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Las diagra.nmas suivants iilustrent le mathoda. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 MKXOCOrV RtSOUITION TBT CHART (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART ^4o. 2) '125 i 1.4 L'i I .6 ^ APPLIED IIVHGE In ^^m 1653 east Main Street S-jS ???!'?"?'■ '*•* '""'^ 1*609 USA '■SB CIS) +82 -0300 -Phone ^S: (^'6) 288 - S989 - Fax .THE fflflf^ Municipal Vffa* OF MONTREAL. 1900=1901 Two Vears of Sound Administration 2 - Tbi8 Pamptalet is Presented to \ Ratepayers by 1 Alderman H. I.APOKTE. % Rea4l His I^etter Page Ml gC€€€€€«€€^ $ , Translated from tlie French J^anguage . -i J "Tplfp The Purpose of this Pamphlet .»1 i4 t*/i ■• i : 1: I f: We owe the following explanation to those of our readen who may ask why this pamphlet has been published. The electoral campaign tor a complete renewal of the Mont- icil City Council is about to commence in a vigorous manner. Numerous meetings will be held to which taxpayers will be in- vited to hear the civic administraticm either praised or adversely criticised, to become acquainted with the programmes of new can- didates, or finally to hear the conduct of the present representa- tives in the City Council explained. It has been thought that it would be useful and in the inter- ests of the community to publish a few notes to enlighten the elec- tois and to let them see exactly in what manner the City has been governed for the past two years. By a careful perusal of these pages the taxpayers will see for themselves the work accom- plfshed by their representatives elected in February, 1900. They will be in a position to unerringly distinguish those who have done their duty as worthy representatives from those who have been neglectful of their duties, or who have not perseveringly safeguarded the interests of the City. Partiality and animosity finU no place in this little publir-- tion, and weakness keeps them company.. As some months shau elapse licfore the annual reports of the different departments will "'.dy for distribution, we deem the present an auspicious ,nt for the publication of a brief history of the administra- T^f the present Council and its Committees. A recapitulation .lie votes upon important matters discussed in Council, after careful study in Committee, is appended. Everjone may judge for himself if the Alderman he has been instrumental in electing has done his duty, as promised two years ago. With this pamphlet before them electors should re- flect and ask themselves if they want an honest and upright ad- ministration of the City's aflPairs, or if they prefer to send to the City Hall men who will attend to their private interests regardless of the general welfare of our great City. We have no desire to facilitate the election, as Alderman, of any particular person next February. We merely request tl'at our fellow cit«en» »enrtunity to .liscover the causes of the bad administra- tion in the government of a large Citv like Montreal. If their suggestions were not carried out in previous vears it is because they were in the minority. Hut the electors realized that it was necessary to send such men to Council, and thev elected a major- ity of men of that calibre. These Aldermen we're then enabled to work m the public interest, and it is with much pleasure we ob- serve that, notwithstanding the efforts of an ill-disposed minoritv they have succeeded in making giant strides towards the uplifting ot the civic government. Nothing durable can be accomplished in a short space of time. Much still remains to be done to bring to a successful completion the reforms already instituted. It now remains with the elec- tors to give those same men and their friends the opportunity of terminating the work so well begun. Everyone is responsible for his acts In a large city, such as Muntreat, as well as in a smalt ntuni- cipality, tuo electors have but themselves tu blame if affairs ure badly !r'okctl after. They themselves send to Council the repre- sentation of the CoriHjration. and they themselves arc directly re- sponsible lor the choice they make. It. on election da.\. t.'>\- payers forget their di. ,nit.. anus effect of compromising the administration of the City, and affecting the whole Corpor- aiisitiitg their ballots in the ballot-lM>x. They alone are to blame if afterwards the administration is not what it sliouhl lie, if the finances are in a deplorable condition, if the streets are dilapidated, if the fire department is badly organ- ized, if the hygiene department is indifferent, if the police force is unsatisfactorv , etc. Whoever is free is resjHmsible for his acts, llefore voting, taxpayers are jK-rfectly free to ch(K)se whom they plea.se. Neither the speeches heard at eiectiun meetings nor the solicitation of neighbours or agents constitute an excuse f(»r prostituting their liberty. The vote should Ik- cast with a n,mi.tr.tion in the Muni- wrreant to thia duty then, without he.itation or wcaknew. the ho^ beo«nI^«-»K • conceniing ...dr honeMy ami capacity before placmg the . 'terenti of the City in their hand.. ^ No Weakness •tre^t^S, '''^^'-•^."Pon the dilapidated condition of our nr,!2; T • ** '°"*'^" '^"^ P'"'^^'""'* Councils negiected Zl proper administration of the finances and increased the dS wiS! out givmg us an equivalent i„ i>ermanent work, we Lueve that «^.s^necessary to appeal to the electors to adopt stringent mS^ Let there be no weakness on election day. Lav aside all vrvot^'T f 'r"^«','--»«hip. allow no o^^'to ontrd jour vo e. Judge the candidate conscientiously, consult not your persona mterest. think but of the City's welfai G ve to Mom- « Ik"?^ representation in order that our fair atv nwy t worthy to bear the title of Metropolis of Canada ^ How should our choice be guided 9 By opening this pamphlet electors will be correctly informed We have greatly diminished the work of electors by introdS L the' t r'"^ '" ^he statement of the work accompH hedTr! a the Ch Sr'", ^"u'T '^"'•^' ^^^^ °^ '^' departments at the Cit> Hall, and we shal state wherein progress has been olfshed h"^:."'" "'"' "?'"" " ^'^^'^°" ^'^^ work.^;,L'"cc^^" phshed by the present claets ... tlu- Council and in each Commk- tee where the Reform Party has been in the majority And when these statements shall have been drawn up we shall indicate the important projects which have come before M Council, the contracti, which have been awarded, the administra- tive measures which were brought forward, and we shall show bow your representativcit voted. Finally, in the latter part we lall point out the impn .c- ments unanimously demanded by our fellow citizens, the means to be adopted to obtain the same, and the manner of choosing worthy men to send to Council to provide a businesslike, ptogres- •ive and economical administration of the Citv's affairs. We sincerely hope that, after all this frank and sincere ad- vice, the choice of the citiiens will be a hap' y one. In anv case, we shall have done our duty in cautioning ic public against evil •uggestions wHich may be met with. The truth is to be found in these page.,, and no contradiction IS feared either as to the facts or figures. Our Municipal Finances At the initial meeting of the present Finance Committee the Chairman. Alderman Laportc, delivered a speech defining his platform, which contained a financial reorganization scheme. Wo cite the principal excerpts in order to demonstrate that the Aldermen elected in lyoo were firmly resolved to break with the financial heresies of the past. Said Alderman Laporte : "I shall do nothing without your ad- vice, gentlemen, and you will be consulted on all questions we may have to study during the course of our work. ■■ We should strive to give satisfaction to the other Commit- tees, which compose the municipal administration, by an atten- tive examination, free from sectionalism, of all requests that we nia.\ receive. W'e ought to endeavour, when questions affecting the welfare of the City at large arise, to reach as favourable a solution as the means at our disposal will permit." After looking into all the modifications which appeared ur gent to him. Mr. Laporte. continuing his speech, said: — ■■ Not a penny of the City's revenue must be lost. For this reason 1 ask that i)articular attention be given to the collection of taxes. i)roperty taxes, water rates, the various licenses, every- thing, in fact, that is a source of revenue to the City. ■ We will have to examine the citizens' claims against the City, and take measures to ]>rc'vent a recurrence of past mistakes, so that no money may be lost through fissures that can be closed up." This program was followed to the letter, regularly, methodi- cally, during the numerous meetings held by the Finance Com- mittee, not only every Fridax . Init every time it was found neces- sary to meet to continue work that had l)een commenced to give satisfaction to taxjjayers. or to discuss or grant appropriations for the various committees. i_'5 meetings wore held up to date, which represents a considerable amount of work, especially if we take into consideration the fact that the members of this Commit- tee are all business men at the head of important commercial en- terprises. General Improvement in the Department Before inaugurating the proposed reforms the Finance Com- mittee decided, in the first place, to surround itself with capable, industrious and honest employees. Success in this connection was achieved without dismissing, en bloc, the civic servants with bid records on account of intemperance or irregularity in the dis- ci 'arge of their us sum of $117,928.23 was paid out in indemnities to the citizens of Montreal. These indemnities consisted of damages of different kinds claimed from the City previous to January i, 1900, and even before 1889. Certain claims were in abe\ance when the new aldermen came into power. 8 iii>^ Large amounts have been paid from the revenues of 1900 and 1901 for indemnities dating as far back as 1894, 1895 and 1896. No effort had been made by previous committees to settle these claims and give satisfaction to the citizens who were im- patiently waiting for their money. Legal costs and interest were accumulating to the detriment of the civic treasury. The Finance Committee succeeded in finding funds to pay these claims of previous years. The sum of $117,928.23 deduc- ted from resources of the two years comprising the present term, materially diminished the amount at the disposal of the Commit- tee for administration, but the Council deemed it the wisest course to make an end of the back accounts, and settle with those whose claims for damages had been sustained by the Courts. As far as indemnities for the last two years are concerned, fhe Finance Committee carried out the policy of settling them immediately in the most rapid manner. The City Attorneys were very active in defending the interest of the Corporation whenever a claim for damages was fyled. The City experts were set to work without delay, and by the rapidity of their methods the City saved the law costs which were formerly paid out of the City Treasury. At present all the City's outstanding accounts have been settled, with the exception of those which are now before the Courts, and which will be carefully looked after. Nothing is now pending, and the aldermen who will compose the Finance Committee in Februar>', 1902, will have a clean sheet to com- mence with. This is unprecedented in the history of the Cor- poration, and should be noted by the citizens so that the credit may be given to the reorganizers )f our municipal administration. Public Health The Finance Ccwnmittee neve; failed to find the necessary funds to protect the health of our families from an invasion of the smallpox or an epidemic of fever. We remember how rapid- ly the smallpox developed in 1885, when the City was sadly rav- aged. In 1901 we were visited by the scourge again, but, at the authorities to take the mo7Zro„s a 'h T'''"' ^^^ '^^^'*'' to prevent infection b^ locatinreveTv "^''"^^ Precautions quarantine, and by lookiiga ftfr Z'n'u^' ""^^•"^^'"^ ^t^ct "banner the City escaped ?he dan^e n ' "'"'P''"'' *"^ '" this our representatives in Co«„dI fZ h T'"^.'° '^^ ^"''^-i^ht of the well-bein^ of our fell"" cit ens'' '"'^ '^""^''"^^ '- Regular Collection of Taxes pay ;:: ta!;e:'r^rrd;.?en;:r "^'^^^^^'^ «- ^-^^ ^^ - for the commonweal. He who neH /"°"'"''' """>' ^ "^ilized hi-s neighbour and at len^h hlmself't i "'' '" *^^^^ '"J"^- be executed with the city's avaiS! ""provements can only lection of taxes is care Lh cble I v ''"'• ^^''^^"^^^'- *« coK fativo mach.ne cioes S "n- rk n ' " "'"f '''^''' '^' ^^minis- • Keenly felt for certain P oje f an'dXL'" '"k "' '"^"^>' '^ obtaui the necessary funds. ' '"""* be increased to lea..^s T^: is:: Smmllt ^'T T' ^"^^^^^ ^^ ^is col- ness abihtv at the CWsV" "^^^g -f ;'^"-^"-" ^usi- vised as arc the affair's of a hnnL T • ^^^'^^ '^^■"^ ^uper- ment. where evcrv a s ome? n^st "' ^u^' ^^•"•"ercial establish- Paper. so in „„r nn nicri tv^^^^ '"^ 'T'"^ °'' ^°"°- ^is pa. bis assessments, taxi:';!^ .SllJ^--- J:? ^^Il^^ ^^^ ^^ -^ S^L^-^„Jr^?::;;7-nt in the TreL,^Xar. P'oAces. Afethn,^ '^ °'" •*''" '"^'"'^try displayed by the e.n- for-the collecdo:' f t^L a" r'*^^^ '"'P'''^"^' ^'^^ ^'^^^^ti^e system ours formerly erantld the n "" 'T'"' "^ ''^^ ^''^''tion of fav- creased to the extent if ^ re, Z''^^"'/"^'"""^ ''^'- '" '900. in- fied by referHnrrth^ e'p ;7t^;et Tr '''''' "^J \' "-' Comptroller. This is . [triU ] " Treasurer and the Citv Pb.