The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-05-03

fering people was paid when their de-
mands iilads were made the subject of a po-
htical controversy, or a matter of agita-
tion for the advancement or detraction
Of particular individuals. I believe that
this question should be settled, and set
Tied lied at the earliest date allowed by law.
Inc city should own its own water plant,
ana the source of supply should be such
that they would not be stinted in its
use. There can be waste of water, but
'extravagance in the use of water is
an expression that does not go with civil
l1atlon While we are paying for water,
ny the gallon, consumption must, of
It is to be hoped that the specula tion
in this necessity of life has not reached
a point that will preclude us from obtain
ing plant from which the supply will
be practically unlimited The campaign
assertions that i favored return to the
Kind F Of water formerly supplied from
Beleville We're toe ridiculous to call for
serious answer. My judgment is that we
should proceed at once to the preparation
OF proper specifications, frankly and hon
estly inviting competition from all who
can supply the city with pure water;
that those specifications should be pre-
pared IN the light of the experience of
other municipalities in this State and
elsewhere; and that, after it's worth has
been demonstrated. the city should pur-
chase the plant accepted, issuing there
Ior low interest bearing bond. This is
a suggestion, and it is open to every
Improvement shown to be in the interest
of the city; but I should consider myself
dt,erelict if | did not press for a final set
tlement of this matter by insisting that
once.
The recent action of the Board of Fire
commissioners, IN taking steps to put the
Act of 1893 in force exhibited a spirit
which should be expelled from municipal
government. After waiting over four
years, this Board has undertaken, two
days before a change in the office of
Mayor, to put in operation a law which
increases the cost Of the department
about $4,000. What would be thought of
this kind of procedure in dealing with
private interests? In my opinion the
extra expense thus incurred is unneces-
sary, and the step was taken without
a. belief that it would increase the eff
cheney of the department. The true rule
III municipal government demands that
efficiency be obtained at the least pos-s
sfble expense to the people, and that pay
rolls should not be made instruments for
plumber
The appointments recently made to the
Board of Education are, l am informed
by counsel, invalid. The terms of those
appointed in 1895 expire today. I con-
slider it my duty to fill the vacancies and
shall decline to recognize, as city Off
cials, those who were appointed to this
Board last month
The. recent deals, by which offices were
parceled out as. though they were pri-
yate property, do not require any word
of mine to secure the public condemna-
ton they deserve. Good citizens should
office in open defiance of the. spirit of
the people, expressed at the polls.
In assuming the duties of the Mayor
atty, I have no thought that is not for
cation of which will not advance the best
interests of my fellow citizens, and ask
from them, independent of party affilia-
tfons, their earnest cooperation in the
advancement of our city.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD HOOS, Mayor.