Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1852-1853, 1852-11-18
MAYoRts MESSAGE.

Vu'ei ye"I ouhhuco tle municipal anaiTs Oh this
our growing city, TO our especial care and man.
agcmeni; believe we all duly appreciate the
honor and responsibility; say it gives me plea
sure, because Isee many among you that have
had the honor of being associated with in this
Council the past year, and am so well ac-
quainicd with you all that know can count
on your cooperation in everything that viii ben
eft or improve or city. My burden too, will
be light, as | know you have mountain Of
charity for your Mayor.
The past year has been one Of unusual acti,i-
ty in our city Affairs. We have expended large
amonnt Of money in subscriptions TO Plank,
Gravel and Rail Roads, leading into this city
We have within the last six months, paid in cash,
the full amount of our subscriptions TO the stock
Of The Hannibal and New London Plank Road
and Bridge Company, viz: ten thousand dollars.
The regular calls Of the Hannibal and Paris
Plank Road Company have also been promptly
paid when due. The money TO pay the interest
on our city debt has always been placed in the
American Exchange Bank, New York, TO meet
the coupons before they became due; we have
also paid the balance due on the Vail Claim, be-
ing seventeen hundred and sixty-scvcn dollars,
which forever settles that in FULL we have also
expended large amount of money in city i'm
provements, but owing to a combination of un-
favorable circumstances, bad weather, search
ty of laborcrs, &C., &C., the grading, embank-
ment, and graveiing of Market street and Pal
myra Avenue have not been finished according
TO contract. The contractor has not been able
TO progress with this work as fast as he con-
tracted; but you will in your wisdom make such
arrangements as will bring these improvements
to as rapid completion as possible.
have the satisfaction 10 inform you that all!
just dues and demands of every character against
this city have since my administration been
promptly met when due, and the credit of our
city both at home and abroad deserves to stand
well.
At an election in this city in August, 1851, a
majority of the resident tax payers on real es-
tate in this city instructed my predecessor,
Mayor Harrison, 10 subscribe Fifty Thousand
Dollars stock in the Hannibal and st. Joseph
Railroad; it became my duty 10 issue the bonds
Of this city TO carry out that arrangement. ]
have paid over To- the Treasurer Of said Railroad
twenty per cent Of that subscription. viz: Ten
thousand Dollars, as per ordinance TO that pur-
pose. For further particular. regarding our f.
nances, would refer you to the report of our
city Treasurer and the accompanying docu-
ments.
would particularly recommend that the sep
arate tax of one quarter of one per cent. levied
last year for road purposes, be increased 10 one
half nf onp mr. rent in ~ tbo oor
dtions Of our city charter (Which condition re-
qures petition TO this council, of majority
of the resident taxpayers on real estate in this
city TO that pmpose).
would particularly recommend TO your fos-
tering care, the Plank, Gravel and Rail Reads
now being constructed TO terminate here
Good roads pointing here will vastly cheaper
all the necessaries of life which we have TO pur-
chase; they tend to equalize prices between us
and our distant country friends; they greatly IA
cilitatc commerce with us; they build up and
enrich both city and country.
! | would call your serious attention TO the i'm
| portant matter OF The location of the Depot OF
the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad IN this
city, and also to the laying Of the iron rail through
our streets for the Iron Horse, &c., &c.
! shall be happy TO cooperate with you to ar
range these matters satisfactorily. | am au-
thorized, as Director in said railroad, to receive
proposals for land in this city on which to build
said depot. In this matter, feel Tiny duty to
consult your wishes, and the best int crest Of
all parties.
The improvements on our wharf are progress
ing; and are in the hands Of a responsible and
experienced contractor, and will be finished in
due time.
would also suggest TO you the importance Of
comforting with the County Court of this county
to make some arrangement TO provide for the
SICK, helpless and unfortunate poor, the regular
paupers, &c. | think the establishment of "A
County Poor House would meet with the appro-
baton Of the property holders of this city and
county.
AS mind rules the world and education is
indispensable TO develop mind the great neces-
sity Of seminary of high character for Young
ladies, where the higher branches are taught,
and where our daughters can be as thoroughly
educated and accomplished as anywhere else, is
OF vast importance 10 this part Of Northern Mis-
sour. | would suggest that the property given
10 this city for church purposes, be leased, if
possible, at a nominal rent, and on advantageous
terms, for young ladies' seminary Of that char
acier, and that charter be procured from our
Legislature for it, and the said rent be disribu-
ted equally among the several churches of this
city.
The Fire Engine department, the condition
OF The caluboose, the better management of our
night police and city watch, are import ant mat
tiers for your consideration.
Real estate has risen vastly here since the
commencement Of our roads and improvements.
Our experience in this proves that municipal
regulations have great influence in the future
IF ati cities. So, TO the Great Arbiter of all ma
ions, and TO your experience and wisdom, | |
cave these and all other matters coming under
your control, as Councmen OF this city All Of
Which is respectfully submitted.