Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-04-04
PUBLIC HEALTH.

pose.
PUBLIC HEALTH.
Since the printing of the reports of the
officials having supervision Of the public
health SMALLPOX found foothold in the
city, but was promptly stamped out. The
isolation hospital was put into hahtable
condition at small expense to meet cmer-
eencies which fortunately have not yet
arisen.
Through the filter plant being carefully
watched ana its results frequently tested
we have pure drinking water, and for the
past year only one case of typhoid fever
developed, which originated in the city.
The agitation for medical inspection of
schools resulted in the people voting for
it by a large majority. The legal machin-
cry for submitting the question by refer
endum was not perfect but 1t proved TO
he a good thing to give the public a
chance to express its opinion directly
upon a matter SO closely affecting family
and school life.
FUTURE OF BURLINGTON
The city Is too firmly established in re-
spect of It's institutions and its commerce
to fall behind. Its degree Of growth de.
ponds largely upon the will and enter
prise of its citizens.
Some places are so located that they
necessarily become great centres of trade
and industry. This is not one of them
our successful and permanent business
establishments were generally founded
and are conducted by men who being here
desired to stay and so sought and dis
| covered something profitable to do. 1t Is
good public policy to tempt more Of sucl
men to come and remain by eXploitini
whatever obvious and undisputcd advan
tages We may have as a place of resi-
dence or of business opportunity. Tn,
| railroads could help. Their tendency has
! been TO lead travel from the south alonl
| the Connecticut river into New Hamp
| shire and along the west shore Of Cham
| plain into the Adrondacks and to the st
Lawrence valley. leaving Vermont an un
| discovered jewel in the middle. To ge
| from burlington to the White Mountain
| resorts requires from six changes of car
| upwards. With Burlington's hotels. shop
ping facilities. sanitation. streets. schools
churches, hospitals and good society. no
TO speak of ample space for the Location
cannot picture largely increased pill
grimage to this gateway of northern Yer
| mont.
| Good government adds to the reputation
| of city. An element of good govern
ment is a reasonable economy measured
| by the exlgences of the financial situa
| ton from year to year. ! have show
| that our debt and expenses of admins
| tration have increased in recent years IA
| more rapidly than has our population
| However ! have seldom found in the man
| aGements any disposition to neglect econ
omies. But there Is constant deman'
| from the people, or rather from some o
the people. for more police and fire pro
| lection. more light. more courses In tn
schools. and more good things of all sorts
This Is quite natural and is usual In al
cities. If the people are willing TO pa.
| the tax they are entitled to its equivalent
am informed that at the pay windoy
Of the treasurer's office no voices ar
lifted up for a higher tax rate. Their
seems to be no need OF any increase a
present. Nor can the rate be lowered a
| this time without the probability OF al
increased overdraft at the end Of the year
| civic pride Is to he encouraged but sue
ambitious and costly enterprises in tn
| line of public improvements and utilize
as do not add dollar to the grant lis
| or n soul to the population may we'll b
postponed until the sinking fund has fur
| ther reduced the bonded debt.
| Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT ROBERTS. Mayor
i