' ng0 Get Custdmers Ail=
Vertise in Their Favor=
ite Paper, THE EVEN=
_lN(i GAZETTE!
‘
...
fl
beWe/o
EVENING G AZETTE
is a Buyer. Give Them
3 Trial
PRICE TWO CENTS.
oils.
MAYORS GLOVER
AND COBURN
.SWORN lN AND PRESIDE
OVER THE TWIN
- CITY COUNCILS.
GOOD MESSAGES READ.
ATTORNEYS HURLBUTT AND TAYLOR
SECURE THE CLERKSHIPS AND
MART KELLOGG THE STREET
COMMISSIONERSHIP. ‘
The “initial” meeting of the Nor-
walk city council was held last evening.
Mayor Glover and the full board
were present.
They were sworn in by Clerk Greg-
ory, and are as follows:
Mayor—Charles L. Glover.
,Councilmeu—A. J. Meeker, Freder-
ick Buckley, Alfred A. Avison, VVil-
liam N. Simofis, Aaron PI. Hoyt, Oli~
ver E. W’ilson.
The Mayor read the following mes-
sage:
GENrLEMEN OF THE COMMON COUN-
. CELI—
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 so
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
this time to explain what is my dclin- .
ition of economy, as I do not wish to
be misunderstood on that point.
As you all know this is the age of im-
provement and advancement, conse-
quently there can be no economy in
going backward, and the city, town or
community that does it getsleft. Econ-
omy as applied to this case, is to keep
every department up to the standard
and make every dollar spent, show a
dollar’s worth to the city. You will
find there is no economy in curtailing
any department of the city government
below the point of eflicien0y.
HIGHWAYS.
The roads of a city seem to" be the
hardest problem that city governments
. have to contend with. Each year there
is appropriated a certain sum to be ap-
plied to the maintenance of the streets,
and it is about enough with care to
keep them passable. and at the end. of
each year they are in no better con'
dition than at the'begin‘ning. In my
opinion the system is all wrong. I
think there should be more money
appropriated for the highway depart-
ment, and it should be spent in making
Stone roads similar to those made the
past year on Smith and Cross
streets and part of Franklin avenue,
and Only enough spent on the gravel
roads to keep them passable until such
times that they can be treated in the
same. way. If this plan is adopted it
would be but a few years until every
street in the city would have a stone
roadbed, and the cost of maintaining
them. thereafter would be small.
I would also call your attention to the
condition of the sidewalks throughout
the. city. There is scarcely a street in
the city that has got good sidewalks
and a great many of them are positive-
ly dangerous to pedestrians, especially
concrete walks. The roots of the trees
.'I
ii?!-
.‘k
raise the walks in places and break
holes in the concrete thereby making
them unsafe to walk upon, especially
in the night and anyone getting hurt
in this manner can bring action against
the city for damages, generally with
success, and the city has to foot the
bill and as a general thing without any
redress.
It has been my privilege during the
past year to belong to an association
called the Mayor‘s Association of Con-
necticut. Every mayor in the. state
belongs and at our meetings the sub-
]ect of roads seems to be the chief sub-
ject for discussion and the conclusions
arrived at in most cases seem to be on
the line of my recommendation.
cerely hope you will take this plan into
consideration and do all that you can
toward getting it in operation thepres-
out year. ‘
It is also proper at this time to call
your attention to the condition ofMain
street frOm the intersection of the New
Canaan road to the city line. As you
are probably aware the town with the
aid of the state is building a stone
road from the city line to the ‘Wilton
line and the part- of the read to which I
call yohr attention (about one-third of
a mile) should be made to correspond
so as to furnish a good stone road from
the South Norwalk city line to the
Wilton line. .
