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

As some streets could be best lighted
by Welsbach lights and some by incan-
descent electric lishts, II may be assum-
ed that an average OF these differences
per annum Cs32 s7o.50) would approximate-
ly represent the saving in expense that
might be obtained by removing S2s arc
lights and substituting 2o5o incandescent
electric and welsbach lights.
Nearly all the arc lights were ordered
several years ago. prior to the introduce
ton OF incandescent lights for streets.
ON many streets there are too many arc
lights. redistribution OF some arc
lights and substitution of incandescent o.,
welsbach lights for arcs would furnish
many other places. and effect a saving
Of large sum OF money.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
This department is managed by a COM
mission OF three members. who serve for
term Of three years one member being
elected annually by the board OF alder
men. There are seven police stations.
with an active force OF SlS officers and
patrolmen.
The total cost OF maintenance. includ-
Ing repairs on buildings for the fiscal
year ending Sept. 30 1907. was s40s 6s4
The necessity for an Increase OF the
force In apparent and will no doubt be
provided N soon ns arrangements can
he made therefor.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
This department Is managed by a COM
mission OF three members, elected by the
city council. 81
Three hundred and twenty five men are
employed by the city and nine by the
protective department tHere the mayor
gives the number OF pieces of apparatus.
the fire alarm boxes, fire hose number
OF stations occupied by fire department.
number OF horses. apparatus equipped
with chemical tank. appropriation for the
fiscal year ending Sept. 80. 1908 for SAL
aries and regular expenses. for water for
hydrants. the schedule of salaries. the
time allowed off duty without loss OF pay
and the rate OF pension allowed retired
members.)
HARBOR FACILITIES
In my message last year called atten-
ton TO the pressing need OF better wharf
facilities and recommended that the city
purchase and improve the available wharf
property on the west side OF Providence
river, north OF Fields Point Events OF
the past year have confirmed my opinion
of the advantages OF this policy. and l
most respectfully renew the same recon-
mendation at this time.
With practically all the steam and troll
ley roads centreing In Providence con-
trolled by one corporation-the New York
about all the regular steamers entering
this port under the same far-sighted man
agement, the wharf property from Provi-
dence river TO the SeeSonk at India Point
has passed under the same control and
with II has gone the city's last chance 10
acquire dock facilities In that section. But
on the west side OF the Providence river
there are two parcels OF tide flowed land
fronting about 1000 feet on the har Dor line
~ ,t.l. x~~t n.
cost. a resolution on the subject was re-
Gently referred to the Joint standing COM
mittee on finance. a report IL expected
soon.
His Honor Mayor Baker saw with al
most prof hetic vision the conditions
which would eventually confront this
city when he advocated in his inaugural
message January. 1898. "the importance
OF our harhor and the possibilities II pre-
sents for the development OF our city.
am aware" he said. that this subject
has been frequently called 10 the atten-
ton OF the city council by various mes
sages. but II has received little or no at
tention. Our city posse ses unusual
ratu; Al a6 ar ages as a port OF entry and
RI utlc- and only our short Ugh ed
oiicy has allowed It's CONNIE ce TO drift
away. Our wharves are the gateway to
our highways on land and sea, and with
them blocked or In control Of any corpo-
ration other than the city, Providence
might es well be located In the Berk shire
Hills as upon the shores OF Narragansett
bay. I urge upon you. gentlemen. a thor
ough investigation Of this subject. I be-
lleve that our oity should obtain absolute
control OF our water front. and should
stArt st once upon q systen Of building
docks. and that bin should be introduced
into the general assembly. giving to the
city this power" (By chapter $50. Of the
public laws. passed MAY 2s. 1899. the city
was authorized 10 hire s.5oOoo for said
pufpose)
The next year Mayor Baker renewed
his recommendations ana stated that efter