The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-01-16


rate for the present year has been reduced
| from ST. 80 to $145, and, in my judgment,
/ based on what has already been accom-
/ IHshed, a small reduction can be made an
nuaily for several years TO come, without
/ interfering with the efficient conduct of
the departments or checking necessary
improvements. All that is required is to
consider the city government as a bus
mess institution, and conduct it as such.
In this connection. as mayor Of the city,
/ cannot but express my regrets that
efforts are being made 10 repeal the acts
creating the various commissions. ! stat
ed in my report of 1885 that these special
laws had been carefully considered, and
would be productive Of much good. This
prediction has been fully sustained. Any
citizen, who viii impartaliy study the re-
ports Of these commissions, cannot fail to
be convinced of the benefits which have
accrued 10 Savannah through their con-
scientious labors. With 50 much accom-
plished by them ia their first year, 1t is
natural TO suppose that having mad
| twelve months experience, the result for
the coming year will be even more grail
flying.
LOCAL LEGISLATION.
The only local legislation at the recent
session of the general assembly of this
state was the passage of an act recon-
mended by the mayor and aldermen. eN-
tending the powers of the park and tree
commission, giving 1t fun control of all
labor in that department, and in addition,
putting under its supervision all work in
the city cemeteries.
The bill recommended by council, amend
ing the act creating the board Of police
commissioners was not passed. ] was IN
formed by one Of the representatives
from this county that this amendment
was not approved by the Chatham dele
cation. Iu my opinion. the mayor ana al
dermen and commissioners are the proper
bodies TO make such recommends tons
They have the citys entire business IN
charge Carefully watching the practical
workings of all new measures, they are
surely more competent to judge Of the
merits of "A new bill affecting the admins
stration of an important municipal de-
partment, than the legislators, who can
not possibly have more than slight sJ>
perficial knowledge of the practical work
ings of such a measure or the need of its
modification. II is generally conceded
that all new measures when put into oper-
alton are found susceptible Of improve
ment. 1t is very desirable that our repre-
sentatiyes in the legislature work in har-
mony, and cooperate with the city au-
thorites, otherwise 1t will be impossible
to secure for the municipality the benefit
of the experience of its officers. The IN
terests of the public should rise superior
to every other consideration.
While considering the matter of legis-
Iation, | would recommend that the in
coming administration, formulate and
draft a bill to he introduced at the next
session of the general assembly, providing
for an extension OF the term of the mayor
hereafter to four years. and to render him
Ineligible for reelection. / would also ad-
wise that the city charter he further
amended. so that at the ensuing city cleo
ton six of the aldermen shall be chosen
for four years, and six for two years, the
terms of all aldermen elected thereafter
to be four years. This would secure the
city at ali times the services of six expert
enced aldermen. The benefits from these
changes are obvious enough, in my opin-
ion. to recommend the suggested legisla-
ton.
PUBLIC HEALTH.
The conduct of this department has been
most excellent. The death rate compares
favorably with that of previous years.
Whist this is true as to the entire pop
ulation l would direct your attehtion es-
pecialy to the continued high death rate
amongst the colored people, as compared
with that of the whites. / cannot believe
that this is entirely due to the personal
negligence or indifference of the colored
citizens; I am more inclined to the opinion
that it is, to a considerable degree. the
result of the unsanitary condition of the
houses occupied by them. If this is so,
it can, and should be remeded. / would
recommend that a thorough and frequent
inspection be made of the tenements oc-
cupied by this class of our people If nee
essary, ordinances should be passed, COM
polling the placing and maintaining of this
class of property and its surroundings, in
a thoroughly sanitary state. would also
suggest that the health officer and the san
itary board inquire as TO whether the SER
vices of an additional eoldred physician
would not tend to reduce this mortality.
Strenuous steps should be taken to modify
the existing bad conditions. and render
such other assistance as will reduce the
death rate among the co.ored citizens. De-
fective plumbing is another source of dis
ease which might be reached by the city
authorities. l would also advise that a
competent Inspector of plumbing DE APP
pointed, under such rules and regulations
as the sanitary board and aldermen may
adopt. Measures should also be taken
bringing all plumbing under the control
of the committee on public health, or san
itary board. The board of sanitary COM
mssioners has taken up the question OF
milk as a food product, and will probably
at an early date, make certain recommen-
dations to council. The adulteration of
il is more easily overlooked than any other
food product; it is the only likely source
in our city for typhoid and scarlet fever
and also consumption. The registration
of milk dealers is being enforced in every
city, and the examination of milk is a nee
essary adjunct. The inspection of cows
their stables, milking apparatus and the
manner of conveying milk to the custom
ers. all need legislation. The exhaustive
report of the health officer, contains valu-
able suggestions and important recon-
mendations, which deserve early consid-
Grafton.
The uncertainty of our continuing at the
present quarantine station has rendered II
inadvsable TO eXpend any large sum of
money in improvements there. As soon
as il is determined that there will be no
change, l would advise that an improved
system of discharging ballast be inaugu-
rated, in order that there may he no UNI
necessary detention of vesse.s.
HOUSE DRAINAGE
This important work. as you are aware.
has been delegated to commission. Whilst
its progress has been slow. il has not been
idle and by no means unmindful of the
Importance of this undertaking. The
difficulty Of securing "A proper outlet for
the citys sewage, has forced the COM
missioners to proceed with much care.
Surveys have been made for an outlet into
Wilmington river near Causton's Bluff.
and elaborate plans and specifications,
with estimates N pOef bhvp ppatl .tlp,ft