9 FIRE DEPARTMENT. ,
The fire department of thecity of
Norwalk is noted for its efficiency
when its services are required, and as
it is strictly a volunteer department,
costing the taxpayers nothing for its
services, the city can well afford to
deal liberally with it in the way of
equipment and supplies necessary for a
full development of its usefulness. The
firemen are not satisfied with the old
system of hose carriages to be drawn
by hand but ask for another supply
wagon similar to the one already in
use. I would recommend that you
take the matter into consideration at
once. I would also call your attention
to the fire alarm system which is not in
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 headway
and resulting in greater loss of proper-
ty. The main cause for this is, asI
understand it, that the lines are strung
with bare wire and come in close prox-
imity t0 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 who
under the supervision of some one
thoroughly competent to see that it is
done properly. I hope that you will
give tnis matter your early attention
and ‘would advise that an estimate of
the cost of such improvements be made
so that an appropriation large enough
to COVcr the cost be asked for at the
regular adjourned annual meeting in
‘ March.
POLICE.
The police department (in my opinion)
is highly satisfactory. I would like to
I sin-'
call your attention to the fact that
there have been no burglaries in the
city the past year but that the offender
was arrested. 1 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 it costs.
LIGHT.
I 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
done for less money. As our boundar-
ies have not been extended it should
cost no more the present ye ar than the
last
FINANCES. T
The finances of the city are at the
present time in a satisfactory condi-
tion, I think. The lloating 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 def,
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 subject and 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 39,.- per cent, thus saving
the city $l,250 per year in interest.
Li B. ltA'ilY. ,
The public library now registers over
1,500 booktakers. The average month—
ly attendance is 3500;. the average
number of books sent out each month
is 2,400. The r Jport 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 2,500books which circulate, 2,500
more being government reports and
“reference books.
The library is used by all class es 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 upthe in
tercst and increase its usefulness, it
will be necessary to add a few hundred
well chosen new books each year. I
would, therefore, recommend that you
ask for an appropriation, sufi’icient over
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 Ihear no complaint
and think none exists.
CONSOLIDATION .
This seems to be the age of consolida-
tion. Witness the numerous branches
of one Industry coming together under
one management, commonly called
“trusts.”
I therefore trust that if the oppor-
tunity offers whereby you can further
Lhe consolidation of the dilferent gov-
ernmcuts of this town under one muni-
cipal government, you will use your
best endeavors to that end. I remem-
ber reading of a person, who, when
asked what he thought of the scenery
of a locality, replied, “I can’t see the
scenery on account of so many blamed
bushes, hills and mountains in the
way.” I hope when the opportunity
for consolidation is presented to the
citizens of Norwalk, they will not let
hills and mountains of sectarianism
and prejudice stand between their
vision_ and the advantages and economy
of one municipal government in the
place of the diversified interests now
existing. What this town needs is
more manufactories, and when the en-
orgies of all parts of the town are con-
contratzd in t lat direction it would be
much more ell’cctual than when they
were pulling in different directions. I
have no doubt that often something
could be secured as good or even better
t ian lunatic asylums at twenty thous
and dollars each.
' In conclusion,
gentlemen of the
council, 1 tender you my hearty con-
gratulations, uni Lop: you may have
year i.
a prosperous not satisfactory
. a
and above the amount necessary for'
NORWALK, court, TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 8,1899.
1
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 heapty cooperation 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.
Street Commissioner—Martin Kel-
logg.
Boardof Relief—J. F.Bennett, 'W.A.
"Amblerand H. E. Dann. fl,
Heafih’Board—J. G. Gregory, W. J.
Ti'acey,.Walter Hitchcock, F. I. J ones
and Howard Glendening.
Superintendent of. Sewers—Martin
K:el‘l.9.ve.«sgi‘-f '
Corporation Counsel‘é—J.
Hurlbuth.
Collector of Assessments— A.
Betta-7:. '.
Superintendent Fire Alarm—John
H. Ho‘s .
Asmallgrist of bills were ordered
paid.‘ C
Chief Bradley reported, fifteen ar-
rests last month and 766mtramps cared
Belden
A.
for in the way of lodging.
After some further business of minor
importance, the council adjourned un-
til J anuarv 16th.
-—-‘—-——--‘0.0>———-————
SOUTH NORWALK 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 yesterday by City
clerk Taylor, excepting Dr. Bean, who
L
was sworn in at night.
At :hc, evening session as soon as the
.-
‘
NOTICE l
During the Sale no
Cottons sold to deal-
quoted.
