Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-01-05
THE MAYORS MESSAGE.

10 the HOnOraDle bOarQ or AlQefueu. Gentlemen: We meet tonight, for the first time, to begin the work of new year. Some of us have had pre- vious experience; others like myself are entirely new to the work and have it all to learn. I feel confident that we shall agree as to the general policies to be carried <out, and trust that we may not differ widely as to the best methods of putting them into effect
 It is one of the requirements of the charter that during the month of Jan uary the mayor shall present to the board of aldermen a message stating the condition of the city as he finds 1t with any recommendations he may have to offer. 1t has been the custom of incoming mayors to present this message on the night they are inaugu- rated. This gives very little time for preparation and prefer to make this message a brief statement of some Of the conditions as I find them, leaving the recommendations to be made from time to time and when better knowl- edge of the city affairs will permit me to make recommendations intelligently.
 City Finances.
 do not propose at this time to dis cuss the financial condition Qf the city at any length. With the idea of some what reducing the work in the various departments, I shall request the board of finance to have the books in all de- partments audited and will then place before you whatever suggestions may be made for more modern and scientific methods for keeping our city books. It is quite possible that the new methods which have been discovered in book keepfng in the last few years may be applicable in some cases to the account ing departments of the city.
 Department of Education.
 The new year finds this department in a rather unfortunate position. The Elm street school house has been con demned by the building inspector and operations in that building have been permanently suspended. An appropri- ation for a new building on the site of the old Elm street school has been voted and in about year from the
 
 be ready for occupancy. Tn the in teri,n it will be necessary to hold two sessions in the Crosby Grammar school
 We now have a tMining school for teachers located in tN% Walsh school. and am informed thai this school has not received the, patronage that it should Graduates of our Hieh school who intend to become teachers should do all they can to patronize and en- col'rage this mart of onr school work and in that way helD to mako it as ef- ficient as other normal schools in the state. If it is not well patronized it cannot, of corrsa. continue.
 Department of Public Works.
 For several years past the urgent need for money in other departments has made it necessary for the board Of aldermen to cut down the appropri- ations made for public works. Tbis department in ne~rlv all it's branches needs money For example, take the conditions of our streets, sewer and water systems.
 We can sec the condition of our streets their needs being only too ap- parent to those who walk and drive about the city. The sewer and water v know that there are many places where extensive work is imperative in both cases.
 Streets.
 The appropriation available for paw ing this year will provide for re-pavins North Main street, where the asphalt blocks are worn out and need ilnmedi- ate repair. The appropriation is en- tirely inadequate for extensive work
 Street repairs received slight ad- vance in appropriations over last year. It is unfortunate to have to spend So much money for temporary lcSairs when one or two large appropriations for paving and surface hardening would. to a great extent. make these repairs unnecessary and in the end save the cltv a considerable amount of money each year.