The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, January 12, 1904, Page 7

THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, TUESDAY. JANUARY 12, 1904. MAY < Alleged Civil Ser-| vice Violation to | Be Probed. : Committee to In-| vestigate Health | Board. & Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution introduced by D'Ancona pro- viding for an investigation by the joint Committee on Finance, Civil Ser- vice and Health of the proceedings of the Board of Health in removing civil service employes without cause. The resolution follows: g, held Januarv 9, Whereas, At its mee 1904, as reported by the press, the Board of Heaith adonted jutions abolishing posi- n I by officers appointed from the | certified to by the Civil Service r competitive examination, Nno ever having been flled with the nd no opportunity the classi- nty, who said rules, arged exceot for and after an op- own defense. Such r before the or before by the Com- igation. The mmissioners or , or board, when ap- sioners, shall be certi- officer or board, and such officer. period, not exceeding Board of Health established th similar dutles, appoint- on the eligible list e Civil Service Commis- LAW. an office on the list and the recreation ther title is a flagrant and the spirit of the arter, and a rit system Is re- ystem, and must be d checked in its rial power of the VIOLATES THE abo 4 eivil service provisions are st guarantee of an honest and eco- 4] expenditure of the moneys to be de- tr ne sale of the bonds recently pie; therefore be it t it be and is hereby declared of the Board of Supervisors will encourage an economical of the city government, and departments in the o rs and the abolition efficiency of the service i are hereby directed proceedings of the Board of he event of the verification of of the proceedings of the Board isc this board what action prevent the violation or said Board of Health. he law by by these proceedings, “and this investigation should be direcced toward ascertaining service employes can be removed and their places filled under different titles Ly men who perform the same duties.” Protests were flled with the board by several civil service employes who were removed from their positions against ey term the unjust and illeg: of the Board of Health. The pro- cut recite that at no time have the protestants been charged with official misconduct or with violating any rule of the Health Department. The abol- ishing of the position is alleged to be in violation of the rule of the Civil Ser- vice Commission providing that when- ever it becomes necessary to reduce the number of permanent employes the em- ploye last appointed shall be laid cif first. The protest concludes: RULE IN FULL FORCE. “Said rule was in full force and effect at the time of the act here complained of. * * * Said acts are subversive of the principles of civil service and a pal- pable and willful violation of the merit system provided in the charter.” The protests were referred to the joint Committée on Finance, Civil Service and Health. Ex-Secretary Emery of the Health Board verbally protested against what he characterized as a flagrant, violent and willful viclation of the civil service law. Emery said that the plea of econ- omy raised by the Mayor is a pretense and a sham, and pointed to the aboli- tion of the positions of disinfectors as & menace to health and nothing less than & vile crime. “If the statements are correct a crime has been committed,” said Braunhart, “and there is a power of removal high- er than that of the Mayor. The inten- tion of the Health Board is so plain that an escape from the Home for the Feeble-Minded could see through it.” “This resolution means something,” said D'Ancona, “and if the facts are verified it commits this board to appro- priate action.” The investigation will be taken up at 2 o'clock Wednesday, and all employes who lost their positions ana@ the mem- bers of the Board of Health and others interested will be subpenaed. —_———————— Reluctant to Leave. The civil service appointees that we legislated out'of office by the Board of Health last Saturday are re- luctant to surrender their positions. All reported as usual to Deputy Health Officer Levy yesterday morn- ing, but he informed them that there was nothing to do. All have received official nofification that their posi- tions are abolished, but on the advice of their attorney they will report daily for duty as usual. —_———— Sues United Railroads. Suit was filed in the Justice’s Court yesterday afternoon by Alexander Paton against the United Rallroads for $299. Paton was ifijured on Novem- ber 14, 1903, when his wagon and a car met at the corner of Third and Verona streets. He claims the acci- dent was due to the negligence of the employes of the defendant corporation and seeks a recuniary reward. | Among the changes that will be made | said D'An- | it civil ! e Many Places Under| Works Board in Jeopardy. Retrenchment Is Policy of the Members. The Board of Public Works is mak- ing preparations to carry out a plan of reorganization similar to that put into effect last Saturday by the Board | of Health, which will result in nearly 100 subordinates losing their positions. | These will include a large number who are not under civil service and quite a few who are presumed to be protected by the merit system. The sweeping changes contemplated by the Board of Works will be made in all probability at to-morrow’s meeting, of at a special meeting to be