1876-77, 1886-87,
1888-89
HISTORY
Philip Becker
was born in Oberotterbach, Bavaria, Germany, on April 25, 1830.
He was one of nine children born to well-to-do people in
that country. His ancestors were originally driven from
France by persecution during the religious wars of the seventeenth
century and settled in Bavaria.
Philip was sent to public school
until he was thirteen years old; went to college in France for
two years; and then finished college in a German institution,
where he graduated from at sixteen years of age.
At this time he was to decide upon the business he
would pursue. His father felt he should become a printer,
but Philip did not want that type of drudgery. His father
would not relent, but Philip also had other ideas on his
mind, including emigrating to America. The more he read
and heard about America, the more he wanted to come.
As a compromise with his father, he agreed to take
up printing, if he could go to America. After thinking long
about it, his father agreed to allow this. In 1847 Philip
and his older brother were provided the means to pay the
fare to America.
The trip was long; a journey of 600 miles was made
by stage coach. After several weeks delay at a French sea
port, they were able to secure accommodations aboard a vessel
headed overseas. Approximately 30 days later, they arrived
in New York.
The small amount of money they had left, had to satisfy
them until they reached their aunt and uncle in Buffalo
, traveling here via the Erie Canal
Shortly after arriving, Philip found employment as a grocer's
clerk with Jacob Dorst, at the corner of Main and Mohawk
Streets, at a salary of $4 per month. He kept that position
for about a year, and then spent two years as a clerk for
Abram Twichell at Genesee and Main Streets.
It was approximately 1850 now, and he became employed
by Seibel & Co., his uncle being the senior partner
of the company, and was made chief clerk. After about a
year, he went to work for A. P. Yaw on Main Street near
the dock, where he remained three years.
"During all these years of service Mr. Becker
gave close attention to the interests of his employers,
winning their confidence, and gaining a thorough knowledge
of all the details of both the retail and wholesale grocery
business."
In 1854, after saving enough, he opened his own grocery
business at 390 Main Street between Mohawk and Genesee Streets
(this was before the street numbering was changed). He remained
there for four years, at which time he moved to larger quarters,
at 384 Main Street and admitted George Goetz as a partner.
Business steadily increased year by year and profits
rose proportionately. In 1861 Becker purchased the site
at 468 and 470 Main Street, where the business was moved
to. In 1862 Michael Hawsauer, his brother-in-law, and
a clerk in the store, was admitted as a partner,
into the firm now called Philip Becker
& Co.
Becker was instrumental in organizing the German
Insurance Company in 1867. He was President of the company
from 1869 until his death.
In the early 1870's, Becker was appointed to the
commission to build the City and County Hall
, as a citizen representative.
In 1873 he was prompted to enter the race for mayor
on the Republican ticket. At this point in time, all thirteen
wards were to have placed three candidates on the ballot
at the convention. Before the convention Becker and Frank
A. Sears
each appeared to receive 21 delegates, but Sears won at the
actual balloting 21 to 18, later losing the mayoral race
to Lewis P. Dayton
Two years later, on October 18, 1875, Becker allowed
his name to be nominated again. This time there was little
dissent and he was chosen the Republican candidate over
Joseph Bork.
The campaign started off with the slogan "Becker
and Lower Taxes," and was generally well received by
the citizens.
On October 17, 1875, the Democratic party
had held their City Convention, their mayoral candidate being
Senator A. P. Laning
LIFE AS A MAYOR
Election day was November 2, 1875 and the Republicans
had a near sweep with only one Democrat being elected. Philip
Becker
was elected over A. P. Laning
, 12,585 to 9,376. Eight Democratic and five Republican
Aldermen were held over, leaving the count for 1876 15 Republicans
to 11 Democrats.
By this time in Buffalo
's history, the population of the city was nearly half German-born
or descendants of German parentage. According to one local
paper after the election, Becker owed his election to the
Germans, who, although many were Democrats, rallied behind
him. Philip Becker
was to be called the 'Centennial Mayor' for his term was during
the 100 year celebration of the signing of the Declaration
of Independence.
