The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-04-24
IN PAST, 81.
FAITH in FUTURE

oStS OF Inc CITY tnIt an orderly SyS'
tenn of recording vital statistics he
decided upon. A proper system will
cease to impose upon Bismarck res
possibility for deaths which in fact
should be credited to other cities in
the state and often to cities in other
states. ..,as.a
Through the city health department
a close check is being kept upon the
milk and water supply.
A RECREATION PARK.
1t is imperative that the youth Of
Bismarck have suitable recreation.
The city lacks a public playground
thoroughly equipped. With the growth
of Bismarck, there is a pressing need
for a public Fairgrounds where recre-
alton can be placed under supervision
and the youth and older folks enjoy di.
version. t- @.....h ..,.. 4.~... ...:a5
Bismarck needs a public playground
equipped with a gymnasium, swim.
ming pool and other aprurtcnances
for wholesome recreation and amnse-
ment. . ....4, .. o.
1t is feasible to make this a center
for the military training Of III boys.
The present crisis has forced upon US
the necessity for such service. He de.
tends himself best who Is best pre-
pared. Such a playground should be
under the control of q trained. direct.
or. . ~. ...t 49,. ,.. e.. .
The details l leave for the commits.
sion to work out, but as soon as pos.
sible steps should be taken to secure
land while the prices are still reason.
able. Doubtless public spirited citiz-
ems and civic organizations can be en-.
listed in this worthy cause. 49,. .,,5.
FIRE DEPARTMENT. .
Bismarck has outgrown its present
fire equipment. For a small outlay, a
motor drawn apparatus could be Sc.
cured doing away with horses and cut
ting down the overhead cost of the
department and at the same time in.
creasing efficiency and the character
of the service. l suggest that the com.
mission give this matter earnest con.
sideration. Iventure to state that the
reduction in insurance rates will be
material.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.. ,
Every city ordinance should be rig.
idly enforced. There has been some
difficulty in the past in enforcing
certain laws, for which no mem.
Der is directly responsible. We must
all share the responsibility. With the
increase in population, 1t Is necessary
to adhere to u police regulations, es.
pecially in reference to the regulation
of traffic and the strict enforcement
of rules and regulations covering the
peace, health and safety of the com.
munity.
STREET DEPARTMENT..
Paving has imposed greater respon-
sibility upon the street department.
When the project is completed, the
problem of keeping the streets clean
is a vital one and the sooner we de-.
termine a system, consistent with
wise economy and efficiency the bet
ter. The commission should without
delay settle upon a fixed policy and
carry it out vigorously. The street
must be kept free Of mud and scrupu-
lousy clean il the citizens r to en-
joy the full benefits of the paving pro-
ject which they have so nobly support
ed both morally and financially.
CITY AUDITOR.
The city's business is increasing
daily. There are more inquiries to
answer and it seems wise at this time
to employ a city auditor who will de-
vote all his time to the business OF the
city, or at least the major portion Of
his time. Therefore, l recommend that
the city auditor be required to work
stated time each day 10 that public
business may be carried on with dis
patch and that at oil times there is
some one accessible to citizens who
may have pressing business to trans
act with that executive official.
TAXATION.
Ours is . growing city. How rapid
has been the development in the last
five years can be best shown by q few
brief statistics. In 1910 the assessed
valuation was $~1,633,624 and in 1916
at had reached $2,15S,631, while the
actual valuation was In excess of
$4,000 900. Perhaps the best barom-
eter Of U commercial prosperity is
the bank deposits. In 1910 they totaled
81, sol 900 and in; 1876 there were in
excess Of $4,5O0,OOO. We could null
tiply statistics to show, the wonder.
aHa= as-1r.A- 49,.