The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-01-11


pOrtan ole with great potential fofse
for go3i, and We should hasten 10 take
advantage of IL.
In his same connection. urge that
you ceeo;amend 10 the Legislature. and
particularly TO the delegation represent
Ink this municipality In that body the
passage OF comprehensive condemnation
act when will completely empower the
CITY of Detroit TO condemn the private
property OF public utility companies, so
that n the city emharks upon any muni-
cipal enterprise. n may carry along the
enterprise under the Same advantaeeous
conditions now enjoyed by private opera
tors The cottage OF the humblest clu-
zen has 10 give way 10 the public need
why should the franchise right or the
easement In the street owned by private
concern alone impede the public In JUS
progress
Our city has been blessed with mar.
velous growth in population and materisl
wealth. Every department has had 10
make additional expenditures 10 meet the
year has passed with no additional street
car tracks: We arc now confronted oy
trying situation. one which has again
demonstIated--if such a demonsualion
placing itself at the mercy OF private
corporation.
We have asked the company repeatedly
for relief. In vain! Your Honorable BODY
In the spring of 1910. passed sevsrai
resolutions for needed extensions which
were subsequently, accepted by the com.
pany, and, which, II acted upon. would
have brough. great relief. Not foot or
track has been laid. All your nrmness
and ingenuity should be directed toward
| the securing of these needed extensions
| call your attention To the woetui
| inadequacy or the service given on
every line now operated. This Is
brought home TO you daily In the por-
| sonal use which YOU make OF the cars
What have you done about III What
are you going TO do about ity Is II
4 ssih haf 20
| action on your part, you Will permit
| the Detroit United Railway TO carry
our citizens as the humane laws OF the
| 10 ne transported?
recommend that you disregard the
pending law suit In the Circuit Court
Of the United States which was brought
during my previous administration 10
test the validity OF an order to compel
| a sufficiency OF cars so that each car
would not be expected TO carry In ex-
| cess OF It's seating capacity and one
| half as many more; and that you take
action looking TO Immediate relief.
When "A city. upon an important propo-
sition OF this kind. waits beyond
period OF two years for decision from
complain II Its patience Is exhausted.
| Ii is idle to presume that the city Is
powerless. When IL takes determ-
| ined stand results inevitably follow.
You have an illustration of this In
what. was accomplished under the or
| dinance that you passed compelling
this company TO equip It's ears with
| sufficient heating and yentilattng sys-
tenn. To save itself from prosecution
| and its Officers from possible imprison-
ment, the company contracted Tor the
| equipment OF Its rolling stock to COM
ply with the ordinance.
AS to the litigation pending between
| the city and the d. ". r.: While this
| company continues to maintain Its hos
tile attitude toward the city. no sug-
ohn hA arf al N ad n a.
continue the city's struggle for
judicial declaration of our right to
| control our own property. The SUIT
bond holders in the federal court to
prevent the enforcement OF the Hally
| ordinance has involved In IL the prin-
ciple that Detroit cannot make a pub
streets. and that a term franchise is
amending in point or time The suit
started by the city In the Wayne Cir
| cult Court to collect revenue for the
use OF the unfranchised Fort Wayne
system will determine whether this
city or one OF it's favored grantees can
continue on its own terms and In de-
fiance to constituted authority. to use
the streets which the sovereign state
OF Michigan has placed under the con-
troll OF the people OF this city.
Water Department Extensions.
In contrast with the indifference or
this private corporation to the public
welfare IL Is gratifying TO notice the
preparations being made by the De-
troit Water Commissioners to meet the
| ever-increasing demands of our city
for a wholesome and adequate water
supply. In a public spirited and praise
worthy manner these municipal Officers
not only intend to meet present de-
mands but TO anticipate those or the
future. and whatever you may be call
ed upon to do to assist them. by way or
charter amendment or submitting the
question Of Issuing bonds. trust you
will promptly and willingly.
Civil Service.
At the recent municipal election
there was presented and adopted by
the electors OF this community law
which places all employees of the city
under the protection of civil service
rules during their good behavior The
mandate OF the people should be re,
spected. and the law given fair and
generous trial Under IL. municipal
employees know that their tenure or
office Is dependent. not upon the ca
price OF SOME political manipulation, or
upon their fulfilling, in an able and
conscientious way, the duties assigned
to them.
Park and boulevard Contracts.
A while ago. your Honorable Body
was called upon TO approve certain
ment of Parks and Boulevards. for
privileges on Belle Isle. No compeu-
tive bidding was required In connec-
| ton with these contracts. This Is an
unwise and dangerous policy. The
money, property and privileges con-
trolled by any department are con-
trolled by that department as trus-
tee for the public; and II Is the duty
OF the trustee to secure for the public
the greatest possible advantage for the
expenditure of the money, the disposal
| OF the property, or the giving OF a
privilege. / know of no way In which
| he can assure himself that he Is get
| ting value unless he calls for bids. The
system of public bidding precludes
vicious favoritism. Your Honorable
Body should decline to approve all
J has been had In their making.
Play Grounds.
Detroit has, in modest way, In
augurated system OF public play
grounds as an adjunct to the Depart
see some additions made to this sys-
tenn The constantly growing conEes-
ton OF the city demands It. Probably
the wiser course would be to take this
into consideration when purchasing
sites for additional school buildings.
Also. some of the outlying small
parks could be used for play ground
purposes A small park. with a few
flower beds, pathways. shrubs and
fount ain, presents nothing more than
a little breathing spot and pleasant
picture. IL would be better utilized as
a place for children TO freely ronp and
play.
Permanent Election Booths.
ity existing under our form OF govern
,nant no attempt has ever been made