llUH NEW UFHEIALS.
The “initial ” meeting of the Nor-
walk city council was held last Monday
cut-fining. .
Mayor Glover and the full board
were present.
They were sworn in by Clerk Greg-
‘y, and are as follows:
is anor~Charles L. Glover.
(Councilmen—A. J. Meeker, Freder-
' a: Buckley, Alfred A. wu-
i am N. Si-nons, Aaron [-1. Hoyt, Oli-
61‘ E. \Vilson.
The Mayor read the following mes—
Avison,
age:
'GEN-‘I‘LEAIEN on THE COMMON COUN-
OIL?»-
It has been the custom upon taking
office the first of each year. for the
mayor to address the incoming council
upon the condition of the city’s busi-
ness, and making such suggestions and
recommendations as he thinks will be
'of assistance to them in the discharge
of the duties that will come to them in
the management of the different de-
partments of the city’s government,
and it is possible that something I may
say at this time may meet with your
approval and may be of assistance to
you. .
It is no doubt the wish and intention
of us all to give the city an efficient
and economical administration and
maybe it will be well for me at
.his time to explain what is my delin-
tion of economy, as I do not Wish to
I; misunderstood on that point.
wna‘KnY - NORWALK - oAzE
good condition. When an alarm is
rung in it should be absolutely certain
that the number rung should indicate
where the fire is, which is not always
the case now, causing confusion and
delay, thereby discouraging the fire-
men and giving the fires more headivay
and resulting in greater loss of proper-
ty. The main cause for this is, as I
understand it, that the lines are strung
with bare wire and come in close prox-
imity to and cross highly charged elec-
tric wires so often as to make the sys-
tem very unsatisfactory in its working.
I would, therefore, recommend that
the system be entirely rebuilt with the
most approved insulated copper wire
under the supervision of some one
thoroughly competent to see that it i
done properly. I hope that you will
give this matter your early attention
the cost of such improvements be made
' so that an appropri-ttion large enough
to cover. the cost be asked for at the
regular adjourned annual meeting in
March.
POLICE.
The police departmentlin my opinion)
is highly satisfactory: I would like to
call your attention to the fact that
there have been no burglaries in the
city the past year but that the offender
was arrested. I invite comparison
with other places of similar size.in
this respect. Neither has there been
any breach of the peace but was
promptly subdued. Altogether I think
it satisfactory and worth what 1t costs.
LIGHT.
The lighting of the streets is quite a
heavy drain upon the city treasury,
but upon the whole I think it is quite
satisfactory and doubt if it could be
As you all know this is the age of im-
ovement and advancement, conse-
ently there can he no economy in
ng backward, and the city, town or
II munity that does it gets left. Econ—
: as applied to this case, is to keep
‘y department up to the standard
make every dollar spent, show a
tr’s worth to the city. You will
there is no economy in curtailing
lepartment of the city government
the point of efficiency.
HIGHWAYS.
roads niacity seem to be the
st problem that city governments
) contend with. Each year there
opriated a certain sum to be ap—
) the maintenance of the streets,
5 about enough with care to
em passable. and at the end of
- r they are in no better con"
an at the beginning. In my
the system is all wrong. I
ere should be more money
- ted for the highway depart—
l it should be spent in making
5 similar to those made the
r on Smith and Cross
d part of Franklin avenue,
nough spent on the gravel
Iep them passable until such
they can be treated in the
If this plan is adopted it
uta few years until every
M0111 ~
treet in th city would have a stone
I-oadbed, and the cost of maintaining
hem thereafter would be small.
I would also ca ‘1 your attention toihe
ondition of the s 'devalks throughout
he city. There is scarcely a street in
he city that has got good sidewalks
-: nd a great many of them are positive-
ly dangerous to pedestrians, especially
~oncrete walks. rl.‘he roots of the trees
I aise the walks ,Iin places and break
holes in the concrete thereby making
hem unsafe to walk upon, especially
In the night and anyone getting hurt
in this manner can bring action against [
he city for damages, generally with
necess, and the city has to foot the
ill and as a general thing without any
:dress. I
It has been lily privilege during the
tst year to belong to an asSOciation
"alled the Mayor‘s Asset-iation of Con-
ecticut. Every mayor in the state
elongs and at our meetings the sub-
set of roads seems to be the chicfsub-
act for discussion and the conclusions
rrivod at in most cases see u to be on
ac line of my recommendation. 1 sin-
Irely hope you will, take this )lan into
. nsideratiop and do all that you can
”ward getting it in operation tle pres-
Vt year. ' ‘
-t is also proper at this time to call
our attention to the condition of lfain
eet from the intersection of the few
anaan road to the city line. AS you
.re probably aware the town with tie
id of the state is building a ston.
oad from the city line to the Wilton
me and the part- of the road to whichl
all your attention (about one-third of".
mile) should be made to correspond
.o 'as to furnish a good stone road from
he South i{Norwalk city line to the
v ilton nut.
