The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-02-06

ASK that you VIII dispense with the las
vestige OF compensation by this method
Without any disposition TO excmo,
other improvements, I would respeetfuil,
suggest that ways and means be pfu-
vided for tho following permanent i'm
provements during the present year;
]. The paving with asphalt Of tbs
entire business center OF the city
2. Tbs paving OF Congress avenue
rom Charities street to the Louisiana
street bridge.
3. The paving OF odIn avenue II
connect with Lyons avenue and the CLARK
street maoadam roads
D. The paving % some avenue run
ming through The Third ward between
Mckinney aud McGowen avenue.
| b. The paving and draining Of Hardy
street and the draining of the adjacent
territory by means Of 4 largo underground
storm water sewer
6. The paving Of Sabine and Holnor
streets. 40 rs to connect washington ard
san Felipe avenues
II Is now subject OF litigation whether
or not the school system is part of the
CITY government but without reference
10 now this issue may be decided the city
should. IN my opinion, contribute literally
10 the support Of thiss Important public
service. connection with the school
department for over one year conyinces
NE that the amount OF SOS 900 asked for
by the acting board OF trustees lis not too
large an amount to expend II properly
used aud have therefore thought it
proper TO recommend that this amount of
money be allowed in the budget for the
year 1900. The appropriation thus recon-
mended is larger than any which was
ever made by the city for the school sys-
TEN. while the current state apropria-
zion Is the smallest which has been made
for years.
1t may be difficult 10 supply this appro-
priation regularly without cramping other
departments, hut nevertheless the amount
should be appropriated and paid over as
REGULARLY and promptly as possible.
To this amount Is to he added the state
appropriation of nearly 100000 later to be
made as also the appropriation from tho
county OF upwards of $1,000 which w,N w.
crease the total amount for the schools
TO nearly 100000 for the year Without
impairing the usefulness of the school
system, reductions, | am sure can be
made so as 10 bring the expense 10 a
much lower figure than the amount
stated. Upon inquiry. / learn from the
trustees that The amount of the school
pay rolls for this year have increased con-
siderable over the pay rolls for the pre-
ceding year My connection for one SEES.
sion with the schools convinces me that
several Of the male principals were high
~ overpaid. and that a few others could
be dispensed with entirely. and at the ex-
plration OF their then existing contracts
J was prepared to insist on reduction OF
This unnecessary expense had my connec.
lion with the school system continued
IL IS not expected that the city will
contribute 10 any separate system with
our strict check upon The funds ad-
Vauccd Gas In the case OF the Houston
lyceum appropriation made last Year,,
and I would therefore advise that the act
ing school trustees be required 10 report
monthly 10 The finance committee in de-
tail the expenses incurred during the pre-
ceding month and the purposes for which
incurred so that II at any time such
funds are Gin tho opinion Of the commit
toel misapplied or mismaraged the com
miuee may control the appropriation to
meet the circumstances.
I greatfully acknowledge the co-npera-
tion given 10 this administration by nug
citizens. with but few exceptions. re-
gardless OF past political preferences
And while ! feel that perhaps even more
could have been accomplished had there
been no opposition from few persons
who pose IS progressive citizens hut who
pause not TO reflect how much they in
lure their city by their acts yet I con-
pratulate YOU heartily upon the good
work accomplished by you during your
official term, now about 10 close. Yours
respectfully S. II, Brashear. Mayor.
Recommending tho message were the
following financial statements:
EXPENSES or DEPARTMENTS FOR
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 81. 1893.
Care should be taken to distinguish the
following statement from the trcasurer's
report recently published. The treasurer's
report shows the amounts paid out during
me year Ga large part thereof being for
expenses incurred in previous yearsl.
while the following shows the operating
expenses actually incurred during the
year 1899: