davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29

Before il was possible to begin the
work of these six months ] had to ma
the heads Of departments to assist me
in conducting the business of the city.
This is not 30 easy a task as 1t might
appear. 1t is true that there are
great many persons willing to under
take the responsibility Of running a
great city department, but 1t IS not
simple matter to find executives VINO
combine administrative ability with
training and the right point OF view
regarding the opportunities and prop.
lens of one Of the great divisions OF
city activity.
| proceeded very cautiously and de-
liberately I'm selecting the heads OF de-
partments. | do not think II neces-
sary or appropriate at this time 10
comment on the character of these Sc
lections, but l may say that IN every
case ! sought first TO find person
with some distinct training Tor the
work to be committed to him.
wanted to have department heads with
executive capacity and in close sympa-
thy with the purposes of the admin
istration. And so with the appoint
ment Of deputies and administrative
assistants.
The Mayor and his department heads
have four hundred so-called exempt
positions to fill. In many instances. OF
course. appointees remain over from
term to term, but in the development
of a new programme it is just as i'm
portant 10 have administrativ assist
ants especially equipped to tie con-
troll of their particular subdivision OF
a DEPARTMENTS work as il is to have a
department head especially equipped
for the work of his department.
In order TO simplify, If possible, the
selection of subordinate5 | asked APP
plicants to submit their applications on
printed blanks, just as they are re-
quired to do in applying for positions
in any other great corporation. This
is the first time. suppose, that this
practice was followed in this or
any other city. Before January / re-
ceived 1900 separate applications for
the four hundred positions TO be hlled.
For the Police COmmissionership and
the four deputyships in that depart
nent / received 275 applications. For
the seventy-fve Assistant Corporation
Counselships / received more than
eight hundred applications. Supporting
these applications there were adj
dressed TO me upward Of $4,000 letters
of recommendation and Endorsement
with petitions totalling more than
$4,000 or 100000 signatures.
There are two problems involved IN
selecting the administrative stah OF a
rity-one, to get competent and eff
cient employees, and the second, 70 have
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29
BETTER BUSINESS DEALINGS
CUTS OUT CORRUPTION

The owners of real estate in New
York City have for several years been
concerned with the tax burden. A
number of suggestions have been made
for radical revision of our system of
taxation. This matter, of such funda-
mental importance to the business and
commercial welfare of the city, can
not De dealt with offhand. In order
that we may have the best judgment
possible in reaching a conclusion as to
whether any changes should be made
i'll our methods of taxation, have APP
pointed an advisory commission of tax
experts under the leadership of Mr.. Al
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29

pean cities. We'are to begin this year.
hope, an experiment in typical DIS
triet, substituting modern methods Tor
the more or less outworn methods now
employed.
We are preparing to meet more sat
isfactorily in another year the problem
Of snow removal and snow fighting. We
have found that the best way 10 clean
the streets of snow is TO remove snow
while it is falling, and to use for tnis
purpose not merely trucks, but mechan-
zeal ploughs, sweepers and the sewer
system. In the new plans we are nav
ing the cooperation OF the borough
presidents. Commissioner Fetherston
is bending his energies to prepare his
department to clear the streets OF snow
in a more satisfactory manner than We
were able to do last winter under the
provisions of a contract entered into
before this administration began. We
have at least come to this point IN
snow removal: No longer is it possible
for contractors to charge for imaginary
work. By a careful system Of checking
and supervision it is practically I'M
possible now for contractors TO seek
ray except on an honest basis.
This last winter the snow problem
was exceptionally difficult. The largest
quantity of snow was removed In the
history of the department. But we
were not satisfied with the results OBJ
tanned. We mean to improve them and
to profit by the experience we have had.
/ regard as the principal work before
the Park Department the development
of an adequate system of recreation.
This is necessary not only to give prop
er opportunities for play to the chill
dren of the city, but to cut down the
appalling number of deaths that occur
: in the streets from traffic accidents.
The Public Recreation Commission has
been combined with the Social Wei
fare Committee of the Board Of Esti-
mate, and this committee is working
shoulder to shoulder with the park
commissioners in developing recrea-
ton plan.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29