I F‘IRE DEPARTMENT.
The fire department of the city of
l orwalk is noted for its efficiency
hen its services are required, and as
t is strictly a volunteer department,
osting the taxpayers nothing for its
ervicesfi the city can well afford to
with it in the way of
Iiui'pm'ent and supplies necessary for a
111i, yelopment’of its usefulness. The
leal: liberally
e'mdn‘ not satisfied with the old
item ofh carriages to be drawn
3"? dad] but askxfor, anOtILchnpply
n Isimilar‘ to the one already in
I would recommend that you
the matter into consideration at
I would also call your attention
I
done for less money. As our boundar-
ies have not been extended it should
cost no more the present year than the
last
FINANCES.
The finances of the city are at the
present time in a satisfactory condi-
tion, I think. The floating debt has
been decreased since the beginning of
the fiscal year by taking up city notes
to the amount of five thousand five
hundred dollars and under ordinary
circumstances there is money enough
in the treasury to run the several de-
partments of the city government until
the end of the fiscal year. The last and
only water note of $2,500, also, has been
paid leaving nearly $5,000 in the treas-
ury of the water department which can-
not be used for any other purpose than
the maintenance of the water supply.
I would therefore recommend that you
consult with the water commissioners
on the subjectand get the city charter
so amended that a sinking fund for the
water department may be established
where all the surplus funds of that de-
partment can be placed to be applied
in the future to the payments of the
water bonds.
I would also call your attention to the
fact that there are $175,000 water bonds
and $75,000 city bonds drawing four per
cent. interest that can be refunded at
3:} per cent. interest or less. I would
therefore advise that the Legislature,
about to convene, be petitioned to pass
a measure granting the City of Nor
walk permission to refund $250,000 of
its bonded debt at a rate of interest
not to exceed 31} per cent, thus saving
the city $1,250 per year in interest.
LIBRARY.
The public library now registers over
1,500 booktakers. The average month-
ly attendance is 3,500; the average
number of books sent out each month
is 2,400. The report of the directors,
issued, according to law, showed an in-
crease of 5,772 in circulation over the
preceding year, although the record of
the first year was 24,120. There are
some 2,500 books which circulate, 2,500
more being government reports and
reference books.
The library is used by all classes of
our citizens and has taken its place as
one of the most important. of our educa
tional facilities, second only to the pub-
lic schools. In order to keep up the in
terest and increase its usefulness, it
“ill be necessary to add a few hundred
Well chosen new books each year. I
would, therefore, recommend that you
ask for an appropriation, sufficient over
and ab0ve the amount necessary for
running expenses, to meet such re-
quirements. The prosperous condition
and increasing patronage of the library
speak well for its management and
upon that point I hear no complaint
and think none exists.
CONSOLIDATION. , .
This seems to be the age of consolida-
‘on. Witness the numerous branches
Tone Industry coming together under
(it. management, commonly called
“mists. ” f
I:herefore trust "that if the oppor-
tuni. offers whereby you can further
the cnsolidation of the different gov-
errlm‘Its of this town under one" muni-
cipal. overnment, you will use your
be“ e“savor-s to that end. I remem-
her reaing of a, person,who, when
39’de mt he thonght of the scenery
0f 3' locaty, replied, “I can’t see the
scenery Oltccount of so many blamed
bIISheSI his and mountains in the
“7913-” I "dye when the opportunity
for 00330 .. tion is presented up the
citizens Off-walk, they will not let
hills and untains of sectarianism
“Dd prejud stand between their
vision and I" 3 dvantages and economy
be fire alarm systemywhich is not in ‘of one mun at government in the
.,_
1.
~I ' l
and would advise that an estimate of“
place of the diversified interests now
existing. What this town needs is
more manufactories, and-when the en-
ergies of all parts of the town are con-
centrated in that direction it would be
much more effeCtual than when they
were pulling in different directions. I
have no doubt that often something
could be secured as good or even better
than lunatic asylums at twenty thous-
and dollars each.
