The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1915-01-13

y.
numerous advantages as convention
city are discounted because Of the lack
OF a suitable hall for large gather
ings, and thousands VINO might other
wise visit us az dele gates consequently
remain away.
Whether or not the leading indus
tries OF the city should be permitted 20
subscrIbe 10 the funds necessary for
the construction OF a convention hall
rs a matter OF secondary considerat ton
The main and obvious fact - -shat De-
troit~fs In dire need OF an auditorium
and our official machinery should be
set In motion as quickly az possible 20
attain this end.
II is my belief that such building
should he under the control OF a COM
mission, similar to those directing
other city departments
HONOR FOR a DISTINGUISHED SON
A citizen OF Detroit. Mr. Carl Melch-
ers. has been honored abroad as few
artists have, for his exceptional tall
ents, Mr.. Melchers. as YOU knowe re-
schools OF this city and claims Detroit
as his residence. am In hearty sym
pathy with the suggestion that the
some recognition of the genius OF one
OF its sons. and ! request that your
honorable body make such provision az
Is necessary for this recognition which
may be in the form OF "A medal a pub
lie reception. or In an exhibition OF Mr.
MelcheTs works in the Museum OF Art
ACQUISITION OF RIVER FRONT AND
PARK PROPERTY
With all it's charms Detroit unfor-
tunately Is today I'm possession OF but
little OF its splendid river-front Per
haps we are no worse or in this re-
gard than other cities similarly Sit
uated. but IL appears as though
grave error had been made in letting
control slip from the city system
OF public docks with q belt line con
nection would be OF great value to the
Industries OF Detroit and IL would
seem to be an exercise OF business
sense for the city to obtain possession
or at least portion OF the frontage
by condemnation proceedings II posi-
Parks and playgrunds are invalu-
able assets TO any city. Many cities
lack sufficient park acreage because
their wants were not anticinated soon
enough. Obviously, II ls difncuit 10
locate parks without the expenditure
OF vast sums. because OF the rapid
,<reading OF homes and manufactur-
The establishment OF the recreation
commission suggests to me the advis-
ability OF making purchases OF prop
erty In the outskirts of this city an
recommend that your honorable body
cooperate with the recreation commits
sion in this regard TO the fullest de-
gree.
EXTENSION OF TERM
i
interests OF the city would he better
served by extending the term OF cleo
tive officers from two TO four years.
II cannot be denied that an sdminis-
tration is handicapped in undertaking
huge improvements by reason OF the
short term allowed Its members
While the people failed to ratify q
proposition embodying this Idea at the
recent election I believe II was largely
because OF the wording on the ballot
and feel that the submission OF such
an amendment at the spring election,
with a sane and workable recall at
an affirmative vote.
AVOID FREQUENT ELECTIONS.
Unquestionably the authority grant
ed TO the people to amend our charter
piecsmeal is of great value. There Is
mate exercise OF this Authority ant rf,S'r NAV
lead TO unnecessary burden on the tax
payers. through the calling OF special
elections at frequent intervals
| am In favor OF making such alter
ations in our charter. from time 10
time. as seem advisable, but wish to
utter word Of caution against the
submission OF amendments whenever
new idea Is evolved. Numerous cleo
tons are not only a drain on the
treasury but an Inconvenience TO the
public as we'll
REGULATION OF PUBLIC UTILITY
CORPORATIONS
II has been unofficially stated that
at the present session OF the legisla-
ture, a bill will be presented extending
the authority of the Michigan Railroad
commission so as 10 give IL power to
regulate all public utility corporations
n II is the Intention to remove the
jurisdiction now held by the cities of
Michigan over such corporations and
place II in the hands or the state. I
am unalterabiy opposed TO such "a
measure and request that your hon
orsble body exert every Influence 10
Such a bill 10 In conflict with our
ideas concerning home rule. Detroit Is
well able TO regulate its utility cor
credit the members 81 the railroad
commission in any manner whatsoever,
/ have no hesitancy IN saying that 7
believe the regulation of such corpor
local than state officials. for the rea-
son that the former are much better
able to sense the pulse OF the people
OF Detroit than the latter.
MOVE HOUSE OF CORRECTION
Advanced ideas as TO corrective
methods call for a more humane treat
ment of and better surroundings for
transgressors OF the law. The Detroit
house OF correction has for years been
recognized as one or the most ably
managed institutions In the country
and innovation after innovation for the
betterment OF it's inmates has been In
troduced
There can be no honest difference
Of opinion, however, as to the neces-
sity for immediate abandonment OF
the present buildings. modern in
should be constructed at once, and the
site OF the present buildings used for
park and playground purposes.
CHANGE FISCAL YEAR
little reflection will convince us
that amendment OF our charter. so IA
To-.
uary TO January, lis not only desirable
but imperative. At present many handi-
caps beset US because the municipal
year extends from July to July
whereby departments may undertake
and complete public improvements in
the spring OF the year and give em-
ployment to thousands at a time when
il Is most needed. Is not the only one
10 be gained by changing the fiscal
year. With the power OF piecemeal
amendment available, the alteration
should be submitted TO the electors at
the earliest possible moment.
CONCLUSION.
In closing ] wish To express 10
those members OF the common council
with whom have been associated
during the term JUST ended my gen,
courtesy and hearty support rendered
me II is my sincere hope that during
the coming two years our relations
NAV ne as pltdSdul dnu NIhl our CT
forts for efficient aud economical gov
eminent may meet with the fullest
measure OF success.
Respectfully,
OSCAR e MARX,
Mayor.
on motion OF Aid. Vernon the
Mayors message was referred to the
Committee on Ways and Means for
The chair then announced the stand
ing committees for 1919 as follows;
WAYS and Means Aid Burton
MI, Rnfiar- I.ndRa EraI,rnIn