suit is that we now find it possible to
deal more quickly and effectively with
the business that comes before US. All
this is of great advantage to the
management of the departments of the
government and is productive of econo-
my in time and funds.
In addition to organizing standing
committees we established two new
bureaus in the board TO carry on work
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29

fred E. Marling. This committee is
working with the Tax Department In
making a thorough study of our taxa
ton methods and methods employed in
other communities. The whole bust
ness of the city is based on taxation.
1t is therefore of the highest i'm
pcrtance that methods Of taxation
should be thoroughly equitable and
thoroughly modern.
One important phase Of the work Of
city administration is to establish
proper business relationships with
Continued on page s, column
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29
Gratifying Health Work.

In the Health Department remark
able progress is being made. A full
account of work done to date has been
given to the public in the commits
sioner's report. For the summer months
we are especially concerned with the
further reduction of infant mortality.
II is a fine thing that in New York
City these last few years we have been
able to accomplish so much in this
direction. The number of deaths of
children under one year of age has
been decreased from 1925, in 1910, to
1900, in 1913.
This last week especial emphasis was
given to this important work by bring
ing together all of the agencies OF the
city that are concerned in child-saving
work to participate in what has been
called "Baby Week"
Particularly gratifying is the effec-
tive public cooperation established by
the Health Department. For practical
ly every line of health work Commits
sioner Goldwater has organized coop
erative committees of citizen bodies.
The Health Department cannot do its
work effectively without active public
cooperation. This is the keynote OF
modern health administration. Health
standards in New York City are as
high as in any city in the world. We
propose to maintain them and to ad-
vance them.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29
The Development Of the Port.

With the opening of the Panama
Canal and the completion Of the new
State Barge Canal, the Port of New
York may naturally expect large in
crease in the volume of business to be
handled over its docks and through its
terminal facilities. Even now, before
the advent of this new business, we
feel the cramping of our facilities, due
to too long a reliance on the natural
advantages of our waterfront. The
city has embarked definitely and finally
upon the policy of extensive terminal
improvement to put New York in the
forefront of the cities of the world in
point of port development and port
facilities.
During the last administration the
plan for 1,000-feot docks in the oath ST.
district was laid down. This work is
being prosecuted with all dispatch by
the Dock Department, and will be
brought to completion long before the
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29

begun during the last administration.
One is the bureau of standards and the
other the bureau of contract super
vision. The bureau of standards is
continuing the work formerly con-
Quoted by stats under committee
supervision, in preparing specifications
for the purchase of supplies and in
establishing a proper basis for the
city's payrolls.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29
Praises the Aldermen.

have spoken Of the cooperation OF
the Board of Estimate and Apportion-
ment with the Mayor and the better
organization of its work. The same
cooperation has been given by the
Board of Aldermen. The present board
is making a record of an exceptionally
fine character. Mr.. McAneny, Mr.. Cur
ran, Mr.. Estabrook and others of the
board who are the leaders of the ma
jority, and Mr.. Bowling, the leader Of
tie minority, are continuously helpful
ind are in q notable way participating
in the constructive work of the admin
filtration.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29
The City Government a Vast Enter
prise and the Mayors Part.

There are few enterprises in the
world whose volume Of business eN-
ceSds the business transacted in a year
by the City of New York. A budget Of
Sie3, 900, 900, 100000 employees, 103
different departments OF government!
These facts merely suggest the mag
nitude and scope Of the work of the
City of New York. The Mayor of New
York has broad powers, but he by no
means controls the business Of the city.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29
ADMINISTRATOR WORK

believe that the charter should be rad
icaily changed. But we do not propose
to be hasty in bringing about this this. r1 hns
sion. Up to date the committee mas
assumed that the best preparation Tor
charter revision is to determine to wlat
extent existing charter requirement.
interfere with efficient manageme MO, o.
the city. In other words, we propose
10 give the present charter fair triai.
Where we ina that distractions exist
VIC shall correct them. Perhaps sew
eral more months will be permitted 70
pass before the active work Of charter
revision Ia undertaken. Then year
may be spent upon the study and con- n,
aideration Of new charter we shan
do all this work with the cooperation
of public bodies snd afford the fuiiestt
opportunity for public discussion OF
the changes under consideration. NY
own view is that when a charter Is
finally framed il should be adopted
only after submission to the approval
of the electorate.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29
Charter Revision Not To Be Rushed.

