Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-12-30
$1,2OO,OOO CHARITIES
AND HEALTH BILL WILL
GO TO COUNCILS TODAY
Pet Measures Certain to Be
Passed Despite Possible We
toes by Mayor, Who Sends
Last Messages
APPROPRIATION HELD UP

APPROPRIATION HELD UP
Councils today received the fifth and
last annual message OF Mayor Blanken-
burg, which included statements in re-
gard to appropriation Dmls containing
the many new jol $ and salary increases
approved at recent sessions. That these
pet measures will be passed. IL vetoed.
is taken as a foregone conclusion. The
most important piece of legislation
awaiting action is the appropriation bill
for the Department of Health and Char
tiles, which is expected to total about
Sl,20O,000.
An appropriation bill. totaling 81 .lO2,-
634 for Health and Charities. was held up
last week, when at the last moment it
was discovered to be full of Clerical
errors" cutting short the citys present
allowance Of nurses and physicians and
In one instance supplying two salaries
for division chief. These clerical errors
We're of such Importance and magni-
tude that the fnanciers back of the bill
held 1t over for revision and passage to-
day.
The bill to be passed today is below the
actual needs of the clty's hospitals and
other municipal institutions but members
of the Finance Committee say that it is
the best they can do in view of the small
balance available for appropriation pur-
poses. II Is admitted that next years tax
| revenues will not meet the city's running
| expenses by between 81 600 600 and SO, 0.OOO,
and in view of this fact provision by way
| OF supplemental appropriations will have
to be made late In 1916.
MAYORS FAREWELL MESSAGE.
The last message of the Mayor to Coun-
| cils. accompanying the various depart
| mental reports, was as follows:
Gentlemen:
Following the provisions of the Act
| of Assembly of June l. 1855, | here
with transmit to your honorable
bodies my fifth and last annual mes
sage. The reports of the various de-
partments and bureaus will follow:
In submitting to your honorable
bodies these reports for the year 1915.
let me comment upon the splendid
| work accomplished during the last
four years and give due credit to one
| and all OF those associated I'm the
city's service in that period. from the
highest to the humblest department
| officials.
A new spirit of comradery has been
established and fostered between the
workers In all the branches of the
city governmental spirit that should
never relax and should be encouraged
by all citizens whether in public or
private life. The cooperation that
has prevailed during the last four
years has been one of the main sources
Of the many accomplishments recorded
in the various reports. Such co.
operation, If continued, will rebound
TO the credit of the incoming admin
istration and will result in greater
benefit to the city of Philadelphia
than even the most sanguine can an
ticipate at this time.
Let me express the hope that the
progress made In this working
together" will endure and grow as time
passes. II should not only embrace
all city departments, hut, as well, all
county departments, the courts and
the various commissions and agencies
created by and appointed under the
law. The welfare OF the city of Phila-
delphia should always be uppermost
in our thoughts and whatever help
can render during the remaining years
of my life TO bring about this result
Will be more than freely given.
/ do not deem II necessary to enter
into any details of the reports OF the
various departments and bureaus
They speak for themselves. The
foundation for great work in the fu-
ture has been laid. That an enduring
structure may be erected on this
foundation is my earnest hope and
desire,
With best wishes TO all the members
OF your honorable bodies collectively
4 /
as Mayor OF our beloved city.
Respectfully yours.
RUDOLPH BLANKENBURG,
Mayor.
URGES OFFICE EQUIPMENT.
Before rellnquishng the office of |
Mayor. | desire TO call to your attention |
the physical condition of the Mayors |
office.
For obvious reasons l have not asked |
for any appropriation during my term to |
make the offices habitable and IN keeping |
with the dignity of the city and the posi- |
tion Of its Chief Executive. Everything |
in the rooms Is antiquated and in a con-
dition Verging ON dilapidation. The furn-
iture has been repaired time and time
again so as 10 save expense but il is /
now beyond resurrection the tiling of /
the walls might do for a kitchen or bath /
room; electric lighting is inadequate and /
some OF the carpets worn threadbare
III We consider the fact that dis /
tinguished visitors from home and abroad /
are constantly calling upon the Mayor,
II will appeal 10 you. ! am sure, that
the Mayors official quarters should be OF
a character consistent with the dignity
and Importance OF the position OF Chief
Magistrate OF the city.
Let me urge upon your honorable
bodies a sufficient appropriation. as soon
as the finances Of the city will permit
TO renovate all the executive offices and
place them In proper condition for COM
Portable occupancy.
'As il will probably be impossible 10
take action on this recommendation by |
the present Councils, let me suggest that
this Recommendation be referred 10 the
newly elected Councils, who will sue
csed your honorable bodies on January
: 1915"