davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1899-03-01
Exchange Hotel Arrivals.

TIE Gooding, J w Nicholson,
Waco; A l. Green, Fl. Worth; r X
Earnest, Dallas; J + Butler, Guy
NJ BRYAN, City;C W Carr, Hous-
ton; Abe Edel, Galveston. n
Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1899-03-01
suspicion. Case at Hard.

Baird. Tex. Feb d THERE'S a case
Of sickness in Baird which the city
health officer says he is pretty well sat
isfed is case Of smallpox. The house
where II j. situated is under quarantine
Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1899-03-01
one Death at cleburns.

Cleburne. Tex. Feb D The barber
Watson who has been down with small.
pox. died At the pesthouS This makes
two deaths 80 far. out Of the IS cases
that have developed.
Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1899-03-01

London. Feb - The Rome CORES.
pendent Of The Daily News says he
learns from reliable authority that
Archbishop Ireland will be- created a
cardinal nj the next consistory.
Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1899-03-01
SMALLPOX IN TEXAS.


Dallas Feb. ~ One more case Of
smallpox In she city and a case of vari-
loid near Grand Prairie Twelve cases
at the pesthouse.
Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1899-03-01

I Halifax, Feb 2S Messrs Rios and
Rivera. the Filipino commissioners.
nailed ON the steamer California for
Liverpool
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-03
IN COMMON COUNCIL.

After returning from Horticultural
hah, members of the common council
were called to order by John H. Con-
nelly of ward 4, the oldest member in
term of service. The election of pres
ident was c" lied for, and Frederick W.
White was elected. He received 81 votes
while somebody, through mistake,
voted for Wilbur w. Hobbs
The next business was the election of
clerk. OF the 20 votes cast, S. Hamil-
ton Coe received 20 and was declared
reelected. The oath was administered
to him by President White and was
followed by the seating by lot of the
members of the city council The seat
ing resulted as follows: /, Bigelow Q,
g. Hunt; 3, Mcmahon; 4, Heath s.,
Wheeler; 6, Ryan; z, Merritt; s. Ken
dali; Q, Lundberg; 10, vacant: II. John
son; u, Mutt; 10. Shea: IA TerrilI Is.
Lancaster; Is, Ricard; II, Inman; is,
Davis; 10, Gallagher; 20, ]. Hunt; 81,
Fimon; p, Meagher; 20, O'Leary; "a,
Connolly.
After receiving notice from the board
of aldermen of the election of Henry
Brannon as president of that board, no.
tice of the election of Enoch H Towne
as city clerk came down for concurrent
action. Mr.. Towne received 23 out of "a
votes cast
The election of members of the
finance committee followed For the
first member Councilman Inman re-
ceiVed all of the q votes cast. For the
second member, out of % votes cast,
Councilman Heath received 81 and
Councilman Johnson l. For the third
member Councilman O'Leary got 10
votes, Johnson l, while were blanks.
Councilmen Inman, Heath and O'Leary
We're declared elected.
Two trustees of the City Hospital
We're elected. Councilman Johnson re-
ceived % votes of the 20 cast, Council
man Mcmahon 20 out of % cast, and
these two were declared elected.
At this point the election of Alder
men Back and OConnell to the finance
committee was sent down, together
with that of Alderman Vaughan as
trustee of the City Hospital. Both We're
concurred in.
The remainder of the session was de-
voted to concurring in orders which
had passed the board of aldermen.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-03
Including
a L


1t viii be seen from the above figures
that the water debt is more than one
third of the total city indebtedness.
There VIII necessarily be an increased
debt during the coming year for the
purpose of settling the water damage
cases now pending, the amount of which
will probably be determined before long,
and which viii have to be paid by
funding
The sewer separating system is not
yet completed, and will doubtless de-
mand a considerable outlay, which
must also be funded.
The abolition of grade crossings and
the erection of new high school bui,d-
ing viii also be heavy expenses which
viii sooner or later swell the city debt.
Commercial street damages are not
yet liquidated and will require a special
loan when the total amount Shall have
been determined
In view of these facts, I deem it NV
duty to strenuously urge the utmost
economy, lest the public debt become
sucn burden as TO cripple our indus
tries, and inflict undue hardship upon
the smaller holders of real estate. by
the levying of taxes beyond the point
of financial endurance
In 1S4S, the first year Worcester was
a c1ty, the tax rate was S5.34; in 1858, il
was $500; in 1858, it was $12S5; in 1878.
1t was $3.50; in 1888, it was $500; and
IN 1898, it was s1620. So that in fifty
years of municipal existence the tax
rate has risen to three times what it
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-03