Sometime over the past few years it had become standard
for the Mayor to have his Annual Address delivered to the
Common Council
, but not fully read aloud to them. Apparently, the Mayor
no longer personally read his speech to the Council.
So it was on January 3, 1876, that Mayor Becker
had his message retrieved from him by the Committee appointed
to wait upon him. As was customary, a portion was read by
the Clerk, and the reading was dispensed with. Here is his
Inaugural Address
"Nearly one hundred years have elapsed since
the Declaration of Independence. ...The old world has contributed
to this country millions of its people, so that today we
cover a vast continent with a population of over forty million.
That this nation has become one of the foremost in the world
is not to be denied, and it is to be hoped that with the
commencement of this Centennial year it will awaken to a
new and nobler life.
"In order to provide for the interest falling
due, the sum of $683,117.71 will have to be raised by taxation,
an amount far greater than was required to carry on the
entire city government nine years ago.
"I would recommend the most economical expenditure
of money in all the various departments, a reduction of
salaries, the appointment of only...capable men to positions
of trust, dispensing with unnecessary clerks, and avoiding
[unnecessary] appointments.
"The public schools are in a prosperous condition.
The city is divided into 35 districts with 50 suitable buildings.
I would recommend that an ordinance be adopted to enforce
the daily attendance of all children between the ages of
7 and 14 years, in accordance with the laws of the State.
"The work on the new City and County Hall
is steadily progressing. The Commissioners...had hoped to have
it ready for occupancy on the first day of the Centennial
year. ...It was found impossible to reach it. They now expect
to have it fully completed and furnished by the first day
of March next.
"It is believed that the completion of the tunnel
and inlet pier will secure pure water.
"Since the completion of the road [for the Buffalo
, New York
& Philadelphia Railway] there has been a steady increase
of traffic. It has had the effect of reducing the price
of bituminous coal fully two dollars a ton in this market
and hemlock lumber fully three dollars per thousand feet.
The City of Buffalo
holds $700,000 in the stock of this company.
"The Superintendent of the [Buffalo
& Jamestown Railroad] informs me that it was completed to
Jamestown and opened October 7th, 1875...thus giving to
Buffalo
another competing line to Chicago and Cincinnati.
"The recent absconding of the city treasurer,
and the discovery of a large, but as yet undetermined, deficiency
in the public funds within his charge, have caused great
admonishment and alarm among our taxpayers and citizens
generally. I fear that heavy loss to the treasury will be
involved. An investigation should be immediately ordered
in all departments of the city government, and a close scrutiny
made of all sureties. It is obvious that some additional
measures are immediately required for the protection of
the public funds.
"I would recommend the appointment of a Committee
of Citizens to act in concert with the members of Common
Council
to receive and entertain any guests of the City during the Centennial
year."
The approximate amount purported to have been taken
by Joe Bork, the defaulted city treasurer, was $350,000.
He apparently operated a rather large real estate business
and was involved in several others. Many houses on the East
Side were built by companies he was associated with.
Mayor Becker
, "could see no reason why the City should not buy
as cheaply and get as good service for its money as the
unofficial citizen could, and he lived up to his principles."
Early in his term, one such event was his cancellation of
a contract made before he entered office. The Board of Police
Commissioners had entered into a contract for a Morse Code
telegraph system for the Police Department at a cost of
$2,500 per year for ten years. Mayor Becker
, after securing the cancellation of the contract, succeeded
in buying the equipment at a cost of $6,000, and contracted
for the upkeep at $250 per year.
In March, 1876, the new City and County Hall
was opened. Becker went from being a citizen on the committee
to build it, to the first Mayor to occupy it. On the 13th
the building was dedicated, and the Common Council
chamber formally taken possession of by the Council. When the
Hall was completed, a Board of Trustees was created to take
charge of it, and Becker was named one of them.
On January 1, 1877 the new Common Council
convened. A committee of three was appointed to inform him,
the Council was ready for his communication. They returned
with his message and moved that it be read.
"Ald. Bemis, with all respect for the Mayor,
but not wishing to torment the Clerk, moved that without
reading the message be printed and referred to the committee
of the whole. He had no doubt that the message was sound
to the core, and the recommendations it contained would,
if followed, have a very salutary effect."
The motion was lost, and after the clerk read the
introductory paragraph, Ald. Simons moved that the reading
now be suspended. Ald. Bemis objected stating that since
the reading had been ordered, they should hear the entire
message. The Clerk proceeded, but as grown men like to play,
read only the opening paragraph, and closing portion of
the message.
Mayor Becker
's message to the Council.
"I assumed the office of Mayor under many disadvantages.
Entirely inexperienced in public affairs, I was compelled
to shape out a [way of running the city] myself.
"The city taxes
are high; I
hope you will see and act upon the necessity of reducing
the annual expenses. The utter prostration of business throughout
the country has suspended or reduced operations in manufacturing
pursuits, and thrown large numbers of skilled workers and
laboring men out of employment. Although our citizens desire
a reducing of taxation, it will be our civic duty to provide
for those who have been compelled to throw themselves upon
the city for assistance. I am in favor of economy in municipal
administration; yet I deem it highly important that public
work should, if possible, be immediately provided for the
unemployed, and thus afford relief to many of the needy
and suffering.
"[The sum collected this year in the Tax Loan
Fund] is the largest amount collected in any one year since
the fund was created.
"In regard to enforcing the compulsory-education
law, I have only to repeal the views expressed in my last
message.
"A new building has been erected and dedicated,
and is now ready for occupation, in School District No.
15.
"The firemen, both paid and volunteer, have
been prompt and efficient. [There is a paid] working force
of 94 men.
"A rigid system of discipline has been adopted
for the paid branch, but the members have so
conducted
themselves that it has only been found necessary in a few
cases to exercise the power of reprimand and dismissal.
"Gambling has ceased to be a public nuisance.
The Commissioner's have endeavored to secure a better class
of policemen, and by strict drill and discipline to improve
the character and efficiency of the force. To this excellent
system we are indebted for the quiet and good order which
our city enjoys.
"The contract made last year with H. H. Worthington
of New York, for a duplex engine, with a pumping capacity
of 15,000,000 gallons in 24 hours, has been completed. The
engine was put up in operation September 22, 1875. It has
filled the guarantee as to capacity and deem its work admirably.
"The Superintendent estimates that on fine Sundays
the average of visitors to the three large parks was about...9,000
entering in vehicles, and 7,000 on foot.
"The condition of the poor in this city at this
season of the year is a matter requiring your immediate
consideration. I believe that the city is supporting many
men who are too lazy to make an effort to obtain a livelihood
and who deserve neither sympathy nor relief. This should
be stopped, and the professional class of beggars, also,
should be weeded out. Then some public work should be provided
for those able to labor, and those who refuse should cease
to find relief at the Poormaster's hands.
"[The Street Department] is always the subject
of concern. No matter how faithfully the Street Commissioner
may endeavor to perform his duty, he cannot escape criticism
and daily complaints. We hear much about the bad condition
of our streets, but when an attempt is made to clean them
by laborers employed by the city, and tax expenses are assessed
upon the property, many of the property owners protest against
the system."
On Saturday, October 27, 1877 the Republicans held
their City Convention. Mayor Becker
was re-nominated, as he was said to be úthe most attentive,
watchful and efficient mayor the city had had for years.
The Democrats held their City Convention on Thursday,
October 25, 1877, and chose Solomon Scheu
as their candidate. In
addition, there was an independent candidate
on the Taxpayer's line, Edward Bennett
Apparently there was a political rift within in the
Republican party
and on election day, November 6, 1877, Becker was defeated in
the three way race by Scheu 8,756 to 8,159, and 6,216 for
independent candidate
Bennett, who received most of his votes at Becker's expense.
After Mayor Becker
's term was completed he stayed active in the Republican
party
and was always involved in the advancement of the city. His
business prospered and he was a highly respected citizen
in Buffalo
It was not until 1885 that Becker's name was again
brought up for public office. The Republican City Convention
was held at Turn Hall on October 17, 1885. James F. Gluck
, (responsible for the Mark Twain
manuscripts in the Buffalo
& Erie County Library), in a stirring speech, named Philip
Becker
their candidate for Mayor, which was received by acclamation.