^bed by a s.nmd alVitraVio^ '^"°' °' ""'"* ^^" ''^ — The amount received for various licenses totalled $101,009.80 10 for the year \'if^). This was increased to $i2i.348.cx> in 1900, and up to October i !yoi. the increase over the previous year is $i2,ooo.cn. On the entire revenue of the City the increase up to October i, iqoi, is $131,000.00 over the first nine months of the previous year with a fair prospect of a further increase from that date to the end of the year No more Exemption from Taxati m Under the piesent administration r.l taxpayers without ex- ception have had to pay their taxes. We might mention that the laundries, and more especially the Chinese laundries, were com- jK'Ued to settle their accounts with the Treasury, and that the Fin- ai.ce Committee succeeded in collecting from this source over $to,ooo.O() which previous Committees had been unable to collect- The Stock Yards Company owed the City an account which remained on the books for over eleven years. The Finance con- veiied the directors of the Company, and in a series of meetings this important matter was definitely and amicably settled. An account for $8,000.00. for water supplied to the Stock Ya'ds Com- pany, was paid into the City Treasury. xnA to-day a regular sys- tem, with water meters, lias been established, ancl is in ojieration to the great advantage of the Cor])oration. This is not the only matter that has been definitely ilisposed of. Everything tha*^^ was pending, old matters of more or less importance, received the careful attention of the Finance C.>ni- mittce. and particularly of its president. As we will see whe- we consider the part played by the City Attorneys, a large ni.rnbc of other accounts were finally adjusted. The constant care of the Finance Committee was to see that all stmis due to the City were collected by the Treasury department, and thev arc entitled to great credit for the arduous labour necessitated bv this undertak- ing- n Iini)ortant Improvements in Book-keepiD g Among the improvements introduced into the Treasury de- SnTo7tHTi;rmSr ^' ''' ''^' ^---"^ - '^ -oi^ T^e pLnt'r ' ''•' ^^^ '"^"^"^ '-'"^ht ^^"^^ dangerous tht fnT. ^TT^^ '■^"'^^'"^ ^'''^ ^t*t« «>* things by ordering ufer theSh' '^?T ?f "^^^ ''" ^'^^^^ officfals/the W surer the Cashier and the ComptroHer. By this chanee we are ompletely safeguarded against the possibilily of anyTreX Tihe ciW^Tbt :r''' '' ^'^ P^""^ ^^"^ ^"^^ interestTSd ■!e"i'anTS b^^^Cou^n^^* ""-^ ''^^^' ^^ *^"-"^^- verv'^tnl'^^^T,,^'' '^^ Comptroller, whose duties are waJ th^r^'l ^i K^ '"•"^^'^'^ ^^«'^*^"t^- The result was that in case of absence or iUn-ss the regular work- ing of the Treasurer's and Comptroller's departmSTs was sTri nolt 'ZTeL- ''''^ -"^"^ "" '"^^ •'^ app^inlrnrMe^sTs. T- ^^.•^ l^*'" assistants to Messrs. Robb and Dufresne re- spectively without adding a penny to the Citv's salar. Hst ill sXie?'' Th?' ^'l "T P^'^u^' ''^^""^ ^^^ '^^ ^^""t of their r^H?r% J^ '"f " i* P°'''''^^ *^ ^^^"t'-^' the seizures of salarv, tXtil '''"h'" ""I'^'^T ™P^^'^'^' -d f*"«t-tes the in: C^^rXn '"^ '"'-^ '"'° "" '^' departments in the ;aiteBR£aa Corporation Printing The City's interest was safeguarded by the Finance Commit- wee, which practiced economy even in minute details. The con- r!*^u n^""*^"^; '■« . Montreal's Excellent Financial Standing Since the advent to power of the reorganizers of the muni- cipal administration, the financial market has evinced the great- est confidence in our bonds, which bring par in the American market, where they are considered excellent investments. The Finance Committee left no stone unturned to obtain for our fair City that good name which can onlv be acquired abroad by a sound administration at home, by establishing order and ex- ercising the strictest economy ir :'e various municipal depart- ments- Loans awarded in secret, without tender, arranged between friends, are a thing of the past. Everything is done above board by publicly advertising for tenders from financiers in the domes- tic and foreign money markets. It is desirable to cite an example and institute a comparison to show our readers in a few words the esteem in which the City of .Montreal is held in the varimis money markets. In i8«>9 the last Finance Committee negotiated a loan of $3,000,000.00 bearing 3 1-2 per cent, interest. At the time this loan was floated the financial condition of the different .\merican and European money markets was most favourable. There was no question of the South African war. and English consols, the price of which is fixed by the courts, were at 107 3-8 in the month of June. Notwithstanding this, the Montreal lokn was negotia- ted at 100 and a slight fraction, the transaction bringing $S2S.oo in all over par. This year, in the month of April, the City of Montreal called for tenders for a loan of $1,500,000.00 bearing 3 1-2 per cent., as in the year 1899. British consols had been constantly declining since the Transvaal war, and all the European and American mar- kets were affected by the financial crisis, which had increased the cost of money everywhere. U The highest offer that the City received was ^7, which the Corporation rightly refused to accept- But if we compare the depreciation in British consols, and their fill of 13 3-16 points since 1899, It is a significant fact that the decline in the value of our bonds was only 3 points during the same time, which demon- strates most conclusively the esteem in which our bonds are held The price of 97 offered this year for a luan of $1,500,000.00 was comparatively vastly superior to that of 100 and a fraction jaid •n 1899 under the old civic administration. If we take into con- sideration the general decrease in the most stable stocks we shall see that the City of Montreal enjoys a high reputation in the fin- ancial world. While awaiting an improvement in the monev market the tity will take advantage of the opportunity to make temporary loans until at least par can be obtained for the City's debentures. We may state, for the satisfaction of our fellow citizens, that the financial standing of the City of Montreal was never better. This lappy state of affairs is due to the order which reigns iir the ad- mmstration, to the stop put to the squandering of public fund.s. a a word, to the strict economy which is practiced in all the de- irtmenti of the City Hall. DuriDg 1901 the Finance Com- mittee administered munici- pal affairs with $50,000.00 less than during 1900 The municipal budget is considered, and the appropriation* ar.: voted, at the end of each year, and are based upon the revenue of the preceding year. In the month of December. 1900, the Fin- ance Committee regulated the expenditure for the year 1901 based, of course, upon the revenue of the vear 1899. The City un- der the old administration, collected during 1899 $50,000.00 less than in 1898. Consequently, there was $50,000.00 less available for 1901 than for 1900, and the Finance Committee had to reduce the appropiiaiions 10 that extent. Xotwithstanding this diminution the different departments did not suffer more than in later years owing to the economical measures adopted in all departments. IS esSe to the. ? » A'"*^*^'*''y increased the valuation of red cLr ^ '""""n °" P'"°P*'*y' though constant, d d not «- ^tfl f ''!?'•''" °^ '^' ^*''*='' ''^d been inflated by over vab- at "s ""rtTl T" ^'"^^ •"^'"'^"^ '" ^he rea/es^Ite vdu- ations. These fauhs of a previous administration weighed heavily on the present administration, and it required all the nm- dence and economy displayed to drag the City out of Sie mire Excellent Prospects for 1902 Owing to the order established in regulating the collection «* s:^' Tor^h "T"^^ "^ ^ ^^'"^ ^'^^ past^r/lTco:! poratimi For the next appropriations the City will have a sur- plus of about $190,000.00. Moreover, the value of r^l estate lor 1902. 1 he Fmance Committee will, therefore, have at its d.^ anT Inn"''''" "' ''°"* ^'^^^'^^^-^^ -'^hout additfonal taiat«- and will be ma position to distribute to the various depar^^' accordmg to the urgency of their needs, this large amount, S s OurcL - ^--f^-^l'-^Provements in%he publkTnt r est. Our City ,s extendmg. Sewers will be constructed or con- tinued, sidewa ks will be reoaired i-oarU «r;ii k !. • . nsnhalt^ri ,.0* ""'."c repaired, loads will be macadamized or asphahed. water service pipes will be laid wherever necessarv hre protection will be increased, the police, parks anS ferries hy- giene and inaneration departments will be carefully looked ;fter by the Council. In a word, nothing will be left undone next year to give satisfaction to the taxpayers as far as possible with the S400 000.00 vvhich the Finance Committee will have at its dis- posal over and above the amount available in 1901. 16 Who Deserves Credit for the Improvements 9 After all these explanations that are given to enlighten the taxpayers, and remind them of all that has been done by the Fin- ance Committee, we may ask who deserves the credit for the muni- cipal reorganization ? Is it not the men who were elected in February, 1900 ? Is is not to the men whom the taxpayers sent to represent them at the City Hall ? To those who had a well- defined reform prc^ram, and who, faithful to the end, carried out that program with all the energy and devotion which has ani- mated their even.' act since they have been engaged in adminis- t rating the affairs of the City ? The group of Aldermen, who. in the face of strong oppos- ition, introduced order in our administration, and who put a stop to the pernicious and irregular methods of the past, are well wor- thy of the confidence reposed in them by their fellow citizens. We should consider ourselves fortunate that such men, whose private affairs are important, are willing to devote once more a portion of their valuable time to the management of public affairs. Those met, . nd their friends should be returned to Council as our repre- sentatives. They are the men who should receive our hearty and undivided support at the approaching municipal elections. As they had the courage to leave the track followed by previous Council? we should show the necessary energy to refuse our sup- port to those who would lose no time in bringing back the regime of boodling, favouritism and the toll-gate. A large city, like Montreal, should have a Council composed entirely of men of unimpeachable honesty and recognized ability who would cMiduct the affairs of the Corporation in a progres- sive manner, and effect many much-rf^ded improvements. The Debt By studying Ubleau No. i it will be quite easy to note the growing increase in the municipal debt and observe the years during which it grew at such an alarming rate. From 1870 to 1875 the debt grew from five millions to nine millicms as the result of improvements to the Water Works and Markets and Sewerage system. From 1875 to 'S^ the Corporation, under the burden of its heavy debt, did not carry out any large improvements. The pro- portion between the debt and the reven. e diminished as well as the proportion between the interest paid out and the annual re- sources. W'th the coming into force of the Abbott Charter, and the appointment of Mr. Prefontaine to the Chairmanship of the Road Committee an era of enormous expenditure for expropri- ations and road work was begim. The debt was almost doubled in seven years, being increased from thirteen millions to twenty- five millions. In 1895 the Quebec Legislature placed certain restrictions upon the City's borrowing power, and compelled the unwilling civic administration to halt in their spendtiirift career. In 1896- 97 there was a slowing up. The debt, which had reached the sum of $104.87 per capita, gradually diminishr-* to $101.05. Since 1898 our financial position has been vastly improved. The value of real estate has increased from 142 to 150 millions, and the proportionate diminution in the debt makes it $100 per capica. If the policy of prudent economy, followed by the Coun- cil for the last two years, continues for a few ears more, the financial standing of Montreal will hecomt what it was in 1888, when the interest due on the debt was barely equal to one-fourth of the revenue, and the per capita proportion was $56.80. Expenses and Revenue If we {jlance over the statement of statistics and the expenses and revenues of ^lontreal. we shall easily see whether or not the administrators, who preceded the reform aldermen, managed the C< >r|H>ration finances in a businesslike manner. It is worthy r nnte that before 1888 the expenses never exceeded the revenue. 19 Table No. 2. Yew. I Revenue 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 £xpendi-l a • i tare. Surplus. Deficit. 12,095,411 11,849, 176 « 246,236 2,222,097 2.119 903 2.240:930 2S:m o'f^'9!^^\ 2 506 816 2,468,952 2,663 377 2,651,165 2 640 471 2,743,335 28^.'^ 2,757,660 3,441,837 102,103 10,638 J Bkmarks. I 144,181 66,739 ;204,425) 64,747 684,176 ^ms ^ i90in,f V^-l'?Ji\ ^.os-'i.szi iWlEst. 3,a30,000 3,150,000 S7,214 61,793 200,000, 1 Period of Develop- 1 ment. Period of Extravagant Expenditure. . Period of "Forced Economy. PeriaJ ot Voluntary Iteduction in Ex- penditure. (1) In 1895 the sum of $77-7 s total of accumulated aeficits Zl/n -^I' "^^^^^ represented the (2) In 1899 a furthe 'sum nf '«"''' '° '^' ^^^' ^^^°""t- accounts for thTlast three ,4^^ l!7'^°t"' '^' ^°^^' ^' "'^ this sum had been deducted from K f'^f '° '^' ^''''- ^^ years ti,ere would onlv have been a re.?""^ f "'J"^ '^'''' '^'"^ an average surplus of ...^.^^ l^^^^X^^ ;^^:;::(^ ^ B"H^rv^:,---^n--^nse.ess expenditures. was a halt in 1893 with a surn 1 /^^'^^o^^^^'^^S-oo. There "lakes its reappSLce the 5ol£-°^ $10,638.00, but the deficit 20 The total deficits amounted to $777,839-53. which sum the Council of the period could not hope to pay out of the ordinary revenue, or by increased taxation. Application was made to the Legislature for permission to inscribe this amount in the debt account, and to-day we are paying interest on the sum of ^777,- 839-53. for which no permanent work was executed. During the three following years apparent savings amounted to $295,774-00 were effected, but the new Council elected in 1898 which comprised several aldermen determined to effect municipal reform, discovered that old accounts to the extent of $223,704 29 had not been paid. This sum was also added to the debt, thus leaving a saving of $72,070.70, or about $24,023.57 per annum. It may also be observed that the present administration, with reformers at its head, has not only carefully avoided overdraw- ing the appropriations voted, but has steadily increased the sur- plus of receipts up to the present year 1901. We considered the placing of these statements before the pubhc as indispensable, in order to explain how it happened that tlie Corporation was so hard pressed for funds to carrj- on the ad- mmistration at the beginning of the year 1900. Montreal's rev- enue IS sufficiently large to justify the taxpayers in expecting great things. But, as we have shown, the extravagance of past years greatly increased the amount of interest, which must be paid before even urgent work can be undertaken. Taxpayers should, therefore, reflect and ask themselves if they want a renewal of municipal extravagance, or if they prefer to elect representatives who are determined to continue a wise and economical administration of the affairs of the City of Mon- treal, to reduce the rate of interest on the debt, and' to use all available funds to carr>' out the most urgent public improve- ments. Reforms in General Before taking into consideration the work performed by the various committees, we desire to say a word concerning the reforms introduced into the corporation in general. The engaging of civic employees is now done in a manner which cannot fail to meet the approbation of the persons inter- ested in the proper management of affairs at the City Hall. At 21 present, no person is engaged by the Police, Finance or Hygiene Committees without undergoing an examination to prove his ability. The present leaders of the Council did not wish it to be said that places in the Corporation were given to the highest bidder. The scandals which have been exposed in the Police Department cannot be renewed because of the examinations instituted to determine the best qualified aspirant for an appointment as con stable. Whosoever passes a satisfactory examination and caii give guarantee of honesty may rest assured that his turn to be appointed will come, and that his position will cost him nothing. This system will extend to the various divisions of the Civic- Administration, and in future none but worthy and capable em- ployees will be -ngaged by the Corporation. Formerly, only the proteges, friends or relations of Alder- men could hope to be appointed to a good position at the Citj- Hall. Favour and protection have given way to merit. Who will dare deny that this reform is in the interest of the Citizens ? In the Police Department, to give but one example, the in- troduction of the examination system raised the moral standinjc of the force to such an extent, that many cities of Canada have endeavoured to follow our example, and have placed some of our men at the head of their own municipal police force. We may also mention another excellent measure in the re- organization of the administration. For the first time the principle of promotion amongst civic officials has been estab- lished as a rule- Whenever it was possible to fill a vacancy by promotion, the Council hastened to do so. This was done in the cases of Messrs. Marien. Barlow. Biron, Janin and Lesage. Employees may confidently expect that industry and assiduity will be rewarded when they have the assurance of moimting the ladder, and that their place will not be given to some favourite. No Politics in the City Council Not even the opponents of the Reform Aldermen can re- proach them with having introduced politics into the Civic Ad- ministration. V.nien the Committees were formed, when the choice of Presidents was a live question, one third of the honours was 22 given to the English speaking members of the Council which is the exact proportion to which they are entitled, having regard to population. The six chairmanships awarded to French Can- adians were equally divided between Liberals and Conservatives. As far as appointing of officials is concerned, we give a few examples to show that politics played no part whatsoever. Mr. Marien, Liberal, was appointed by a resolution moved by two Conservatives. Amongst those who opposed the motion, were three Liberals and one Conservative. Mr. Lefebvre, Liberal, ex-president of the Laurier Club, was proposed by two Conservatives, and appointed by the support of 10 Conservatives and 8 Liberals. Mr. Chausse, Conservative, received 6 Liberal votes, while 8 Conservatives voted against him Mr. Laforest's resignation was demanded by 13 French and 10 English members. Mr. St. Georges' resignation was accepted by 7 English members and refused by 4 E'lglish members. 3 French members and 3 English members voted against the motion to have Mr. McGibbon replaced. Mr. Janin, Liberal, was promoted by a resolution moved by two Conservatives. Six Liberals and 16 Conservatives voted in his favour. 8 English members voted in favour of replacing Mr. Patter- son, and three against. The officials appointed to the vacant positions were all chosen without regard to their political opinions. Messrs. Marien, Barlow, Janin. Belanger, Lefebvre. Le-^'v^, Biron, Legault, Dubreuil, Hederson, Langevin, Leguerrici. were all placed at the head of important departments without enquiry being made as to their political stripe. The members of the present council treated each party loyally without favouring either one. It is understood that there is a difference between municipal administration and Provincial or Federal administration, and that the taxpayers of a City like Montreal, have no desire of giving expression to their political opinions in selecting aldermen to look after the civic adminis- tration. The citizens require good managers of the City's affairs and not politicians. If the next Council is composed of men animated with the same ideas, we may be confident that these principles will be observed in the future. 23 The Welfare of the Workingman Council responded to L appeal o7th/ ^' '^'"'^'''^ *='^«' ^^e charging with alacrity. ItsXy towardslhT "''r^' '^ ^'«- contracts for public work contain .f / workingman. AH the labourer, s.ipulat ne th^^^! k ^"'' ^"^ ^^^ P^tection of VNhen cleleg;tioL C^t VS„^;'; - fall .e employed, tjons appeared before the ConSe ' .. ' ^nd labour organiza- tion and special effort vvas ah Ts 1 "i """"' ^'"'^ ^'^ ^"«"- , The improvement in tt TreS t^ ^'^^. satisfaction, about chiefly for the convenience of the T'"''-" ^^ '''"^^^''t the City was in need of sto e^L r 'f .""""^^ ^lass. When terial be taken frorw the Mo ureal ^ "' '"''^'"^ '"^^^ ^^e ma- work in the hands of taxpave s In ^i"'"' '" ''''^'' '^ '^^^P ^^e fhoes and clothin,. conS.rar^ Vrd't- '^ '"i" *"^ su^eating system" impossible and HvL v '''f'' "'^'' ^'^^ preference over strangers besides thlT"' °^ ^^^^"'""^"^ ^'^^ -".lard rate of wagers ^nj:;::^^,;'-,^:;^^;^-- °^ ^'^ No Distinction of Nationality there was continuous strife beUveen Lr'""'"''"- ^'''"'^' needs of the Western a.ul Fastern n. ■^'''"P' regarding the ment of emplovees. For close 'n ^'^'''""^' ^nd the appoint- been changed and not a sing e rrnfH- '-'' J'^ ^-"^^^^ '^- with all the English memberron nn "^- . T" ^^' ^^l^^" P^ace other. As far as thremolo •.." ' ' '"^ '^' ^'^'"'^ «" the the principle of examinat^n .nn''' ''^"'"■"'^' '^' ^^^P^'^" "^ difficulties' of the past to ^sanpear'Tr"" ^^ '^"^^^ ^» ^^e alities have heen Lpected ^riricX^nilli^^ '"'^ -*^-- The Leasing of Privileges Since the advent to power of the reform party, whenever the Council has been called upon to award privilege, the highest bidder has always been successful when satisfactory guarantees were produced as to the character and solvability of the bidder "Home Bule" The reformers aimed to establish "Home Rule," without having ret.urse to the Legislature at Quebec, as was done too frequently under the old regime. They maintained that every important project should be submitted to the taxpayers for rati- fication, and more especially in the case of loans, that no additional financial obligations should be contracted, without being author- ized by public vote. The public should dictate as to whether great undertakings are to be carried on out of the ordinary revenue, or by means of a special loan. The Aldermen who seek to provide a sound administration are reaHy to submit such questions to taxpayers and abide by their decision. Is it not preferable that Montreal should retain all the privileges granted by charter, without going to the members of the Provincial Legislature, representing constituencies whose interests are oftentimes diametrically opposed to the interests of our City? Are the members of the Legislature more intimately acquainted with our needs than the electors and aldermen of Montreal? It was by appeal to Quebec in the past, that the borrowing powers were obtained request of certain interested pc Self-government or "Ho government that can possibly be not go to our neighbours for advice or authorization in the direc- tion of our own affairs; the Street Railway Company ''^s not apply to the C. P. R. for permission to float a loan, why then should we not exercise our rights and govern ourselves without soliciting the members of the Legislature to administer local afTairs? Formerly cities had to fight for a franchise. Now that Montreal has a good charter, the rate payers should take advan- vhich piled up the debt, at the . but against the public will, vule" is the best form of itained. In private life we do wt^nl^k^saS^:,'^^^^^^^ of voting tion to pay the iSsfa^^C ,"f i^/,^"^ •,""•!-•"« ^- For example if thrrl?^! a sinking fund is in question. Bonsecours markrt and T^T^y/''''' '^' «^«^«o" ^t the them say so and auSri.e a ^'%u1 c'^^^' r^^^^'' ''' carry out the undertaking! Ji^-\ ^ ^°"""' '" '"^^dy io as well as dangerou7to ^o t. S, A "'"'^" *" "^ »« »>« "^'^'ess the opinion ofrnZZf irom^fiv!^'"' ' Legislature and obtain upon the urgencroT cert./n ^''"^^utimi. Bonaventure. etc.. Electors sEilH T ""P^'ovements in Montreal. inclined to apS? "o tS toj^l/" ^^P'-^sentatives who may be ^^^t^°"-~^^^ debt and Of Jve™m:nr^retu:s a^^tTt^tf ^^^^^^^^^^ ^^-- out the consent of the people ti 1 ''^"""^ ^* '^"« ^^'th- the public debt by fulfil W }\°^^^' P«"n>ts of additions to going to Quebec to Sn 1!""^'- ^^""^'^y- ^^'^ <^o««sts m the fbilitytot: ;hVSS;„^o?S,r^- "^' ^^"-'^"-•^ pnnSptr^^^^^^^^^ advocates the prefer the former ^ ' '"'*^'' ^"* ^'^o"'^ unanimously THE MUNICIPAL POLICE the PoHce'Se^a" metrThrn-" ""'.f "'^"" ^ ^^ ""^-"ly years is stillTel" „"\h J^blk 'mtd "r.-^^--t of pas' lowest tenderer but tnUl fi "^ ."^^^ ^^^""^"^ "^t to the out regard ^o^;^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ Aldermen with- was not^rtus."' "''"' '""^""^ ^"^ *-P--« - the Force The committee went serious... to work, and put an end to 26 the disorders which had thrown discredit upon our Police Force. The recruiting by-law, which had been a dead letter with previous committees, was strictly enforced. Aftr** ascertaining that a candidate was qualified physically, — that \ with respect to age, height, strength and health, — he was examined by a sub-commit- tee in educational matters. A knowledge of both languages was insisted upon, and, after the written examination, candidates were examined orally. All candidates who passed the examinations successfully, and who produced satisfactory certificates of character, were placed on the list of future constables. From this list alone constables are chosen, and no influence outside of the department can control or even facilitate an appointment. If it be true, as it has often been said, thai before obtaining an appointment on the Police Force it was formerly necessary to pass a municipal toll-gate where toll was exacted, the toll gate no longer exists; it has been forever destroyed by the aldermen whom the rate payers sent to the City Council to reform the civic administration. Any person well qualified to discharge the duties of a con- stable may undergo the examinations and rest assured that his turn will come without aldermanic influence, without the ex- penditure of a penny, but solely on account of his own ability. List of Constables appointed 1900 and 1901 The names and addresses are here given of all the constables appointed by the Police Committee, under the present Council. Anybody may question these men and ascertain if they have not entered the Force without the aid of any influence whatever, and without making any disbursements to obtain their positions. Ko. Name. I Hippolite Robillard, 5 Joseph Limoges, ss Alex. St-Germain, 48 Rodolphe Lemay, 53 Patrick French, Date of sta- Appointment. tion. Beaidenee. 28 April 1900, , 9. 1 86a Desery. 7 Oct. 1901, 12. 257 Champlain. 1 June 1901, 8, 286 Maisonnenve. 3' Jan, 1901, a. 23 St-Justin. 14 May 1900, 2, 132 Murray. a7 56 Ad^ Montcalm. 29 Jan. 1900. 13, 361 Gain. 8Tnn^'^°'' 4. 'os>4 Lusignan. 18 June 1900, I, iisPiessis ,1*1*^/901, I, 24a Grant. ?6 pfh ''°'' 4' '93 Rachel. 16 Feb. 1901, X2, 596 FuUum. 20 Dec. 1900, i,6,2Mullin 26 Oct. 1900, 7, 44 St. Vincent 2iNZ'^°' »' 241 Frontenac. '52^^-^900, 5, 52Norbert. I May 1901, Central, aSi Uval '*J°°«'90i, 14,112'LafoSePark 28 Interior Beforms The Police Committee effected an almost complete reor- gaoization of the Executive Bureau, by the awKMntment of a new chief, new inspectors, and a new drill instructor. The new c^Sdals (five entire satisfacticm to the Committee and to the public. All complaints sent in by citizens are now carefully looked into, reported upon and decided either by the Chief or the Com- mittee according to the importance of the matter. The Commit- tee paid particular attention to the discipline of the Force, the bearing of the men and their treatment of the public. Some severe examples unfortunately were necessary, but, to-day, Mon- treal has a right to feel proud of its Constabulary, v.hich has frequently merited praise for the able manner in which it has performed certain services. The same principle is followed in promotions as in appointments, where merit alone is supreme, •nd constables who distinguish themselves by courage and zeal m the discharge of their duty receive special rewards from the Committee. All these modifications in administration of the Police Department have resulted in increased security for citizens, providing for the protection of our streets a police force second to none in Canada or even in the United States. HYGIENE DEPARTMENT We have no hesitation in stating that considerable progress nas been made in the administration of this important depart- ment at the City Hall. In less than two years a veritable trans- formation has taken place which is of incalculable benefit to our fellow citizens. Alderman Ames, the present chairman of the Hygiene Com- mittee, took great pains in reorganizing various branches of this department, and, with the assistance of a few well-intentioned colleagues, he succeeded in giving the City a Health Department, administered in a manner unsurpassed on the American continent. Before the reform aldermen came into power the Hygiene Department was often the subject of severe criticism on the part of the -Daily Press on account of negligence in the adminifCta- tion and want of system among the employees. The first important reform, instituted at the very out- set, was the separation of the incineration and scavenging , department from the Hygiene and Statistical Department. This reform enabled the Committee, with which we are now deal- ing, to devote its whole time *o the study and solution of hygienic questions. We remember how, under the old administration, the meetings of the Committee were mostly taken up with discus- sions regarding the cost of hay and oats for the horses of the department, or by the endless questions concerning the employees of the incineration department. Important questions of hygiene, having no small effect upon the public health, were passed over. To insure better service the Hygiene and Statistics Depart- ment was divided into sub-departments, each with its own sub- chief: (i>, the Department of Sanitary Inspection; (2), Food Inspection; (3), Public Baths; (4), Statistics: (5), Depart- ment for the Prevention of Contajrious Diseases. Great Improvements in the StafiF In the past Sanitary Inspectors were chosen without being required to furnish any information regarding their char..cte • or ability to fill the position. Their appointment was due to influ- ence or to favouritism. It was believed that any person failing to obtain a position elsewhere might expect to enter as a Sani- tary Inspector. The chairman of the Committee, having occa- • sion to take a trip to Europe, while in Paris, studied the best hygienic system in the world, and. on his return to Montreal, immediately endeavoured to have the same system adopted which was calculated to pnxluce a remarkable effect on the hygiene of our City. It was first decided to secure capable employees and inspec- tors, hut, as it was impossible to dismiss those who were alreadv in the employ of the department, it was resolved to instruct them in the branches of knowledge wherein they were deficient. During^ three months a series of lectures was given to in- struct the Sanitary Inspectors concerning their duties. Experts in the science of Hygiene delivered lectures that 30 were regularly followed and produced splendid results. The inspectors were examined after the course of lectures, and those who were found capable were maintained in their positions and also received rewards in money ; some jof those who failed to pass the examination were replaced. Another important step was taken in the direction of reorganizing the Hygiene Depart- ment. To-day the Department is no longer embarrassed with incapable employees, and it enjoys the confidence of the public. F ' -v new employee has to undergo severe examination, and the he .. department is no longer an asylum for relations or friends of aldermen. To become an employee a candidate must possess the requisite ability and prove himself capable of earning the City's? money. The Complaints of Batepayers • For the last two years every complaint received at the Health Office has been immediately inquired into by order of the Chairman. If an employee has been negligent in the discharge of his duties and the complaint is justified, the employee in ques- tion receives a warning. H the complainant has misconstrued or been ignorant of the by-law, the employee is defended for having done his duty. Justice is meted out to everybody with the greatest impartiality. Inspection of Pood It is but right the public should know that it is through the energy displayed by the present administration that the inspec- tion of food is regularly carried on. The inhabitants of a large city like Montreal are constantly exposed to buy edibles that may endanger their lives. The Health department has to protect the wnrkingman against merchants who endeavour to dispose of prcxlucts danger- ous for food ; it has also to look after the children's food, milk, and make sure that the nourishment par e.ecclli'nce of our little ones contains nothing that would be injurious to their health- The inspection of meat in the markets and in the butchers' stalls is regularly done. 31 •nd the quality of milk h«n»M,!?i- ^*' ^^^^y diminished faction of the public. *'"™"^ ""P*""^^ »" »»»« ^reat sati.- wa.^t^iry':ar*vL°'d?ffiT"'^t' ^'^^ ^°^ '^^ -'"-is it formed of rfSa^7liaifd? ^" .^T/''*'"'"' *"»'y»*« P^^' This want was fiS *f.'"'""^V*"PPi'<'d for public consumptiw,. i. also ch rs for the' P?:v?n'« of O "^»::!f '^''' ^»'«"»* '-^o ^"'s brr: rirattr ^kUT wtth^ ^"T' the food and obtain corrZtilt .- ^^ ''""^^ *^'"P'« o^ T»,« Vu? -I *^* information as to its ingredients municipal affairs tZJ, 'r ?°'^ *''" administrate our Water, which is so useful anH u•^i ». ,. _^ wit aJd .ra'" 'n'fi r*"''"*^ *«""^^^ ^he po'l'tl "'"o: water and has mdicated the remedies to be adont^-VT Th^ r i : s: ins, 'r '":" - * ■'^"~?-2=^ The Public Baths ih- '''"'t ">S'™e Cotnmillee pM into execution the scheme for promotm^ cleanliness and the proper care of the^J This 32 yew the City conitructed a bath in St. Ann'i Ward, which wa« iwed by thouiands of people, (or the mott part workingmea of the ward. We might mentiua en fNMMnl that the conatruction of this bath (which may serve as a model) cost |6,500, the sum ttipu- lated in the specifications not being exceeded. It was an extrar ordinary record as far as municipal work is concerned. If the public understands its interests, and returns to Coun- cil the present chiefs of the reorganization movement and their friends, other baths shall be constructed in several wards, especi- ally in the localities populated by the working class. When the occasion warrants it we cannot assert too em- phatically that no previi is council ever worked so earnestly in the interest and welfa of the workingman as the present Council. The Smallpox On several occasions the Health Department was called upon to exercise strict surveillance over cases of smallpox which broke out in the City. Such vigilance and energy were displayed that the spread of the disease was immediately checked in spite of the fact that at certain times the City was threatened with a serious outbreak. Vigorous and effelctivo mt!asures were adopted to protect our City againsi this ter- rible scourge that ravaged Alonireal so frightfully in the past, and to the honour of the president and vice-president of the Hygiene Committee, be it said, that we were saved, while all around us in *he Provinces of Quebec and Ontario many vic- tims were claii.ied by the smallpox. The staflF of the Sanitary Department, with a better knowledge of its duties, lent great assistance in enforcing the by-law regarding quarantine, and in disinfecting houses visi- ted by the disease. In the past the Health Department was never in a posi- tion to exercise any control whatsoever with respect to pre- ventive measures against smallpox. In rase of an epidemic a special staflF was engaged, lacking the » xperience required to care for the sick. The result was that the City had to foot a bill of exaggerated expenses. During the year 1900 the City was called upon to pay the Mim of $12,992.40 for the care of twenty-four patients. Un- .33 - der the new system inaugouated this yeaf , by which the treat"- -ment of contagious diseases is placed under the control ot Dr J. E Laberge, fifteen patients were cared for at the Lmc Hospitalfor the sum of $i,8i4-30- The average expen(htur« was $541.35 in 1900; whereas in 1901 it was reduced to $121.. The Ambulance Service What numberless complaints were made in previous yiears against the defective City ambulance service! It was now one contractor and then another who undertook the re- moval of patients to the Civic Hospital. The ambulances were unsatisfactory and improperly dis- infected, and nobody was responsible for the bad service. The result was that patients suffering from one contagious dis- ease sometimes contracted another. Order and regularitv prevail, and the ambulances have been made comfortable for winter since the HygiCTie Com- mittee assumed immediate control of the service. The City owns the horses which are always ready to respond to the first alarm. The vehicles are heated and well appointed. When it becomes necessary to convey a child to the Cmc 'Hospital a nurse takes her place in the ambulance and from the very beginning carefully watches the health of the little patient, who is attentively cared for at the Civic Hospital and is made as comfortable as the present state of the building will permit. House of Refuge In order to proceed with the work of disinfecting a dwelling in which contagious disease has been located a house has been rented on Mount Royal Avenue where the patient's family may remain during the process of disinfection^ Formerly poor families were crowded into a single room, but to-day ^mfortable quarters, vvith four or five rooms and whofesome food are provided. This House of Refuge has al- Sat b^n oTg^eat service, and gen^ satisfaction has been expressed with the arrangement, made for the comfort of the inmates. 34 .The Civic Hospital An effort was made this year to have a new Civic Hos- pital const*- ct-d after the most improved plans. A suitable hospits' 'or Ljntayicns diseases has now become an absolute necessi v. Such an hospital shall be built if the reform party is retu' -icd to i>ower Should the civic finances not permit of the im:uAti?ite const .niction of the entire building separate pavilions will be .:■'.'■ It, following a general plan, which, when completed, will provide Montreal with a model hospital. Vaccination The greatest facility was offered the public to popularize vaccination. Besides the doctors who performed the oper- ations gratuitiously at the City Hall, doctors were appointed in the different Wards to vaccinate at their residences. Schools, factories and establishments employing large staffs were visited by vaccinators. It is owing to these measures of prevention that we escaped a serious outbreak of smallpox. The Plumbing By-law One of the greatest hygienic improvements accomplished, and one which will be appreciated by our readers, is the adop- tion by Council of a by-law prepared and perfected by the Hy- giene Committee. Henceforth no aldermanic interference will avail, and every builder nmst submit his plans to the sani- tary engineer, whose duty it is to s€e that the provisions of the by-law are carried out with respect to plimibing, drain- age and ventilation. The vigorous enforcement of this by-law will be effectual in making our dwellings healthier and more comfortable. Employees, well posted regarding plumbing, inspect, not only private dwellings, but also schools, factories and workshops. Their reports are submitted to the Health Department, and everybody is made to comply with the by- law. A decrease in the death rate must inevitably follow th« adc^tion and observance of all those excellent sanitary mea- sures, but there is one to which we would more especially direct public attention. We refer to the 35 _, . Privy Pits Before the adoption of the by-law there were, in the year 1900, about 5,000 privy pits within the City limits- After May I, 1902, no privy pits will be tolerated where it is possible to place a water-closet in the house, unless the proprietor can prove that there is not sufficient space in the house for the im- provement. In this case he shall be obliged to conform to the by-law, and make the pit water-tight so that filtration will be impossible. This improvement is brought about to protect tenants and workingmen, who have neither the time nor the means to protect their own health and that of their families against the negligence of those who place their private interest before the public health. E-t.-. Economies Savings should not be looked for in the Health Depart- ment. As we have already remarked, when the public is at ^take nothing si'ould be neglected in adopting measures for the preservaUon of life. The money granted to the Commit- tee has been expended, and we are pleased to be able to say that it has not been squandered without benefit to the com- munity. Every item of expenditure is amply justihed ihe strictest economy was exercised in contracts for buildings, work done by contractors, the purchase of supplies, food, medicine, etc. . ■ j ^u _ Ratepavers mav rest assured that they received the very be<;t sanitary service that could possibly be expected with the funds at the disposal of the Committee. Before ftnishmg with this department we wish to say that the employees wearmg Corporation uniforms are better clothed than m the past, and that the bodv of inspectors, in point of bearing and efficiency, reflects great credit upon the Health Department. We may .--dd that the members of this small but capable brigade wear a distinctive mark on their uniforms by which they may be casilv recognized when on duty. If. contrary to wha-t is ex- pected of them, they are remiss in the discharge of their du- ties, the public is afforded every opportunity of reporting Gie (leli'nquem to the chief of the department. 36 Conclusion =.hi.^?*^^- ^S**"J«t "s give credit to the reformers for their ment TltT"" ^fj^" "^^^"^ '^^ Statistics Dep^r- ment. In a few months our present representatives, without whkh^h?/hf '^, "P'^,"^""'' '"'^"^^^^ •" introducing reforms which had been but dreams to previous committees Alder- mhte^li'one nf^^^'"'""" °^ '''^ ">'^^'''^ ^"^ Statistics Com- mittee. IS one of the most eminent of the leaders of our pres- ent Council. He has not only scrupulously fulfilled the oro- mises made to the electors, but has done infinitely more FvSi ?4TL;" "^"^T^«- ^f^^ are opposed to him at the City Hall not one can be found who for a single instant doubts S devotion to the common weal, and u is theTonsensiK of opinion that of all the signal services he has rendSld the re SCAVENGING AND INCINERATION n„n; JI"f- ^P""'*^"* was created by the new municipal ad- l" t!^ \'^^^''"S it from the Hygiene and Statistics t ^^^- f/om the very outset many improvements were " . Aldermanic patronage had been formerly exer- ci^- a great scale to the detriment of discipline and econ- During the new Department's- first vear an engineer was t'ration waf 'r'? ?' ""'^T '" ^^°'-^^"'^« '*• "i^ admi::;s! LnowreHot ^^t'^f^^tory and economical, but his p-ofessiona! knowledge was required by the Hygiene Department, and it wonM K ^"^ ^""^ '^' T'^^"^ y'^' ''' --^P'^^^ '''"^ by a man who M be mor^ closely in touch with the staflf of employees. aonc^n'tPH r^ ''^'.- '^'^ succeeded by Mr. Dubreuil, who was appointed to a posinon under the Federal Government and re- signed from his office. He. in tum. was succeeded by Mr Leguerrier in April, igoi ^ The cleanliness of our City and also the Public Health are closely concerned in the proper working of the Inciner- newV^^'?^"'- :?'''«™a" Lariviere, the chairman of the new Committee, endeavoured to introduce all useful im- provem«its into the department. Vigilant super^'l^n^s exercised over the employees, foremen are held responsible 37 U) the superintendent for breaches of discipline on the oart ^ 1 eThSvTrecet:^''"''" "^'^'^^"^ '""^ -ol^n^LTt^t scli M^eH^l'l'' """■" "^J^ ^°""^ •" th« Committee it- luct caS for seve^^^^'t^ *^^*^'" employees whose con- Sn sS don ThL^• ^""'^hment in the mterest of good ad- f^dr elector H?.'"^, I** ""'" '^^ '''^'"' ^"^ confidence I tnur electors, these aldermen on several occasions insistfH oTthirdufie^Tn^'h^ t^° ""'^ ''^^" remiss i^SiSge StendLn? Th "^^Z '?^^^bee" suspen<« ..«^- ^u ^ ^oo the re- Pli-shed by ^ood adminSation^ "^^ ^ "^^'* '^"" ^ *"°'"- tee, Alderman Hart, wtth a zeal and enerirv for xvhiXui a for more !,:.„<;• . . '' '^^" ""^^^r consideration strurH-L ?fr P'''=""''.°"ary provisions of this bv-law the con- Coimcil ,v1„ch gave up several entire mcetine, hv niffhtm Electric Lighting je.ar^rhTeiTw^rsr'^"''''^ '- — If this work had been left over for the next Committee no Company would have had sufficient time to com^e aSd the City would have been at the mercy of the Ro^S^lecSc Company, which could have demanded its own price 43 tain fveiv "JlJJm "''j'^'^ '"^ ^'^' that the City might ob- oi r.!r'^ advantage by the signing of a new contract The bK the &,^Jf.r'^!^ *"^ '''^'^'^^- There is no am- (•^noA u- ^^""°" '"lows what it demanls. and the Company wh.ch obtained the contract knows its oblirations 2?r la, •-''.'"\P"'^ ^y '^^-^''y ^^«-« °" »he basis ofSr/c w?c f=^' ;^ Council expected a reduction in price but Amin"'".^'"'''"^-''"^^ « ''*^«^y reduction '^ *' "* fer^H t^ *^ the conipeting companies the Royal Electric of- ?Se'st° S e'n fcc^iS^ ^V^' ^ ^^-oo per li Jht pir ann'um. ...Jt¥r^ S-ut t S"at?a^;a con- U^ltfht *° *"* ^^*- Lawrence Company. The maior- iti order ^k) car^- on? t.Vif ^*- K"*"^^"" Company's tender b^ed Wr reorS^^^^^^^^ rourfTnTn^est^d t^t roduc ion of erood administt^tion into civfc affairs wished" tlie City to take advantag-e of the offer of L Sf T , Company. Other Alri»«^^l, "5; , . ^*- Lawrence ence of the comoS?„i' V ^ competency, and even the exist- ceed^H in 11 -^ "^ Company were attacked. They sue- he wo ^ Ser"a"k^en°r'r \^'^''"'' ^•'^•^»'-^'' t-^^st "ov obtaSff or our nL'^I \ ^""^ *"^ ^i^ht Committee, of A nf ver fn K.?^ 5** cheapest possible li^ht. certat ATden!ne'n wKm^^ ^^^ ^roti^ht to bear on to the RoyarEIectn^e como^^^^ '""a'I*" ^^', '^' ^°"*"'^* contrlcrto^thX^^ SThe'it^" of"^^r ""^ '" "^^^ ''^^ 44 price of $54,75 of the St Uwrence Comi>anv and that ni etinVcomnani« ^hZI '""' ^T'*8^*' «"^ 'hat new tenS fe caj7d for recon^rdred^nS I^ ^oth September this latter motion was RoJaTlre^tric' Com^^^^^^^ "^' ^^^^^''^'^ *-"^d to the ^^:^i.tJ:^^^%^' - thtS/Srel occasion Tro^f"^ '^ ^°""'?" committed two fauks on this creater; h^TJ^ T ^"^Pt'"g the lowest tenderer, as it 'enders after i^fT""'' ""i '''"1°^ ^*^"«»? »° "» ^r n*w rJSertTct^itin^'c^Sn^rnie^^ '^' ^-" --^'^^ ^ ^avmg of 50 per cent, in the cost of electric Sin^ TTte foX'onirSc^ 1900 $r.o.45 per lamp pir TnZ^l hen^e! lortn only $60.00 will J>e jwid for the same servire tj,;. means that the City will economise one haTof th^^esent^x Ptrn^^^ '""^ "^^^'"^ °^ ^^^ City, or at least^^^^^S, courageously opposed and re^i^d "k? o^e ^ s ^h^t Tt? ten e ■; "t?-"" ?^ '^^ ^""""^""y ''"^'^'^ was not the owe^ live, ™"'""' "■'" t^""™''" -he conduct of their rejreseuta 45 fo adll!;^"."** their friends are the men who should be chosen to administer the affairs of the City. cnosen Those who supported the Royal were recreant tn thoir duty, and they were themselves obW " rSuce^h. teLdJr because of the integrity shown by^/^JtWurr^^Jes^nt Let it not be forgotten on polling day! The good administration of Montreal is in the balance I MONTREAL WATBB WOREZO The municipal service for the supply of water to the tax- payers of our City is one of the departjijents which required administrative reorganization all the more complete because It Jiad to be commenced at the head. Under the old adminis- tration Aldermen Laporte, Clearihue and Ciagnon felt the ab- solute necessity of establishing order in the Water Depart- ment. '^ In 1898 examinations made by Aldeinian Gagnon re- vealed the fact that irregularities existed in the book-keeping, and It was then decided to place all the book-keepinff under the control of Mr. Dufresne. In 1899 it became necessary to examine the super- intendent's administration more minutely. The Committee authimzed by Council held an investigation, which was con- ducted to the end with great courtesy on the pan of the Chair- man, Mr. Laporte, but also with the determination to sift all irreKUlarities and locate the responsibility therefor. We can easily remember all the means employed to delay the investi- gation, and finally to stop it at the very moment that a definite report was to I>e made to the City Council. A brief of in- junction was taken out summoning the members o' he Com- mittee to suspend procee already had ucca- petises of ?h? De^anmenr "' ^"P^^-'on over all the ex- himse'uirenXr'^rS ™T'' ''" ^^^^ ^^ '^^ ^^ P-vi„, had to depbr? the loss E T""'"'.^"u^ "'^ CorporatioS Oient of a chief vvho vfL I '/'^P"''^'' *^^ ^^^t"- Dcpart- tion of his subordinate.^ "''''''^' """ *^^ ^''^-'" «-' ^ff^c- The assistant superintendent Mr C i,.,;^ i 47 It 1 S3Si;M .1;"." ■"' ** '"*""" °' *= "•*'" »«« In the meantime the Committee notified the various fore- men that m futune no irregularity would be tolerated, and that none but devoted, honest and laborious employees would vfn'Tr i^"^ or two examples were made, Which con- vinced the officials that the Chairman and members of the Lommittee were determined to enforce the rules. Water Works Improvements Order being definitely restored in the administration, it was time to think of perfecting the system of Water Works Ihe ratepayers demanded improvements, and the Aldermen recognize that their demands are well founded. But these works are so important that they cannot be hastily under- The purification of the water by improvements to the pumps, the construction of filters and improvements to the reservoirs constitute part of the programme of necessary re- forms. All these projects have been carefully studied by the otticials, and are now to be examined by the Committee The cost of the work has been established— even the most min- ute details are noted in the plans and specifications, and the h'// ,*'*^ exactly what it will cost to supply pure water. VVhen the resources of the City shall permit of carrying out these improvements the City Council will have all the neces- sary information contained in the report of the Water De- partment engineers, and there will be no delay in this connec This year the Committee has been able to Qxamine the plans submitted by the superintendent for the establishment of an ' electnc pump" at the high level reservoir, and the pro- posal would have been immediately given effect if the funds at the disposal of the Water Committee had not been so lim- ited. But, as we have already said, in speaking of the fin- ances, in 1901 the City had no power to borrow, and the Aldermen had to confine themselves to the task of economiz- ing the public .funds, and could not think of contracting debt for the City to pay at some future date. Amongst the projects under consideration the realiza tion of which would give satisfaction to the proprietors, le' us mention a scheme for increasing the number of pipes and high pressure hydrants for protection against fire. 4^ i n( loJ^*""^ exists under LagaucheUere street a complete series wilT J&'Pl' ^^''^ '°"^.^ ^^ ^"^" '^'^st be connected with ?hJ «,oc ^M?^^ ^^ •^""' ^^^ Committee neglected nothing that th^actiiltv SfsVl"'"L"l°^A^^ ^'*y ^^ ^^'•^^' ^"d. thank to which ^/fl'P/f^^',,*^^ Department received an impetus wh^ch was felt throughout the whole administartive iJiach- What Good Administration can Accomplish In the year 190Q the reorganizers who took in hand the anairs of the Water Department, imitaung their colleagues in other departments, endeavoured, first o7 all, to mtroauce arfundJ '"^° ^^^ administration and stop all waste of the pub- They succeeded so well that, at the end of the year, they handed back to the Treasury the sum of $9,000 which had been economized, yet the administration had given general satisfaction and nothing had been neglected When we think of what was done in the past, when the appropriations were never large enough, we may be permitted to say that the administrators of to-day have fulfilled their promises. In 1901 as there was no money available from the Loan I'und even stricter economy had to be practiced. However at the end of the year not a single appropriation wiU be over- drawn and this, notwithstanding tlie tact that a large number of workmen have been paid out of the ipermanem appropria- Uons whereas in former years they were paid out of the Loan rund. By consulting municipal statistics it is easy to ascertain ^y^ving effected in the coal supply of the Montreal Water It became possible to reduce the expenses of the staff by taking advantage of the vacancies which occurred to distri- tJUte the work among the other employees. Efforts were made to avoid leaving accounts unpaid from year to year, and all contractor were notified to send in their accounts before the closing of the books in December. 49 The Savings liffected a* J?r^.^^ "°-M° '?*''* °"'" "^^ *«<^»<>"s we have avoided we have Sd^?^'" *." enumeration of figures. But all that we have said may easily be verified in the Corporation books We do not fear contradictions on this score. '^ ^ooks. wdrksS/of r S*^ l**'*' *^^^ '^^ '*^'"& «ff«<=ted in the y^^%£iiytg ^"P^"^^"*' ^"""^ *^« J^t two years, is t« «J?* e''P^°^^ '" ^^ amounted to $11,358.91: in igoo Si?i?^ -^^ '" '901. to 1st October, $4.o;;i63, ind?cat?S t^ they will not exceed $5^ from now tHl the end of Sf a^it i^^ K T'"^.°i'"°'"*^ *^*" °"^ '^^'f i" the expenses. fm^?tlnt^dmiL°^^ *'^* °"'" '■^'^••^ ^" "°^ °-^lo^k this n* th?ri^ ^° !^^ vigilance of the superintendent the interests to defrS^rh w r" ^^'"^""y '°°'^«' ^ter, and all attempts t^ iS r T ^-^ ^"^ DeP^'nent have been quickly detec- \he\^h\ctJ''T' '"^^l P'^'"**^^ t° his Committee on olishi h ^r"^''^'"' '9°^ shows the amount of work accom- pi shed by the inspectors under his orders. It is very intS- who"!tt'emo?e"d to' "'^^' proprietors, tenants and SL^ls Who attempted o use the City water without paying foMt ♦h» fi !1'"^ °^ ^^^*^^' millions of gallons was made during the first three months of the year 19S1, and the s^W re"S£ p?rposes""'"°^ ^'^ ^"'"^^*^ °^ cSl 'required foTSfri'pSg Public Satlsfactiott The public, let it be remembered, is in constant mm SZTtsirS'e P "^r Department O^thnS^ourd": partments of the Corporation it interests us the most beine well-TouiWd W*? "'n ^^ •"^•^^' ^^^'•^^°^^' "P«" h\vh^n ^ver^^ flw.?^ ^'iP^P^'*'^^"*' ^"d '^- fo*- any reason what- soever, either the cold m winter, repairs in summer or a SierS-L" F'^'Jr ^r ,^^?"