most meritorious demands will certain
ly be attended to, and you will have
exercised a discretion delegated by the
Charter, but which is absolutely thrown
away If all petitions are answered and
the executive officers are compelled to
decide which will receive actual fulfil
ment.
MUNICIPAL LEGISLATION.
The utmost vigilance should be used
to see that legislation detrimental to
community rights is not enacted, at
least without strenuous protest. Little
by little have the peoples privileges
been curtailed, with corresponding ad-
ditions to private advantage.
Many corporations now occupy public
streets, on the surface, underground
and overhead, streets which were built
and paid for by the city, but which now
contain more construction placed there
by others than by the city itself.
With so many diversified interests
every year increasing, it is an oppor-
tune time to set on foot an inquiry as
to what should be done to give the city
better control of its own thorough
fares.
Legislation may remedy these things
by providing a more direct authority
in regulating the exercise of these fran
chises, which may also extend to com
pelling co-use of space by different
companies.
If this cannot be accomplish
ed in any other way, it certain
ly can be by city ownership of the per-
manent works used for quasi-public
purposes.
This will not be necessary, if what
power we have is reasonably but firm
ly used, and further authority secured
to accomplish the end desired.
Having thus briefly called attention
to some of the general subjects JUS
tifying to my mind some unusual at
tention from you, let me futher sug-
gest that the ordinary, everyday con-
duct of municipal affairs should not be
neglected.
In the disbursement of three and
one-half millions of dollars in a year,
there is ample chance fer waste and ex-
travagance.
Investigate all methods of business
in the various departments, recommend
changes wherever an improvement can
be made, regardless of any influence
inside or outside the city hall, and be
firm, fearless and just in your deci-
Sions.
During the year let our official con-
duct be such as to convince the public
that the same energy, the same bust
ness method and the same economy is
exercised in transacting public business
as is found in individual affairs.
We cannot be greater men here than
at our places of business, but let us
have no lower standard in the city hall
than out.
Let the great interests intrusted to
us be guarded jealousy, remembering
that the people have equal rights, and
that in public Office is no place to show
personal favors.
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-03

was in the beginning; and if the basis
OF valuation is considered, it is now
four times as great.
Twenty years shows no increase in
the rate of taxation, although the basis
Of valuation has been materially
raised.
During that time it has as often ex
ceeded the present as IL has fallen be-
| low. Our debt, or tax rate, is not such
as TO cause alarm, except as we look
ahead and see what large, unavoidable
expenses confront u.s. and. in view of
TINS condition, l must urge your most
careful scrutiny of every appropria-
| ton, with view of meeting inevitable
future demands with resources equal
| to the occasion.
l VIII even go q step further and say
that, in my judgment, the time has
come When vigorous and determined
eHort should be made to reduce taxa
tion, that we may offer all encourage
ment possible to mercantile and mann
lactuflng business, and particularly
to make easy the assessments of the
average citizen who is perhans tbe
most useful factor in Worcester's suc.
cess.
! Not only should conditions here be as
favorable as in other places. but thew
should be superior
Borrowing money is an easy way to
'iuS oNSl present neeu, nut all debts
must in the end be paid with interest
and unless our debt is kept within
easy limit when no extraordinary de-
mand is upon us, in time of such de-
mand, which is surely coming i'm fine
| near future, We Shall. meet a situation
| hard to cope with. except by such
heavy taxation as will burden ali
| classes.
Under present law only $12 per $1,000
can be raised for municipal expendi-
ture. except for interest and contribll-
lions to the sinking funds All else
must be borrowed and a term debt.
bearing interest be incurred. thus COM
| pelling the city to do business on n
sort Of financial instalment plan.
| No matter what sum may be expend-
ed this year. it cannot increase the tax
! till next, so that one municipal wear
may be filled with luxury, costing the
people nothing at the time, but paid
for during the years following.
| IL would seem to be a method fixing
responsibility in the minds of the peo-
pies representatives. If, instead of re-
curing a debt. the law compelled cash
payment by direct taxation for all ex-
penditures, except for certain specified
| purposes, permanent in their nature
and sufficient for more than immedi-
| ate need.
People would know then what they
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-03

