The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-03-19

not abated my opinion in the least. and still
believe that the city should own its own
sThe city of indianapolis now has 10s
bridges, their estimated value being S9lZ,OUO-
The new Melan arch bridges in Meridian
and Illinois streets across Fall creek nave
been completed during the past year, and
represent modern ideas as TO bridge aren't
lecture and are added TO our
city. The agitation in favor OF new bridges
across White river at Washington street
and River avenue is timely and has my fun
sympathy. 1 favor the erection or bridges
of similar construction. or or stone, at tne
points specified. and believe that their ne
cessity is pressing.
81 concur In the recommendation of the
Board Of Public Works with reference 10
the new electric lighting contract Tor the
city. The board fully explains the situation
when il says: The board desires mere 10
call attention to the present electric light
ing contract, which expires In 1903. When
this contract was entered into, the same
called for a contract TO furnish t5O arc
lights. IL required sixteen months FOR the
successful bidder to prepare for the car
rying out of his contract, /. e., erect SUIT
able buildings and equipments. The NUM-
her of lights at this time is almost douDled;
and IL is but fair TO assume that IL WIZ
require the successful bidder, should the
present company fail TO secure a new con-
tract, as long. or a longer time, TO prepare
for the work of lighting the city. The
board is of the opinion that a much better
contract can be made for the city ana It's
citizens II competition Is lQNlleu, anu III VI
der that bidders may not be placed az a us.
advantage. and to the end that the Dest
possible proposition may be obtained, IL Is
deemed advisable that the matter or a new
electric lighting contract be taken up with
IT. the present year.
IN GOOD CONDITION. {
1.-THE police and fire departments are in
excellent condition to do the work for
which they are intended. large sums hav-
ing been expended in the purchase Of
equipment and the erection of new build
ings. and with the additional engine houses.
new equipment and new fire alarm tele-
graph system recently authorized by your
honorable body the fire department will be
amply equipped in this regard for many
years to come.
plans have been prepared for an addi-
ton to the City Hospital, greatly increasing
It's capacity and relieving IT'S crowded con-
dition. The contracts for the improvements
contemplated will now proceed rapidly, and
when the work Is completed | believe this
Institution will be adequate to the wants
of the city.
1.-The natural gas problem now confront
ing us is another serious question for the
municipality. L am and have been opposeI
TO the present system OF compelling con-
sumers TO pay for gas not furnished, and l
would again urge upon your honorable
body the passage OF the ordinance known
as the No gas, no pay ordinance. If, In
your judgment, this ordinance does not
meet the requirements of the situation and
give IL DtOUit IL CilC W WllCn inc ar
so much entitled. amendments which will
dc this should be made.
1.-The ordinance passed by the Council in
August. 1899, providing for the elevation or
the railroad tracks. has recently been de-
clared unconstitutional by Judge Carter, of
the Marion Superior Court. A bill. follow
ing the line of Judge Carriers decision. in
which the provisions of the charter were
sought to be amended so that the city
could, whenever deemed necessary, direct
the elevation of railroad tracks, was pre-
sented TO the Legislature and received pop
ular support and was advocated by q large
number of interested and disinterested per-
sons. The bill, however. was defeated in
the committee. and. consequently, the abil-
fly of the city to deal with this question is
contingent upon the decision OF the SUI
preme Court, to which the case decided adj
versely TO the city by Judge Carter has
been appealed by the city attorney. Pend
ing this decision all possible steps should
be taken by the city for the protection OF
life at railroad crossings.
During the year many extensive inn
provements have been made in the city
parks. and particularly is this true OF
Riverside, Brookside and Garfield Parks
while the smaller ones have. likewise. re-
ceived a great deal of attention. The com
pletion OF the dam and rOadways at River
side Is the foundation work of one Of the
most beautiful parks in the country. The
sum OF $5S.S6S was expended IN permanent
improvements during the year. During the
next few years the improvements will not
necessarily. be so extensive. As Will be
noticed by the report of the board, the
work Of tree-planting. rOad-making. etc.
has proceeded with great vigor. and these
matters will receive further attention as
the years go by.
INCREASED EXPENDITURES.
'T attach hereto, as a part of this report
a statement of the receipts and expendi
lures of the city government during tn,
years 1892 to 1900 inclusive In this connec
ton. beg TO call your attention to the
following statement of increases in certain
items and decreases in others during tn,
past five years.
Items of Increased ExDenditure-