In conclusion, gentlemen of the
council, I tender you my hearty con-
gratulations, and hope you may have
aprOSperous and satisfactory year in
office, working together without fric-
tion with the welfare and prosperity
of the city in view at all times. I
assure you that what ever you undertake
to do in that direction you will have
my hearty co-operation and assistance
at all times.
C. L. GLOVER. Mayor.
J. Belden Hurlbutt was unanimously
elected as city clerk. '
Councilman Simonds was elected
president of the council.
Other officers were elected as follows:
City engineer~~Charles N. Wood.
Martin Kel-
Street Commissioner
logg.
Board of Relief—J. F.Bennett, W.A.
Ambler and H. E. Dann.
Health Board—J. G. Gregory, W. J.
Tracey, Walter Hitchcock, F. I. Jones
and Howard‘Glendenlng.
Superintendent of Sewers—Martin
Kellogg.
Corporation
Hurlbutt.
Collector of
Betts.
Superintendent Fire Alarm—John
H. Hoyt.
A small grist of bills were ordered
Counsel—J. Belden
Assessments— A. A.
paid. -
Chief Bradley reported fifteen ar-
rests last month and 760 tramps cared
for in the way of lodging.
After some further business of minor
importance, the council adjourned un-
til Jauuarv 16th.
“‘ v. V‘
SOUTH NORVVALK COUNCIL. :
Mayor J. Milton Coburn, and the
new board of councilmen, Jesse M. Fer-
ris, Charles N. Smith, William S.
Smith, Charles F. Boutwell, Henry P,
Morgan and Wright B. Bean, were all
sworn in, at noon Monday by City
clerk Taylor, excepting Dr. Bean, who
was sworn in at night.
At the evening session as soon as the
board was called to order Mayor Co-
burn read the following message:
GENTLEMEN OF THE COUNCIL:—
~It is in no light mood thatI enter to-
day upon the duties pertaining to this
office. I assure you that, in assuming
the grave duties that confront me, I am
deeply impressed and keenly conscious
of the fact that the responsibilities can
be successfully met only by the exer-
cise of the utmost energy and integrity.
Did I not feel fully assured that I shall
have your hearty support and earnest
co-operation, as you will have mine, in
every measure that shall tend toward
the righteous progress of our city and
the welfare of her Citizens, I should
indeed hesitate to take up the burdens
which confront me, realizing, as I do,
that, whatever I may be and whatever
I may do my administration cannot
prove a success without your co-opera-
tion. With the inspiration of the
present to stimulate, the experience
of the past to guide and the bright
promise of a prosperous future to en-
courage Us, we should strive to give
our best thought and most energetic
effort to the concerns of the city. I
trust that our relations will always be
of the most friendly and confidential
nature; that at all times we shall con-
sult together for the common good, and
that we shall ever welcome any criti—
cism that may throw light upon what
is best for the interests of the city,
never forgetting that equal and exact
justice and a preservation of the fullest
freedom compatible with the rights of
others is the sole duty of the law. How-
ever rosy the dight in which we may
picture our condition, we must face the
truth that the well-being of our citi-
zens is the real test of the city’s pros-
perity; the greatest good for the great-
est number should not be overlooked in
any act of the municipal legislature.
In accordance with an established
custom, permit me to make a few obser-
vations and suggestions:
The first thing, in my opinion, most
necessary for a successful city life is
public spirit, backed by a sound finan-
cial policy. Therefore, the first sug-
gestion I.would make, is that the city
lay a tax sufficient to run the city and
create a sinking fund that will in part
reduce the city’s indebtedness of $144,
000.00. A certain sum should be set
apart each year for this purpose
Nothing is more demoralizing and
discouraging to a private individual
or a corporation than debt. So while
we advocate liberality, let us buy for
cash only. '
An examination of the police record
indicates a moral condition unexcelled
by any city 'n the state. We are proud
of the recor and proud of the men
who have «I» air so. Let nonotrlowcr
the standard, nor allow ourselves to
be puffed up lest we dash our fOJt
against a stone.