responsibility ends when we have ex-
ercised due diligence in doing
those things lying within our province.
BUT we ought to be satisfied that the
amount appropriated is actually need
ca to conduct the schools, as lawfully
directed by the school committee.
ORDERS IN EXCESS OF APPRoPRI-
ALTON.
very demoralizing practice has
grown up Of passing orders for work
to be done in various departments. the
cost of which is far in excess of the
appropriation available
To illustrate by the most forcible ex-
ample we may look to the orders now
accumulated for street construction, at
present in the hands of the commits
sioner
Even after a seasons work, a quarter
of a million Of dollars would be requir-
ed to settle everything included in these
orders.
1t is manifestly unfair for officials
charged with the execution thereof. to
pass order upon order with no funds
to meet the demands, thus shifting to
others responsibilities which ought TO
be borne by the legislative branch
Pass no order, gentlemen, unless the
funds required are at hand Then the
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-03
THE BRANCHES ORGANIZE,

Alderman Henry Brannon. senior
member, sounded the gavel a few min
utes after II O'Clock, calling to order
the board of 1899. Before the meeting
the members settled the question of
seats among themselves end obviated
the necessity of drawing for them. AL
derman Vaughan occupied the seat
formerly occupied Alderman Thomp-
son, Alderman Wall that of ex-Alder-
man Hildreth, Alderman Kendall that
of Alderman Hildreth, and Alderman
Back that of Alderman Brannon The
same division of the sheep and the
goats was observed. alderman Philip
j. O'Connell sits where his namesake
did last year, and Alderman Carberry
in the place of James ri. Mellen
The first business was the election of
a chairman, the tellers being Aldermen
Barrett and Vaughan There were
eight ballots cast, all of which were
for Alderman Brannon.
President Braunon, after thanking
the members, said he hoped to be pres
ident of the board Of aldermen. He
hoped there will be harmony, and
promised that as far rs he was con-
cerned, he would do his share toward
doing the business Of the year in a fair
and impartial manner.
Aldermen Wall ind Carberry were
chosen a committee to collect the ball
lots for the election of Il city clerk
All members voted and Enoch FL.
Towne received the entire nine votes.
On the order of Alderman Kendall,
the rules of last years board were
adopted for the government of the
present board On motion of the same
alderman the joint rules of the city
council of 1898 were adopted with a few
amendments. one OF which provided
that the presidents of the respective
bodies be dropped from all committees
except streets and aewers, such being
the desire of the respective presidents.
An amendment which provided that
matter to go on the calendar of meet
ings must be in the office of the city
clerk at l o'clock the week day pre-
vious to the meeting, was laid on the
table for the time being, the UNDER
standing being it was to be brought in
at the evening session. Alderman Bar
rett objected to the immediate passage
of the order.
Alderman Back was first elected
member of the finance committee get
ting eight votes, all that We're cast AL
derman OConnell was chosen member
OF that committee also, securing the en-
tire number of votes cast
Charles A. Vaughan was chosen
trustee of the city hospital. He re-
ceived seven of the eight votes cast, c.
f. Mann receiving one. President
Brannon announced that he had made
mistake by voting for Mr.. Mann. He
said he knew MIR. Mann's term as
trustee had expired, and the election OF
the trustee at large instead Of from
vhe city council was in his mind.
Notice that the common council had
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-03
ABOUT GRADE CROSSINGS

