all times nerved to l quick response to save property, and | life, if need be- And to both, such dis cipline endorse that will guarantee | the fulfillment of their obligations. To the health bureau, the sanitary condi- tion and prompt measures for the pre- vention of contagious diseases and 1 epidemics. we also look for and expect great benefits. The laborious duties l deVolving upon the board of public works require much time and attention in the necessary care of the streets and l bridges and the extension of important contracts for public Improvements, and in all it's numerous details much is also | expected.
 STREET PAVING
 Sooner or later the city must adopt a new plan for permanent street paving and also in the manner in which the expense of the same shall be adjusted. Unfortunately, there are no funds avail able for such improvement the ensuing year. It is. however, very desirable that the fond expectations of so many who have presented plans and to others who may will in due time realize that their efforts may be accomplished Af ter experimenting for twenty-five years with a variety, and of many kinds not suitable in all particulars it becomes evident and is forcibly impressed upon our minds that the subject should re- ceive careful attention and a substantial pavement adopted easy to keep clean and repaired at slight expense. Can the city afford to further experiment? Is it not already well known which is the most durable, and that by following the experience of the larger cities can we not better understand what should govern our action? May the bast cour sels prevail in the future regarding so important matter and portion of such thoroughfare as Church, Crown George, Elm, Orange and Chapel streets (others could be named) may be changed for the better whenever it shall be for the best interests of the city to consun- mate such public improvement.
 THE WORKOUT BRICK WALKS.
 Another important matter is our dis PpfI11 and yuopt, ont