On October 20, 1885 the Democratic City convention
was held, with William Perry Taylor
their candidate for Mayor.
The election was held on November 3, 1885 and Becker
was once again elected Mayor of Buffalo
, defeating Taylor, 18,311 to 15,633. The Common Council
stood fourteen Democrats and twelve Republicans.
At the first meeting of the Common Council
in January 1886, the Democrats spent much of the day meeting
separately, before finally joining the Republicans at 5:00
p.m. Several aldermen were appointed to wait on Mayor Becker
, and returned with his first message of his second term.
"Having been called a second time by the citizens
of Buffalo
to act as their chief executive officer, after the lapse of
ten years...I submit herewith such recommendations to your
honorable body as I have deemed it wise to make at this
time.
"In making the recommendations herein, I disclaim
any dictatorial intentions, yet shall not hesitate to speak
plainly upon matters pertaining to the general welfare
of the city
and of the citizens, because I have full confidence that
the legislative and executive departments will work in harmony
for the public good.
"For myself I can ensure you that considerations
of partisanship shall have no place in the administration
of municipal affairs.
"In my judgment [the] percentage of taxation
on the valuation of taxable property of the city should
in no event be increased, but that on the contrary it should
be...reduced.
"The Street Commissioner being the executive
officer of the Board of Health, the entire work of abating
nuisances is under his special control. During the past
year the Board has ordered...nuisances abated, namely: defective
sewers, cellars...filthy premises, and private vaults. In
all cases...the Street Commissioner is directed to notify
owners...[of] said nuisance.
"The school department ranks as the most important
one in our city; the expenses have increased continually
as well as the number of pupils...in my opinion a division
of duties [of superintendent] is desirable.
"I am informed by the judges [of the Municipal
Court] that business in that court has considerably increased
since its organization and it is becoming more popular.
"I would recommend to your consideration the
advisability of maintaining a fire and police
patrol of the harbor and creek.
"It seems to me that a boat, properly constructed
and supplied with fire apparatus, might be manned with details
from each of those departments and perform the duties of
each in conjunction.
"In speaking of [the Police] department I regret
that I cannot give it the unqualified praise that it had
received for some years past. For while the expenses exceed
those of previous years and while the department has apparently
had every facility obtainable, it has been unfortunate,
to say the least, in its efforts to prevent crime.
"There can be but little doubt that gambling
and prostitution prevail in different parts of the city
to an unwarrantable extent.
"The new station at East Buffalo
is completed and has been occupied by the department since October
last, and the one being now built in the Thirteenth ward
will soon be ready for occupancy.
"The pay of all patrolmen was increased last
May...and ten patrolmen were added to the force in October.
úThe portion of the city known as East Buffalo
in being rapidly built up, and has now almost a crowded population.
With but poor sewerage and an inadequate supply of Niagara
water, necessitating the use of public wells, with many
unpaved and uncleaned streets, the danger of an epidemic
of malaria and symotic diseases is a constant menace and
calls for prompt action on the part of the city in making
these improvements.
"In my judgment the action of the Common Council
in extending the lamp district for the last two years has been
reckless and extravagant of all proportion to the growth
of the city.
"The provisions of the act regulating the admission
of persons to the civil service have been adopted and supplied
to the departments of the City Government.
"The Charter Commission
appointed last year to prepare amendments to the Charter, performed
its work and sent to the Legislature the draft of a new
Charter.
"In conclusion I desire to thank the heads of
the different departments for the information upon which
this communication is based; also the retiring Mayor for
his courtesy and kindness to me and my assistant."
On January 3, 1887 Mayor Becker
delivered his second Annual Message.
"The great amount of local and general improvements
completed during the past year, indicative of the municipal
growth of the City, adversely taxed the capacity of the
several departments and served to indicate the efficiencies
"The important fact is forced upon our recognition
that the citizens will no longer tolerate a negligent performance
in official duty or the support and maintenance of factional
or party interests at the expense of public business.
"...The extension of sewers and pavements in
the East Buffalo
district has somewhat improved the sanitary conditions there.
