The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-01-07

train OF two cars. ilie Introduction OF
These ears has apparently. been the cause
vice between Providence aud Fan
nner ana the intermediaie sta
si9ns' sdas Ia has occaslonsd numerous block
to the capacity OF the Washington bridge
10 safely carry them. as 10 lead to the
adoption of an ordinance by the city
council fAing the weight OF any ears to
be carried across that structure at sew
eral thousand pounds less than tho
weight OF the new ears in use by the New
Haven road. cannot refrain from say
Ing that IL would seem that the weight
and length of cars 10 be carried through
our narrow and already crowded streets
might well have been considered and
limited before the new system was car
RED into effect IL Is a very grave ques-
ton whether cara suitable for the service
between Providence and Fall River can
be carried through our streets without
seriously discommodi.G other traffic, and
without real danger 10 the public. The
carrying or these cars 20 the Union Rail-
road station while desirable is probably
not necessary for more than one tenth
or the passengers coming 60 the city on
them l am inclined 90 believe that Il VIII
be found for the best interest OF the city
that these cars should be drawn through
India street to the old station and that
the Union Railroad company. / do not
believe that because the latter company
has acquired the right 10 lay its rails
in a very small portion of India street.
only few Ieet in fact. that the city
could not give the right 10 the other rail-
road company to prope It's cars over the
ba ia uce OF the street by electricity The
cars would then reach the city by the
bridge owned by the railroad. / am not
In favor OF widening streets at the city's
expense for the sole benefit of railroad
corporations using the streets.
CITY HALL.
Several departments In the city hall
complain OF lack OF sufficient room.
The board Of canvassers and reglstra-
ton state that their rooms are inadequate
TO accommodate the public during periods
of registration, and also for the proper
execution OF their record work.
The superintendent of health also COM
plains OF the lack OF proper room for
work and for the care OF his very valu-
able records
The recorder OF deeds office still re-
mains overcrowded.
In certain periods Of the year the in
terror of the city treasurer's office is
greatly crowded. so that at times for
weeks the treasurer's private ONCE Is
given up To temporary clerks.
The completion OF the new central fire sta
tion will provide quarters for the fire
commissioners as well AS for the fire
alarm electrical system now I'm the city
hall. | would therefore recommend that
the joint special committee appointed Nto
consider the accommodations for the re-
corder OF deeds be continued and instruct
ed TO present plan for the better ac-
commodation OF the departments herein
before referred 10.
POOR DEPARTMENT.
The excellent condition OF this departs
ment Is a matter for congratulation. Dur
Ing the year the lodge for wayfaring men
has been opened at the city yard where
IL IL possible TO insist upon that state
OF cleanliness without which self-respect
is lost and future success rendered more
difficult The Improvement OF the pres
ent methods over She old system OF giving
tickets emitting the bearer 10 a lodging
in cheap and miserable lodging house
is very great.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
No subject which we can consider Is
nearer the hearts OF the people than the
condition of their public schools. Per-
haps that very fact accounts for the
criticism which is so general, and for the
desire that no money needed for their
support shall either be refused or IL
granted wasted
Our schools are naturally growing at
the present time three school houses are
under construction. In some parts OF
the city schools are overcrowded while
In others there are vacant rooms. IN The
latter cases, however there seems to be
no reason To suppose that ia rhe course
of few years the entire buldiag sill
not be in use. trust that In all new
buildings economy will be exer sed. and
that simplicity which should always be
feature of public school building.
be adhered to- | cannot think that II is
necessary that our school houses be light
ed by electricity or furnished with elec-
trio fans.
Some years ago land was condemned
at the corner of Pond and Summer
streets for the erection of an addition to
the Manual Training high school. The
need for the additional building proved
to be only temporary aud the land for
which large sum was paid remains
unused and the city II receiving no ad-
vantage from Its possession. Litigation
arising from an attempted sale of the
buildings has been allowed to drag on
and 40 far has prevented their use by
the city. Such condition OF valuable
property would not be tolerated by "a
private corporation. Some plan should
be at once devised whereby the city
could receive some benefit from this prop
! erty. The superintendent OF schools IN
forms me that the buildings could be
most advantageously used for various
school purposes. I therefore recommend
that this matter be considered by your
| proper committee and some action rec
| commended TO the council
| beg 10 call your serious attention 20
the present condition OF the school COM
| mittee.
The schools are managed by n commit
tee consisting OF thirty elective and three
ex-ofhcio members. the elective mem
bers holding office for the term OF three
years. During recent years the organ
| ization has become complicated by the
subdivision OF work among nineteen SUBJ
committees consisting of five members
each. and a ward committee for each
ward. The effect OF all this is to give
a limited number of members who are
appointed 10 membership on all or sew
eral important committees a knowledge
OF the general management OF the schools
and To keep all the other members largely
in ignorance with reference to school
work and administration.