Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1898-01-28
NOTES FROM THE HUB.
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS.


The report made by Mr.. A. Shu-
man, the representative uf the Boston
Chamber of Commerce upon the
mayors advisory committee, to the
main holy which selected him for
that position, can doubtless he ac-
cepted aS II fair presentation of the
work performed by that committee III
the municipal service Of the past two
wears. The report shows, what has
been apparent from the outset, that
tins advisory body has had the courage
of its convictions. and when it has
given coInsel it does not shrink from
responsibility. The report stands
behind the action looking to the con-
struction of the new Southern Union
station and its Bacl, Bay companion,
and the plans which determined their
present character were the results of
changes made at the instance of the
merchants committee. Another re-
suit of its effort, and one in which in
common with most citizens it feels a
Just sense of pride and satisfaction,
is the arrest Of the old and prodigal
custom of giving valuable public
franchises to private corporations for
nothing. This demor ali2ing prece-
dent was broken with respect to the
pneumatic tube system, which III the
course of installation could not help be
ing an annoyance and incOn-
venience to business and travel.
and permission was given the
company to 60 ahead on con
dition that small rental should be
paid the city at the start. to he regu-
larly increased until it shonld finally
be equal to two aud one-half per cent
ON gross receipts. The rental ON this
particular service is likely to amount
to considerable in time, but it's great
er value lies in the principle, the ap-
plcation of which to similar enter
prises hereafter future city govern
ments can hardly afford ta suspend
The committee helped to throw safe
guards about the negotiations with
the able financial promoters of tue
Elevated railway, so that the public
interest might be looked after with
equally keen ability; also to lease the
subway that at the end of 10 years
substantially Y the entire cost will have
come back out OF the leasing corpora
rion' earnings to the city treasury.
and in a number of other large
matters affecting the general interests
its hand has been seen and its infiu-
ence felt on the side of the people
The committee has properly kept it
self aloof from questions of place and
appointments, and the detailed work
of the departments. 1t has not sought
to assume more authority than was
proposed in the original scheme, but
to advise ON matters which have to do
with broad municipal policy, either in
accordance with present needs or to
provide for the future This has been
an experiment, but all things con
sidered, it must he looked upon as
highly satisfactory in its results, sutti.
GENTLY so, at least, to warrant its
continuance with perhaps the majority
at least of the board resident house
holders as well as taxpayers in the
city of Boston. There has been, so
far as the public has reason to believe,
substantial harmony in the commit
tee. Il condition that is likely to OBJ
tain when men of large business train
ing and acquaintance with public af,
fairs are associated for the sole pur-
pose OF promoting the best interests
of their city. Such men, unlike the
board of aldermen, who, since election,
have been in such a ridiculous light,
rarely have any difficulty in organiz-
ing or III acting atterward.