"The slaughterhouses and rendering establishments
at East Buffalo
, and in the town of Cheektowaga, just outside the City,
have been a prolific source of complaint, as their sewage
has been allowed to drain upon the surface; but the completion
of the Babcock and Seneca Street sewer will aid materially
in abating this nuisance, and with constant demand for improved
methods, we may hope to end all rendering done outside the
City and all slaughtering in the City done in properly constructed
abattoirs.
"I again call attention to the fact that the
records of the [health] department are becoming more and
more valuable, and that more suitable quarters should be
provided for keeping them and for performing the work of
the department.
"There can be no doubt of a decided improvement
in the general efficiency of [the Police] Department during
the past year, and of a consequent decrease of that open
licentiousness so detrimental to the morals of a City. Professional
gambling has in a large measure ceased and public prostitution
is kept within the bounds of good order; not by a vigorous
exercise of power so much as by the steady disciplined pursuit
of a policy that restrains rather than attempts to prohibit.
"The department is an important one and every
facility that will increase its efficiency should be placed
within its reach and the highest attainable discipline be
maintained.
"All the station houses are reported to be in
good condition, and the new one at the corner of Seneca
and Babcock Streets, begun in 1885, was completed and occupied
April 1, 1886. The patrol wagon system provided for in the
last annual estimates has been contracted for and will be
placed in operation soon; 100 alarm boxes have been located
and it is expected that they will be erected within a month
or two.
"One new [Fire] engine house has been erected
during this year, one new engine added to the department
and a fireboat contracted for, to be ready for use next
May.
"More or less trouble and delay's occasioned
of every fire in the business portion of the city by telegraph
and telephone wires that obstruct the streets and prevent
or hinder the use of the department's apparatus; and it
is hoped that means will soon be devised to clear the streets
of those obstructions.
"We have now reached a period in the growth
of the city where...more careful supervision of the construction
of buildings [is necessary], and I take this occasion to
recommend the extension of the district in which the erection
of frame buildings is prohibited, to the city line, as it
existed prior to 1854, and to the Island.
"Also an ordinance prohibiting the erection
in any part of the city of frame buildings for manufacturing,
hotels or public halls, any building for the purpose of
a livery, sale, or boarding stable without permission of
the Council, and regulating the construction of entrances
to and the sanitary plumbing of all public buildings
"Important additions of territory have been
added to the Park system during the year...the portion bordering
on the south line of the Park known as Rumsey's Grove, and
two blocks of land on the Lake shore opposite 'The Front.'
"From statistics procured from reliable sources
I present an interesting exhibit of the great volume of
business done at the live stock yards in this city during
the year 1886.
"Cattle - 30,000 cars, averaging 15 to a car
- 450,000 head.
"Hogs - 28,000 cars, averaging 125 to a car
- 3,500,000 head.
"Sheep - 9,000 cars, averaging 200 to a car
- 1,800,000 head.
"Horses - 1,600 cars, averaging 18 to a car
- 28,800 head.
"All cattle, sheep and hogs are examined immediately
upon arrival by the Cattle Inspector, who has ample power
under the ordinances to cause all dead animals to be removed.
But the ordinance is, in my opinion, defective in its provisions
as to diseased and crippled animals in making it the duty
of the owner, consignee or agent to cause them to be slaughtered,
without giving the Cattle Inspector power to cause it to
be done in case of their failure to do it.
"[The Law] Department has been reorganized by
an act of the Legislature of 1886, and placed upon a more
substantial basis.
"Attention was called in my last annual message
to what I believe to be the unwarrantable extensions of
the lamp district and the annual burden of taxation occasioned
thereby; and I renew the same remark, not because I am opposed
to any street or section of the City being lighted by the
best or most expensive light obtainable, but because of
the manifestly inequitable and unjust manner of levying
the lamp tax.
"The statement will not be contradicted that
many of the extensions of the past few years would not have
been made had the expense of maintenance been a charge upon
the property benefitted instead of upon the general fund.
"There are undoubtedly...reasons why the expense
should not be collected by local assessments , but the exigencies
of the case demand a radical change of the system."
During this administration Becker had a 'famous'
fight with the electric company. Apparently, Becker felt
that if he could keep the streets lit for $1 by gas, why
pay the electric company $2.
