The daily morning Alaskan., 1901-03-05

town cheap to cut down the expenses and have more of our income going for something besides salaries. Il was placed here by those who wanted to see change They expect me to do my duty and bring this about
 The city cannot afford to pay the high salaries it is doing now. When the town was first incorporated there was much work to be done It could then afford to pay good salaries, or at least it was the best policy. There were ordinances to be prepared, and these caused much work.
 We have good men now but there is not the work. If there was there would be no difficulty, but what do the present officers find to do? They are good men, but we cannot afford to pay them the salaries they are now get ting.
 Let me ask you. There are busi- ness men among Us here. You have all at one time had good man. Busi- ness became dull. Did you hesitate in letting him go? No, you knew it was case of dollars and cents, and h. was dismissed. It was business prop. osition with you, as it is now a busi- ness proposition with the city.
 I've are today little place a little over 2,ooo strong. We are here for mutual interests. When I say that Go per cent of the income for the year is spent in salaries it shows that a mis- take has ben made. Tle city cannot afford such a state of affairs It is money let go too easy,
 When was in the council before we paid $3.5o a night to the clerk We went down in our own pockets and contributed that amount ourselves Times were good then, but we couldn't afford to make the city pay anything What money was received was needed for something besides salaries. About the close of the first year we drew on the city treasury for SIS or SEQ month Then we required much writing. as 1 have before stated. Is there that writ ing now?
 "A month ago 1 received great con demnation for appearing before this body and saying that Mir. Peterson, the treasurer, should resign, as many would not pay their taxes to him. There were two councilmen them selves who told me they would not pay their taxes to Mir. Peterson"
 Mir. Keelar then referred to the sal ary of the city clerk, saying that he could guarantee a competent man for at least $25 month.
 Continuing Mr. Keelar said:
 ''I see you have on the expense bills a night watchman who draws down $Ioo salary month, and who in Jan uary was paid $63 for fixing up the present council chambers. This is in- deed elegant quarters for that amount, and wonderful building.
 When Mr. Price volunteered to work it was thought that he was only to receive $75 a month for a while. Just think of paying the high salaries we do. (Here Mir. Keelar quoted the city's officers and salaries.) At this rate they get nearly 70 per cent of the gross revenues, for, mind you, the city will not get 100 per cent on all of it's taxes. Where will this reckless ex- penditure land the city at the end of the year?
 "The offices have been created by the council-why can they not be dis solved? It is to the self-protection ot the city and its councilmen that these officers, or at least some of them, be done away with"
 Councilman Mayer then arose and said that in many things he agreed with his colleague.
 :! q understood that when the offices were created they were not permanent. especially the salaries, particularly that | paid the clerk At first that officer had much to do; now it is different. don't think it possible that anyone considered the salaries to be maintain ed for all time to come. Attorney Price had good deal to do at first, but now I think he ought and will ac- cept and be satisfied with less salary than $75 month.
 'T am in favor of reduction. The town cannot afford to stand up against so much expense now"
 Councilman Barley then took the floor and said the revenues must be carefully dsbursed with a good deal O; | /ra..:.,oJ oo paoa Eour