The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-01-07
MAYOR GRANCER'S FIRST
MESSAGE TO CITY COUNCIL


adults TO be within their homes after a
certain hour OF the night.
very excellent system OF examina-
tlon, both mental and physical, for ad-
mission TO the force was adopted "A few
years ago with excellent results. There
would seem. however. TO be no reason
why the physical examination should
not be repeated at stated intervals The
pay OF the Providence police force is
liberal. being higher than i'm many cities.
1t Is. however. I'm my opinion, not too
high for the class of men tho city needs
for the work required The city. how
ever, should insist not only upon the
highest standard at entrance TO the force.
but during continuance thereon, and no
men should be allowed from lack OF
proper physical exercise TO become dis
qualified for active service. The force
should. I'm my opinion, be frequently ex-
ercised and drilled. which would result
in better disciplined appearance, and
give what In military language is called
better "set up"
An age limit should b. fixed, and no
man beyond II should he continued upon
the active force. This does not mean
that years OF faithful service should be
repaid by. dismissal. pension system,
perhaps similar TO that of the teachers
in the public school, but aided by the pay
ment OF a percentage OF the fees accru-
ing to the city from the police depart
ment. should provide for tho retirement
of the disabled and superannuated of the
force upon a respectable and sufficient
annuity.
PUBLIC PARKS.
Roger williams Park-very little new
work has been accomplished during the
year, as the annual appropriation Is
barely sufficient for maintenance, and
conoaop.ttlv doaa not ADMIT N imnrOVR-
ments on n very extensive scale.
The band concerts by the American
Band beginning July LIST, for a period
OF ten weeks. were held as usual, and
the attendance was estimated 10 be
larger than In former years, and gave
great satisfaction. / am heartily In fa-
vor of continuance OF this method OF
giving pleasure 20 many people. end
should be glad to see IL extended TO all
the parks of the city.
HOPKINS PARK.
Hopkins Park. In the northern part
OF the city, the last resting place OF Ad-
miral Hopkins, has been put in GOOD
order. Trees and shrubs have been
planted. the surface graded and seeded,
and the park now presents very credit
able appearance.
The open space I'm front Of the Union
railway station has been improved by
grading and seeding, and by the plant
ing of shrubs and trees. The founda-
tion Of the Carrie Brown memorial foun-
tain. the generous gift 10 the city OF
Paul r. paJnotti. Of italy, has been laid
i'm the centre of these grounds. l be-
lieve that a permanent benefit 10 the
city would be effected by removing
portion OF the granite blocks now form
ing the centre of Exchange place. sLd
by planting there rows of trees and sod
ding the ground. In the centre should be
placed the Soldiers and Sailors monu-
ment, which at present Is not seen TO
the best advantage by its proximity TO
the City Hall. Through the mall thus
made should pass paths for foot passen-
gers. and IL is 10 be hoped that In time
other monuments would be placed there
DO not think that the objection -tn8t
the whole space is needed for traffic Is
sound | have had occasion to watch
this spot for some time. and | have asked
others 10 do so, and the percentage of
vehicles going through Exchange place
which now pass over the granite blocks
Is extremely small. i believe that IL Is
good business policy for the city 10 mako
every part of II attractive but especially
those portions which are usai AMI .sern
by practically our entire population end
by every stranger coming To our city.
And this leads me TO ask your considera-
ton for the Improvement OF the open
space between South Water street and
Dyer street
For some time past these streets be-
tween the Weybosset bridge and the
Crawford street bridge have been given
UP from the early morning hours until
or 10 o'clock a. m. To wagons coming In
from the country for the sale or pro-
ducc. The number has increased so that
at times Dyer street Is difficult of pass
age and the small foot bridge across the
river becomes useless to any one ap-
preaching from the east. on the dc
parture OF the wagons the streets are
-left la had condition. Uttered with YeGe-
table refuse which must be Immediately
carried away
No revenue Is derived by the city
for this use OF these streets, although in
some instances IL was found that enter
prising persons were I'm the habit or COM
ing at an early hour and establishing
themselves, only 10 sell their advantage
Gus position 90 some late conner. Never
theloss, the city needs such a place. and
/ would advise that one OF the plots OF
land owned by the city north of the
Union Railway station be set aside as
public market. from tho renting of which
70 revenue should be derived.
Having cleared Dyer and South Water
streets OF the encumbrances now OBJ
HtruCttng them Tor poIhlon OF tnc uay,
1 would earnestly recommend the cover
ing Of the river between the two streets
and the Improvement OF the same as
public garden The work could be easily
done by building across the open space
suitable flooring OF iron, covered with ce-
ment To prevent rusting. This space
could be filled with loan sufficient to
grow trees, shrubs, and Towering plants.
10 would give ms. at comparatively
small expense, I'm the heart OF the city,
spot OF great beauty. | ask that this
matter. as well as that OF the mall In
Exchange Place. be referred 10 the park
commissioners Within the past few
months movements have arisen looking
towards the acquisition by the city for
public purposes OF Neutaconkanut Hill I'm
the Eighth ward and OF "Cat swamp"
long a favorite rceoTt for lovers OF ma
ture and for children in the Second ward.
7 believe II 20 he eminently desirable that
the city should acquire such places In diff
fcrent' portions OF our city before they
arc built upon. not with the Intention or
placing them IN the condition OF Roger
Williams Park. but that they may be