The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-04-16
May Borrow 5000, 900 for Highways.

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Alderman McGann called from the
table the Common Council resolution to
ask for legislative authority TO borrow
500. 600 for highways and this was the
special order of the session.
1t was opposed by Alderman Nichols
on the ground of economy.
Alderman McGann urged concurrence
with the Council for several reasons. He
stated that the money would be used adj
vantageously in doing work that is very
necessary and at the same time in fur
nishing employment for many men who
are out Of work. At his request City
Clerk Clarke read list of over 30 streets
with an aggregate of 32 miles, which the
city has received but not built.
Alderman Little supported Alderman
Nichols.
Alderman Mccarthy advocated the
passage of the resolution. He said that
1t is the duty of the city to furnish its
business men with good streets and that
the condition of some OF the highways in
the North End Is "a disgrace TO Providence.
Alderman Nichols said that 1t was
disgrace to the city to tax the whole town
for the building of any street. With one
exception, he said, every other city in the
United States charges tho cost of building
new street TO the abutting owners who
are to be benefited.
Alderman Reynolds opposed the resolu-
ton and told his associates in the board
that they owed il to their constituents To
take every precaution against a further
rise of the tax rate
At the request of Alderman WinsC-
Commissioner of Public Works Smith
addressed the board on the needs of the
highway department and sewer questions.
Alderman Nichols asked him if $50, 600
already available would be enough to
maintain the streets now built and look
after those already ordered, and he replied
in the affirmative.
Alderman Mccarthy asked him If there
was any money. for new streets and he
said no.
Alderman Freeman said that il the
finance committee had kept its agreement
with the highway committee IA year ago
and given for streets what was promised,
tho present question would not have
arisen. He claimed that the highways are
always neglected, notwithstandi the
fact that nothing improves the business
of u city SO much as "a good street system.
Every new highway, he said pays at
least six per cent on the investment. He
declared that the business of the city of
Providence should be conducted on broad
principles and not tied up and hemmed
in like that of n small country town.
Alderman Nichols then reviewed the
debt transaction of the city since 1887,
year he said in which Providence did not
owe cent. The gentleman from the First
ward was almost vehement in his arrange
mcnt of the policy of public finance which
involves the frequent repetition of bond
issues.
Alderman Lowe stated that during the
next fiscal year about So, 600 900 will be
raised by taxation and from other receipts
but that 81, 300, 000 more than one o-third
of the whole amount, is already pledged
FOR interest on the debt, for the state tax
and the sinking fund. Under those cir
cumstances he said that he could not
honestly vote to borrow more money for
future wants.
The resolution was then passed in con-
currence by "A vote of b To as follows
Ayes. Aldermen Freeman, Mccarthy,
McGann, Pierce, Winsor.
Noes, Aldermen Little, Lowe, Nichols
and Reynolds.