The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-01-15

question or profits that determines
the building OF extensions.
where the urgency OF extensions
is apparent. however, and Nntil the
city actually takes ever the lines.
believe il is advisable TO permit OF
the building OF extensions by the com.
pany, without franchise, under
terms similar to those under which
the Hamilton-blvd. limo was construct.
ed. With a better arrangement for a
check on the cost OF construction 50
as 10 enable the city to purchase the
line at actual cost, when il takes over
the system. believe no hardship to
the city's interests or a sacrifice of
its position will result through The
building OF extension S"
Favors Subway Plan.
Referring to the subway proposition
Mr.. Marx says:
"Detroit's phenomenal growth and
the -Wretched- service OF the Detroit
United Railway have made the prof.
lens OF properly transporting our peo-
pie, a serious one. The time is not
far distant, am convinced. when the
city will find Its surface cars wholly
inadequate and The construction OF a
subway system necessary. II Is. OF
course, essential that II should be
municipality Owned and operated.
While the completion OF such a
project means at least five or six
years, believe ii is not too early to
prepare for the system. In my opin-
ion, the plans for a system should be
and liberal. A
meager investment would be worse
than none. To further the plans for
the construction of subway system
in Detroit | believe the immediate ap-
pointment OF subway commission
of five members is advisable
In referring TO charter revision Mr..
Marx emphasizes the importance OF
civil service.
ment making the mayors term OF
office four years instead OF two, and
having 1t expire simultaneously with
that OF the heads OF the various city
departments. He briefly urges econ
omy on the part OF the various de
partments, clause always inserted
in the mayors inaugural message. BY
having the city controller elected in
stead of appointed Mr.. Marx says that
the Office would be check" on other
departments and that in fulfilling the
duties OF the city accountant a saving
of $4,000 annually could be effected.
To Hold Cabinet Meetings.
The new mayor urges more cooper
alton on the part OF the department
chiefs, and says he plans TO hold
meetings every Monday In his ONCE
for the benefit He calls attention tc
the fact that city hall employees are
enjoying a soft snap" and says he
will insist on their observing the
hours fixed by resolution for theil
work, from a. m. TO p, m. He
urges the Standardization of pur
chases and the employment Of pur
chasing agent. a suggestion which
originally came from Controller Heine
man and was turned down by the
council after many hearings, on the
ground that II Is impracticable ant
would cost more than 1t would save.
Referring 10 the board OF estimates
the mayor advocates the reduction o
the membership from Al to 9, the min,
members TO be elected at large. Hi
reference to the liquor license ques
ton was as follows:
The $500 license card is not per
NIT for lawlessness. II should b,
issued to those who have properl.
conducted their places in accordance
with the law and denied to those VIII
have been convicted OF law violation.
The men on Commissioners Crouf
blacklist who have escaped convic
ton will probably call attention t
that word convicted"
Mr.. MARKS references to the depart
ment OF public works were interesting
because Commissioner Haarer's fat
hangs in the balance. Mr.. Marx says
1T Is my belief that the service IL
this department can be generally i'm
proved without the expenditure OF ad
GItional funds reorganization re
sulting in the abolition of certain posi-
tons and the combining OF others
can be made, believe, for the benefit
of the department
Compared with other cities, De
troit's streets are well-paved. We owe
4 to the taxpayers. however, to sex
that the frequent and unnecessary
ripping up Of newly-laid pavements IL
prohibited Heads OF departments
should assemble during the early