The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-01-03

materially from municinal transactions j
have come 20 the above conclusous only after
considerable investigation, and am pleased 10
say that inquiry among some OF the ablest
convinced me that thcy are correct. what
then. are our remedieSf They are. nrst we
must economic, paying for what we cam a.
we go: second, we must devise means To Oh
tain n larger income, IL h unnecessary 70
dilste on the first proposition. II II too SELF
evident. We must face facts they cannot be
brushed aside There are doubtless very
many things which IL would be desirable for
the city OF Providence To have, but whlch we
have not the money TO nroctre; so, hke
everybody else whose income Il not equal 10
his desires, the city must wait
How sholl we increase our income by OBJ
tanning from the General Assembly the
earliest possible change in our laws, which
now enable large values TO escape taxation
These laws must be so changed that the
property Of corporations shall pay ITS lust
proportion of our taxes as well as the
property OF individuals; and so that the prop
erty Of both individuals and corporations
receiving the benefits OF our institutions
whether belonging 10 residents or non-resl-
dents, shall contribute toward the support OF
these institutions. / think an inheritance
tax would be wise enactment and one whlch
would enable the city to collect largo sums
of money which IL can now reach in no possi-
BILE way. Certain acts in relation 10 taxation
have already been introduced in the senate
for the benefit of the state. II Is claimed & &ior
various cities and towns; but look for very
little relief TO our city from their passage.
regard them AZ Of the greatest Importance To
the city OF Providence, and for That reason
calf your attention TO them, ana would recon-
mend the appointments of Joint special com
mittee TO confer with our Representatives IN
the General Assembly in regard To them, ns
well "a in regard 10 the act relating TO the
taxation OF personal property introduced by
request OF the City Council III the House OF
Representatives in May last. and referred 10
the iuicidiary committee. The city Of Prov
idebCe IL such an important Iart financially
AZ least. OF the state OF Rhode Island that too
intimate relations cannot exist between the
city Council and It's dele CATION in the General
Assembly. They should work together and
always be in touch with one another.
This, gentlemen, il an imperfect statement
Of the condition Of our munich pal affairs, and y
presentation Of some OF the problems which
you will have 60 solve during ths coming
year There arc many more OF which have
not spokon, but "a which / shall call your at.
tenton from time 70 time a they arise. These,
however, are some Of the most important and
should he sufficient 10 convince you that
great demand IL 20 Ue made upon your time
aud talents during the coming year. The
responsibility Of managing the annir~ OF TINS
city is rs much yours rs mine. Indeed. ~ u
more yours than mine TOR you have the
pow or - enact measures as we'll NJ to PROPOSE
them. whilo Z can do little else than suggest.
1he present condition OF our city and the
lrotiCms involved, are well known TO alt uur
citizens, and they expect us rs their chosen
servants. go attend 20 them in proper man
nCr, anl Dring them 10 safe solution.
~ Is OF lNH ultuo-N lnlIbtIhNffs NH'I'ioIti
that wo today. forgetting all selfish onds. and
rpmcni herring only the trust conhded TO us,
dedicate To thoicity's good our best endeavors.
IN conclusion, wish TO take
this opportunity TO publicly thank
the heads ~ the several dcpart
mcnts and thoir clerks for tho kindly assist
anco thcv have rendered me since my election
in preparing for NV new duties, aud 20 ey'
press tho profound regret, which know you
all share. at the enforced absence from these
ceremonies ~ him who has - ably and hon
estlv for tho past two years direcvd tht
Affairs uf our city
bringing 10 his once ability. courage huj
determination 90 10 right, havor Edwin u.
Mrbuitlu'-- during biS ndniniStraiitqi ha'
lei NO per-unal Interests interfere with th,
performance Of ms duty With only one Thin.
boz miud-li- city gCud--he tits sarrtncrd
eVcn h- health w. that grand end Tho "a
amplo De- has set "a tdohiy g. l.- trust has
placed h1n upun plane as hish in thc esti
NATION ~ our citizen. a. thst ever reached hy
ANY Of our former mayor. aud should rOins
% strrcr 90 inspiration tu all those who may
hereafter evcco"I him.
That o., ibsy souu De- restored 90 perfect
health l. the prayer. know, ot all who srs
here assembled.