Semi=weekly graphic., 1897-04-14

of Little Rock, and other municipali- ties in this ard various States throughout our broad and generous land, whose people are ever ready to listen and respond to the cry of suf- fering and distress, regardless of sec tional and geographical lines.
 STREET LIGHTING.
 The question of street lighting is an important matter that should engage your attention at once. The burdensome contract made with the Water and Light Company by u former oyer-indulgent adminiBtra- tion for gas and electric light having terminated, it is your duty now to plan for the future way by which, not only the city, but her people as well, may be given an opportunity to so contract for this necessity and at such rates as arecompatible with 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 judgment, can only be done through liberal encouragement to rival and conpetining 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 scrutinizing 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 or 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 als the peo- pie, 1t is, therefore, unnecessary for me to say anything other than to exp ress the hope that the good work may go on until itreaches that point wh ich in capability and efIici- eney will stand second to no other fire dep artment in the South. Cnder this head it is proper for me to state that plans and speci- fieations are already being prepared by the State Executiv c Committee Of Insurance Underwriters, which, if put into effect through your fire depart- ment, will enable Pine Bluff to be placed ill the column of second grade cities, thereby reducing very mater ialiy the present high rates of insur- ance which we are now having to pay, as third-class city.
 MISC cELLASEous.
 Among Che needs and wants of the city is milk ordinance. It is your duty to firmly step between public traffic. which, in 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. 4 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 ing disagreeable and annoying con- ditions, both as to ineffective work and extortionate charging, should be enacted at once. The duties Of eIiff6if- 6if-eeee eeee ifiiiifeEat lii eonld very. well con ferred upon your SanitariaD, wh SC other duties are not very onerous, and thus save the city any addi- tional expense.