held at a later date. Commissioners Schmitz and Woodward have been in consulta- tion with the Mayor and are arranging the details for the proposed wholesale removals. There are 140 positions not under civil service and a large majority of these will be declared vacant and successors appointed thereto who were open in their advocacy of Mayor Schmitz's re- election. Among those of the class men- tioned whose tenure of office is in jeop- ardy are City Engineer Grunsky, City Architect Cuthbertson and s Inspec- tor Tuj_er, wl will be succeeded on January 31 by Thomas Eagan. TO MAKE OTHER CHANGES. Other changes contemplated will be in accorl with the policy of retrench- ment of Mayor Schmitz as expressed in his message to the Board of Supervis- ors, in which he vetoed certain specific appropriations of salaries for positions which he considers unnecessary. The positions that will be directly af- fected, together with the yearly sala- ries attached to them, are as-follows One clerk in the general office, $1500; one messenger, $900; one stenographer and clerk of the bureau of buildings, $1500; one clerk in the bureau of streets, $1200; three clerks, bureau of streets, $4500; one keeper in the corporation yard, $900; two carpenters at the cor- poration yard, $2100; three inspectors, bureau of architecture, $3900; certain | | employes in the bureau of engineering not specified, but considered unneces- sary by the Mayor, $10,000. TO REDUCE SALARIES. Several subordinates whose salaries were increased by Commissioners Casey and Manson without authority | from the Board of Supervisors are like- | ly to suffer a reduction to the original | figures. | will be the deposal of eighteen janitors, who will make way for a similar num- ber made up of one man from each of the various Assembly districts. There are thirty-four janitors in all employed by the board, leaving sixteen more | places to fill ——— O te—— Custom-House Notes. Ramon Arias Feraud Jr. has been ecognized as Consul General for Pan- | ama at this port. He was recognized | as temporary Consul a few weeks ago. The services of William K. Hatch as sampler in the custom-house have been dispensed with and he has been transferred to the Los Angeles cus- tom-house as examiner of merchan- dise at a salary of $1500 per annum. The Secrétary of the Treausry has notified Collector Stratton that the Ven®guelan Government had estab- lished custom-houses at Tucasas and | Cristobal Colon and had reopened | the custom-house at Ciudad Bolivar. Frederick A. Whitney has been ap- pointed an unclassified laborer at| $540 per annum —_— Ordered Back for Duty. The Police Commissioners met as a Pension Board yesterday afternoon and out of the eight men on the re- tired list who were examined as to their fitness for active duty only one was ordered to report to Chief Witt- man. He is Raymond M. Silvey, who, while doing detective duty, was retired on April 16, 1900. He jofned the force |on February 27, 1874, and was 55 years of age when retired. The cases of some others have not been finally disposed of. —_— e Golden Holds the Fort. | views or policies, | throughout their term zealously and earnestly ) ma mgs. Mayor'sappointce. [ * OR SCHMITZ STRONGLY URGES ECONOMY IN HIS ANNUAL MESSAGE,A SUBMITTED TO THE SUPERVISORS YESTERDAY EVERAL happenings at the City Hall yesterday served to add interest to the affairs of the nicipality. The first was the annual message sent to the Board of Supervisors by Mayor Schmitz. In his message the Mayor recommends that the business of the city be con- ducted on lines of rational economy, antl exprésses himself in favor of reducing the number of city employes without impairing the efficiency of a department. He submits to the Judiciary Com- mittee the consideration of proper legislation to bring all the departments of the city under mu- nicipal control. He says it is shameful that the abuses that have cxisted in the County Clerk's office should be allowved to continue without the right of interference by the municipal authori- ties while the city pays the cost of the administration of such offices. He recommends the creation of a bureau of supplies to enable the city to purchase goods of home manufacture and the prod- wuct of white labor for the various institutions of the city. He calls attention to the looseness and i carelessness in the cash transactions of the various city\departments, and makes other recommen- dations,.wwhich will be taken up by the Board of Supervisors at the proper time. ~ The Board of Supervisors decided to begin an investigation into the alleged violation by the Board of Health of the civil service laws in abolishing certain positions under its control, de- claring others vacant and appointing thereto men who are not on the eligible lists. cratic members of the board were outspoken in what they term a crime against the merit sys- tem. The joint coimittec on Finance, Civil Service and Health was dirccted to summon wit- | nesses and probe the matter to the bottom. The fact that the Board of Public Works is pre- paring to put into cffect a retrenchment policy on lines similar to | Health Board renders the situation acute, as the merit system is dircctly involred in the proceed- The potwer of the appointment of the poundmaster was taken az passage of an ordinance over his veto, and will result in the remowal of Poundmaster Irwin, the | The Demo- that inaugurated by the ay from the Mayor by the | City’s Chief Executive Makes Numerous Recommendations for Improvement of Municipality. . Mayor Schmitz yesterday transmit- ted his annual message ‘to the Board of Supervisors. It was read by the Mayor himself. It was received in si- lence by the Supervisors during its reading, and no comment was made by any of them afterward. The message follows: Gentlemen of the Board of Supervisors—Pur- suant to a very agreeable and useful custom 1 am pleased now to present to you my second inaugural address and bespeak for its sugges- tiaps and recommendations your indulgent co sideration. 1 shall depart from the usual pra tice of presenting a historical retrospect of the events of the past term, and shall take the liberty of laying before you a few impressions and ideas which may be found of public in- terest and benefit and of future advantage to our city. THANKS THE PEOPLE. At the outset, however, I wish publicly and formaily 1o express to my fellow-citizens my deep sense of appreciation and obligation for their continued confidence in me, as evidenced by the flattering and increased majority by which they have returned me to the chiel magistracy of the city for a second term. shall endeavor to justify their trust by u swerving and unending devotion to their inter- ests and to a just, impartial, efficlent and business-like administration of the city's af- fairs eo far as the power s0 to do in me lie: keeping ever before me the principle of equ rights to all without distinction of class, or station, or industrial, religious, politi or financial stations. To the retiring members of the Board of Supervisors 1 wish to say that while they have not at all times been in accord with my 1 recognize that they have acted for what they believed to be the com- mon good, and that they deserve the bese wishes and the utmost consideration of their fellow-citizens. To you, the newly elected oard of Supervisors, 1 would say that you will have my earnest and hearty co-operation in all matters looking to the public weal, and 1 trust that I shall recelve from you the same friendly co-operation in_ similar matters. The powers which are vested in you are vast and important. You are to make the law for th great city, and it s for you to provide ite finances and to apportion and indeed, in ef- fect, 1o expend its funds in every department of its government. The proper exercise of these important powers will require judgment, zealous attention and energetic action on your part, and at no point will you find me lacking in most cordial support and assistance. MAYOR AND SUPERVISORS. Between the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor there is such intimacy, both of official and of personal relationship, that the recip- rocal attitude of the one to the other should and 1 hope ever will be of the most pleasant and friendly nature—in the interest of har- monious and successful administration. Petty personal animosities or political dif- s shouid not affect us on either side Gealings with publi¢ affairs, and our should in no case be determined by personal feeling or prospective political ad- vantage. In the last two years, 1 took occasion twice to veto what, upon careful examination, ap- peared to me to be appropriations for extrava- gant ments. T and unnecessary municipal disburse- vetoes were overruled by vour pre- . and the moneys which might have ved for street improvements or other sipal bettermerts were expended as originally appropriated. My attention has been called to some 1l feeling expressed by some af the members of the preceding board, who also members of your board, because of I wish to assure . that on ¢ part there was naught of personal con- ation or of personal feeling: it is my - that a similar condition shall prevail them, and that they shall harbor no ntment for any offical action taken in the public interest. Antagonism based on such official action is always injurious to the peo- ple’s interests,” of which we are but the tem- trustees. he work which is before vou and for vourselves, 1 invoke the utmost success and tisfaction, and for your term of office the credit and appreciation which goes with honest effort and successful realization. POINTS OUT DANGER. The past two years have been years of pros- perity and of good fortune for San Francisco. Isador Golden, the appointee of Governor Pardee, held court yes- terday in the room vacated by Percy V. Long. For the first time since assuming the office | of Justice of the Peace he per- formed a marriage ceremony. Had it not been for the decision of Judge Murasky declaring him de facto Jus- tice, Judge Golden says he would have refused to do this, as the validity of the marriage might afterward be questioned. —_———— Sweeney Gets Office. William Sweeney is rightfully en- titled to the office of Sheriff of Tuol- umne County, according to a decision handed down by the Supreme Court yesterday. George Adams was declar- ed elected Sheriff, but an appeal to the Superior Court resulted in a de- cision in favor of Sweeney. Adams argued that the case should be dis- missed because he had not qualified for office. The court says that this technical point is of no importance, —_—— Court Removes Shea. The letters of administration upon the estate of Ellen Pascoe, granted to James Shea nearly twenty years ago, were revoked yesterday by Judge | Troutt. It was shown by Attorney Neal Power, as representative of Mrs. Pascoe’s heirs, that for the last seven- teen years he had not done anything toward settling the estate. Only Two Days Left To buy ng;u'h:‘li 50|lho¢lhfor men and women at at the cl Sile Ot shoes. 