I have mentioned that we organized
a standing committee on charter revi-
sion of the Board OF Estimate and APP
portionment. The Board of Aldermen
is to be represented on the committee,
together with the public by the ap-
pointment of citizen members. We
took this step in preparation for char
ter work because IL is generally lesOs-
nized that she city charter needs rvri-
sion in a number of particulars. Sol1s
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29
WANT THE CITY CONDUCTED
ON BUSINESS PRINCIPLES

The elements that combined to elect
the present administration represented
various points of view with regard to
questions of public policy, but they
were a unit in one great demand, and
that was that the business Of the city
OF New York should be conducted as
efficiently as any enterprise that men
conduct anywhere. and that its object
should not be TO develop the power Of
any group or faction, but to render IN
fullest measure service to the public
iRTeturn for the powers and resources
which have been committed to it.
Il regard IL as my first task, there
fore, 10 put the business of the city
on a basis of efiiciency.
IL is my good fortune to have had
seven years of intimate contact with
city management. For three years, as
Commissioner Of Accounts in conduct
ing Investigations of various depart
ments, came to understand the prob
lens of those departm 2nts and to learn
where there were opportunities for bet
terment. In the Board of Estimate
and as President of the Board of Al
dernen l had opportunity to under
stand the general problems Of admin
istering the finances Of the city. 50
that on the first of January took hold
Of a task not wholly unfamiliar to me
and with a fairly definite programme
in mind.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29
The Work of the Departments.

I cannot do justice in this review to
the special problems of the different
depaktmerts. What these problems are
and how they are being dealt with are
now icing fully discussed in the re-
ports which we are currently making
public on departmental work.
wish to say a word, however, re-
gar9ing the Importance of the port and
terminal development plans which we
are lnow working out.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29
The Mayor as General Manager.

Immediately in January undertook
to reorganize the Mayors Office. The
Mayor is the executive head of the de-
partments under his control. He IS
responsible for them and is required
by the charter as well as by good bust
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29
Keeps Pledges Before Him.

I have in my desk, classified by sub
jects, the different specific pledges
which i made during the campaign.
These pledges / regard as contracts be-
tween myself as trustee and the people
of New York. | propose to live up to
them. Where we find that plans must
be changed in actual operation from
plans outlined last fall, we shall say so.
II Is our design to Invite discussion OF
important policies.
This method was followed, for ex-
ample, in framing a working policy for
tha handling of all-night liquor il
censes. Our first guide was the law.
The method Of its enforcement was de-
termined by public opinion and ad-
ministrative judgment.
By this means | am not seeking to
make the public share responsibility
with me for results, but to obtain in
every legitimate way the benefit of
public suggestions in dealing with
questions that DO not affect officials
personally. but affect the interest and
welfare of the city. No man is wise
enough TO decide these matters without
the. counsel of those who live in the
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29
.PI EDGES TO PEOPLE
S,a KEPT, SAYS mitchell