^^^ °f the beneficial liquM we [nJ ^e WaS Se'piSm'eS'f '""^ *'^ ^°^^'^" by\pplyin\'S Look back and recall the lack of promptness disolaved Whenever you complained about a frozSi waferW 'ol^S JJp^unds were exhausted and it was impossible to^send wor? Under the new administration there is no instance of a in public complaint not being taken into immediate consider- ation, tmire satisfaction is given in this connectioi.. As soon as a complaint is made orders are given to do all the necessary work without delay. This is a small detail, but it snows what a good administration can do, and how easy it is to give general satisfaction when representatives have only the well-being and interest of the public in view THE ROAD DEPARTMENT This Department absorbs the lion's shafre of the public funds for administrative purposes, and for the constructing, repairing and cleaning of our streets, sidewalks and sewers. During the year 1900 the Roads Committee had at its disposal the enormous sum of $502,915.87 for all departmen- tal expenses. Did the aldermen, who administered the affaixs of the Road Department, follow the example of their col- leagues m other committees by establishing order and econ- omy in their offices and in the work done on our streets? At first sight it would appear that such was the desire of the Com- mittee. The City surveyor, Mr. St. George, resigned, and ^ was replaced by his assitant, Mr. Barlow, with a smaller sal-^ ary; two engineers were transferred to the Water Depart- ment, and only one was engaged to replace them. A reduc- tion was also made in the accountant's office. . If we take into consideration the fact that the care of the parks and squares was taken from the Road Department, and that there were no expropriations, the saving in the administration is only apparent. Abuse of Patronage But what must be mentioned, in order that it may be re- medied in the future, is the abuse of patronage in the Road Committee. It is not unworthy of note that the reformers have been in the minority in this Committee. If it is true that the engineers have not been replaced, it is equally true that the number of temporary overseers on tfie variouB works and temporary foremen fbi* the removal of snow has been increased beyond reason. It were betlfcr to replace by capable men the officials who left the department than to provide appointments for inexperienced men, the W-o- tegfes of certain sJdermen. Favouritism was the rule in the Road Committee. Each of the aldermen endeavoured to swell the list of foremen, carters, water sprinklers and watchmen without the slightest regard as to whether they were competent or not. The re- sult was that the works were not executed with the necessary promptitude and economy. Money was simply squandered during the removal of {■now because of the incompetent foremen appointed to super- vise the work. The engagement of labourers is improperly done; they are not selected by the City surveyor, and ment and ability are not sufficiently considered by the different fore- men, who always engage those whose names appear on the lists of the aldermen of the Committee. Delay in Study of Projects Many important schemes have been before the Road Committee during the last two years, but reports to the; Coun- cil were always delayed by indecision. Numerous meetings by day and by night were taken up in the consideration of projects which never came to anything, because they were not pushed with energy and conviction. Everybody knows what extensive repairs are needed to our streets as Well as the large number of sidewalks required to be laid or repaired. The Road Committee might, at least, have presented to Coun- cil a carefully studied and well-defined plan containing a list of the needs of each Ward, with an estimate of the cost, and it would have been possible at the beginning of the year 1901 to submit a by-law to the ratepayers for their consent to a loan. It is certain that 'ad the Finance Committee and the Coun- cil been in possession of a detailed statement regarding the re- pairs needed to asphalted streets, macadamized roads, per- manent sidewalks and wooden sidewalks, it would have been possible to find the necessary funds for the Road Committee I0 have the work executed. The Charter gives the Council full power to consult proprietors and enquire if they desire to haye certain improvements carried out, but it is necessary that the amount required be stipulated. Every time that the chairman of the Road Committee came before the Board of Chairmen to obtain funds the estimates were contradictory, and varied to such an extent that it was impossible to settle upon a fixed sum. 52 In 1889 the City surveyor submitted a list of permanent works, giving m detail all the necessary permanent pave- ments and repairs. The estimated cost was ^3,500,000.00. Mr. St. George requested that the execution of the work should e.xtend over a period of five years. The Council adopted this plan, and the sum of $2,000,000.00 was spent on improvements. To-day, as we have twenty-eight miles of permanent pavements in bad order, the Road Committee might have in- structed the engineers of the Department, without any inter- venton on the part of interested aldermen, to prepare the specifications for repair work; and the Board of Chairmen and I'inance Committee, with such a definite statement be- fore them, could have prepared a draft of bv-law for a loan, to be submitted to the ratepayers for ratification. At the Council meeting held on the nth of November this year the Chairman of the. Finance Committee was obliged to ask for a detailed stateme-t of all the work necessary to put our roads in a proper L.ate of repair, and in making his request he stated "that the largest share of the money available was to be expended next year on the public roads." Mr. Laporte and the aldermen who have supported him for the last two years wished to raise the City out of the rut. If the Road Committee, which complains o'f lack of funds, had not spent months examining schemes which were abandoned without being supported in Council even bv the members of the Committee, it would have been able to submit a com- prehensive plan for tbe improvement of the City streets, and the Finance Committee would have fulfilled its part, that of procuring the necessary money in the manner indicated in the Charter. We deemed it our duty to instance this defi- ciency for which the Road Committee'must bear the respons- ibility. Conclusion The municipal reformers will direct their efforts to the reorganization of this Department next year. What has been done in the last two years in other departments is a guarantee that they will also succeed in giving us satisfaction m the administration of the Road Department. i;3 PUBLIO MABKETS During the year 1900 the new Market Committee dis- covered ventable scandals in the administration of this De- partment. The dismissal of the clerk of Bonsecours Market and the resultant actions, brought to the notice of the public the fact that certain aldermen had abused their positions to exact bom from some of the lessees of the stalls, which moneys were not returned to the Civic Treasury. Affidavits and sworn depositions leave no doubt as to this. In rendering judgment in the Tessier matter, Judjre Des- noyer declared "that although certain aldermen had sworn that they had no knowledge of the matter, still after having 1 ^^ fj^..^^'''*"?^.' ^^ *^^'"e to the conclusion that Tessier had told the truth. Although it was very difficult for the present Council to proceed agrainst one or two of its members, it did its dutv on this occasion, and obtained this result, which is a declaration', :l°"l^ , ^"^,^ "^*^'^' *'^^* malversation had been practiced in the Market administration under previous Councils Administrative re-organiz- ation It >yas, therefore, necessary to reorganize the administra- tion of the public markets without delay. The Council ap- pointed a general superintendent over the markets with the sameresponsibihty as the other heads of civic departments. llie system of book-keeping was completely reformed, and the cjuestion of a bonus being paid by tenants is now a thing of the past. All the employees .being placed under the control of a single chief do theif work much better The receipts can be controlled, and the civic revenue has been in- creased The markets are better cared for, and the public reaps the benefit of an honest and systematic administration ^ Conjointly with the Finance Committee the Market Committee settled the important question which was pending in the Courts with the Grand Trunk and Canadian Pacific Companies regarding the Stock Yards. Previous Councils had agreed to a contract which illegally deprived the City of certain sources of revenue. The Corporation paid $10,000 to the x^battoir Com- 54 for }hf«;.^u V *'? ^''^''^ ^*?'" ^^ R*"™ad Companies for the Stock Yards. To-day the City has annulled thaVpart of the contract concerning the Abattoir, and directly receiv' the sum of $12,000 fc^ a frontage on the Square. In the new appropriations this will be remembered, and the Parks Committee will be granted an additional allowance for general improvements for public squares. Viger Square was not forgotten. Trees were planted in the eastern portion of it, and walks were laid out according to the general plan for the improvements of this favourite public promenade. The chairman of the Parks Committee energetically in- sisted upon the observance of all the by-laws in force. Un- der his administration the system of cutting down trees to ?"'^ *'^ct"c companies having poles in our streets, was abol- ished. All applications to have trees trimmed or cut are ex- ammsd by the Committee, and permission is only granted in the most urgent cases. It is the intention of the group of reform members to continue the embellishment of our public squares, and bv con- stant improvements to beautify Montreal, which has not been liberally treated in the past. St. Helen's Island This popular summer resort has been greatly improved. Ihe roads have been repaired and water courses made for the drainage of surface water. The Governor's residence was also repaired and newly roofed. Next year trees taken from the nursery at Lafontaine Park will be planted in the western portion of the island. This year the Committee obtained the best possible terms from the Richelieu and Ontario Navigation Co., which alone tendered for the ferry contract. Henceforth, the construc- tion of a bridge over the St .Lawrence will make the island easier of access, and it will be one of the duties of the future committee to obtain for ratepayers the free use of the bridee to reach their favourite resort. 57 J.. If '.. Mount £oyal Pctrk It wu under the administration of Aid GttAnon a«h ^ h« motion that Council decic J to reor^S th?KrSSn? «Ke an '"'" °^ '^^ ^«« (^^^ imoortant) and on the whole does very useful work, while the office manager directs the staff in the Recorder's office and pays rarticular attention to the collection of the revenue. The 59 choice of tlu- two officer, in question. Mcsr.. Lefehvr.. * bound. This rcA markable • one'ta^ t n"" j ' .:" ^, ^^"1 ^'"""J? »he year, not I's n'S SotasinR"^; „r;; :'"''\-*;V«'^''---"->f$3.,.7o'^a - ed from $20,000 to $32,000 at a single ' >^Li iven. as we see. immcliate and vrv re- • ■ vt the end of the year the annual rciHJrt 039 case* We ,'M »'■ year 1901, tl. ,t the ^ i - of the prea :in>» 1:1 revenue is p.*miaiKiu. ^ IS proven by the statistics for the tie of this (lepartment is equal to that •vlnch proves that the increase in Civic Licenses One of the most imjwrtant sources of the citv revenue ror";h'P'^ ^'''"'%- '^^° > ^^" «SO the treasurl' conec"3 from th.s source $101,000: this was a great deal but^ was poss.bU to obtain a great deal moaws suLn ert results proved, by improving the means of colSrtion and r^ organizmg the office of the Recorders Court where tte forced collection of licenses takes place. The revenue waJ mcreased th- very next year (,900) to $121 or^'""' °^ ^" cxperience<1 official to direct the force of special constables whose dutv it is to col- r. ^1^1 T'"'^ -u?^ r ^'■'■^^•■^ ^"^1 '"^1^*^ them pa;- « ithin the shortest possible delay. This work requiring" snociS hfoenT;;'''^^' '"' '""^^ "P"'^"^^ '" the manag^em^',^^t of ^rH^ff r "J- '"'^u ""'!:"'*"'' '° ^^^- r«envenue. of the Re- S-lTv tow.T tlT^- '^' P^'S"' y'^'' ^^'^ contributed areely towards the increase of $20,000.00. which we have just noticed. Aid. Laporte's foresight was well rewarded, for in spite of the tact that the number of bicvcles diminished bv over oS smce the last vear and that lotteries -^crc forbidden, which 60 Partment. the City will haveTneK'h '" °"'^ °"« d«- 000 in revenue. We mav n«M to^''^ 2" 'P^'^^** "^ $50.- rcvenue of the Reco^de?^, S„rt° ( hie^'uvrT" *" ^^« co^J^^atSrirUil^^^ ncen«. Important Votes in Council tiousl^ discfi^g^d^is duty ' '•-•P'-eseutat.ve a nscien- Am5!1'^*^'t^*'"^*^^ 9. 1900. Official Caucus. Moved bv A Ide^.^ Jacques, seconded by Alderman B unet l^TlS Aldeonan Lareau be appointed chairman of the Market C^l Nfvs-^illZ^ ^T™"^'- J*"*!""^ ^'1 Wilson. U). ClearVh^rA '*" .^*P^ '^' ^ia'^int-iu. Lebeuf. Hart w"s^&^Se^'"S^in^^'^^^;;^^^-\ marche, Smith, Tansey. FaSr kih p'^h " ^c"'"' ^' the charter reRarding the taxati t of salaries """&„?"'»■■ ?'^^'"- aearihu?'BaSray nb) . further s™ Ifl^!^;'- ', ^i^-^^, - «fS^ cleaning. Every member voted in favour of the adoption of the report excepting Alderman JacqtKs. Monday, March 26, 1900.— Motion by Alderman Ames, seconded by Alderman Lavallee to appoint Mr. L. S. Le- febvre clerk of the Recorder's Court. Yeas: Aldermen Laporte, Martineau, Lebeuf, Ames, Lariviere, Brunet, McBride, Jacques, Turner, Roy, Wilson, Robertson, Savignac, Robillard, Lesperance, Chevalier, La- vallee,. Vallieres. (18). Nays: Aldermen Hart, Clearihue, Gagncm, Sadler, Oui- mfet, Gallery, Lareau, Gouin, Lamardie, Smith, Tansey, Faucher, Raby, Bumbray. (14). Monday, April 23, 1900.— Motion of Alderman Laporte, seconded by Alderman Martineau to replace Mr. Laforest, superintendent of the Montreal Water Works. Yeas: Aldermen Laporte, Martineau, Lebeuf, Hart, Clearihue, Chausse, Ames, Lariviere, Gagnon, McBride, Turner, Ek'ers, Ouimet, Gallery, Smith, Tansey, Raby, Robertson, Savipnac, Lesperance, Chevalier, Bumbray, Vallieres. (23). Nays: Aldermen Brunet, Jacques, Lareau, Roy, Wilson, Gouin, Lamarche, Faucher, Robillard, Lavallee. (10). Monday, April 23, 1900. — Motion of Alderman Gagnon, scamded by Alderman Ames, to replace Mr. McGibbcm, superitendent of Mount Royal Park. Yeas: Aldermen Laporte, Martineau, Lebeuf, Hart, Clearihue, Gagnon, Ekers, Chausse, Ames, Lariviere, Ouimet, Lareau, Wilson, Lamarche, 'Smith, Tansey, Faucher, Raby, Robertson, Savignac, Robillard, Lesperance, Chevalier, La- vallee, Bumbray, Vallieres. (26). Nays: Aldermen Bnmet, McBride, Jacques, Turner, Roy. (6). May 7, 1900. — Motion of Alderman Ekers, seconded by Alderman Gagnon to appoint Mr. J(rf)n Henderson superin- tendent of Mount Royal Park- Yeas: Aldermen Laporte, Lebeuf, Ames, Gagnon, Mc- Bride, Turner,. Sadler, Ekers, Ouimet, Roy, Smith, Tansey, Faucher, Raby, Robertson, Savignac, Lavallee, Vallieres. (18). Nays: Aldermen Martineau, Hart, Clearihue, Chauss6, Lariviere, Brunet, Jacques, Gallery, Lareau, Wilson, Gouin, Lamarche, Robillard, Lesperance, Chevalier, Bumbray. (16). May 7, 1900. — ^To reduce the laundry tax from $50 to Yeas: Aldermen Laporte, Lebeuf, Clearihue, Chauss^ Ames, Gagnon, McBride, Ekers, Smith, Faucher, Robertson, Savignac- ^2). 62 c . Nay* : Aldermen' Larivi«re» Brunet Tacaue* T.,«.^, ChauTS''Ai?r"7 .^Porte. Lebeuf. Hart. Clearihue ance. Chevalier, Bumbray. vimrZ T^f ^'^'^ niet ^Urea,f^'^RT"wr''' ^t^^"^' ^^^''' Ekers, Oui- W A^J^^ ^'' ^T900.-Motion of Alderman Clearihue seconded by Alderman Lavallee, to appoint Mr- L T Marll« ^onaed tendent of the Montreal W^ Works •'' ' '"P*""' .Yeas: Aldermen Laporte, Clearihue Chains^ a Larmere Gagnon, BrunerMcBridTTumer sX; Ek^r,' Ommet, Gallery. Lareau. Roy. G^uin. LLarche fmS Tanscy. Faucher. Raby. Robertson, SavigSc RobiCd Lesperance Chevalier, Uvallee. Bumbray. vSuer^ S' J^;- AWenuen Lebeuf. Hart. Jacq.es. Wilson. (4)' by AlZmln J^""^'°*'°" °^ Alderman Laporte, seconded Zt^Ja^ !