Again in 1887, Philip Becker
was chosen as the Republican candidate for Mayor. Ex-Mayor Solomon
Scheu
was chosen the Democratic candidate.
Election day was on November 8, 1887, and Mayor Becker
was victorious his second time running against Scheu, 17,925
to 17,451. This was said to be one of the more famous political
battle of Erie County. Members of his own party worked against
him, and the result was not declared until nearly every
vote was counted.
"The election of Mayor Becker
to succeed himself was a victory won against such odds as were
never encountered by any other successful candidate for
the same office.
"The cry 'Anything to Beat Becker,' rang through
the city, and into the pool went the Brewers, Maltsers,
monopolists of all sorts - the electric light, the natural
gas, the Standard Oil, the outlying lands, and all other
concerns that had felt the weight of Mayor Becker
's vetoes."
"So sure were Philip Groben and Jacob Goetz
that their uncle Philip Becker
was a sure thing, that they bet $2 to $1 on him and now they
are wearing happy faces having cleared up $4,500."
On Monday, January 3, 1888 a committee of two was
appointed to wait upon Mayor Becker
At this time he delivered his Annual Message to the Common
Council
, which was read in part by the Clerk.
úIt is suggested by the outgoing [Street] Commissioner
that the Street and Health Inspectors be uniformed and vested
with Police authority, and I recommend the matter to your
early consideration, believing that they should be made
Special Patrolmen and authorized to enforce peremptorily
the ordinances pertaining to the Street Department and Public
Health.
úNumber of children over five and under twenty-one
years of age residing in the city on the 30th day of June,
1887 - 71,000.
"Number of pupils over five years of age, registered
as having attended private schools some portion of the year
- 11,837.
"Number of children who attended the public
schools some portion of the school year - 29,634.
"The Patrol Signal System has been in operation
at No. 1 station since July 1, 1887.
"The signal district comprises all of the First
and Tenth precincts and a portion of the Third precinct.
It is a valuable auxiliary to the department and its operation
so far has been very satisfactory. The whole system will
be complete about the middle of the present month.
"The department is in good condition generally,
though there are at least ten patrolmen who are unable to
perform active duty, owing to age and ill-health. These
men have served the city long and well and cannot be dismissed
without good cause, but as the number of patrolmen is limited...the
force is weakened by the number of those who are unable
to perform active duty.
"In my opinion provision should be made for
retiring such men upon a suitable pension, to be provided
either by the city, or in part by the city and part by assessments
upon members of the force. I believe that a permanent fund
for such purpose would have a tendency to improve the force
in many ways.
"I am also of the opinion that the present force
should be increased by fifty additional patrolmen and that
proper provision should be made therefor.
"The Fire Boat
is about completed and has been placed in service for the protection
of valuable property in and about the harbor, canal and
the numerous slips.
"A new engine house on Forest Avenue has just
been completed, an engine and truck house on Best Street
is well under way, and a new Hook and Ladder Truck has been
purchased and will soon be placed in service.
"The Commission has now under consideration
the feasibility of extending the Park system on the south
side of the City towards Lake Erie
for the benefit of the people on the east side of the City.
"...A nuisance still exists in the Hamburg canal,
and I recommend early consideration of the propriety of
dredging it before warm weather.
"[There was] an increase over last year of 651,900
head received [at the East Buffalo
Markets].
"The subject of better accommodations should
be considered in connection with the needs of other departments
and I therefore recommend that the city acquire for public
purposes a lot in the vicinity of the City and County Hall
and erect a building thereon for the accommodation of the Municipal
Court, the Water Department, and either the Park Commissioner
or the Board of Health.
"This would make room in the City Hall
for the Corporation Counsel and the Commissioner of Public Buildings,
both of which departments are now very much crowded.
"The statute
of the State has been amended during the year by
preferring over all others the appointment and employment
of honorably discharged soldiers and sailors of the Union
army during the Rebellion, who have passed the necessary
examinations.
"The task before you is a difficult one, and
none but wise and candid men may safely be entrusted with
the legislation of a great city.
"Personal, corporate, factional and partisan
interests will clamor for immediate recognition and exert
unblushingly their combined influence for gain or advantage.
