The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-06-03

department OF public works. from the
same committee. was received. asking
that the committee be relieved from fur
ther consideration OF the resolution on
the grounds that the General Laws gave
the power to fix the salaries of such en-
ployes TO the commissioner OF public
works and that the city council had no
authority to pass such regulations.
Mr.. Canning moved that the resolution
be again referred TO the committee with
instructions to request at the next ses-
sion of the General Assembly such legis-
lation as would enable the city council TO
fix the working hours OF the employees OF
the department at nine hours day, as
desired by the supporters OF such resolu-
ton.
Mr.. Grady also spoke strongly In favor
OF such an ordinance.
Mr.. Gillrain urged that the city solicit
tor be asked TO pass upon the validity OF
such an ordinance under the existing
statutory laws.
Mr.. San souci also spoke In favor OF
the passage OF some such resolution and
Mr.. Rawson said that he did not think
the proposed reduction OF the hours OF
labor OF such employees unreasonable.
1t is the general trend throughout the
country, he said, for shorter hours for
to reconcile all the differences between
employer and labor. yet he favored hav-
ing the city OF Providence put Its official
stamp upon any resolution bettering the
condition OF the laboring classes. Mr..
Rawson hoped that the nine-hour law
would become operative through the good
offices Of the committee on ordinances.
Mr.. Balch upon finding that the COM
missioner OF public works had not been
approached In the matter thought IL very
discourteous for the council TO apply to
tho General Assembly without such con-
sultation with the commissioner.
Mr.. Canning's motion was lost and
motion made by Mr.. Gillrain TO refer the
matter TO the city solicitor was passed
by vote OF "a to Z.
PROVIDING NEW QUARTERS.
The joint special committee on accom-
mocations I'm the City Hall presented a
report. recommending the passage OF
resolution TO assign certain room IN the
City Hall for the use OF certain depart
ments. This resolution provides for the
occupancy OF the rooms which VIA short
ly be made vacant by the removal or the
fire and police departments. by the board
oc canvassers and registration, the health
department and the school department.
The resolution was passed by a vote OF
81 to 0.
From the committee on city property
came a report stating the condition OF
tho appropriation for the department or
public buildings. and submitting resoiu-
ton authorizing the superintendent OF
public bulldogs to repair and renovate
certain buildings belonging TO the city
during the summer vacation
Mr.. Massie stated that II the resolu-
ton were passed IL would be establish
ing n dangerous precendent by authoriz-
ins the superintendent OF public buildings
To contract bills which could not be PAID
this year.
MIR. Hall for the committee. explained
their position as being In effect that un-
less the needed repairs could be under
taken at once Il would be necessary TO
shut down business III the finance COM
mittec had not taken away from the COM
m tee on city property about ,DvyJ the
latter would have been able to carry on
tie work without difficulty.
Mr.. Grady also alluded 10 the reduc-
ton OF the appropriation In this depart
ment
Mr.. Parsons asked II Mr.. Grady had
not voted in favor OF this reuuction.
Not on you life" replied Mr.. Grady
Mr. sisson considered the question one