Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1897-04-13
STREET LIGHTING.

an important matter that should engage your attention at once. The burdensome contract made with the Water and Light Company by former oyer-indulgent ndmlnlstra- tion for gas and electric light having 1 terminated, 1t is your duty HOW to plan for the future way by which, 1 not only the city, but her people as well, may be given an opportunity l to so contract for this necessity and at such rates as are compatible with l the times and are in keeping with the average prices charged else where. by institutions that are en- gagged in such business. This, in my l judgment, can only be done through liberal encouragement to rival and colnpetining plants that may seek lodgment in your midst. The source
 of water supply and the contract
 therefor is a theory that should at
 all times have your scrutinizlng at
 tention. and you should see to it,
 that the contracting parties fully
 comply with their agreement to the city and her citizens. both as to
 quantity and quality of supply.
 FIRE DEPARTMENT.
 This very essential and useful de- partment of your city government
 seems to have had the friendship, good will and hearty support of the past administration. The conduct
 of the Council committee, who have had special charge and supervision oyer this department, it's most hon. orable chief and capable subOrdi- mates, has been such as to meet the praises and ecomiums of all the peo- pie. It is, therefore, unnecessary for
 me to say anything other than to
 express the hope that the good
 work may go on until it reaches that
 point wh ich ill capability and effici-
 ency will stand second to no other
 fire dep artment in the South.
 Under this head it is proper
 for me to state that plans aud speci- feat ions are already being prepared by the State Executiv @ Committee of
 Insurance Underwriters, W hich, if put into effect throug Il your fire depart ment. will enable Pine Bluff to be
 placed in the column of second grade
 cities, thereby reducing very mater ially the present high rates of insur-
 ance which we are now having to 1 pay, as third-class city.
 MISCELLANEOUS.
 Among the needs and wants of the city is a milk ordinance. It is your duty to firmly step between public traffic, which, ill the judgment of | many, has become so prostituted that it bears annually to their graves hundreds of children, whose lives are sacrificed to the greed of irresponsi- blc and grasping dealers. A bureau
 of inspection should be established and it's work made efficient.
 Another growing and expensive
 evil is that of defective plumbing. An
 ordinance embracing such rules and regulations. and providing for such means of competent inspection as will relieve the public of the prevail l ing disagreeable and annoying con ditions, both as t, ineffective work and extortionate charging, should
 be enacted at once. The duties Of enforcement could very well con- ferred upon your Sanitarian. wh SC
 other duties are not very onerous.
 and thus save the city any addi-
 tional expeLse.
 In conclusion, wish to say that, in assuming control of the municipal
 affairs of this city government, do so. disclaiming any personal ambl- ton, any thought of personal gain or any desire to build up fortune at
 the sacrifice of duty. l realize. also, how bard 1t Is to execute the will of the people in behalf of law. |, there F fore. ask your cooperation in my efforts to advance the various inter- ests of your city, suppress evil and maintain the sway of law and order in every particular; and in further
 ance of this interest it is my purpose to make careful selections of those officers whom 1t Is my duty to app point. This will require time for
 deliberation and for q proper consid-
 eration of the various applications fhat may be made. D. lz BEI I :.