city. regard this policy as funda-
mental in proper American city gov
( eminent. wv
( We made many definite pledges. We
do not expect nor was il expected OF
us that we should carry them TO den
mite fulflment in six months. But II
was expected of us, and we have under
taken. to begin the work of their tul-
: Alnent with the beginning of the ad-
rninistration. These pledges fall into
two broad groups-those that relate 20
the economy and efficiency of admins
tration and those that relate TO the
extension of public service, to improv-
ing the character Of public service and
the provision of better facilities for
public service on the part of the gov
eminent.
What Is Expected of the City Gov
eminent.
! The demand of the voters at the last
election, as | understood it, was that
we should undertake complete stamp
ing out of the kind of government that
permits waste and incompetence; prl-
vate profit at public expense, or the
sacrifice of public interest to any pri-
vate interest, individual or corporate.
There was on January no great issue
of public policy before the people,
similar to the subway issue, which was
settled by majority action of the Board
of Estimate in the last administration.
There were, however, great problems Of
public Improvement, such as the West
Side terminal improvement, the South
Brooklyn terminal improvement, and
the general development of port and
terminal facilities.
The major task that confronted us
was to organize the departments of the
city government for business; to
cleanse them of politics, to remove
worn-out methods, to instill an esprit
dc corps in the body of employees by
fair dealing, and to get the wheels Of
the government in operation to pro-
duce better conditions throughout the
city.
Public Service Corporations Under
the City's Eye.
There are two sides to the problem
Of public service. There is the pub
lie service rendered by government
and there is the public service required
and expected of enfranchised corn
panies. The state has placed the con-
troll of these public service com
panies in the hands of the Public Ser
vice Commission, but the city has,
none the less, very vital and continu-
ing interest in the efficiency and
character of their services. 1t is my
view that the city should represent the
public as complainant wherever dissat-
isfaction arises with regard to the SER
vice rendered by public service cor
porations. / have, therefore, under
taken the organization of a bureau in
the Corporation CounsePs Office which
will deal with these matters. If there
is any ground for contesting the char
acter of service rendered by enfraA-
chised corporations or the amount of
charges made for this service, the city
should not be inactive merely because
there is a public service commission
clothed with power to deal with these
questions. We do not propose to be
inactive, but on the contrary to keep a
very vigilant eye on matters Of this
kind.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29
continued from page 1

80. 49, ttit can be done is through
Wy .5;,,r, of the press. ] have al
80 weIeomed the fullest discussion
.,,hl;c business in the newspapers
have sought to make II car
49, ny;nciple IN my programme 70 IA
Sh;tate thjs discussion in every pos
s.ble way.
A Publicity Policy.
:, line with this policy the heads OF
l'l a-ms are submitting 20 me re-
esi'.-. "a tbe;r six months work. These
49, are being given 20 the press
tst.or,n,ct form for publication. Here
" go Seoartmental reports have gen
Ills been DELAYED, sometimes Tor a
vesr or two. after the periOo 10 "n WY
fks,, enpI;ea closed. We are now seek
80. 10 submit the reports while the
,,,etters TO which they relate are SUN
1-ssb ana vital parts Of our current
business. lie e.
az fullest public access TO all city az
go In 10 date I have sought to 1--we
nm 10 this Aledge and ! propose 10
live up 20 Il in the future.
It is doubtless impossible IN con
aueting a great enterprise such as the
CIV Of New York not to make ms
tales. II is as important TO report
Mistakes as IL is TO recognize and re
,,oSt achievements. The business of
he city government is the. public's
b,Tsiness. Ii cannot be conducted in
the long run in the public interest
unless what it does and how it does 1t
is subject to public scrutiny and sug-
gestion.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29
Civil Bodies Help.

The administration has enjoyed to a
very marked extent the helpful coop
Grafton Of citizen bodies. The great
business and civic organizations and
the philanthropic organizations all
have in their respective fields helped
us in getting information regarding
questions of Importance and have CO.
operated in working out better methods
for carrying on the city's business.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-06-29

Continued on page s. column 8
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-09-30

Banner want ads pay big results
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-09-30

Raymond Noddins spent Sunday
with LaDow Stebbins
George Hart Of Keene Sundayed
with Thomas Murry Mr.. Hart and
Mr.. hurry are veterans Of the Civil
war. They spent a pleasant day
talking over old times
Those who were in Ionia, Monday
were: Dr and Mrs Wilkinson, Mrs.
f. Hoppough, Mrs. JAY Olmstead, and
Mrs. Al Sherwood and daughter
Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Clements and
family were Sunday guests at Henry
Youngs.
Mrs. Fred Currie visited her father
in Grand Ledge from Friday until
Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. O. X. Warden and
Lucille Bright were Sunday visitors at
Frank Bright's.
The Ladies' Aid Society will meet
with Mrs a. w. Palmer October s..
4 chicken pie dinner viii be served.
Everybody come.
Mr.. and Mrs. John Schultz and son,
Mr.. and Mrs Ernie Face and daugh-
ter and Fred Face spent Sunday at
Alva Faces, to celebrate Ernie's gath
birthday.
Mrs Ed. Ashby of Ionia was guest
Of Mrs. Al. Sherwood. Wednesday.
AIurry Hawley spent Friday night
with his grandparents, Mr.. and Mrs.
Thomas hurry.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-09-30
THE BELDING BANNER
Smyrna