"...A businesslike prudence and economy in the
administration of municipal affairs is the most that we
can do to insure continued prosperity."
On January 7, 1889 the committee appointed to wait
upon Mayor Becker
returned with his Annual Message. It was partially read before
the Common Council
"In transmitting to you brief reports from the
several departments of the City government...I deem it proper
and therefore take the occasion to speak earnestly, though
in a somewhat general way, of what I
believe to be the best interests of the City.
"The theory of increasing assessed valuations
by the means of great improvements has, in my opinion, been
carried to the limit of prudence.
"I renew my recommendation made one year ago
that the Street and Health Inspectors be made special patrolmen
in order that they may be able to enforce more peremptorily
the ordinances pertaining to the Street Department.
"Smallpox appeared in the city about the middle
of July and we have had scattering cases from that time
to the present, about 134 in all.
"Owing to the large amount of work done by the
medical staff in vaccinating a threatened epidemic of smallpox
has been averted, the disease at no time assuming the proportions
of an epidemic.
"The [Police] force is substantially the same
as last year except the patrol system which...has been in
operation in all the districts since January 10, 1888, and
is all that it was expected to be.
"The fire boat is a valuable auxiliary to the
[Fire] department and has done excellent service.
"...I renew my recommendation of one year and
two years ago that the fire [districts]...be extended to
the old City line, except for grain elevators
which are necessarily constructed [of wood].
"Attention is also called to the draft of an
act to provide for a department for the inspection of buildings
submitted to the Common Council
April 9, 1888, and to my recommendation upon the subject made
two years ago. The Builders' Association Exchange has recently
taken the matter up, and I am also in receipt of letters...asking
that this additional safeguard be placed around the business
parts of the City as a protection to life and property,
and as a means of reducing the present high rates of insurance.
"The Gaskill engine...will be ready for trial
in a few days, and will add twenty million gallons a day
to the pumping capacity of the lower [water] station.
"The advisability of constructing a large storage
and distributing reservoir...was some time ago submitted...and
[the] report favoring the project...was submitted to the
council December 22.
"In considering the subject the present condition
of the City's bonded indebtedness and the relative importance
of proposed improvements in other departments should not
be forgotten.
"Some consideration has been given to a proposition
to extend the [park] system and a sketch has been prepared
of a new park in the southern part of the city; but the
estimated cost is so great that in view of the expense of
Park maintenance the Commission has taken no further action
in the matter.
"This [Civil Service
] Commission has continued the successful application of
the law regulating appointments to the Police and Fire departments
but has been met with stubborn resistance on the part of
some officials, who, relying apparently upon public contempt
for the obnoxious features of the law, have endeavored to
make it more obnoxious by presenting cases appealing to
the public sympathy.
"On the 1st of January 1886, there were in use
5,401 gas lamps...and 418 electric lights. On the 1st of
January 1888...the number...was as follows...6,790 gas lights...and
639 electric lights.
"Up to that time the use of electric lights
was confined to business localities to the railroad crossings
and the principal approaches to the City.
"The proposals submitted for electric lights
were the same by each of the three companies and for gas
the same by the three gas companies.
"The question of lighting the whole City with
electric lights instead of gas was discussed, but this proposition
met with opposition, not only on account of the additional
expenses...but also on account of the unsightly poles and
the unequal distribution of light, which makes it undesirable
for residence streets.
"But the Common Council
of 1888 was in some respects a unique body.
"Surrounded at every session by the active and
persuasive officers of the electric light companies, they
accepted the very moderate reduction in price apparently
with thanks and proceeded to substitute electric lights
in places not considered dangerous and in streets not considered
thoroughfares, often in direct opposition to the wishes
of the people of the streets and apparently in defiance
of public opinion and the disapproval of the Mayor. At first
urging these substitutions at street crossings where they
would displace gas lamps in four directions and thus reduce
the relative cost, they have more recently ordered them
in the center of blocks, where the relative cost will be
at least double.
"To-day there are 1,080 electric lights for
which the city is paying 45 cents per night each, and 4,454
gas lamps costing $21.87 per year.