915 Market, opp. Masen S i— Newchurch School Board, Isle of ‘Wight, with an attendance equal to %0 per cent of its scholars, holds the recs ord for last year in all England. They have been also essentially years of peace, and of freedom from violent strife. It is, of course, not possible In so short a time to adjust to an absolute nicety relations between eléments of the community which have for Years been brought to look upon one another as adverse, but marked progress has been strial_peace, a better understanding has been brought about between the two great divisions of our in- dusteial activities, labor and capital, employer and employe. The differences which have isted between them have been due somewh: to misunderstanding, somewhat to misrepre- sentation. and largely to bad and probably not disinterested advice, on the one side or The other. It has been my endeavor, on every possible occasion, to create a betfer under- standing and a better condition between thes: great elements of our commerclal and indus- trial prosperity, and 1 am pleased to say that in almost every instance 1 bave succeeded in accomplishing that purpose, to the satisfaction ana advantage of both sides. Of course, there have at times been unavoided petty squabbles, which, for various reasons, have resisted ad- Justment; but. on the whole, there has been a most satistactory solution of every labor problem which hag confronted us during ocur preceding administratiom, “Fhe hopes of the people have become strong, indesd, that during the next two years all if. Heulties and dlfferences, if any should arise. can be progressively and more readily adjusted along the lines of pleasant and inteiligent un- derstanding and co-operation between these two important elements of our people, that the lines of distinction between them would be dimmed, if mot obliterated, and that in one homogeneous Lody they would go forward together to pro- mote the eventual and unquestionable destiny of fan Francisco as a leader of the world of commerce and of industry, of enterprise and of achievement. But just as this picture of ad- vancement and of pride appears upon the hori- zon of ouy hopes comes the de an- nouncement that a number of misguided men are initiating a_movement for the establis ment «of an organization which shall disrupt the peaceful condition which we have striven for %o long and so earnestly, which will put an end to the co-operation and mutual good will which we have sought to create and which will set up in their stead distrust, dissatisfaction, discord, class hatred and strife. How men of intelligence and of clvic patriotism, men inter- ested in San Francisco's welfare, in the of their own business enterprise, and in the advancement of their fellow citizens' ity can be so biinded to the results which will fol. Jow the establishment of such an organization is.almest beyond comprehension, CLASS AGAINST CLASS. Wi % ploy talistic or'a Community band themecives secret alliance for the express purpose of posine and subjugatine the employed or v: ‘various city ne | earfing factors of the same community and pledge themselves to contribute large sums of money to a common fund for these purposes, hoping by the liberal use of such moneys to force a capitulation of the laboring classes to their prospective demands or present desires, | they are buflding up ldeas which will eventual- {1y not only react upon themselves, bringing sor- row and perbaps ruin to many and danger to the city’s best iuterests, but will also bring about discontent and industrial strife among our people, arraying class against class and | roducing conditions the end of which no one | foresee. 1 have repeatedly said, and I have always consistently endeavored to five up 1o the declaration, that capital and labor, em- ployer and employe, should have equal consideration, equal protection, that cap- ital must have safe and steady in- vestment in order that labor may have constant and_ remunerative employment; | that the interests of both are for a conserva- tive and friendly recognition by each of the rights of the other, and under all circum- stances and conditions 1 propose to abide by and to effectuate these ideas, and I will asi Your support in these views for the safety and Secuyity of vested rights, for the progress and prosperity of our city, and for the well being | of the individual citizenship of San Franct: Any secret alllance of citizens of San Fra cisco having such purposes and objects will un- doubtedly become a menace to the advance- ment of our city's material and soctal Interests and an cbstacle to her industrial progress. 