The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-07
SACRAMENTO'S CHIEF
Mr.. Hubbard Outlines His
Policy to the City
Trustees.
ECONOMY rs FAVORED.
Needed Improvements Will Not,
However, Be Checked Dur.
ing His Regime.
DESIRES HARMONIOUS ACTION
He Does Not Believe That the Board
Should Interfere With His
Appointing nts.

SACRM GNIO, CAL, Jan. b. - Sacra-
mento's newly elected Mayor, c. H. Hub
bard, assumed the duties of his Office at
$50 o'clock this morning, and at the meet
ing of the City Board of Trustees this
evening he delivered the following address,
outlining his idea of the policy to be pur-
sued during his administrations
We have been selected by the citizens of Sac
ramento to attend to their interests for the
ensuing two years. You expected to legis-
late and pass such ordinances and make such
rules and regulations as in your Judgment,
will be conducive TO the comfort, protection
and safety of all within our citys limits; while
it is my duty to see that the ordinances, rules
and regulations which you may see fit to enact,
and which have been heretofore enacted, and
not repealed are enforced.
Some OF you, for the past two years, have
had experience in public affairs. Several of
us. who were but recently elected, are mex
perienced in the work upon which we are to
engage, and we shall look to the old members
of the board to guide US in many matters. We
have to work under what is known as the new
charter under which our municipal govern
ment has been regulated during the past two
years. In this charter it is conceded that there
are many defects, and, by reason OF these de-
fects, discovered subsequently, to the enact
ment of the charter, in many instances the
strued; still, it is the law under which we
must work and must be the guide of our Off
cial acts. Undoubtedly, occasions win arise
when we shall disagree as to the meaning OF
our charter, but if such disagreements should
occur, we ought amicably to discuss the dis
puted portions, and endeavOr, If possible, TO
! agree upon a correct Interpretation OF the in
strument If we have but the common inter
est at heart, and desire only that which will
benefit our people and carry into effect the in
| tent of the trainers of the charter, we ought to
be able readily to reconcile any differences
| that might exist between us, in relation to any
disputed portions of our organic law.
| 1t is my earnest hope and wish that we shall
work in harmony during the two years
shall serve together. Forgetting all past differ
ences, we should have but one aim in view
that of doing at all times what we believe to be
| for the best interests of all the people of our
city.
We must carefully guard against the useless
expenditure of the public money, and en-
deavor as economically as is consistent with
good government, to regulate our expendi-
lures. We must recognize that in times such
as these the burden of taxation falls heavily
upon all our citizens, and that it has been diff
cult for many OF them to contribute their quota
for the expenses of our government. While il
is essential that we should be economical with
the public funds, yet believe it 10 be neces-
sary for the progress of the city that our i'm
provement of streets, sidewalks, sewers, ETC.,
should be pressed with all convenient dis
patch. Of course, in particular cases, c1rcum-
stances may arise when it would be unwise to
insist upon immediate improvement; but, I'M
less unforeseen obstacles should occur, l think
these improvements should be vigorously
pushed
There are several important matters that
must ultimately be considered, such as new
or improved sewerage system, a new city hall
and clear water supply. But until the
bonded ndebtedness Of the city is paid l do
not think the citizens generally would approve
OF any action in this direction.
One of the most important things with which
our city has to deal is its bonded Indebtedness.
While our debt is supposed to be very large.
such is in reality not the case. On the con-
trary, our financial condition is good, and
under the present arrangements (Which can
not be changed) we are paying off this debt
very rapidly-so rapidly, in fact, that it is a
great burden to our taxpayers. This, however,
owing to existing circumstances cannot be
avoided. There is, though, one great satisfac-
ton arising out of the arrangement with the
holders of bonds against our city, and that is
that with three more assessments at the pres
ent rates of taxation we will pay off the entire
debt, and our city will then be in better finan-
cisl condition than any other city in the State
The tax levy made last August which is to
cover our expenditures for this year, was made
at the very lowest limit, and upon investiga-
ton you will observe that each department OF
our city government must be conducted with
great economy, in order to keep within the
amount allotted to it.
In selecting persons to manage the different
departments of the city government, shall
endeavor to nominate those who have reason
to believe will meet with your hearty approval.
l shall be guided in these appointments by the
recognized ability and fitness of the person for
| the Office to which he may be appointed and
! by what, in my judgment, is for the best inter
ests of the public. No other consideration
| than the public welfare and the desire on my
part to obtain for the city the best and most
capable public officials will weigh with me in
| choosing these appointees whom it is my duty
| under the CT arter to select. Guided by this
rule I am certain that those whom name will
| meet with the approval OF the citizens gen.
| orally.
do not think it was the spirit or intent of
| the new charter that the Mayor should be
hampered or dictated TO in any matter in re-
gard to his appointments. These persons are
| his personal staff of assistants, to aid him in
carrying out the law and such ordinances as
| you may enact, and unless the persons so ap-
| pointed are without the requisite qualiica-
| tions, or lack the necessary ability, are not
| honorable and respectable citizens, do not
! think your board is justified in refusing to
| confirm them.
| 1--WE are now organized for our work, and I
| trust, through the kindness of Providence,
| that we shall all be spared TO serve our terms
| of Office and that the two years shall act
| together officers of the city will be pleas
ure TO us oil, and that the citizens, whom we
repre- sent will be able to say at the expiration
of our terms of Office that we have not be-
trayed the trust and confidence which they
1 reposed in US. c. ii. HUBBARD. Mayor
TREASURY STATEMENT.