\
are at the prices
board was called to order Mayor Co'-
burn read the following: message :
GENTLEM sN OF THE COUNCIL:—
It is in no light mood thatI enter tc-
day upon the duties pertaining to this
office. I assure you that, in assuming
the glave 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
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-
suit together for. the commongood, and
that we shall ever welcome Iany criti-
cism that may throw light upofi 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 light in which we may
picture our condition, we must face the
truth that the well-being of our citi-
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 afew 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-
lay a tax sufficient to‘run the city and
of the past to guide and the bright-
zens is the real test of the city’s pros-.
gestion I would make, is that the city
create a sinking fund that will in part'
reduce the city’s indebtedness of 35144,
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 unexcellcd
by any city in the state. We are proud
of the record and proud of the men.
who have made it so. Let us not lower
the standard, nor allow ourselves, to
be puifed up lest we dash our foot
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 ? N oth-
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 Woodward 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
deplorable condition and should be re-
paired without delay. These are the
only street improvements I shall sug-
of their necessity and desirability that
I hope they will 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 having
a street-cleaning once a month, for
(Continued on FiftiiP;tg'<:.)
usual)
All
’8
S
{is if”?
j: . at
, ,E
‘i
tar
z I
Fanning; 5::
u»
BOS
price,
Bleached Cottons.
The famous Dwight Anchor, bleach-
ed and half bleached you know what
they are as well as we, so we give you
the price which will surely tempt you
pcr yard 64:0.
Lonsdale Bleached Cottons 36 in.
wide including the genuine Green
Ticket at a tempt-ing price 5lc.
Pillow Tubing.
All you have to do is sew the end and
your pillow case is made. You know
the regular price, this sale 1213c.
Lonsdale Cambric a household neces-
sity at all times you k: ow the price is
10 cents p:r yard, this s .l; 80.
Our great offering. Blanche] Hem-
med Sheets siz: 2ix2l y iris loag, 3 in.
\\
~.__-..+\ s~\.—, t» . .
,,,,,
terrors. coho
H ems. Will astonish you 330.
Cotton Birdseye, 330 per piece.
nun
Canton Flannel;
10 pieces of our 10c canton flannel 6&0.
12 pieces of our bleached canton
flannel 10c.
Hemstitch Sheets.
long, 490. 81x90 inches
EVERY DEPARTMENT
Will ofi’er extraordinary
bargains this week to clean
counters of surplus stock
to stock taking.
a COTTON S. COTTONS.
A EULHSSAL SALE [IF BUTT
All Cotton Goods have advanced ,1, to 5. cent per yard during the last week; we bought
our Stoek before the advance. Our Store Will be the Mecca of house-keepers this week for
there never was surh a tale of Cottons ever attempted‘in this city before, and probably
never again, for we sincerely hope ”that the advance in prices will continue, and business
will aIWays improve with the advancement of prices.
'ielllrll'lbel' our motto, all. you want (if a retail patron of'lhe Store) at the advertised
it
AND ONE PRICE TO 'ALL-
Loom, Lonsdale, Atlantic, Pacific and
other high grades your choice this
sale 5c.
.Uribleachcd Cottons good and strong
soft and fine no filling 40.
Wide sheeting, 8~4 unlglatched Sheet-
ing heavy and strong 12lc.
9-4 Bleached Shcztiig Atlantic Mills
is so well and favorably known that
c unment is unnecesslry 19s..
\
Read this Carefully
“Tithout doubt this is the greatest of-
fering of high grade Cottons attempted
in Connecticut. There are 15 different
brands of 36 in. Cottons, bleached
and unbleached. Among them you
will find such brands as Fruit of the
lC—l Fine Bleached Sheeting on " 25c.
kind this sale 20c.
-x' -.-
9-l Unbleached Shot ting the kind we
sell for 180 this s ale lie.
1 Case of Ginghams 4c.
Plain Pillow Cases (5 and 9c each.
33‘ COME TO THIS GREATEST OF ALL COTTON SALES);
street and North Water street are in a. '
gest at this time, but I am so convinced ,
Every Reader of THE . -,
Tab,"
9"" '
a...”
- .wmw’h
.‘v
Norwalk Chronicler