1| concelve it to be cur clear duty. as the govern- | Ing officlais of San Francisco, to deprecate and | to condemn the results which must necessarily and naturaliy flow from such organizations and ‘which would affect most injuriously if it would not postpone indefinitely the public works of | tuch advantage to San Frarcisco which have been projected upon the issuance of the bonds recently voted for by the people of this city, The municipal ‘improyements and public utilities for which these bonds are o be ls- sued are of vital importance and of pressing necessity. The bonds should be issued at the earliest possible moment consistent with the practical and economical utilization of their proceeds, Arrangements should be effected by your honorable board to submit them at once | or_public sale in accordance with the charter provisions. New sewers and improved streets are imperatively needed. A new City and is urgently requi X new _schoolhouses should b secuted i oner: there should be also the public parks and play- grounds and the library buflding. quire of us, action. RECOMMENDS ECONOMY. The business of the city shou on lines of Tational ecoromy withou unicipal govern tally a business. the business of ey o While ever more expensive tha conduct of a private enterprise, there reason why extravagant and unnecessary sal- arles ehould be saddled on our taxpayers. to the exclusion of much needed public better- | ments. We have. | am certain, been paying out too largé a proportion of the city's reve. | nue for salarles of employes, 1 am in favor of reducing” the number of city employes wher- ever it can be done without impairing the 1-!"(’Iem‘) of a department. 1 believe in fair Wwages and good salaries. in the employment of | the best and most efficient men, but I am opposed to the crowding of public offides with employes whose sole duty it is to make lighter the wark of other employes who are paid to | cover the same ground, and who would be able by strict attention to their dutles casily to accomplish it without detriment o them. selves. If all the employes of the city weuld devote themselves to the performance of their duties with the same force, energy and atte tion as would be given' by them in a prva [ employment. a large proportion of the working force of the City Hall could, in my opinion easily be done away with, In every depart: ment in which appointees are in controt of affairs I shall request of them to follow out this policy. I call your attention now to the first Instance of what can be done In this direction, In accordance with my pledge to the people Who voted me Into my high office 1 expressed Jast Friday to the newly appointed Board of Health. which took office on - that day. my desire that they should reorganize their department on this basis. The Hoard | of Health has found it possible by a plan of | organization adopted on the above day In the central office of that department alone to save $9900 per annum in salaries and at the same time materially fncrease the potential effi- clency of the office. This is hut one exampl of what may be done. Whenever it may. found possible to economize without crippling or injuring the working power of a department it is’ my present intention to carry out the same policy. In this connection I submit to your Judiel Committee the consideration of proper leglslation to bring all the departments of the city under municipal control. It is shameful that such abuses as have prevafled in the County Cierk’s office during ‘the lact two years should be lowed to continue with- out the right of Interference by the municipal authorities, where the city pays every dofiar of the cost of administration of such offices. Barly in my term I commenced an investiga- tion Into some of the matters which developed flagrantly later in the County Clerk’s office. but was prohibited by the courts from. con. tinuing my investigation on the ground inat the o ‘a8 a4 county office and that the charter provision giving the Mayor the right to interfere with such offices was invaild — 1f such be the proper construction of the law, then any of the varlous so-called county of. fices may at will'and with impunity dissipate the funds of the city by the employment of useless and incompetent clerks and in many other ways which it s not necessary to re. view here. ething should certainiy done to abrogate the distinction now made be. tween county and municipal offices fn this city where all elected officers derive their offio and their pay from the same source, BUREAU OF SUPPLIES. In the same line of economical - tion It seems to Mo that & laree and e gently governcd city like ours should be able to put into effect a_reform in the matter of the purchese and ribution of supplies for as vants, immediate | dozen or more storekeepers, commissaries i agents in a# many different departments, act- ing independently of one another in the same general direction. A concentration of this ele- ment_of our municival business in a centpal | not_only of th. high price, This slackness and lach of sysiem have cost the city many thousands of dollars in asce tained de‘alcations, many more thousands, un- doubtecly, which have never been discovered, and additional thousands for expert services for discovery what in all probability can never Dbe recovered. Last year the bills for expert accountants alope of official books amounted to over $7000. In addition to these losses and expenses, the present system of disorganized accountancy involves. the employment in the various of- fices of cashiers at good salaries, multiplies the possibility of losses by error as well as by intention, and is wasteful and pernicious in the extreme. Under present conditions there is check on any' official who receive: he makes no entry of it in his books. ardly any money if In sev- ! eral of the offices several deputies may receive moneys, and, il not entered, it can scarcely be traced. There is protection neither for the city mor for the citizen who pays. I suggest that a system be devised of numbered receipts (sumething in the nature of .a Wells-Fargo money order), which shail be deliversd to the city officials and charged against and each I'ecelprl of- respective them for their face value, shall thercafter be accounted for by the ficial receiving the same. Notices should be posted conspicuously i every office that no receipt cept the officis receipt should be accepted by any person pay- ing in any money. This would safeguard the city's Interests and would effect a great sav- ing of expense. One clerk in the Treasurer's or Auditor's office could, in my opinion, do all the ‘necessary cash accountancy of every mu- nicl department, except as to the collection of taxes. 