The following is the report of the
grade crossing commission, submitted
to the city council, at it's meeting last
night:
To the City Council of the City of
/ Worcester: The commission on the
abolition of grade crossings, appointed
by his honor the mayor and the hon
orable city council, at the beginning
of the year, beg leave to submit the fol-
lowing report of progress:
Believing that the time had come
when the problem of the abolition of
the grade crossings should be squarely
and oourageously met and settled. and
that further delay and uncertainty
would be of serious injury to the city
and its welfare, his honor the MAYOR
called the commission together soon
after their appointment and clearly
stated the necessity in the work of the
sewer and other departments, of know
! ing as soon as the problem could be
given the consideration it's gravity de-
manded, just what the final grades of
the railroads and streets affected were
to be.
The commission then organized with
Mr.. B. w. Potter, president of the
board of aldermen, as chairman and
Mr.. W. Henry Towne as clerk.
Taking up at once the study of the
situation then existing your commits
sion soon found that the act of the
legislature releasing the city from the
provision of the law of 1890. would ex-
| pire by limitation in April, 1898
! AS the plan known as the Harvey N.
Shepard plan, prepared for the su-
perior court commission, called for the
! lowering of Grafton street 1872 feet.
while raising the tracks but feet. and
really establishing a subterranean
passage $50 feet long and but so feet
wide, with only "a feet between curbs
! (alloWing for S-foot sidewalks) through
which the large population of the Graf
ton and Providence street districts
must pass twice or more every day.
and as it also established the same
condition for other crossings, your
commission at once unanimously con-
demned the plan and reported an or
der asking that the mayor be author
lied to petition the Legislature to ex-
tend the time of release from the act of
1890 for two years longer. This was
done in the hope that before the ex-
piration Of that time the city and the
railroads could agree upon a plan for
the abolition of all the crossings
Upon the passage Of the order. the
petition and bill were filed by the
mayor and later the bill was passed
without opposition.
The commission then began the care
full study of the report of the commits
sion of engineers appointed by the
city in 1890, of which Mr.. Charles A.
Allen was chairman This report and
the accompanying plans have been of
great value to the commission thus
far, and bear silent testimony to the
skill and thoroughness of the work of
Mr. Allen and his colleagues.
A personal inspection of all the cross
ings involved was mode by the COM
mission, and all the changes OF streets
buildings, freight facilities, etc, made
necessary by the plans suggested and
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-03
AGAIN
INSTALLED.
Mayor Dodge Takes the Helm
for Second Cruise
IN MUNICIPAL SHIP.
Ceremony of Inauguration Witnessed by
the Citys Representative Men--Mayors
Address Received With Marked
Approval.

A benignant sun and clear, bracing
atmosphere greeted the birth of the
city government of 1S99 yesterday, and
smiled a welcome encouragement to its
resolution that it will perform its du-
ties fairly, fearlessly and economically.
The Inauguration exercises took place
tn horticultural Hail. as has been the
custom for years past The feature of
the exercises was the ringing words of
Mayor Rufus b. Dodge, Jr.. in his in
augural address. on matters of vital
interest. The address was brief but
as pointed as a sharp stick. Mayor
Dodge dwelt on the financial condition
of the city and the necessity of con-
Quoting the business of the city on an
economical basis in order to protect
the taxpayer. The tid-bit of his inau-
Eural came at the close. Without min
cling matters Mayor Dodge said that
the city of Worcester should have
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-03
GRADE CROSSINGS

