Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1897-05-15
THE MAYORS MESSAGE.
Recommends the Reduction of the
Number Of Counoilmen, and
the Appointment ofa Street
ard Sanitary Com
missioner.
An Interesting and Lengthy Com
munioation---The Finances of
the Corporation in Healthy
Condition.

To the Honorable Members of the
City Council:
Since it has been the custom of
my predecessors in this Office to
make, at this time of the year, an
annual statement of the affairs Of the
corporation, herewith submit the
following communication 10 you:
The growth of the city in the past
twelve months has been largely in
excess of any in former years, and
considering the depressed condition
Of business, we should be deeply
grateful that our own seemed to have
suffered less therefrom than any of
our neighboring towns. Our affairs
have been wisely and economically
administered. Expenditures have
been made judiciously, and with the
soul view of giving the greatest
amount of good to the greatest num-
Der. 1t is useless to attempt any
disguise of the fact that our reve-
nues are insufficient TO make the de-
sired improvements in city of this
size, and with our limited receipts
these improvements can only be con-
sidered when they are absolutely
necessary. No person can point to
single unnecessary expenditure of
the public funds for the year. The
cost of running the Water Works,
including the interest on the bonds,
the salaries of the Superintendent
and his assistant, and the other nee
essary expenses largely exceed the
revenue derived from the water rents,
and yet no one can honestly declare
that the Works are not run as eco
nomically as it is possible for them
to be. Under the present admins
tation the Clerk has adopted new
system of assessing the water rents,
which will increase the revenue
therefrom to the amount of $I,460
per annum. Many improvements are
needed at the Works which will be
question Of some Importance to the
Council in the future. Our system
Of lighting is much better than it
has ever been before. 1t is quite
true that it is very expensive, and
constitutes decided drain on the
Treasury, but the Light Company
has done, and is doing, all within its
power to make the system satisfac-
tory, and, if possible, some agree
ment will be reached with them to
give more light at a cost not exceed
ing that of the present time. The
main streets of the city have been
greatly improved during the year
by the use of the Stone Roller, and
have been kept well cleaned by the
arrest of tramps, and the working of
them thereon. Were our resources
not so limited, and had not the Wa
ter Works required the unexpected
outlay, the Street Roller could have
been kept in almost constant use.
Our streets will never be in salts.
factory condition until the Office of
a Street and Sanitary Commissioner
is created. / mean by this a person
who understands Civil Engineering
thoroughly, and who will give this
matter his entire time and attention.
II there is no citizen in this COM
munity competent to Gil this posi-
tion then 90 to the State University
and secure the services Of some one
there. The salary of this office need
not exceed $50 per month, and it
can be easily managed not to exceed
the present system by first reducing
the number Of Councilmen to five.
This may require special act of the
Legislature, and since there is a
probability of an extra session of
that body shortly, an amendment of
the Charter to that effect can be ask
ed for then. Second: This would
do away with the expense to the city
Of an election every year. Third:
Repeal that portion of Chap. 10,
Sec. 2, relative to the giving out, by
contract, of corporation work. Let
all work done on the street be under
the Commissioners direct supervi-
sion. The proper grades can then
be established and the necessary
drainage given for all time to come,
which under the present system is
an impossibility. AS stated before
the same official could look after the
sanitary condition of the city. The
| work of the Council could then be
confined to the Council Chamber, and
five members could attend to it
equally as we'll as ten. The Fire
Department is in excellent condition.
It's membership is confined almost
exclusively to younger men,who are,
as whole, prompt in their attend
ance at its meetings, well uniformed
ard thoroughly equipped. The pur.
chase of 700 feet OF the best hose on
the market was a wise and much
needed investment. The setting q
part of per cent. of the income de-
rivered from taxation, for the pur.
chase OF the necessary requirements
of the department was matter that
should not have been delayed so
long. The suggestion to establish
several watering places in different
sections of the corporation is both
sensible and practical, and which, if
carried out, will be great conven.
fence to people living within and
about the city. The admirable re-
port of the Treasurer, is complete
refutation of any assertion tending
to create the impression that our f.
nances are in an unhealthy condi-
ton. AS his report shows there is
a clear balance in his hands of 3d.
700. The interest on the bonds and
all bills properly presented to him
have been promptly paid. The
Treasurer has taken special care to
see that no unjust claims have been
allowed and not too much can be