1 respectfully recommend that an srdinance be framed on the line of these sug- Lestions. I_strongly reiterate the recommendation made in my first inaugural message, and which i Merchants® city te its own street-sweeping acquire and ope: plant, and 1 see no reason why the city should not also own and operate a municipal paving plant. Private corporations find no difficuity in operating economically and efficiently such plants. and I see no good reason why the city should not be able to do likewise. STREET IMPROVEMENTS. 1 shall favor strongly, and I recommend earnestly, that at least (until the money from the proposed bonds shall be available for the purpose and indeed thereafter) a liberal appro- priation be made for the proper repair and improvement of accepted streets. Many of them are certainly in bad condition now, and 3 the most liberal appropriation possible under our charter restrictions will be none too large for these purposes. It may be possible that upon proper investi- gation and regulations enough money could be realized from the rentals of the spaces under ddewalks in the business districts now used and rented for business purposes to aid mate- rially in the work of repaving and improving such streets. A cursory examination into this matter discloses t many thousands of dollars are annually collected as rents for sub-sidewalk spaces by cwners of abutting Jands who have no more legal right to col- Ject rent for the space under ihe sidewalk than they would have to collect rent for simi- lar space in the middie of the street: for the legal street belonging to the city extends from building line to building line and includes the sidewalk as well as the roadway. Justice, 1t seems to me, would require that the city should | recelve the ‘rent of it own property rather than that the same should be coflected by persons who have neither legal nor moral right to receive such rents. 1 lay this matter be- fore you for vour early consideration. The city could certainly utilize the sub-sidewalk space for its own conduit system if the own- ers of the adjucent properties should decline to pay a satisfactory rental therefor. DISCUSSES GAS RATES. The consolidation of the various companies which have supplying the city with gas and electric t has led to an increase in the price of gas in San Francisco, not at all Justified by the cost of its manuiacture and Qdistribution. The consolidation itself and the improved and cheaper mcthods of manufacture, it seems to me, should have imoelled a re: duction, rather than a raise in price; and 1 have recently been informed by gentlemen who contemplate the establishing of a competing plant thas a large profit could be r-alized by the consolideted companies from the sale of gas at the prices prevailing before their con- solidation. Many complaints have come to me lately, but also of the ity of the gas furnished. As it will Your duty during the mext month to fix the ‘minimum rates for gas and electric light in this city, I deem it my duty to call these facts to your attention and recommend that you teke action therecn, of the many recent fatalities due to gas sphyxjation, most of which are said to be due to the presence of an undue propor- tion of deadly carbon monoxide 1 su Zist_also for vour consideration advi bility of considering the question of restrict- ing, by proper legislation, the percentage of such monoxide gas which may be permitted in any gas furnished for illuminating or fuel purposes. The faliure of the Secretary of the Interior to allow the city the Hatch-Hetchy reser- voir sites in connection with a propcs=d municipal water supply has been extremely disappointing, Dbut this action will merely postpone, for @ short tims, the problem of securing for €an Francisco an adequate municipal supply of pure water for its in- habitante. There can bs no = question that such a_supply will sion be an absolute necessity. The company now sucplying the city Is taxed to the utmost to keep pace with our advancing needs. and may not be able, with its present facilities, to equal the de- mands of the immediate future. Every ef- fort should b: made to secure, without any unnecessary delay, o better and more abund- ant sunply. The le of this city are en- titled to pure fresh water, to as much of it as they may ne:d. and at a lower rate than that which they have- been obliged to pay and are now paying. 1 recommend that your honor- able board take un the question of acquiring a lTlmlclnll water sunply as one of the mos( serlous and important propositions which can come before you. 1 ple '0u ,my support and assistance toward the achievement of this result at the earliest possible time and with the l:ast possible delzy. THEATERS TO BE SAFE. The appalling disaster which has recently overwhelmed Chicago . has called our atten- tion to the vossibility of similar danger hire. While the vrecautions which have in recent years been taken here have minimized the risas, it 18 our bounden duty to make con- theaters and in all our places 1 a year In salaries and in the purchase, | Gitions in our n and distribution of municipal suppiles, | Of @MUSEmeNt as secure and safe as human 30 Tox: DR power and human can make them. the earnest consideration of this su &1 lnl"lfl to see u:"d pmnmm have S paetdiaion. 