The past year has seen some grand
work done by our street commission-
ers. Shall we see to it that the good
work goes on, and that we are not
found sleeping by the road side ‘.3 Noth-
ing can enhance the value of our real
estate more than the building of good
roads. Let us make our work perma-
nent, with less patchwork, more clean-
ing and less watering. Therefore, I
earnestly recommend that an appropri-
ation be made that will enable the
commissioners to lay a new sewer in
East Washington street, and pave the
street with vitrified brick to correspond
with South Main street; and that South
Main street, from \Voodward avenue to
the Meadow street bridge, be macad-
amized. This would give us one grand
street, extending from the draw-bridge
to the Mill Hill crossing. Meadow
street and North Water street are in a
deplorable condition and should be re-
paIred without delay. These are the
only street improvements I shall sug-
gest at this time, but I am so convinced
of their'necessity and desirability that
I hope they \vill meet with your ap-
proval. It can be done; the people
want it done, and it is economy to do
it. Then let us do it, and after the do-
ing give it such care that every citizen
may point with pride to a model thor-
oughfare. Let us not follow the poor
housewife’s example of. sweeping the
dirt under the stove and try to persuade
ourselves that nobody sees it, or haviug
a street-cleaning once a month, for
while our morals are good, our streets
are nasty. The old proverb that
“cleanliness is next to Godliness” can
well be exemplified in our street de-
partment. . Good and clean streets are
what the people want.
Zymotic diseases, such as diphtheria,
measles, typhoid and scarlet fevers, are
regarded as preventable through per-
sonal and civic cleanliness. More dis-
ease is removed from a city by proper
cleaning than can be. cured by all the
doctors in the place. Remember the
dust from our houses is the dust from
our streets and that nothing is clean
that can be made cleaner. As a help,
that all this may be done in the best
and most satisfactory manner, I suggest
that a horse-sweeper be purchased and.
that East \Vashington. North and South
Main streets be swept every morning
before seven o‘clock. If you will ap-
point an investigating committee, I am
convinced that you will find that in
this way these streets can, be kept
clean for leSs money than is now spent
on them. . -
Our public library has made a good
beginning. The statistics of each year
Show an increasing use of its privileges.
The board of directors are faithful to
its interests, and have made a small
fund do more than could be expected of
it by their economy. I believe the
time has come for greater liberality to
the library. $1,200.00 to $1,300.00 is
not a large enough sum for a commun-
ity of this size to spend for library pur-
poses. The free library, supplement-
ing the free school, and swinging wide
its doors to the poorest members of the
community, as well as to the richest, is
the university of the people which
makes all men scholars. Go into our
library any evening and see the young
boys and men who fill every place at
the reading tables, and see how much
better accommodations are needed.
See the school children flock in to use
the reference books in the afternoon,
as well as to borrow books to take home;
yet the juvenile books in the library
catalogue are all 103 few. Notice how
many ladies in the literary clubs use
books and periodicals from the library
in their work. All these things show
the possibility for usefulness there is
for a well equipped library.
This might increase the library fund
in two ways. First, by increasing the
tax from one-quarter of a mill, as at
present, to one-half of a mill. Second,
by giving it electric light without
charge from the city plant. I earnest-
ly hope both of these things may be
done. .
A soldiers’ memorial might take the
'fOl‘lIl of a library building, the fund to
be raised by popular subscription. The
building might contain city offices and
a hall for the meetings of the veteran
organizations, with suitable memorial
features. Such a hall would also be
available for renting to clubs, lectures,
etc.,the receipts from which would help
the running expenses. The city might
well make an appropriation which
would cover half the cost of the build-
ing, if a fund was started for such a
purpose. Scarcely a town in Massachu-
setts is without an institution of this
kind. Connecticut villages smaller
than South Norwalk have beautiful
library buildings, and we should not
be content until we have done as well
for South Norwalk..
The annual report of the board of
health, which has just been made, show
a very satisfactory condition of the
public health, the death rate for the
city being 10 1-10 per cent. per thousl
and, which is much lower than many
cities in this state, and is a good recom-
mendation to anyone wishing to live
where proper care is being taken of the
public health. The board points out
the necessity for further extension of
our sewer system, which I heartily en-
dorse. ' I hope that you will act on this
most important matter, starting, at
least, a plan to be completed as soon as
practicable. Iris a pas ive need,. and
l'closely'alongjboth edges, and are. fur-
TTn.fl
would be money well spent. Our cit-
izens have never failed to respond to
any reasonable demtnd in this direc-
tion.
It is a satisfaction to know that our
milk supply is being supervised so
carefully, and that everything is being
done to secure pure milk for our city.
In reviewing the record of the past,
we find much to commend and little to
condemn. In assuming the reins of
government, let us remember that it' is
always “easier to criticise than it is to
do better,” and that the problems that
confronted our predecessors are with
us still. I believe our remedy for im-
provement lies, in a great measure, in
expansion. We need to be born again
—born into a greater Nor-walk, with a
consolidated, simpler form of govern-
ment—a. city made up of wards, com-
prising Norwalk, South Norwalk, East
Norwalk, Rowayton, and one from the
outlying districts, one mayor, with
councilmen elected from each ward,
one set of city officers, including super-
intendents of streets, water works,
schools, charities, police and electric
lights, one tax collector and one tax
bill for everybody, and each ward re-
sponsible for its own debts and im-
provements. We are all citizens of
Norwalk and whatever is of interest to
her is of interest to us all.
