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

NO1NN l<Nlip4N HAIL.
Each year impresses on US more
strongly the desirability Of Detroit's
obtaining an auditorium OF a size COM
mensurate with the city's standing Our
numerous advantages as a convention
city are discounted because OF the lack
OF suitable hall for large gather
ings. and thousands who might other
wise VisitAus az delegates consequently
remain away.
Whether or not the leading indus
tries OF the city should be. permitted 10
subscribe 90 the funds necessary FOR
the construction OF a convention hail
is a matter Of secondary copsideTa ton.
The main and obvious fact Is that De
troit ls In dire need Of an auditorium
and our Official machinery SHOULD be
set IN motion as quickly as possible TO
II is my belief that such a building
should be under the control OF a COM
mission similar 20 those directing
other city departments.
HONOR FOR \ 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 know. re-
ceived his earlier education in the
schools OF this city and claims Detroit
as his residence. | ann In hearty SYM
patty with the suggestion that the
city, through the common council show
some recognition or the genius OF one
or its sons. and ] request that your
Is necessary for this recognition. which
may be in the form Of medal a pub
lie reception, or in an exhibition Of Mr.
Melcher's works in the Museum OF Art
ACQUISITION OF RIVER FRONT AND
PARK PROPERTY
with all It's charms, Detroit unfor-
tunately IL today IN possession 81 but
little OF It's splendid river-front Per
haps We are no worse of in this re-
gard than other cities similarly SIT
a
grave error had beer made In letting
control slip from the city. system
OF public docks with belt line con
nection would be OF great value 10 the
Industries Of Detroit and II would
seem TO be an exercise OF business
sense for the city to obtain possess on
or at least 4 portion Of the frontage
ny condemnation proceedings II posi-
BILE
Parks and playgrunds are invalu-
ahle assets TO any city Many cities
lack sufficient park acreage because
their wants were not antici" ated soon
enough. Obviously. IL lie difficult 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 or prop
erty in the outskirts OF this city an
ticipating our needs. and would
recommend that your honorable body
co operate with the recreation commits
sion I'm this regard TO the fullest de-
gree
EXTENSION OF TERM
! am still OF the opinion that the
interests of the city would be better
served by extending the term OF cleo
tive officers from two TO four years.
II cannot be denied that an admins
tration Ii handicapped In undertaking
huge improvements by reason OF the
short term allowed it's members.
While the people failed 10 ratify a
proposition embodying this idea at the
recent election I believe f. was largely
because of the wording on the ballot
and feel that the submission or such
an amendment At the spring election,
with a sane and workable recall at
tached as safeguard, would receive
an affirmative vote.
AVOID FREQUENT ELECTIONS
Unquestionably the authority grant
ed to the people to amend our charter
piecemeal Is OF great value. There Is
danger however, that the indiscrim-
lead TO unnecessary burden on the tax
payers. through the calling OF special
elections at frequent Intervals
I am I'm favor OF making such alter
ations in our charter. from time 10
time as seem advisable but I wish to
utter a word OF caution against the
calling OF special elections for the
submission OF amendments whenever
a new idea In evolved Numerous cleo
tons are not only drain on the
treasury hut an inconvenience TO the
public as well.
REGULATION OF PUBLIC UTILITY
CORPORATIONS,
II has been unoffcially stated that
at the present session OF the legisla
ture, bill VIII be presented extending
the authority of the Michigan Railroad
regulate all public utility corporations.
n IL In the intention TO remove the
Jurisdiction now held by the cities OF
Michigan over such corporations and
am unalterably opposed 10 such =
measure and request that your shon
orable body exert every Influence TO
defeat its passage
ideas concerning home rule Detroit II
well able to regulate it's utility cor
porations. without wishing TO dis
credit the members OF the railroad
/ have no hesitancy In saying that ]
believe the regulation OF such corpor :
ations is much safer in the hands or
local than state officials for the req
son that the former are much better
able TO sense the pulse OF the people
~ 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 one OF the most ably
managed Institutions In the country
and innovation after innovation for the
betterment OF its 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. a modern i'm
stitution, surrounded by farm land,
should be constructed az once, and the
49, al 4 g.
park and playground purposes.
CHANGE FISCAL YEAR
A little reflection will convince us
that amendment of our charter, so as
20 make our fiscal year run from Jan
nary to January. is not only desirable
caps beset us because the municipal
year extends from July TO July.
The great and obvious advantage
whereby departments may undertake.
and complete public improvements I'm
the spring OF the year. and give emf
ployment 10 thousands at time when
IL Is most needed, IS not the only one
to be gained by changing the fiscal
amendment available. the alteration
should be submitted TO the electors at
the earliest possible moment
CONCLUSION
In closing ! wish 10 express to
those members Of the common council
during the term just ended. my gen
uine appreciation OF the universal
courtesy and hearty support rendered
me. II Is my sincere hope that during
tho coming two wears our relations
NAV he as pleasant and thar, our ef-
forts for efficient and economical gov
eminent may meet with the fullest
measure ~ SUCCESS.
RespectfullY,
OSCAR b MARX.
Mayor.
on motion OF Aid Vernon the
MAYORS message was referred TO the
Committee on Ways and Means for