|
The grade crossing commissioners ap-
pointed last year, have been diligently
investigating the questions pertaining
70 the great subject committed to
them. ~
While no particular publicity has
oeen given to the work performed be-
cause so far it has been one of inyesti-
gatlon necessary for the members to
acquire the large information without
Mlllch no intelligent result can be
reached, yet l desire to saw that this
commission has worked with remark
ahle diligence and judgment, and there
is no doubt but what a definite. decided
| ana able report will be made recon-
nlendlns, 50 far as the city is con-
! cerhed' all steps necessary for
Inc aoolltlon of these crossings
| lie interests
Some action should be taker. so that
the work already well started can be
carried to successful end.
CITY HOSPITAL.
The trustees of the city hosnital hava
IN view the construction of 8 heating,
ana power plant, with ether needed
improvements, which will add to tbe
| usefulness of this most benehcent in
sttution, and will also lessen the cost
OF administration
| Ihe expense will be considerable but
| II necessary, an effort should be made
10 equip this establishment, so largely
assisted by generous contributions from
individuals, in manner erabjine a
Iull exercise of it's humane purpose.
would urge that when plars are be-
ing made for these changes. provision
! oe also made for ambulance service
which shall include surgical attend
| ance.
II no such service can be had from
the hospital, then It should be estab-
lIsIeu elsewhere; and, while the police
! Statlon does not seem to be the appro-
pirate place for this kind of work. stfll
IN the absence of any more suitable
provision, 1T can be carried on from
'hal Dulldlng at no very large expense.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT.
| The school department has expended
! curing the last year $526,77S 70. and viii
doubtless request still greater a1nount
for this year uiil
rms seems large amount. and IN
| skilled as we are as TO demands of fba
eilnes IN carrying on our free thorough
anu etncient system of education we
oushe not to criticise without being
satshed that the expenditure is in
same particular extravagant,
l would suggest that the items of
e ee be carefully examined in con-
ference with representatives of tha
school committee, so there may be no
Misunderstanding as to the application
ol the money; and, # it is too much
cay SO with decision, bearing in mind
| always that our school comnittae
~ composed of intelligent ana respon-
f fit,e,, persons, whose Judgment is en-
Titled to respect
ailude to this subject particularly
because the school appropriation is 50
large mat 1t excites comment, and the
| appropriation either should be insti4iad
or reduced in amount u
any radical change in methods or sub.
Jects taught in the public schools must
come through the representatives of
vie people. VINO are expressly charged
W. ueciulng those questions and our
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-03
Mr.. STEWART RETURNS.
His Observations on European affairs
After a Three Months' Trip abroad.

''NS' q A''SS N'OitllS IlD RDfOdu.
Ralph j. Stewart junior of the we'll
known firm of Morgan & Stewart in
the State Mutual building, arrived
home yesterday from a three months
tour abroad. Mr.. Stewart went abroad
in company with a friend from Phila
delphia, and together they have done
the continent in a thorough manner
During his visit in London, Mr. Stewart
attended several sessions of parliament
and enjoyed the treasures of the Brit
ish Museum. France, Germany and
Italy were visited.
In England Mr.. Stewart found a
strong sentiment of friendliness for
America. This he thought to be in a
large measure born out of respect for
the grand achievements of the English
people for the skill and bravery of the
Americans in the Spanish war. In
France there was admiration for this
country, but he noticed with regret
that the tone of the Paris press was at
first hostile to the new policy of the
American people, but this tone became
less marked as the success Of our
army and navy more and more i'm
pressed their minds. The body polite
Of the French nation is in as complete
sympathy with America as in the DAYS
y LtleS cite lit DTeyiuS agitation,
Mr. Stewart believed, had shaken the
French government to the foundation,
and the great question was whether the
army under Gen. Zurlinden would sub
nit to whatever decree the court of
cessation might make
Mr.. Stewart made a part Of his tour
upon his wheel, which afforded him
better opportunity of viewing the
scenery. Throughout the day Mr..
Stewart was the recipient of cordial
welcomes on his return, and he gave a
dinner at the close of the afternoon to
few friends, in the State Mutual res
taurant. a
II you are tired taking the old-fash
Toned, gripping pills, try Carter's Little
IiNer Pills. and take Soma Comfort A
The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-01-03

leaving the net increase of the debt
during the year of 1898, S124.5142S.
No money has been borrowed by fund
ed loan during the last year, except for
water, school houses, and the sewer
separating system. No loans have been
made for current expenses, although
premiums from the sale of bonds have
been used for that purpose.
The percentage of the net debt tc
the valuation of the city for the last
ten years is as follows: