The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-01-06
MAYOR PHELAN's ADDRESS.

The inaugural address of Mayor Phelan
is plea for economy, review OF some of
the departments of our municipal govern
ment in which waste exists, and an out
line of a policy by which these wastes
may be largely counteracted and the de-
sired economy obtained.
The Mayor points out that new spirit
is awake in San Francisco As he says:
THE rise of improvement clubs, the dis
cussion of a new charter and the lmp posi-
ton of an excessive tax have brought the
forces OF good government to the front to
make battle for better, more progressive
and more widely economical administra-
ton of municipal affairs" He reminds
the Supervisors: 1.-THE people have ex-
pressed confidence in your willingness and
ability to undertake this task, and they
place their reliance in your integrity and
honor" These words we trust will have
due weight with the Supervisors and that
they will cordially cooperate with the
Mayor in establishing a business like
administration OF the affairs of the City
Mayor Phelan is careful to point out
that economy does not mean paTsimony.
The people desire the public revenue to be
prudently expended, but they also desire
the plishment of long needed
municipal improvements. High taxation
in the past has been due more to waste
and extravaganza than to anything else,
and it is quite possible for the new City
government to provide for economy and
progress at the same time
The review given by the Mayor of the
places where waste of public money is
carried on is repetition of an old story
thoroughly familiar to the people. He
has not covered the whole of this subject,
put what he has said is clear and en-
phatic. Moreover he promises to call the
attention of the Supervisors at some time
to other departments which are extrava-
gantly conducted, and therefore we may
expect of him in the end a complete an
alysis of this evil in our municipal admin
istration.
After dealing with some of the more i'm
portant features of our municipal life,
such as the water and lighting supply.
the school department, streets and high
ways, railway franchises and the health
department, the Mayor returns again to
the Importance OF economy. In conclu-
sion he says:
The watchword of our administration must
then be, and the sentiment involves no incon-
sistency, enlightened economy and municipal
progress. San Francisco, by reason of its loca-
ton, is one of the great cities of the world,
and it should also, with its natural advan-
tages. be one of the most attractive and pros
porous cities. trust that you will dedicate
your labors to realization of these ends.
On the policy thus outlined, the Mayor
will have the cordial approval of the
people of San Francisco. Progress and
economy are watchwords which suit the
new opportunities that are opening in our
city. We must go forward and our going
will be dependent upon the sagacity of
those who have been entrusted with
charge of our municipal affairs. Mayor
Phelan will have the general support of
his feliow-cit,zens in the work he has out
lined and cordial cooperation to assist
him in making his administration credit
to himself and o benefit 10 the munich
pality.