The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-01-07
THE MAYORS MESSAGE.

THE MAYORS MESSAGE
Mayor McCarthy's deep interest in the city
OF which he has been chosen the executive and his
sincere desire to advance its prosperity and pro-
mote the welfare of its people is plainly revealed
In his inaugural message to the city council
In that document he shows his service in years
gone by as member of the common council gave
him an insight into municipal affairs which cannot
fail to be of great advantage to him in shaping the
policy of his administration and in successfully
directing the public affairs Of Providence.
1t is evident the mayor believes in the value of
publicity and also that public servants should give
account of their stewardship for he declares that
state, city and town executives and members of city
councils should, when their terms arc about to ex
pre- make reports giving the public statement of
what has been accomplished during their tenure of
office
Taxpayers have, in the mayors opinion been
remiss in permitting few men in each ward to
select the men who represent them in the city
council, with the result that municipal affairs are
managed by very few, while the great majority
remain passive. The time has come the mayor
says, when the taxpayers should take notice and
attend the primaries in order that men competent
and willing to serve the public may be chosen
Mayor Mccarthy expresses himself strongly in
favor OF -partsanshp in the administration of
the ctys affairs and declares politics should have
part in nor be tolerated in transactions in which
the public is interested
In view OF complaints that certain streets have
than their rghtfu share of arc lights because
of the influence of councilmen, it Is recommended
that joint special committee be appointed to
investigate and report concerning more equitable
distribution.
AS to the new lighting contract with the Mar
ragansett Electric Lighting company, the mayor in
view of the fact that its validity has been attacked
by bill in equity filed in the United States circuit
court, says he prefers to express opinion pend
Ing decision in the case.
1nasmuch as the city, when contracts made
between it and public service corporations or par
ties engaged in large undertakings, Is always at
disadvantage because of lack of expert knowledge
the part of its representatives the mayor recon-
mends that the law department be required to at
tend all hearings and assist committees in making
contracts involving long terms or large sums.
He also recommends that the executive be en-
powered to appoint special committees to assist
regular committees upon matters requiring skill
and attention and to engage expert assistance TO
investigate and report on such matters may be
deemed advisable.
1t is pointed cut that the city's mains and water
pipes are being constantly injured by escaping
electric currents and their duration OF life lessened
by many years, the mayor suggests that full
report the subject be required from the com
riittee railroads and the public works depart
ment
There has in the past been neither weighing
nor inspection Of coal purchased for the schools
other public departments, the statements Of the
dealers being accepted without question. To pro-
tect the city in such matters Mayor Mccarthy
recommends the appointment of an auditor of sup
plies TO receive all vouchers, verify the and
thus establish economical supervisory system
Obviously the mayor does not believe the city
Is receiving all il should from the corporations
enjoying franchises in the public streets. He points
out that under the present system OF accounting
neither increase in population In traffic oper
ates to increase the citys share in the gross
ings OF the corporations because those earnings
figured the length OF wires rails within the
city.
Tic insists that street railway and other public
service corporations can keep account of their
gross earnings within the city, and he believes steps
should be taken at once 10 insure such an account
Ing. As these corporations enjoy monopoly and
fix their charges at will, the mayor recommends
the appointment OF Joint special committee 10 in
vestigato and confer with the representatives OF
these corporations with the view Of securing such
equitable reductions in rates should be made a,
this time.
Mayor Mccarthy favors an East Side tunnel