Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-04-14

gations due tue State. Sensitiveness to infractions of the law is the safe. guard to any community, whether that body be oi. city State or nation al existence, and there will be no in- fractions of the law where there is a sound, healthy, public sentiment, such as is created, not to serve q temporary purpose and fade away but such as has its foundation upon principles that are imbedded in character, upon which is built strue- lures as solid, and with spires as towering. as those that point heavenwaId and kiss the clouds, from the sacred editices erected for the worship and to the glory of the God on high, to whom our silent prayers ascend and our invocations are addressed.
 1t is a mistaken idea that a voters responsibility ends when that of his creature begins. Manhood may ab- solve from technical allegiance tu paternity, but never from the moral obligations to righteous counsel.
 The officer that cuts loose from the powers that made him, and plays the role of dictator, will soon be brought to the bar of disapprov- al. The voter must follow the off cer through accredited agents. and insist that all reasonable expecta- tions should be fully satisfied.
 sTi'hte I hte Council as it is termed in this case, are the aids and supports that the law has wisely seen fit to pro- vide for the officers as well as the peoples interest. Good government can then be secured through thecom- bined efforts of each department, and the interests of the citizens well cared for.
 This aid, 1 am much pleased to say, the voters have furnished their city in the persons of the eight AL dermen to whom they have commit ted the exegencies and necessities of government. I thank them for this l bulwark and tower of strength SUD- plemented, as it will be, by q con- petent clerk, safe treasurer, just police judge and all ahle attorney, conservative in judgment and well versed in law.
 But apart from sentiment and praise, let me turn your thoughts to the practical suggestions that occur to me. not through the work of moment, but that have come to me during my intimate relationship with your municipal affairs during my two years term as Mayor, and a | like period as member Of your Board of Public affairs:
 FINANCES OF THE CITY.
 The finances of the city, as con- ducted under the present law, nave l been managed for the past two years In such manner as not only to warrant the highest commenoat- ion of all thinking citizens of this citv but have been the means oi in- .yiting the attention of other elties of this State to favorable inVestl- pation. and with the ultimate view of adopting similar plans. FOLLOW inp in the wake of the suggestions offered by me in my outgoing mes sage to the Council two years ago, vop have been enabled to raise the market value of your city warrants from sixty to ninety cents on the dollar. besides succeeding In raising tho eitv,s commercial credit up to tbat standard of par excelehce uhich renders her today the snplec1 of envy among all of her sister cltles in this State. All honor to your I,oa,cient Council and outgoing Mayor far this wise and sensible act of H. naneial legislation. Il but remains necessary for you now 10 continue to uphold and guarl closely .nese well-denned plans, if you would nave