458 oSl b iy ® careful 3 ‘enable o R e B By B S R S B A ture "21 ma: .‘ult of free 'ernhh ‘were &m._g %um rtmental ofllfl’: called for. . E I trust that you will take such legisla- CASH ACCOUNTANCY. e BOlSMlinge 5. Wi eshass ey hie My experience and Investigation during the "?"#m'“ our sister eity. last two years has convinced me, as it must wish also to repeat a recommendation convince every one who has the mat. w-flem,uto' e e e s s SR Pl e offices and departments. o The"chty. “Dringing closer (o he peole of jand over what streets or parts R N e T More Measures for Safety of the Theaters. Plans for Improve- ment of Islais Creek. . The Board of Supervisors yesterday adopted a number of resolutions de- signed to improve the safety of thea- ters and other buildings. The first or- dinance aims to regulate the use of aisles, passageways and stairways in theaters and public halls, and wa Pdssed to print., It forbids any person during a performance tc sit or stand in any aisle, passageway or stairway. A resolution requests the Board of Fire Commissioners to idvise whether the fire limits should not be extended of streets such extension should be made. The Board of Public Works and the Fire Warden were requested by resc- lution to make a written report on the condition of all hotels, hospitals and lodging-houses with respect to their safety against danger from fire. The first named board was requested to make a report of the number of such buildings, their locaticns and the dates of their erection. The chief of the Department of Elec- tricity was directed to report on the condition of the electric wiring'of thea- ters and public halls and other public places of amusement. ISLAIS CREEK PLAD The Board of Works was requested to give informaticn as to what steps have been taken by it and the Har- bor Commissioners in compliance with a resolution recently passed to have their engineers prepare a plan for the improvement of Islais Creek and Swamp District in order that the same may be used as a bacin and harbor to accommodate the grewing commerce of the city. The ordinance declaring the length of the main track and the assessed value of the United Railroads as fixed by the State Board of EqualizAtion was indefinitely postponed in view of the City Attorney’s opinion that the city would surrender its right to assess the corporaticn within the limits of San Francisco if the ordinance is passed. The Union Oil Company was granted permission for a period of sixty days to maintain a spur track already con- structed on Illinois street. The Board of Works is to prepare a map to deter- mine the lines of the property of the company located on Illinois street. D AVENUE. s finally passed ac- cepting a deed from M. A. Fritz to land for the extension of Tremont ave- nue. The roadway of Bartlett street be- tween Army and Twenty-sixth w. fully accepted. The recommendation of the Board of Works that prevision be made in the next budget for the widening by cight feet of the roadway of Mission street from East to Ninth and for its re- paving with basalt blocks on a con- crete foundation and a binder course was adonted. The property owners on Dorland street between Church and Sanchez petitioned the board co place an ade- quate main ‘in the block named and to erect another lamp at the corner. The petition of citizens that the Health Department be authorized to issue permits to bury the ashes of cre- maticn in the various cemeteries was referred to the Health Cummittee. ———e—————— Anthony to Walk the Carpet. Corporal Abraham Anthony has been cited to appear before the Police Commissioners on a charge of derelic- tion of duty. Anthony was detailed to find out whether Mrs. Lydia Hume of Toledo, Ohio, had died in this city, and where, but he failed to do so and through his negligence her body was cremated here instead of being sent to her home in Toledo for interment. — — the city the delights and charms of music which for many reasons they are unable to enjoy at Colden Gate Park. I know of no better way In which the exoenditure ol @ comparatively smelf sum of money can bring more pleasure and advantaze to so many people I favor strongly the enlargement of ihe Park Museum buflding and recommend that some provision be made for that purpose in the mext tax levy. 1 make this early suggestion so that you may have it befors you when other and that a sufficleut approprigtion be provided to meet this requirement. 1 am firmly of the opinfon that both lepartments would be benefited thereby, both In efficiency and in accomplish- ment. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. No treatment of our public school within the limits of an intelligent can b= too Iiberal. The present Board of Ecucation has raised the character of our schools to a very high standard. 