Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-04-22
Mayors Message.

Mayors Message.
Mayor Bell read his message, which
is as follows
To the Honorable Cit. Council:
Gentlemen-Another fiscal year has
been added to the history of our city,
a year of wonderful growth and de-
velopment, and marked by universal
harmony and good will. Although the
city for several years preceding has
enjoyed a healthy growth, the past
year has unquestionably eclipsed all,
and it can rightfully be called the
banner year in point of Improvement
and general prosperity. By the many
new business enterprises that have
sprung up. the increased capitaliza-
tion of old ones, the enlargement of
territory and the rapid strides made
toward the requirement of such public
utilities as all up-todate cities have;
we are impressed with the fact that
the years Of dissensions and draw
backs, are past; the years of doubling
and experiment are no more, but on
the contrary. Pine Bluff is today a
strong. healthy, progressive and ag-
Sressive city. With continuous good
government and a patriotic, punlie-
spirited citizenry, like ours, Pine Piuff
must and will continue to grow.
The law provides that | should at
tits time report to the counci, the
coL iitlon OF the city, its progress Ger
ins the year, and to make such rec
u finnc the f1lfI ~. in Y
iu,igme II, may appear to be beneficial
10 the welfare of the people. whose in
forests we have been sent hero To
guard.
Before touching upon such ma. e.s,
however, | feel that would be re
miss in duty if | did not first rc-eX
press my appreciation for the honor
done mo bS the good people of this
city IN again cIecting me to this high
onieo; if | did not again thank the
jnya. friends who did so much 70 All,
vance me to this important position. il
| did net express to you. gentlemen Oh
the council. and to the other officers of
the city who have contributed SO much
10 make this y successful year in the
itliiliNlPtti S-oNNi hIiiSiIt VI CNN Wy IL
deepest obligation and thanks.
Whether in discharge of duty nelo
CT elsewhere. the treatment received
from my official associates without cx
ecrtion has ever been courteous, kind
;2nd generous.
| feel further grateful that the peo-
pie by their verdict have secn fit to
i,l Il I,n Off; al ,f
able body by returning SO many Of You
to serve them again. And now let us
resolve that our future course Will
continue to be gu(ed by that proper
regard TOR faithfulness and economy SO
necessary to perfect success in all &c
fairs which concern the general public
Among the matters to which | would
call your attention, and through you
invite attention of the 5aneral public
is that Of the financial condition Of
the city. For the first time in several
years our revenues, as shown by the
city clerks annual report. have exceed
ed the current expenses of the citE.
This. in face Of the fact that more
than $4,000 of previous receipts an
llutttN IttNC bNtll cut on DS lllt' dllli-
gambling act. is certainly very graft
flying. On assuming the duties OF the
Office one year ago we We're confronted
with 4 condition which was entirely
dissimilar to and more preplexins an,
aggravating than had ever menaced
any previous administration of the
city government. TN" roVenue re-
CENTS from al sources tor the nrc-
vious year had aegresated only $42,-
99S.23, as against an expenditure of
$46.052.57, and under what was gen
orally regarded as having been a very
nOnactive and most economical policy
Of carrying on the affairs Of govern
ment.
The outstanding liabilities of the