^ Savignac, to consult Mr. T. B. Vanier C E regardmg the drainage system for St. D^nis War? ' Taca^rTu1it""^"H,"'""ii. Clearihue, Brunet. McBride, - FauS. RoSSon'^'cTi).^'^^"' ^^"^"^^ ^--' Tansey.' bv idemal; {^^^i^^f °" ^^ Alderman Savignac, seconded ^L;T 7^ lavallee, to award the contract for the entire ffiLtrndet*'^ ^^"^"^ '"^^'^^^' '^ ''^- C- Ch-Tand! vi.reXrS"et."K^^^^^^ ^ met^ Gallery Roy, Lamarche. Smith, Ta^ey, Faucher Rabv Robert^n, Savignac. RobiUard, Lesperance ChevaHer La^ vallee. Bumbray. Vallieres. (27) '-nevaiier, La- MarSSu! "^(5*)""*^" ^'^*"«^' J^^^^^' Wilson. Gomn, October 8, i^oa-^To award the contract for poUcemen'a trousers to Messrs. Drolet Dttfour ft Co.. the lowestt^S Yeas: Aldermen Laporte, Martineau, Hart, Chevalier, Chausse, Ames, Lariviere, Gagnon, Brunet, McBride, Turner, Ekers, Ouimet, Lareau, Lamarche, Smith, Raoy, Robertson, Savignac, Robillard, Chevalier, Lavallee, Bumbray, Vallieres. (24). Nays: Aldermen Lebeuf, Jacques, Sadler, Gallery, Roy, Wilson, Tansey, Faucher. (8). November 19, 1900. — Motion of Alderman Lamarche, for a special loan of $400,000 to enlarge the Bonsecours Market. Yeas: Aldermen Lariviere, Laru.,u, Wilson, Lamarche, Robillard, Lavallee. (6). Nays: Aldermer Laporte, Martineau, Lebeuf, Hart, Clearihue, Chausse, Ames, Gagnon, Brunet, McBride, Jacques, Turner, Sadler, Ekers, Cuimet, Gallery, Roy, Smith, Tansey, Faucher, Raby, Robertson, Savignac, Lesperance, Chevalier, Bumbray, Vallieres. (27). November 26, 190Q. — Motion of Alderman Lavallee, seconded by Alderman Brunet, to refund Mr. F. Denault, butcher, the fine imposed by die Recorder for non-payment of license. Yeas: Aldermen Brunet, Jacques, Ouimet, Lavallee. (4). Nays: Aldermen Laporte, Martineau, Lebeuf, Hart, Clearihue, Ames, Lariviere, Gagnon, Turner, Ekers, Gallery, Roy, WiI:on, Lapointe, Lamarche, Smith, Raby, Robertson, Savignac, Robillard, Lesperance, Chevalier, Bumbray, Val- lieres. (24). December 3, 1900. — Moved by Alderman Martineau, seconded by Alderman Wilson, that the Council accept the resignation of Mr. P. W. St. George, City Surveyor. Yeas: Aldermen Laporte, Martineau, Lebeuf, Hart, Clearihue, Chausse, Ames, Lariviere, Gagnon, Jacques, Sadler, Ekers, Ouimet, Lareau, Roy, Wilson, Lapointe, La- marche, Smith, Faucher, Raby Robertson, Savignac, Robil- lard, Lesperance, Chevalier, Lavallee, Bumbray, Vallieres. (29)- Nays: Aldermen Brunet, McBride, Turner, Gallery, Tansey, (5). December 3, 1900. — Motion of Alderman Clearihue, seconded by Alderman Vallieres, to appoint Mr. G. Janin superintendent of the Montreal Water Works, vice, Mr. Marien, deceased. Yeas: Aldermen Laporte, Martineau, Hart, Clearihue, Chauss^, Ames, Lariviere, Gagnon, Brunet, McBride, Turner, Sadler, Ekers, Gallery, .Lapointe, Smith, Tansey, Faucher, Raby, Robertson, Lesperance, Vallieres. (22). n^^^^'V ^J**^""«" Lebeuf, Jacques, Ouimet. Ureau, Koy, Wilson, Umarche, Savignac, Robillard, Chevalier, U- vallee, Bumbray. (12). December 10, 1900.— Motion proposed by Alderman Martmeau, seconded by Alderman Uuimet, to reduce from Jp5,ooo to $4,000 the salary of the City Clerk, Mr. L. O David . Yeas : Aldermen Clearihue, Chausse, Ames, Lativiere, c i!T '^ T^' ^'Ison- Lapointe, Lamarche, Raby. Savignac, Kobillard, Lesperance, Chevalier, Bumbray, Vallieres. (17) Nays: Aldermen Laporte Lebeuf, Hart, Gagnon, Mc- Bride, Jacques, Turner, Sadler, Ekers, Gallery, Smith, Tansey, iaucher, Robertscm, Lavallee. (15). December 17, 1900.— Motion of Alderman Martineau, to reduce the salary of the consulting attorneys from $2,000 to $i..Soo. i»r, Yeas: Aldermen Martineau, Chausse, Lariviere, Ouimet, Wilson, Lapointe, Lamarche, Raby, Savignac, Robillard, Lesperance, Chevalier, Bumbray, Vallieres. (14). Nays: Aldermen Laporte, Lebeuf, Hart, Clearihue, /vmes, Gagnon, Brunet, McBride, Jacques, Turner, Sadler, ivoy. Smith, Tansey, Faucher, Robertson, Lavallee. (18). December 17, 1900.— Final vote to reduce the salaries of iieads of departments. Yeas : Aldermen Martineau, Chausse, Lariviere, Ouimet, Lapointe, Raby, Savignac, Robillard, Lesperance, Bumbrnv sua ValHeres. (10). Nays : Aldermen Laporte, Lebeuf, Hart, Chausse, Am^'s, Gagnon, Brunet, McBride, Jacques. Turner, Sadler, Gallery, Ro), Wilson, Lamarche, Tansey, Faucher, Robertson, Che.M- lier and Lavallee. (20). December 27, 190a— To adjourn the discussion of the appropriations for the year 1901. Yeas: Alderman Jacques. Nays: Aldermen Laporte, Martineau, Lebeuf, Hart, Clearihue, Chausse, Ames. Lariviere, Gagnon, Brunet, Mc- Bride, Turner, Sadler, Ekers, Ouimet. Gallery, Roy, Wilson, Lapointe. Lamarche. Smith, Tansey, Faucher] Raby, Robert- son, Savignac, Robillard, Lesperance, Chevalier, Lareau Lavallee, Bumbray. Vallieres. (33). January 7, i^i._The resignation of Lt.-Col. Hughes as chief of police \vas unanimously accepted. January 7, 1901.— Moved bv Alderman Martineau, seconded by Alderman Gallerv-, that Mr. C. A. Patterson be maintained in his position. Yeas: Aldermen Martineau. Brutiet, Jacques, Turner, Gallery. Roy. Wilson, Lapointe., Lamarche, Tansev, Savignac Robillard, Chevalier. Lavallee, Bumbray. (15).' 6S Chautf Xml« T'" .^«P?r«' l^ebeuf, Hart, Clearihuc, 0?S « Tu' if"X»e'-e. Gagnon, McBride. badler, Ekers vSres Tis) " ' ^^^' ^^'*"«°"' LesperaAce and bv Al^r^IAT'T^^''^''^ ""^ Alderman Turner, seconded by Alderman Raby, to appomt Mr F. Hamilton assessor, xeas; Aldermen Ames, Larivi^re, McBride Tacaues S (17) ^' ^°''^"«°"' I^obiUard, Chevalier and Laval- Nays: Aldermen Laporte, Martineau. Lebeuf Hart SmSh*?' •^''^"n^' ^^"''"' ^'•""^t' Sa.lier Ekers? buVme"' Smith, Savignac, Lesperance, Bumbray and Vallieres. (i6) the BoTrH ^«^'~^^ appoint Mr. Langevin chairmii of ine lioard of Assessors, vice, Mr. Dillon. Uri^Se' clt'^'^u^^^.'^^' ^'^artineau, Lebeuf, Chausse, i^riyiere, Gagnon, Brunet, Jacques, Ouimet, Roy Wilsor Lapointe, Lamarche, Savignac, RoDiUard, Lesperance S alier Lavallee, liumbray and Vallieres. (20) Tum^r^^'in/'^^Tu "^r^'n Clearihue, Ames, McBride, RabTRobemS. ^fS: ^^"^^' S™^'^- ^'-y. F-her: ««,«"l^"i'"^' 14. lyoi.— .Motion of Alderman Lariviere, seconded by Alderman Vallieres. to appoint Mr. V Dubreuil suDerintendent of the Incineration Department ' Yeas: Aldermen Lajiorte, Martineau, Lebeuf, Clearihuc, Tann»l'^'T ^^^'c Lariviere. Gagnon, Brunet. McBride, Jacques, Turner, Sadler. Ekers. Ouimet. Lapointe, Lamarche uSes (^°^"'°"' Robillard, Lesperance, Chevalier, Va?- Navs: Aldermen Hart Gallery, Roy, Wilson, Faucher. Raby. Savignac. Lavallee. Bumbray. (9) February 8. 1901. —Motion of Alderman Faucher. seconded by Alderman Martineau. that the Bank of Montreal be not engaged as agent to negotiate the proposed loan of $1,500,000. Tiri ^^^V ^^^'■'"e" Martineau. Lebeuf. Brunet, Ricard, Wilson. Lapointe. Lamarche. Faucher. SavigntiC. Robillard. Lesperance. Chevalier. Lavallee. Bumbray. Vallieres (15) Nays: Aldermen Hart. Clearihuc. Chausse, Ames. Lan- viere. Gagnon. McBride. Jacques, Turner. Sadler. Ekers. Uutmet, Smith. Tansey. Rabv. Laporte. Robertson (17) February 8. 1901.— Motion of Alderman Laporte. sec- onded by Alderman Sadler, that the conversion loar of $1 - 5oo.OfX) and the loan of $300,000 be issued in the form of in- scribed stock after being advertised for at least four weeks in 66 ^pe^'"ie^„1rto aS" ^'''^' ^'''^^^^ ^"^ Montreal news- percent *^ *' ^^^^'^ ** » commission of 1-4 of i Swr^^" 1"' S"'."e '?« 'Sainst U,e motion. v5Ss 7,8): ^'°"^' '^''^' ^<*="">". Lesp«;anc. S Nays : Aldermen Martineau. Lebeut Ha« R™— r aaulT Am«''T""". '^R'*^' '-'='«"'■ Hart. Cleariltne Robertson. S.Vi.n'^Tilllr™*- (.Tr^' '^"'^''"' '''^'' Al ^«ase to Mr. Elie Prenoveau the Utys quarry in St. Denis Ward. GajJv^'Rov'wT" ^^artineau Chausse, Brunet, Ouimet. V^IV'J^7' ^''so"' Lapomte, Lamarche, Raby. Savienac non M^Rr,^ '*^?"*" ^fe^*"' L^^«"^' Clearihue. Ames. Gag- non McBnde, Turner, Ekers, Vallieres. (9) ^ ^^ June 12, 1901.— To reduce the laundry tax from $50 to ler EkSi'^wrir^T'^o^u^'^' ^learihue, Chausse, Sad- ler, bkers. Smith, Faucher, Robertson and Savignac- (10) June 17, 1901.— Motion of Alderman Lamarche, that the g^ necessary to complete the repairs to the City Hall be ^ent only after new plans and specifications shall have been prepared and new tenders called for. Wils^^^V w«?"^ ^"""u' J^^'J"^"' ^"'"*«t, Ricard, Roy, »ni^»,^"*T' Lamarche, Savignac. Robillard, Lesper- ance. Chevalier. Lavallee, Bumbray, Vallieres. (15) Nays : Aldermen Laporte, Lebeuf, Hart, Cli hue Ekc«' r«^W '• ^ v?'-^' ^^^°^' ^'^S"'^^' Turner, ..dler.' iikcrs, Gallery, Smith, Tansey, Faucher, Raby, Robei. ;on. bv Afc7n' ^^k~*^^''^ ^y Alderman Brunet. seconded by Alderman Smith, that $4,000 be spent upon the City Hal! 70. for the reception to the Duke, the work" to be teen to by a special committer. ' nx ^u*'- ^'*l«'™en Laporte, Martineau, Lebeuf, Hart, Ueanhue, Chausse. Ames, Lariviere, Gagnon, Bninet. Mc- Bnde, Turaer, Sadler, Ekers, GaJlery, Smith, Tansey, Fau- cher, Raby, Robertson, Savignac, Robillard, Lesperance, Chevalier, Lavallee, Bumbray, Vallieres. (37). Nays: Aldermen Jacques, Ouimet, Ricard, Roy, Wilson. Lapomte, Lamarche. (7). » /» June 17, 1901.— To appoint Lt. Col. Delfausse chief of ponce. Yeas: Aldermen Martineau, Lebeuf, Hart, Chausse, Ames Lanviere, Gagnon. McBride, Sadler, Ricard, Wilson, l;aucher, Savignac, Lesperance, Lavallee, Bumbray. Val- lieres. (17). ' Nays: Aldermen Laporte, Clearihue, Brunrt, Jacques, Turner, Ekers, Ouimet. Gallery, Roy, Lapointe, Lamarche, Smith. Tansey. Raby, Robertson, Robillard. Chevalier. (17). The motion was rejected on the casting vote of the Mayor. June 17, 1901.— Alderman Raby, seconded by Alderman Ekers. moved that Mr. Legault be appointed chief of police. Yeas: Aldermen Laporte, Hart. Qearihue. Lariviere, Jacques, Turner, Sadler, Ekers, Ouimet, Gallerv. Ricard. Roy, Wilson. Lapointe, Lamarche. Smith. Tansey, 'Raby. Robert- !°";. .R^»"ard, Lesperance, Chevalier, Lavallee, Bumbray, Vallieres, Brunet. (26). Nays: Aldermen Martineau, Lebeuf, Chausse, Ames, Gagnon, McBride, Faucher, Savignac. (8). June 26. 1901.— Vote on the Terminal Railway bv-law, requiring a two-third vote to be adopted. .^Yeas: Aldermen Martineau, Lebeuf. Chausse, Ames, La- nviere, Jacques. Turner. Ouimet. Ricard. Wilson. Lapointe, Lamarche, Savignac, Lesperance, Bumbray, Vallieres. (16). Nays: Aldermen Laporte, Hart. Gagnon, McBride, Gal- lery. Smith. Tansey, Faucher, Raby, Robillard. Chevalier, Lavallee. (12). Aldermen Clearihue, Brunet, Sadler, Ekers, Rov and Robertson were absent. Jpjy 10. 1901.— Motion of Alderman Laporte. seconded bv Alderman Hart, to award the contract for electric light to the St. Lawrence Power Co., on certain conditions, at $«;4.7«; per lamp per annum. , Yeas: Aldermen Laporte, Hart. Clearihu-. Ames. La- m-^ere. Gagnon. McBride. Turner. Sadler. Gallery, Smith, Robertson, Bumbray, Vallieres. Savignac. (15). 71 T-.„.!^*^'A ^'^«™I5i" M«rt>n«iu, Leb«uf, Chaufse, Brunei, JacquM, Ouinirt, Ricard, Roy, Wilson, Lapointe, Laroarche UJS. 08) *'• ^^^' ^'*'""^' WSmcc! SSeJ: Alderman Ekers was absent in Europe. H-H I li!,t *90i --Moved by Alderman Umarche, secon- dedby Alderman Tansey, that the previous question be put in toX R.fv'?pr ^»?<^""'«» an?* award the lighting contract Z ft r^^^ •?^''*"*= ^°- ^'» ""^^'on *w withdrawn up- on the Council s protest. *^ ri» -^"'^1 r°' ^901.— MoUon of Alderman Savignac that the City call for new tenders for electric lighting AmJTaH^ll^T" Laporte Martineau, llart, Clearihu«. Sf^'eHu t> ' ^^°"' ^*=fi"«'«. Turner, Sadler, Gallery Roy. Smith Robertson, Savignac, Bumbra;, Vallieres %) rS'v ^l^n^j^'?"' 'tap^nte, Lamarche, Tansey/ Father, Raby RobiUard, I^sperance, Chevalier, Lavallee. (16) Alderman Ekers absent in Europe m»n^f ^'"''^'" ^ ^90i.-To reconsider the motion of Alder- S^ SHTfcVr^'^^^" '''" '°* °* J"'y. empowering the »ff and Light Committee to call for new tenders- Jd to pfri^p'° '"^ "'' ^""'"^ ^^'''"' ''°- "* ^he me of^$fc T '^eas: Aldermen Martineau, Lebeuf, Chausse Brunet Jacques, Ouimet, Ricard. Roy, Wilson. LaS LamaTche a.Jl^^^'iui^i,^-!^"'^'^ Laporte. Hart. Qearihue. Lariviere Gagnon. McBnde. Turner, Sadler, Ekers, Gallery sS' Robertson, Savignac, Bumbray, Vallieres. (15) ^' ' Alderman Ames absent from the city. to enauirelm^IJ" ^"*^''"" '^^ ^''^ *"d Light Committee Nays: Aldermen Laporte, Hart Clearihnp A«,« t, man^Ames, Gagnon. Hart. Martineau. Lari^vl^r'e Chalsl^td ^•-e r?«nlm^' '''■ '9^' -Motion of Alderman Lavallee tn refer =e resolution regarding the Oearihue enquctc to the City At- 7» torneyi in order to obtain their opinion u to the lenlitv of the said enqttete. • ' »• ^**?.' ^'^f'"*" Martineau, Lebeuf, Jacques, Ouimet, gicard Roy Wilson, Lapointe, Lamarche. Taniey, Faucher, Raby, Robillard, Lespirance, Uvallie. (17). . .^^*y»: Aldermen Laporte. Hart, Clearihue. Ames. La- nviire, Gagnon, McBride, Turner. Sadler, Ekers, Smith, Kobertson, Savignac, Bumbray, Valliires. (15) Should our Debt be Increased ? As we have seen, the consolidated debt o{ our City amounts to $27,522,000.00. The net debt would be slightly Jess than $27,000,000.00. Is it wise to advise increasing the debt and likewise the enormous amount of interest which is annually paid out of the City revenue? We desire to place before our readers a statement of the net debt of certain American cities about the same size as Montreal, and where somewhat similar conditions prevail. i^ ^T* '^^■''^ "^^ ^•''^ "^ ^^'^^^n f«'o»" the statistics of ie9». and we give corresponding figures regarding our own city for the same year. - .^"'«s- Population. Net Debt. ^^Zl N- [ '^''^^° $25,856,653.00 r^ewark N.J 250.000 11.057,774,91 ^.;^«"'^««^ 270.000 6,7^So.6o £'"'^"^^ 295.000 11.571.679-80 bSo ^"^"^ 4.679.897.50 ?"**%° ••. 375.000 14,157.819.60 a^ebnS'''^ ,^S'°°° ^^3.917.01 SsviUe Kv ^^'"^ 9.079.73243 Louisville Ky 222,000 8.584.000.00 Minneapo IS 210.000 6.827.754.00 Indianapolis 135,000 2.030.