The Portland daily press., 1899-03-14

accom- modate q horse at each, to be used
for hauling the apparatus to and ftom
fires. believe that s27), the amount
that we would pay per year for hauling
the apparatus, would be adequate to
make the necessary change, and the
horses could be used advantageously on
the st eets and it would cost no more to
keep them than 1t would at the Aims
House, and the city would thereby save
he tbove sum.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
The police station was last year trans
ferred from the Aims House to sthe war
rem block. and the change has proved to
be wise one, inasmuoh as the officers
are not obliged to leave their beats, after
making arrests, to place their prisoners
in safekeeping and the city saves the ex-
pense OF hiring teams to convey
the the c prisoners Honss ato a9S Convenient 1ie%
rooms for the cells, Marshal's Office and
municipal court room are now located
in one building, and are kept open day
and night, where an officer can be found
when needed.
THE PUBLIC HEALTH.
The Board of Health has made some
communication, during the past year,
that owing to limited appropriation
could not be carried out. l am well
aware that they are alive to the responsi-
bliity resting upon them. and that they
have done everything in their power TO
prevent the origin and spread of oontagi-
Gus disease within our borders, and for
the good results, we are largely indebted
to them. Closely connected with this sub
jeCt, is our sewer system, change in
which will be made by the legislature
now in session, which | trust will prove
to be to our advantage, and under which.
l believe we shall be- able to meet all the
demands that may be- made, ana thus
prevent the he alth of the city from being
imperilled.
STREETS.
There is no department OF the pubno
service which is subject to as much criti-
oism as that of streets ands Sidewalks, put
the cause sf dissatisfaction cannot wholly
lie eliminated In all we have about Tor
ty miles of roads and streets TO keep in
repair, some of which, owing to the ma
ture of the land, over which they pass
are very hard TO keep in good safe CON
dition. My Judgment is that the depart
ment has been exceptionally well man
aged during the last year, and that the
results obtained are as good as could pe
reasonably expected from the amount ex-
PENDED. As the double track to be laid
by the Portland railroad Co. from
Roberts turnout to a point on n mn
opposite the land of Merritt La b, is to
be paved between the tracks and seven
toen inches outside of each outside rail, II
viii give us about seveteen feet OF paving
ON Main street between the aOove points.
! would recommend to your careful CON
siderstion, thas the sum of $500, which
is generally expended f7r crushing stone
be used to pave portion OF this street,
commencing mt a point near MIR. Ho'ston' s
house and continuing toward Cumber-
land Mills, until said sum is expended.
STREET LIGHTS.
During the year. n change has been
made from the arc TO incandescent light.
which l believe has met the approval OF
most of our citizens. Beside the cost TO
tine city Is not SO great as for the year
1897. We still have five are lights, three
located at the West End and two at the
East End. For street lighting the city
has made three years contract with
the Nestbrook Electric Light and Power
company on terms and conditions as
favorable 20 tine city as could be expect
ed or even required under the circum-
stances.