The Republican journal., 1907-03-21
THE MAYORS ADDRESS.

The mayors address is printed in full
in other columns and should receive a
careful reading. Some of the sugges-
lions and recommendations will meet
with general approval; others may fair
ly be questioned. The financial question
and the paragraph on the tax rate will
be taken up for consideration later.
The recommendations for the continue
ton of the building of State road, and
that the work on our highways be made
as permanent as practicable, will be ap-
proved As to the purchase OF rock
crusher and steam roller, they are
costly in the first place and quite
expensive to maintain. Whether they
could be proftably used here can only
be determined on investigation. A
wear OF two ago Rockland bought a
rock crusher and steam roller and IL
would be interesting to know what sue
cess it has had with them.
AS to the bridges, the fact is recalled
that the upper bridge was rebuilt under
a former administration of Mayor Han
son. There was criticism then as to the
material used, but the work was done
in compliance with the specifications OF
the city authorities, and when again re.
built the same method of construction
was followed. The lower bridge, which
ythe MAYOR condemns, was built under
the supervision of competent engineer
and was paid for without increasing the
tax rate or valuation or the slightest
faint of graft. The covering OF steel
bridge wears out just as fast as the
covering Of a wooden bridge-the same
material is used in both-and when this
bridge was built the city was not IN a
condition. and is not now, to build a
steel bridge costing from $4,000 to
100000.
The MAYOR recommends the compile
ton of some short sections of sewer;
commends the fire department and sug-
eests an increase of pay for the fire
men: approves of the management OF
the public library; and says "there
should be no niggardness in making
necessary appropriations for the pub.
lie schools. He again calls attention,
as has the school committee and the
superintendent of schools for many
wears. to the need for modern school
huilding in what was formerly known
as the Central School district, and to
improved conditions in other buildings
The closing or continuance OF suburban
schools is not at the discretion OF the
MAYOR or the school committee, but is
regulated by State law, which says
that ANY public school failing to man
tain an average attendance for any
school year, of at least eight pupils,
shall be and hereby is suspended, unless
the town in which said school is located
shall by vote, at the annual town meet
ing. after the said committee shall have
made written recommendation to that
effect. instruct its experimenting school
committee to maintain said school"
The suggestions in regard to the pub
lie park are in line with public sentl.
ment. A yearor more of valuable time
has been lost by appointing park com
mission without authority to do any
thing. while 20 one else was given au.
thority to do anything. The Improve
ment Society would, if permitted, have
secured a plan to work from and began
Improvements long ago. Many are
ready to aid with their labor, and dona
lions of money may be confidently ex,
pected when the work of beautlfylng
and Improvement can be carried on in
diligently.
The paragraph relating to the water
company is one of much interest. The
mayor calls attention to the fact that
under the contract with Parks &
Wheeler in few months we cease pay
ing rental for the original hydrants set
at the time of the completion of the
water works, which amounts to about
81, 500 per year." He also says it is
"rumored that the water company in
tends to advance rates on water sup
piled for domestic and other purposes,
if the city holds them to the contract
in disseminating payment of hydrant
rentals" The fact is that the mayor
who signed this contract was largely
interested in the water company and
the contract is clearly throughout in
the interest of the company. The mat
ter of the fountains was great dlsap-
pontment. The nature OF the contract
in this respect was first discovered when
Charles B. Hazeltine, Esq, offered to
give fountain to be placed in front of
the Memorial building, and it was found
that the cost of supplying it with water
was too great to permit of its accept
ance.
The election of Mr.. Hughes as mayor
Do int little