^.00 It IS quite easy to see that no American city with a population equal to Montreal's, has a debt even approaching ours. Chicago, with a population of 1.850.000 inhabitants, rf" •*^J'^1*' *^°^ $15450.000 only. Not a single citv in the United btates devotes a third of its revenue to the payment of interest on its debt, as Montreal does. Yet the American aties are cleaner and better kept than our City. The road- 7S the other .^ImZirJiJr^T^^.^lj''''' *''°^7.ooo w- for available^).rj°/il*''*^ $3,157,000 and we had $3,192,000 on the l-h^ V '/'"' *""' $1-792^^ was taken for inlerSt on the debt, school taxes and cost ot collecting the revenul ment '"■;? S"^ ^''^^ '? adnnr.isterSf Jdrerde;a"r?. crea^d to ?he extiT^fl'^*'"* ^^^r °"^ ^«^*""'^ had in- thrdtsuiinf thViff ^^^'?^' *"^ >■«' «he funds placed at ine disposal of the different departments, with the exceotion l,»!i J^^*^' P""<^'P*"y because the interest on our debt had grown from $576,218 to $..019,847. Our net deb in $^6i"Sr:nd'° ^'|"*5..886. a„.rI?V it hSd reacheS Sd reache'd th. h^u ''^T'^l'^ ?"y, °f '^^ ««'"* popuJation nad reached the half or the third of this figure. «ni \u- ^^"^<='a' situation, be it well understood, affects est'^to t'hrSh^ff •" °^ ^^'^"^^*^'- ^^ ^he payment ofTnteJ! est to the bondholders is guaranteed. The Charter defines bv^hl'U^^^^7• '^5^' 359. 360) the procedure to be fonowed Mt T^ V «"?.'■ '° .'^"'"''^ ^'^^ ""^R^x'^f Pay'"ent of inter- est. I he bondholders know that our bonds are as solid as the best investments and command par in all markets. finnnl!*"/^-^'"^ "'*'' «"<«"'«>" of Upholding our good financial .standing that we ask the question if it would be pru- dent to think of increasing cur debt? It seems to us that It would be an imprudence which would be a heavy financial burden for the future, and that anv alderman having the in- terest of the City at heart should refuse to consent to increas- ing our debt. •It J^'**^ l^^ *™^ **^*^ °^ »ff»'" before them, ratepayers will know how to act. They will sav. with full knowledge of the consequences, if they desire that a series of necessary works of great magnitude be undertaken with the annual savings or with a loan in conformity with the provisions of the charter. It will cost the Citv nothiner to consult the electors on this verv important question. Article 310 of the charter pro- vides for such a consultation. 310.— The Council may, at anv general election for Mayor and Aldermen, held under the provisions of this charter, submit to the electors whose names are dulv entered 74 S? i^h^* '"'* '" '*''""' "" ^ ^'' «»' «^»»*»e owners only oo .uch luu. an> matter or quction Jfectit,g the interesu of ^rtlL f^ "^'"^^ the C .uncil nu> deeni it detiraLie to I2S!^ "^'"T °' **** ^'*^'*«" Kcnerallv or of the real Jwtri?n/; ?^ ^l resolution in virtue of any ,>piniun of tlie be •ubwTi;'?,, rf/^^*""^ •" "certained. thS .hall not ArSuf a^l respects to ihe provisions of this charter. .«—. t **^' .344. 340 confer upon Council the ix>wer to effe« a loan provided the proprietors ,0 be taxH apKove 5 ctH^'^Vr'^' *^"'"^ ' ^y two-thirds of the Cdl .« ^ 9«?««^"«'tly the rar pa>er« have full liberty to take oart should they consent to ^„ increasr thev hay. thTriehf to ina th. r1^"\u^''''* P"**'""^ '^''""*^«' •" "■ favour of improv- ing the City with tl., object of raisinir rht .ropertv valuation of the L?t th?/^^''''-''", "*' ''"*• '""f^''* **>• the lessons ot the past, this majonty (i( vs run a ish to increase the debt without consuming the citizen-. If the proprietSrask for a loan, as thev have the power t.,- do .n-wdtn^r to the charter to JZf "'k '1 °^ T T"."'^'''^' «'l""nistration are prepared to submit a by-law for their examination. p h- c 1 Is it advisable to Amend the Present Charter? docum^t^'^trf HT*"'"^ l"" *^ ^'^y °^ ^*^t''«aJ « not » n«w oSr?v1?i=. »^^''«.'■T't of sixty years of improvement to our c V 1 law and it is the safeguard of the rights of citizens, i w^,,H ^ successively modified in the general interest and vidT,^?, ^ 'mprudent to chmige it for the advantage of indi- vidua s. Some people may find that the restrictioii^ interfere with their personal enterprises and they demand that it be rr*^^« ;•. •"* " ?"? "^ ^^ forgotten that the Charter is our constitution and that every modification to it, unless ma- turely considered, may be prejudicial to the ratepayers in general The first trip to Quekc to have certain articles changed, launches us upon a <{ai:?f rous journey. Electors may always be consulted by riv,aur >f a referendum as to the necessity of modifying the Chf rter. and, according to their decisiu... the Counal can ask the Legislature to sanction the 7S »^5^^^'' ^^' ""'P'y ** **^ ''«l»««t of an alderman, it would be imprudent to ask for an amendment which would ^ prejudicia to the entire community. If. however, it b^ came advisable to amend the Charter, the proposal could be submitted to a Council which would hear de^gations of citizens before going to Quebec. It is not the proper thing for a Counal, wh^ power is about to expire, to revise the Charter, because the new Council might be opposed to the amendments introduced. f»~»~ w me Taxation should not be Increased »nH 1^^ '■atepayers of Montreal are heavily enough assessed mased ° tK 'r ' ^l^'l^ '^y have to Jay c^not te S creased. The burden which they have to bear for water t^&^rth1 Oty delayed; to-day this system has been abolished Lid every! one must pay his taxes There are no longer tw?^ weights and two measures for the big and the little taxpayers ^ As far as a reduction in taxation is concerned in our present financial situation, it is useless to think Tit fo? Z present unless the citizens were willing to put up w th a less efficient municipal service. « j- p "nu a. icm The use of the Surplus Revenue During past years when the time for preparing the annual appropriations came round, the Chairman of the differem C^mittees assembled to divide the revenue betwin the different departments at the City Hall. Each chairman Z deavoured to obtain the largest amount pc^t ISZcZ S tL aL^^^"^ ^^. "'i*'" combinations which often had the deplorable result of causing the appropriation of funds for matters of the least importance. "H"a"on oi 76 But this year the Chairman of the Finance Comnnttee took care to notify his colleagues that the greater part of the surplus of the revenue would be used to place our streets m a proper state of repair, and that the Road Committee would receive the lion's share for the execution of general improve- ments to our roads with the guarantee that the money would be wisely expended. . t .t. e - ^^a This shows the breadth of view of the reformers, and not the narrow ideas of those who think of nothing but their own Wards without considering the interest of the City at large. Fair Distribution of Avail- able Funds When a municipal commission has funds at its disposal for general improvements it is advisable that a detailed re- r^rt hT nreoared showing the most urgent needs of each CcI^sJ aTto t fnTpSition to treat each Ward according to the b^sis of its knowrneeds. Aldermen should not inter- fere with the Chief of the Department in the preparation of AerZit die official is the servant of the City, that is to Z ofThe Council and not of a single Committee, or of a sincle alderman. The Selection of Civic Employees vouragement given to^'"^"^^^ ''""tu" „Vincipl'e of promotion Co'i^HiratS capable of filling the vacant position. 77 CJontracts for Works and Supplies No Council ever prepared with greater care than the present Council the contracts for work and corporation sup- plies. Fnnted forms were distributed to the tenderers- guarantees and deposits were exacted for the proper execution of the contracts, and great latitude was afforded competitors to submit their tenders. The administration paity has always been favourable to the principle of awarding contracts to the lowest responsible tenderer, and bv this practice considerable savings were made, while disputes, law suits and scandals, which had marked some of the contracts awarded in the past were avoided. ' This line of conduct should be followed by the new alder- men whom the ratepayers will send to the City Hall. Civic Loans Whenever it shall be necessary to redeem a portion of the debt, to diminish the rate of interest by means of a loan, the Council will have the right to offer the loan by advertis- ing in the public press, and to award it to the highest respcm- sible bidder. Combination between friends, and secret ne- gotiations are not in the interest of the City, and add no lustre to the City's financial reputation. Public Service It is the general opinion in all countries that public ser- vices administered by a municipality give greater satisfaction than private enterprises as far as regularity, quality and econ- omy are concerned. Montreal has its own Water, Inciner- ation, Fire and Market Departments. It may some day have its own lighting system, street car system, etc. It is well that the representatives of the people under- stand that they must never dispose of the public services which the City now owns, but, on the contrary, they should adopt means to enable the Corporation to assume ccmtrol some day of the franchises granted. 78 Bqual Treatment for all Companies Many of the large companies established in Montreal have need of our streets to carry on their business. It is the duty of the aldermen to treat them all alike, and not to favour one at the expense of another. An alderman who would con- stitute himself the champion of anj^ one ot these companies would lose the impartiality which is necessary to safegfuard the Corporation interests, and should no longer remain m Council. Civic Franchises When companies or individuals apply to the Legislature to obtain privileges which infringe upon the City's rights the Council's duty is to send a deputation to Quebec to firmly up- hold the rights of Montreal and the interest of the City in general. The legislative body should be enlightened by the City's representatives in order to prevent the commission of an injustice whicli would fall upon the community at large. Municipal Property The City owns certain building lots and properties which cannot be utilized as public squares or for the construction of buildings for any of the departments. The City cannot rent this property and compete with neighbouring proprietors who pay toxes. but it may be sold and the returns applied to the reduction of the debt. The Charter foresaw this and dep"ved the Council of the right to dispose of this property for the benefit of certain Wards and at the expense « o;""^; ^^^^ . This wise provision in the Charter should be observed, because without it it would be lawful for a future Council to sell our public squares in order to procure funds to improve one section of the Citv to the detriment of another. 79 A Last Word NVe have recapitulated in these few pages the work of the different Committees and of the City Council of Mont- real from the month of February, 1900, to the 15th .of Novem- ber, 1901, and we have sketched the line of conduct which the new Council should follow in order to continue the im- provements so auspiciously begun. Every impartial man must gather from a perusal of this pamphlet that the City's representotives who remained faith- ful to the principle of reform have fulfilled their duty as good admmistrators. An alderman should not be judged and refused support simply because he has not succeeded in having a few yards of wootlen sidewalks laid or in having the garbage removed at the proper time. The administration of a large City calls for other proofs of ability. Montreal has a large revenue and needs men of integrity and experience to direct the affairs of the Corporation, to supervise the finances, control the police, administer the Roads and Water Departments, safeguard the pubhc health, in a word, to satisfactorily provide for all the needs of our population. Serious men are needed at the head of our administra- tion, men outside of political influence, understanding the im- portance of their office and with a due sense of its responsi- bility. *^ If the public confer a great honour upon their chosen representatives in the City Council it is but right that the aldermen should be worthy of that honour. The tvyo years now drawing to a close have enabled us to distinguish those aldermen who have always the good ad- ministration of the City in view, and who cohstantlv seek to save the ratefwyers' money, and give us the best municipal service possible. It now remains for the electors to make a careful selection of representatives. If tliey desire the work of reorganization to continue, if they wish to persevere in the patli of progress and imitate the City of New York which, bv its vote, swept out the old ad- ministration of boodlers and extravagant expenditure, our City will enter upon a new era of regular and progressive de- velopment and prudent government which will be a credit to the most important city of Canada. Montreal. November i^. looi. 80 \ Alderman Bt Laporte's Letter ^ To <»«' JBl9etor$ of Momtrt«t. Tki$ pany>/«^ Jn - y a mi iKitt <*# wcperatum i^ mm* of am Ban, dwiitg IJW IsNivoyMM. 18Q0, mtfMWwW to '/u^ M«ip eam|Ni<^ jtromtNt. imoy m^ OofiM iKii air ^ mir jmnmt, oMwulirJi^ tU/i»muial plight im vhieh w« Mnd omtmipti, to gime MirfaUUm to (ht entiro popt^atio*. , > Crtdit /br the mmieipal reorgemiaatiom uudertakm igtu iothu tatinfy to <^ mipporten in Ae Comca. W« eouU ^m^» rdg i^om iMr mipport whmww the inttnttt of tho Oitg wtn a^ $tak€, Amd auprai»egip«m to me pmonalfy im difforent ehapton of thi$ pampMet i$ alto MloMlMi for thote of my eoOeaguet, «pAo worked eoperteoeringljf to mieeoeefuUy carry out the programme wo Mimitted to the ratqMyon at tho but eleetioH. Many more i»q>ro»tmemU are needed in our Cioie Admimitlra. tion and par/ieuUtrfy in the Mood Dipartmemt. Tfyou grant m a rmmoal of your confidence, Oent/emen, we wiU wite our ejflMe for the mm two yeare in a eomtinuanee of the work of improving omrfinaneitd standing, i^hoiding tke reputation and credit of our City and providing the best poseitU stroioe in aU d^aartmenU, and more espoUoMy m the Road Department. Fours truly, H. LAFORTE, Chairman Finanet Committoe, Mmtroai, Noo. 84, 1901.