Mrs. Helen Purdy was in Moseley
couple OF days last week visiting her
brothers, John and Osmer Andrews.
Mr.. and Mrs. Holcomb of Grand
Rapids We're over Sunday guests OF
MIR. and Mrs Albert Northway
sherman Dumon, who has been
working at the Spencer dan all sum
mer returned to his home in Evart,
last Tuesday.
Ed. Ensley was i'm Detroit few
days this week attending the Demo-
cratic State Convention.
The half night dancing party held
at Maccabee Hall Saturday evening
was well attended. Forty-six numbers
being sold. Music was furnished by
Davis, Insley, Gould, Hale and Nc
Duffy. A fine time was had by all
present
Miss lone Condor Of Bedding was
home over Sunday.
j. A. Cook and his brother in-law
Maurice Barbour Of Ionia were i'm
Grand Rapids, Tuesday
Mesdames George and Carl Hop
POUCH and John Purdy motored to
Grand Rapids, Saturday. They were
accompanied home by Carl Hoppough.
The marriage banns of Theo. AL
bert and Margaret Feyan were pub
lished in the Catholic church Sunday.
Miss Feyan was former teacher
here and we are all glad to know she
will live near us again.
AXel Nelson of Moseley spent Sun
day at the home Of Milo Dickens.
Mr.. and Mrs. II. f. Barry spent
I
Winfield Gardner of Elmira, Mich,
visited his parents, Mr. and Mrs. War
rem Gardner a couple Of days last
week
Ray and Nellie Ring visited at VIM
Gardeners, last week.
Luke LaLonge of Orange is visiting
r. f. Barrys few days this week.
Mrs. Helen Purdy visited her sister,
Mrs. Hettie Davis, near Moseiey last
Saturday.
Mr.. and Mrs. Earl Norton accom-
panied by friends were in Cedar
Springs, Greenville and Ionia last Sun
day
Mr. and Mrs Chas. Aven of Lowell
came up to the dance last Saturday
evening and then spent Sunday with
her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Harris
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Bignell spent
Sunday at the home Of Ed. Insley.
Mr.. and Mrs. Aldo Gardner of
Greenville spent a few days this week
at the home OF their son, Harold
Gardner
Clifford Insley spent Sunday with
his friend Roy Davis of Bartonville.
Mr. and Mrs. y. l.. Cole came from
Grand Rapids Saturday evening to
get their goods ready to move to their
new home.
Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1914-09-30

vited a few OF the neighbors, making
"a in ALL Mrs. Holcomb received
several nice presents, which were
much appreciated.
Theron and Paul Sutton Of Howard
City visited Mr.. and Mrs. George
Wiley and Grandma Holcomb from
Friday until Sunday night.
Mr.. and Mrs Irving Olmstead visit
ed his sister, Mrs. John Spencer, Sun
day, Mrs. Olmstead remained until
Tuesday afternoon, to help care for
Mrs. Spencer who is much worse.
Mr.. and Mrs. w. L. Leach visited
Mr.. and Mrs. Ross Chickering, Sun
day
Mr.. and Mrs. Emory Chickering
went to Saranac, Friday.
Mr.. and Mrs. Ernest Anderson and
Mr.. and Mrs. NJ. l.. Howe attended the
chapel services at the Ionia prison
Sunday.
Mrs. NJ. J. Holcomb is visiting Mr.
and Mrs. Will Cobb Of Bedding, Mr..
and Mrs. Marine Boss, and Mrs. c. NJ.
Hubbard Of Cooks Corners this week
Mr.. and Mrs Howard Chickering
are staying with Mr.. and Mrs. John
Spencer this week, and Howard is as
sisting with the farm work
Mr.. and Mrs. Herb Regain Of Beld-