The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-12-11
CITY EMPLOYEES
WAGE INCREASE
IS AUTHORIZED

'Moral support" was given by the city
council last evening 10 Commissioner
Walter #. Slsde in his plan 10 grant 10
per cent increase OF wages 10 the labor
ers of the highway department.
Doubt was raised al 10 whether he could
carry the schedule into effect, as IL en-
tailed an expense OF $35, 500 over the pres
ent scale. and keep within his department
funds. The debate that ensued made IL
plain that III the money runs short. the
council will be expected TO furnish the re-
qured sum.
Councilman Henry Fletcher riddled
statements that each year there are
which funds may be reckoned TO increase
salaries and the like.
Alderman Dunn argued that not only
should the men ne given the increase, but
that the movement for securing shorter
hours should also be encouraged and kept
up. lie was applauded by spectators.
After the city clerk had read the com
published Yesterday. Councilman Fletcher
said that as the question OF finances was
involved. he wished TO correct an errone-
Gus impression that uneXpended balances
may be counted upon each year. Talk OF
unexpended balances upon which 10 de-
pend for raises I'm salaries, he declared to
be foolish
Alderman Dunn said: 81 want TO saw
that the commissioner OF public works is
simply carrying out promise he made
three or four months ago. He said at
that time that he thought it was oppor-
tune TO decrease the hours OF labor or in
crease the wages.
I'VE realize the conditions i'm the high
way department. We know we have not
treated our men the way they are treated
In other cities. The proposition is now
put mp TO the council for their approval
and II he needs a further appropriation
he Will come here and ask for II. claim
the men ought TO have both nine hours a
day and an increase Of 10 per cent. Those
men are human. All they want is the
same treatment that we are getting. | am
in favor OF giving them a shorter day"
Councilman Parks offered a resolution
by which the commissioner OF public
works was empowered 10 carry the in
crease into effect, providing that he keeps
within his appropriation. This was passed
in concurrence
Councilman Higgins said II looked 10
him as IL the men will get more money
when there is work. but with the sched
be no work.
Councilman Evans and Councilman
Gamer desired to make it certain that the
increase will be carried out TO the letter
throughout the year, and not curtailed
by lack OF funds later ON.
Councilman Tower believed Mr.. Slade la
done during the year. but that i'm ratify-
ing the movement for better wages the
council pledges its moral support 10 meet
any increased demands. for funds.
vance meant there will be no new streets
this year.
After Councilman Parks had submitted
the new city hall clerks salary list callins
for an annual increase exceeding $4,000
for 65 OF the us employees OF the city and
argued at length i'm its support. Council
man Darling said the committee deserved
credit for the work IL had done, but he
que STONED whether there was money
enough TO make the increase. He sug-
gosted the adoption OF a joint resolution,
the finance committee 10 in
luire into this question and report at a
meeting to be held next Friday. Dec. H.
An informal vote OF each branch de-
veloped that n one objected and IL was
20 ordered.
The common council concurred I'm
resolution to apply to the general as
stmbly for an act creating the offioe OF
,ity forester and defining a salary for the
same
Mr. Grady presented two resolutions.
one requesting that tho Rhode Island
company be requested TO establish waiting
stations for women and children at WASH |
ngton and Dorrance streets Westminster
Ind Dorrance streets. Mathewson and |
Neybosset streets. Canal and Crawford |
streets and Weybosset and Exchange |
streets" and second requesting the com
missioner OF public works TO open up /
certain streets and gravel pits, that /
may be given TO working
men during the winter months as he |
had done before. Both were appro- !
priately referred.
a resolution was passed appointing |
Henry Fletcher n member OF the Joint /
special committee on city hospital