The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-02-21
the public improvements constructed during
the life of the charter. their mileage and
$6.6S7,99S.92

journals throughout the country is that
asphalt IS the best material for street pave
ments known at the present time, both as
10 durability and from a sanitary point Of
view; and on account of the ease with
which repairs can be made to the same.
While i'm the number Of square yards laid
IN the past year asphalt greatly preponder-
ated, yet extensive improvements were made
WIN creoSoted wooden blocks. TIL wooden
DOCK streets are very beautiful and have
become very popular, and although this
form of pavement is said to be very salts
Iacory IN European cities. especially in Paris
and London, and in one or two cities in
this country, nevertheless, l agree with the
opinions expressed by the Board of Public
Works and the city civil engineer in their
reports that under our climatic conditions
the durability of this pavement is still prob
lematical. and that this form of pavement
should not be constructed too extensively
until 1t has proven its durability.
IMPROVEMENTS THIS YEAR.
The city has, during the past few years,
made many improvements of a permanent
character. For the coming year favor the
Improvement Of those streets only where
necessity exists or where the improvement
is petitioned for by the property holders.
This course is made possible by the i'm
provement of practically all of the down
town streets. In the latter district, 1 favor
the improvements of some Of the alleys,
from a sanitary standpoint, and will favor
the boards taking action on this class of
improvements.
Among the more important acts of the
board during the year was the making of
6. contract with the New Telephone Com
pany, granting to said corporation the right
to maintain and operate a telephone system
in this city. A material reduction from the
present rates was obtained and it is felt
that the provisions contained in this con-
tract will prove advantageous to the city
in every respect.
The board sets out the proposition Of Mr..
w. b. Hord for the purchase of the plant
of the Indianapolis Water Company in full,
as we'll as the report of Engineer Jeup and
Mr.. John w. Hill, the expert employed to
assist in the examination of the plant. Upon
the receipt of the report 1t was decided that
the disparity between the price named in
Mr.. HordS proposition and the value aScer-
tanned by the expert examination was too
great to proceed with the purchase on the
lines named. 1 am still in favor of munich
pal ownership of the plant and believe that
the city should avail itself of the oppor-
tunity to purchase the same If 1t can be
done upon the basis of the plant paying for
itself within a given period out of it's own
earnings, still maintaining the purity of the
water and a cheaper rate to the consumer.
TRACK ELEVATION.
The elevated track problem is a large one
and is receiving the earnest attention of
the city. I am heartily in favor of the same,
and believe that the subject should be
treated in a similar manner as other cities
where like conditions prevail and track ele-
walton has been a success. With this end in
view, 1 have directed the city engineer to
prepare plans and an estimate of the cost
of the work and submit the same to the
Board Of Public Works and Council as soon
as possible.
The decision still pending in the Supreme
Court in regard to the opening of Rural
street, across the tracks of the p, c., c. &
st. I. and c., II. & D.. Railroads has, in
the past year prevented the Board Of Pub
lie Works from opening a street across
these tracks. Should an early decision not be
forthcoming, l will ask the board to begin
proceedings to open a street running north
and south from washington street across
these tracks, for the much-needed relief of
Woodside and those living in the eastern
part of the city.
The report Of the park superintendent to
the Board of Public Works goes into detail
as to the lands purchased, and a perusal of
the plans for the Improvement of the
ground acquired, and it is hoped that great
progress may be made during the year. In
this connection, I will renew my suggestion
of former years that the work proceed with
such haste as is possible without proving
burdensome to the taxpayer.
The board recently entered into a con-
tract for street cleaning at much cheaper
prices than heretofore, and the board will
see that every possible effort looking to the
enforcement of the provisions of this con-
tract is made.
A new engine house should be built dur
ing the summer on the ground owned by the
city on Ash street. With the completion of
this house and one in the southeastern part
of the city, I believe that the city's fire
protection will be ample for years to come.
L take occasion to renew my recommended
tons of former years for the establishment
of a South-side market. With this additional
market (held on alternate days from the
East market) the %congested condition of the
streets surrounding the courthouse and
TomlinSon Hall could be greatly reduced,
or entirely relieved. / am also in favor of
improving the space between Tomlinson
Hall and the meat market by the erection of
a suitable building, and the space east of
the meat market by the construction of
such walks, etc, as are necessary, and will
that this work be done as soon
as it is possible.
DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY.
The Board of Public Safety submits Its
report, accompanied by the reports of the
police and fire departments and markets
The discipline in both the police and fire de-
partments has been excellent, and the board
has just cause for satisfaction. I desire to
congratulate both Superintendent Quigley
and Chief Fire Engineer Barrett upon their
management of their respective departments.
With the completion Of the new police sta
ton and the installation of the Gamewell
police-telegraph system but few improve
ments can be suggested for the police de-
partment. One of these would be the cree
ton Of four subStations to relieve the GEN.
trail police station, as well as afford protec-
ton to outlying portions of the city. | hope
that this can be done soon, and will take
pleasure in recommending any necessary APP
preparation for that purpose when l can see
my way clear to do so.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH.
The work of this department has been
done In a manner highly satisfactory to
myself and, l believe, to the general public.
The department is constantly watchful Of
the city's food and water supplies, and by
this watchfulness much disease has been
prevented. The board recommends that
steps be taken looking to the cleaning of
portions OF the city, in which heartily con-
cur.
In my last annual message I recommended
the establishment of free public baths. This
recommendation / now heartily renew and
hope and believe that the same can be soon
accomplished. Nothing would add more to
the comfort and health OF a very large por-
ton Of the city's population, and the matter
is worthy of the attention of your body and
all public-spirited citizens.
l desire to concur in the boards recon-
mendation for the erection of a suitable
pesthouse, and the matter will have atten-
ton as soon as possible.
The City Hospital and Dispensary have
been conducted in a manner satisfactory to
the board and to myself, and the superin-
tendents of both institutions have rendered
excellent and efficient service.
In conclusion l desire to thank the various
departments for their loyal and earnest sup
port during the past year. The care and
watchfulness exercised has been productive
of the very best results, for which they de-
serve great credit. / cannot refrain, at this
time. from banking your honorable body
for the valuable assistance rendered the ex-
ecutive departments and for courteSies ex-
tended TO myself during the year.
---S-
HARSTON AND WIFE FIGHT.
Councilman Arrested and Afterwards