1 am con- fident that the School Department will re- ceive at your “ands just and falr considera- tioi. The Board of IHealth intends, during the coming vear, without extra cost to the city, to provide for the regular sanitary and med- cal pection during schcol hours of all sch and_school children in the city, and I Rave no doubt that throughout the city. It will 2lso institute a similar inspection of the factories and workshons of the eity for the protection and benefit of the children, il as of the adults who toll therein. These conditions will conduce to create much 'm of milk and food inspection and _analysis also about to be established by the Board of Health will do much to prevent infdnt mor- :;Iny l;bd will also orovide better security for 3 ‘The harbor front of San Francisco should be under the control of the municipal authori- ties. Your honorable board should take 1o achleve this result. No better benefit he business system economy in which they shall be ests of the city and in fulfillment constituency. ——— IPass Ordinance De spite Mayor’s Veto. ‘Supervisors Order Poundmaster’s Removal. — s The Board of Supervisors, by a vote of 14 to 3, yesterday overruled Mayor Schmitz's veto of the ordinance tak- ing from him the power of appointing a poundmaster and placing it in the hands of the board. The vote on the propesition whether the ordinance should be finally passed notwithstand- ing the Mayor’s veto was: Ayes—Alpers, Booth, Boxton, Bran- denstein, Braunhart, Comte, Connor, d’Ancona, Eggers, Hocks, Lunstedt, McClellan, Payot, Rock. Noes—Bent, Finn, Rea (3). The passage of the ordinance, in effect, removes Quinn from his posi- tion, but the Mayor intimated that the matter would be contested in court. The Finance Committee has recoms- mended that the pound be placed un- der the _management of the Society for the evention of Crueity to Ani- mals. The joint Committee on Finance, Police and License filed a lengthy re- port signed by Brandenstein, Payot, Boxton, Eggers and McClellan recom- mending that the ordinance pass for reasons both of policy and of law, notwithstanding the veto of the May- or. The report resents the assertion of the Mayor in his veto message that | the ground of objection to Trwin's ad- ministration “is claimed to be us- ing on occasion when on the road un- official receints.” The report says: | “That is a complete misstatement that was doubtless inveoluntary. The Mayor’'s statement that he Dbelieves that the public pound has never been better or more fairly administered than by the incumbent is astounding in view of the testimony of Sam Pearce, one of Irwin's deputies, whe testified that he had pocketed money to allow animals to roam at large.” The report repeats the testimony of John Partridge, who said the Mayor had informed him that the pound was being admirably conducted by the So- ciety for Prevention of Cruelty to An- imals. The Mayor agreed to appoint a man delected by the society, but when the man went to the Mayor he was informed that another would be appointed. AYOR PASSES THE LIE. ‘The statement attributed to Mr. Partridge I now denounce as a mali- cious lie,” said the Mayor. “It seems to me that if any evidence was intro- duced at the committee’s investigation personally reflecting upon me I should have been notified to attend the meet- ing. I never had any conversation with Mr. Partridge on the subject. The only one whom I spoke to was Mr. Holland, who agreed to accept Irwin as poundmaster if he would work for $75 per month, but afterward refused to do so.” “You may denounce Mr. Partridge a perjurer,” said Brandenstein, but it is a fact that he testified under oath and bears an excellent reputation in this community, but the point here involved is that Irwin has proven to be incompetent and his administration is inadequate and the pound is loosely run.” MUST SUBMIT PLANS. The State Board of Charities and Correction sent a communication in- closing a copy of the law creating the board, which requires that plans for the building of or alterations to the County Jail, County Hospital or Alms- house must be submitted to it before adoption. E. C. Moore is presfdent and W. A. Gates secretary of the board. The following bills were finally passed: Granting permission to the Asso- cidted Oil Company to lay an oil pipe line along Berry, Sixth and Townsend streets. Changing grades on Waller street, Godeus street and Central avenue. Requiring the Board of Works and Fire Wardens to make semi-annual reports to the Supervisors on theaters with respect to their safety against fire and panic. Authorizing an expenditure of 37250 to be. made in payment to Annie E. Chapman for a judgment in condem- nation of lands for St. Mary's square. The Geary-street Railway Cqmpany deposited $742 in the City Treasury, being 5 per cent on its gross receipts for the month of December, 1903, as follows: From vs, $14,644 205 school tickets, $46; advertising im cars, $150; total gross receipts, $14.» 840 20. : —_—— Emergency Hospital Assignments. The newly appointed Emergency Hospital surgeons reported for duty yesterday morning at the,Central Hos« pital, where Dr. J. L. Stephen, assist- ant emergency officer, made the fol- lowing assignments, in the absence of Chief Surgeon Brackett, who is now in tne East on leave of absence: Central Emergency Hospital—Dr. J. 1. Stephen, Dr. W. E. Stevens, Dr. C. P. Pinkham, Dr. R. E. Hill Harbor Hospital—Dr. G. W. Boske- witz, Dr. C. F. Millar, Dr. C. G. Wil- son. Park Hospital—Dr. G. K. Herzog, Dr. J. W. von Werthem. Potrero Hospital—Dr. Painter. Chief Steward Charles C. Bucher, whose ability has been recognized by Mayor Schmitz and the new Board of Health, had a busy day of instructing the new hands. To Steward Bucher has been delegated the full control of all the nurses, assistant stewards and ~ arivers of the emergency ambulances. He has made no assignments as yet, but will do so to-day. a