The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-04-06
REORGANIZATION OF
THE TWO COUNCILS
concluded from Page 81

way system of Scranton has been under
the present management, large sums of
money have been extended each year to
improve the system, and no fair minded
man viii deny that there has been great
Improvement. There is room for still
further Improvement, and it is the pur-
pose or our company to expend large
sums of money additional with the idea
or extending and perfecting the system
within a reasonable length of time and
making 1t one of the best in the country
A reduction in fares would naturally re-
suit in stopping all such expenditures for
extensions and improvements, and, in
addition would almost surely result in
reduction OF wages to employees which is
the only way that the expense of opera
tion could be reduced to meet the reduc-
tion in receipts due to lower fares. The
result, therefore. would be a loss to the
development and best interests of the
city. as well as to the company and its
employees. The experiment has been tried
in one or two cities of this country, but
never successfully, and statistics show
that there is no country in the world
where street railroad fares are as cheap
or the service as efficient and extensive
as in this country.
In view Of all the conditions and rea-
sons given above, we cannot concede the
request OF the petitioners, and we believe
that, after thorough investigation, you
will see the justice of our position.
Yours very truly,
The Scranton Railway Company
by u M. clark, PreSldent.
THE CITY'S HEALTH.
While the city has been by comparison
with other cities remarkably free from
anything approaching epidemcs, still
there has been at times minor diseases
which have been so widespread as to
compel Investigation by the health au-
thorities. The result of these investiga-
tions has been to emphasize the need for
better sanitary regulations than those
which exist in certain localities As a
step toward better and more modern san
itation | would suggest a system OF daily
garbage collection by closed metal carts.
This, while 1t might make necessary an
Increase In the crematory and other ap-
propriations would, feel sure, more than
pay for itself in the lessened liability of
the residents of Scranton to the ravages
of disease.
THE CITY'S POOR.
I would then call to your attention the
propriety of making appropriation for
those who by reason of the business de-
preston, advanced age, ill health, or
from any other cause, have been thrown
out of employment. ! recommend in ny
inaugural message that an experiment
with the plan of municipal farms which
has worked so well in Detroit, Buffalo
and other cities might demonstrate the
wisdom of its adoption here. l still hold
to that opinion and now reiterate my
| former suggestion. / am sure that the
| use of much good land lying on the out
| skirts of the city would be donated for
| such purpose, and / am also certain
| that seed and the necessary tools would
| be provided in plenty If councils took the
initiative. If anything is to be done in
| this matter during this year. 1t must be
| done at once
| In conclusion, I desire 10 return thanks
| for all courtesies which I have expert.
| enced during the first year of my admin.
| istration. If l have made mistakes they
| have not been of the heart. 1t Is my
lie ntf mol
| and to administer the affairs of my office
| honestly, impartially and effectively. Tc
| do this it is necessary to obtain your un.
| selfish cooperation, and 1t is this which
| ask from you during the coming year
| Without it, much good that might have
| been accomplished will remain undone
| With 1t, the citizens of Scranton will be-
protected and the best interests of al
| will be conserved.
JAMES G. BAILEY, Mayor.
April 5th, 1897.