The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-01-04

at our hands that current expenses in ex-
cess of current income be arrested.
There are but two ways that know of
to accomplish this result, one, by reducing
our expenditures, and the other, by rails
ing the rate of taxation. Both may have
to be resorted to, either will be obnoxious
and provoke crisicism nevertheless we
should not hesitate to accept and fulfill
our duty; to do otherwise would be to
make ourselves amenable to the charge OF
the same prodigality which has brought
present conditions upon US.
Patriotism should count for something
with them who accept public service, and
emoluments should not be 80 large as to
invite cupidity. My recommendation In
the case Is, that the committees of the City
Council, (or better, perhaps, that a special
committee on economies by them to be
raised) enter into an earnest, prudential
consultation with the heads of depart
ments, and after pruning them of all
superfiuous charges, and dispensing with
all unnecessary employees, let the salaries
OF all officers and employees from the
Mayor outward be reduced, (cut in half
II need be,) and after summing up the re-
suit, let the tax rate be made high enough
to cover all requirements for current ex-
penses and sinking funds with liberal
margin for contingencies.
Such course would, think, bring tax
payers and city officers alike to a sense of
their joint responsibility for present con-
ditions, promote the credit and welfare of
the city and enable the treasurer to nego-
tiate his notes to better advantage than
now.
In concluding these remarks, allow me
to say that they are intended to be in no
sense personal or reflection upon your or
my predecessors, all of whom have been
intelligent and honorable men. NV own
immediate predecessor has within the last
year made an earnest effort to bring our
financial exigencies to the attention of the
taxpayers, and his ability, large experience
and observation in municipal affairs entitle
his opinions to careful consideration.
The last ten years have been an era of
debt accumulation and debt bonding.
This fault of the times in financial man
agement seems to have been general and
has shown itself alike, in national, State,
and municipal government. The national
congress and the governor of our State are
alike, and with reason, earnestly calling
attention to the rapid growth of abnormal
-~-->---~~A N~'AeieioAio, phO oupSOhlC Vi ulCu
Is likely to be heritage of bondage for
which posterity may not thank us.
have no desire to dominate or affect to
dominate the City Council or heads of de-
partments.
For the single year, through which, If
health permits, may hold the position of
Mayor, 1t is my purpose to be upon and
maintain the most cordial personal and
official relations with each and all my con-
ferees, to be advised by, as well as to advise
with them, and by united effort with
them, make the present year of account
ing and accountability, and in SO far as :,
succeed, shall be content, and where I
may fail with this council / am satis6el
that it would be useless for me to tlI,lc
of success with another.
And now, thanking the electors of Paw
tucket, for the confidence reposed in lne,
the retiring Mayor for courtesies shown
me, and you for your patient attention, /
respectfully submit these remarks to your
kindly consideration, and will withdraw
that you may complete the organization of
your respective bodies.
JOHN w. DAVIS,
gyEL tHZM rS ----- An.... Mayor.