The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-01-04


1856 for the city council to MI vacancies
would be applicable TO this case and II the
what period II could fil II, some OF the
difficulties presented by the present con-
dition OF our charter readily may be seen.
TO MEET AN EMERGENCY.
Furthermore. pending the rlllng OF the
vacancy, the charter not providing any
method for filling the office temporarily
even. the city council had to pass an or
dinance TO provide for the emergency.
authorizing and directing the city audi
tor 10 audit for payment all payrolls for
work done, claims for money due under
contracts, and for supplies and material
furnished under contract or otherwise,
and all salary accounts pertaining 10
carrying on the business OF the depart
ment OF public works, including the city
engineers department upon the same be
ing certified 10 AK correct by the secretary
OF the late commissioner. and the city
treasurer being authorized TO LAY the
same when so certified and audited until
the vacancy I'm the office OF commissioner
OF public works should be filled
Recently. by the death OF the city mos
senger. II was found necessary that the
city council should pass similar ordi-
nance. there being no provision I'm the
charter. or I'm any amendment thereto, for
carrying on the necessary work OF his Of
flee or for the payment OF bills. until a
new city messenger should be elected
The city solicitor now is under instruc-
tion from the city council 20 apply 10 the
general assembly to obtain permission for
you 10 pass ordinances relative to ma tiers
OF importance TO the city for which provi-
sion should be made I'm a properly drafted
charter.
There are other reasons more import1nt
than these why new charter should he
adopted for the best interests OF the city
many sethods now I'm vogue should be
changed
The city council in 1896 fully aware OF
the necessity OF a new charter. appointed
a commission TO draft one Able commits :
sioners were appointed and they submit
ted draft OF charter an lS9S. Ia which
| called attention i'm my last message. and
which ! call To your attention at this time.
The proposed charter was an adnliInble
one in many respects. It provided for
municipal home rule. for the entire sepa-
ration OF legislative and executive func-
tions, which under our present system
are now so confused" FOR the appoint
ment OF all executive officers and boards
nv the mayor, these boards to appoint
their own administrative officers.
1t was also provided in that draft Of a
charter for a single legislative body. 10
which provision objections have been
made by members OF former city coun-
ellis the only objections to the proposed
charter that have heard advanced
against its adoption.
A GOOD FOUNDATION.
II that draft OF n charter is not entirely
satisfactory 10 you. II Is a good fotInda-
tion upon which to build and ] earnestly
hope that some effort upon your part IN
that direction will be made during the
coming year
Certainly the proposed charter was in
the right line and many OF the reforms
therein provided for are greatly needed.
Do something about IL I'm the Interests OF
your fellow-citizens. BY continually going
TO the legislature for amendments 10 Ar
antiquated charter and massing together
such inconsistent and inefficient amend
ments not only continuous trouble Is
caused for public servants. but much that
is good and beneficial TO our city Is pre-
vented from being accomplished.
I am convinced that unless some action
be taken by you speedily. in favor OF this
desired reform, II will become necessary
for the people TO make this the dominant
issue in the election OF members OF the
city council In the near future.
Gentlemen OF the City Council:
IL should be the desire OF us all. laying
aside personal feelings and political preju-
dice. and only mindful OF our oaths OF
office. TO further the interests OF the cit
liens OF this beautiful city in every way
possible, 10 maintain the well earned rep
utation OF our city for clean and vel
lighted directs, well kept public buildings.
and most efficient fire department, for
fine parks. for good schools. and all that
goes to make an attractive residential and
safe and we'll protected business commu-
nifty, and ask your earnest efforts TO
that end. in your choice OF city officers.
and i'm your legislative work during the
ensuing year.
AUGUSTUS s. MILLER