The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1908-01-06


city should purchase II as soon as practi.
cable and thus provide at slight cost for
a growing public need.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The fire department personnel and ap-
paratus. Is In excellent condition and IL
is a source OF pride 20 every citizen to be
able to point to the fact that ire losses
within the city limits during the past ten
years have never exceeded In any year
the cost OF maintaining the department.
Such an eminentiy satisfactory showing
should commend itself to the underwrit.
ers and result In a lower rate OF insur.
ance for this city. think, however, II
would be advisable to have few more
boxes placed at several points through
out the city.
STREET RAILWAY SERVICE.
Street car accommodations, especially
on the Broad street line, are totally in
adequate TO meet the popular needs. Gen
orally enough cars are run in summer
when the traffic is heavy and the returns
are large. the schedules being so adjusted
az to avoid unnecessary delay; but In
winter when traffic is lighter, though the
demands Of those who are compelled TO be
out are Just as imperative accommoda-
tions are very poor. The large cars should
be used on the Broad street line the year
round. l recommend that the committee
on railroads investigate this subject OF
procuring better street car accommoda-
tions. and. IL possible. induce the railroad
corporation TO allow the Providence line
via Lonsdale avenue TO make circuit BY
coming cross-town from Lonsdale ave-
nue through Hunt TO Broad street. thus
giving the people Of this city the benefit
OF a direct line to Providence.
THE VETO POWER.
Under the present city charter the may
ors veto may be overriden i'm both
branches OF the city council by just one
more vote than II takes TO adopt an OBJ
jectionable ordinance. For instance. three
aldermen may pass an ordinance and
the concurrence OF six members OF the
common council sends II to the mayor,
who. II he dlsapproves, finds himself help
less II three aldermen pass IL again and
one more councilman. n total of seven in
the lower branch, vote to override the
veto Less than two-thirds vote OF both
branches may now render nugatory the
best meant efforts OF conscientious chief
executive; and I recommend, therefore.
that legislation be sought making 1t nee
essary for four aldermen. and eight COM
mon councllmen to concur a two-thirds
vote In each branch. before the mayor 5
veto may be overrldden. Such a provision
would have a most salutary effect I'm dis
couraging snap legislation, the bane OF
many municipalities
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
The police department is most eff
cient body and when we'll officered and
directed will rank among the states nm
est in fact as well as i'm name. There can
be no doubt that events OF the past few
months have not tended TO promote dis
cipline or efficiency In the police depart
rnent: and I submit that II is incumbent
upon the governing authorities 10 get to-
gether at their earliest opportunity and
agree upon officers for the police force
who shall command the respect of the
men and the confidence OF the commun-
ity Conditions at present tend 10 the
Generalization of the police. through no
fault Of the department members. In
seeking 10 ameliorate conditions in the
| police department, | trust that ] shall
have the cordial support and cooperation
% the board of aldermen.
STREET LIGHTS.
let there be light" is the command
which has echoed from the beginning OF
time: and In these days when light and
rme are deadly enemies. crime OF GER
tain kinds chooses the friendly darkness
% work It's win. The city is rich enough
% anOrd All night lights on Its mos
travelled streets ana provision should b
made for providing such lights as a pro-
ection against criminals and accidents.
EDUCATION.
The constantly Increasing graduatlnf
lasses a. both the grammar and high
chool prove that pupils and parents alik
llly appreciate the Advantages afr,
by our educational facilities tn
igh school though small. ls finely equip
ed with most oficient teachers and ap
iaratus and iis high rank among the edu
'atlonal institutions % the state Il abund-
.ntly demonstrated by the fact that Is
graduates are accepted without examina
lion by higher Institutions Of learning
There is pressing demand for a gym.
na.iur there. I am Informed. and addi-
tlonal opportunity for exercise would b
afforded and appreciated N the example
OF mary other high schools which close
at I y IN was followed
IN CONCLUSION.
trust gentlemen. that during the pres
crf te7f W. shall consult one another
fully aud freely on matters of public iu-
terest. and 7 assure you that I shall be
pleased 10 cooperate with yoI AZ all