Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1909-01-09

| productive bonded debt, which an
nually absorbs so large a share of
our revenues.
The system of accounts adopted by
the city at the beginning of last
year has proved of vast benefit in as
certaining at any time the financial
condition of the city, and the sys-
tenn of checks between the recorder
and treasurer has resulted in the al
most complete elimination of errors
in our city's bookkeeping.
| trust the council will give every
encouragement to the movement for
municipality owned mountain water
supply for our city Aside from the
palpable advantage of mountain
water, it is good policy for the city
to own and control its water supply
Water, to my mind, is the one pub
lie service utility which every city
should own, and in proof of the uni
versal belief In this theory, / have
but to cite the fact that over 60 per
cent of the cities of the nation now
own their water plants; and when
once acquired, not one has ever gone
back to private ownership.
Some of the outlying residence
districts of the city now lack proper
fige protection owing to the lack of
adequate water mains. hope the
council will provide for hydrants
absolutely needed. / have no doubt
mains will be extended by the own
ers OF the water franchise, where the
service is reasonably required. The
border precincts pay their share of
taxes and | am sure the council de-
sires to afford them their share OF
service and protection.
The hard surface pavement laid In
the business section during the year
past has worked a gratifying trans
formation In the appearance of that
district. Property owners, while DIFF
fident at first, are now of one accord
in their satisfaction with the outlay.
Strangers are charmed with our city.
We have but begun. Let us continue
the work by paving the balance or
our business streets and the most
valuable residence streets, but let us
not forget that while the great body
of our residence streets Will not ad-
nit OF hard surface paving, they are,
generally speaking In much need OF
Improvement.
BY decree OF the circuit court
rendered September 10, 1904, the
city of Salem's right to the free use
OF the gravel from a portion OF MIN
to's Island was confirmed, and moth
ing now stands in our way to use
this gravel on our streets in such
quantities as the city may desire'
no sale OF the material is
made by the city. The city should
avail itself OF this cheap material for
the Improvement OF our residence
streets. either as foundation Tor
crushed rock or for surfacing'
: Every councilman doubtless takes
nride i'm furthering and encouraging
every public Improvement calculated
TO enhance the appearance OF the
ward he represents, and | can con-
,eiye OF no more beneficial activity
which q councilman can engage In
han that of fostering and actively
the improvements OF
streets I'm his ward. The condition
If Salems residence streets is not
,redit to the city. Practically 20
,raveI or crushed rock improvements
,aye been made during the last ten
,ears save South Commercial and i
he two North Salem streets recently
Now that our charter has been
,mended so as to permit 1t proyis-
ON should be made TO open and lay 1
,ut the proposed boulevard to the
tate fair grounds. The presence OF
he state fair s.t Salem involves som"
on the part of the city, t
nd chief among them is the main
ainence of a proper thoroughfaro
D reach 1t.
One OF Salem's greatest needs Is
better system of sewerage. The
asst area of South Salem and few
ark is entirely without sewerage
ABILITIES. The same is true of North
elem and Englewood district Great
odies OF surface water accumulates
/ the lower sections and flood the I
treets and private premises. giving
Ise to private controversy and en-
aneering the public healthh. Un-