The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-01-27

70 be derived from an intelligent investt-
cation of the condition of the needy and
from a proper distribution of the funds
contributed"
The Mayors reference TO the fire de-
paTlment is pointed: II shall not discuss
the Fire Commissions report "he said, but
/ call attention to the av3rment that this
body has put many obstacles in the way
of that commission. The report declares
that during the past twelve months NUM-
erous discourtesies have been shown to
that body. l presume it is intended to
say that either you, as the board of alder
men, have shown these numerous dis
courtesies, or that l, as the Mayor of the
city, have done so. l am not aware of
any dfscourtesies that were shown by
you, and l am certain that / have not
been discourteous to that commission or
10 any other commission or to even the
humblest employe in the city. l am equal
ly confident that you have placed no OBJ
stacles in the way of that commission,
and the statements are as unfounded i'm
fact as they are impertinent in expression
l invite the attention or the committee on
fire to the report of the Fire Commits,
sion, with recommendation that any or
dinances suggested by that commission
have due consideration, and if found meri-
torious, be presented to this body for
adoption.
OF the police department.. Mayor Mel
department and the city gov
eminent have been harm onious; the
work accomplished has been salts
factory and the new improvements asked
for viii be provided as far as the means
at the command of the city will permit
The question of local legislation is also
dealt with. | regret to say that the repre-
sentatives of the county of Chatham. the
Mayor said, failed 10 secure the passage
through the state Senate cf certain bills
deemed by you to be advan tageous to the
cltys welfare. These representatives
passed the bills through the House. but
in the Senate they were met by the oppo-
s'tion of the senator from this district
To every art of the politician recoHrsc
was had in the effort TO defeat the pro-
posed legislation and the right of local self
government and to representative goVerH-
ment was ignored. This problem of mu-
ncipal government free FIR ON legislative
control is vexing the oldest cities. The
evil is not confined 10 Savannah 1t Is
inherent in a system where Legislative
comments control expressed municipal VIII
The existence, or non-eXistence, of certain
commissions is of slight Importance as
compared with the vital principle that a
great city should manage its own affairs
by her own people, in their own way The
remedy is with the people of Savannah If
they will become imbued with a high civic
pride; If they will seek to advance the real
interests OF lhe cily, rather than to pro-
mote mere party or faction;al success; and
if they will lend their best eudeavors to
secure wise legislation then win the ma
terial and moral welfare of the city be Sc
cured.
In conclusion. the Mayor said: God.
in His mercy, protected us from pestilence
during the past year. He has given us
prosperity and health To Him, for His
mercy, we should be ever grateful. and
continuing to invoke His blessing, we
should endeavor to make our city more
worthy of His care"