Why, then stand apart and suffer
this division? If we could but eo-
operate, all parts working togethe
would increase the effectiveness offal].
Our present way of doing business is
extravegant and unbusinesslike, pro-
ductive of narrow-mindedness and
bitter feelings. Believing that every
citizen should takea just pride in a
future greater and model-governed
city, I confidently expect that the
people of Norwalk will instruct their
representatives to procure from the
incoming legislature a charter that
will make possible this great good.
Letus see to it, then, that we preé
pare ourselves for the coming of abetter
day and that such changes prove an
effectual, lasting, happy gain.
J. MILTON COBL‘RN, Mayor.
After the reading of the message, the
following officers were elected:
Finance and assessments, William S:
Smith.
Streets, sidewalks and sewers, Dr.
W. B. Bean.
Fire department ordinances,
city
records, Jesse M, Ferris.
Lights, public library, Charles F.
Boutwell.
Repairs and supplies, city hall,
Henry P. Morgan.
Police, water, public printing,
Charles N. Smith.
After confirming the board of fire
engineers, a motion made by Council-
man C. N. {Smith that the salaries of
the police be drawn on the 15th of
each month was adopted, as a motion
of Councilmen Ferris that the drivers
of the hose cart be paid every two
weeks.
The meeting then adjourned and the
mayor and councilmen went down
stairs to Old Well Hook and Ladder
company’s rooms and enjoyed an ele-
gant supper.
Mrs. Joseph Frank Drowns
Herself in Shallow
Water.
Sunday afternoon the body of Mrs.
Joseph Frank, aged 60 years, who had
been missing from her home for two
days, was found in Willow Brook
VVestport, near her home. She had
drowned herself by crawling undera
culvert which crosses the avenue and
lying down in the water face down-
wards.
The stream was scarcely ankle deep,
but in the position which she sought
death it was possible to accom pllsh the'
object.
spondent for several weeks because her
husband was out of work and they were
President, Charles N. Smith.
City clerk, Joseph R. Taylor.
Corporation counsel, John H. Light.
Fire inspector, Edward V. Baker.
Collector of assessments, James Paul.
The Mayor then announced the fol-
lowing committees:
”.-- .....__..__.,._. . _.__- _-_.
very poor. She had a great dread of
going to the poor house or becoming an.
object of charity, but no one supposed
that she would commit suicide.
A
John Monohan, of J amesburg, N. J.,
is visiting his aunt, Mrs. M. Ratchford
of Main street.
Mr
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BEAVER-TRIMMED WALKING Cn‘TW‘"
Beaver Trimmed Walking Costume.
A gown equally suitable forla slender
or plump figure is one which is com-
posed of do‘uble skirt and a jacket, the
latter having a long coat effect in the
back. The underskirt is scant and
close fitting at the top, but flares at the
hem. The cloth on the lower skirt ex-
tends only to the point where it meets
the over skirt. This follows the smooth
outlines of the principal skirt, and
closes in the back, all the fulness being
turned in smoothly on both sides of the
placket, beneath which it spreads in
fan-like pleats. The coat is of severe
but elegant outlines, and may be trim-
med to please the taste of the individ-
us].
In the present instance the garniture
consists of flat bands of satin antique,
slightly padded, machine stitched
"AI-PV‘FQ'S BAZAR “ .
'3 rnn-I
ther defined by narrow soutache braid.
The high collar is cut with the coat and
seamed to fit gracefully about the neck.
Its edges are stayed by a firm wire
which sustains the shape, and the
collar and revers are lined with beaver.
The sleeves are of the plain coat sleeve
variety, gathered, not boxed at the
shoulders, and flaring slightly at the
wrist. They are ornamented by stitch-
ed bands of velvet. To obtain the
proper cut of this gown it will be
necessary to use the cut patterns pub-
lished by HARPER’S BAZAR where the
gown appears.
To make this garment 8 yards of
cloth, 54 inches wide, will be required,
and if, band trimming like that shown
in the illustration be used, one will re
quire 11} yards of satin antique. Should ff
the maker desire to face the rovers and
collar with sati n, another. of a yard , .
‘r ' '
of t” at matcri 'llbe r- I . red"
Mrs. Frank had been very de _
Norwalk Chronicler