"The reductions in prices of gas and electric
light, since January 1, 1886, have been one result of the
strenuous and continued opposition to what I believe to
be unwarrantable extensions, and had these reductions not
been made the present number of lights would have cost...$58,047
more than they now cost.
"...I trust that no member of your Honorable
Body will vote either way upon any resolution for the purpose
of pleasing or displeasing the Mayor, because I disavow
any greater responsibility in this matter than rests upon
each and every member of the council."
There were 345 Butcher's Licenses issued in 1888
by the Mayor's office. This number fluctuated from year
to year as Buffalo
grew to have one of the largest Stockyards
in the country. This past year $102,162,005 were the value of
receipts for the animals brought into the city. The value
of stock slaughtered was $15,933,385. As can be seen this
was one of only a handful of extremely large, and prosperous
business in Buffalo
at this time.
The business of selling fresh meat was done mainly
in the winter months as no form of refrigeration, except
frozen ice, was invented yet. Pickling and smoking meat
was common in the warm months to allow it to last longer.
In many cases there was little meat slaughtered during the
summer months, and the number of butchers increased as the
cold weather drew near.
Through Becker's three terms as Mayor, he "stood
like a rock between the public treasury and the spoilsmen."
He prevented the Common Council
from spending money foolishly, and although there may have been
criticism as to his methods, there was no question that
he always worked for the common good of the city.
Becker did not seek re-election.
PERSONAL LIFE
In between Mayor Becker
's first and second term he traveled extensively, to Europe,
the Pacific coast, and the Southern United States, familiarizing
himself with his adopted country.
When Becker finally retired from politics, after
losing his last mayoral campaign, he returned to his work.
By the 1880's Becker's firm was among the largest jobbers
in Western New York, with an excellent credit rating and
a reputation for "fair and honorable dealing."
In 1852 Philip Becker
married Sarah Goetz, sister of his partner George Goetz. They
had no children. That same year, Mr. Becker's parents and
siblings arrived from Bavaria. Both parents also died that
same year.
One of the first homes of Becker was a brick home
on Pearl Street near Court Street. From there he moved to
a modern brick mansion at the northeast corner of Franklin
and Mohawk Streets. In 1890 he erected a mansion at 534
Delaware Avenue near Allen Street, which "up to his
death was the pleasant gathering place of his many relatives
and friends."
In 1891 the Buffalo
Young Men's Republican League attempted to get Becker nominated
as the Republican candidate for governor. These men were
more "ambitious than they were wise." Unfortunately,
nearly no one knew who Becker was, outside of Erie County.
The Republican Convention was held in Rochester, and the
"leaguers" tried to persuade the vote for Becker.
J. Sloan Fassett was nominated, but the Buffalo
faction refused to vote for him. They insisted that Becker be
presented for a vote. He was not, and Fassett received an
overwhelming majority. That year was for the Democrats though,
as they won the Governorship and nearly every office in
Erie County.
Philip Becker
retired from active-business in 1893.
In 1896 Philip Becker
& Co. moved to a new building they had built at 275 and
277 Pearl Street.
Also in 1896, Becker helped to establish the Buffalo
Commercial Insurance Company, and was chosen
president by the stockholders. He held this position
until his death.
He was always interested in promoting the interests
of many local organizations. He was a life member of the
Young Mens' Association, German Young Mens' Association,
Buffalo
Historical Society
, Society of Fine Arts, president of the Saengerbund, Liedertafel,
Orpheus, Turners', Mechanics' Institute
and many others. He was a "prime mover" and contributed
largely toward the building of the Music Hall on the site
of the former Teck Theater.
Becker died on July 4, 1898. He left an estate valued
over $750,000. He was credited with being Buffalo
's third millionaire many years earlier. Several trusts
were set up in his will and his wife was paid annuities
until her death. Four charitable institutions were also
remembered in his will, Buffalo
General Hospital
, the German Deaconess' Home, the Sisters' Hospital and
St. Vincent's Female Orphan Asylum.
He was buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery
In 1900 a monument made of Quincy granite and weighing 84
tons was erected at his grave site in the cemetery. Included
on the face of the die is a bronze medallion of Becker's
face, 1-1/2 times life size. A fitting tribute to Buffalo
's first German, and first three-time Mayor.
