The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1854-04-22
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Prosesdinss Of The Common Council.
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| TUESDAY, April 10.
The Council met pursuant to adjournment.
President of the Council in the Chair.
On motion of Aid. Knox, James Starkey was
appointed Clerk, pro tenn.
The President suggested that the Clerk do
now administer the oath of Office to his Honor
the Mayor.
Which was agreed to, whereupon the Mayor
elect appeared at the Clerks table, and took
the oath of Office. "A
The President having vacated the chair,
his Honor the Mayor then took his seat, after
which he delivered the following address:
Gentlemen of the Common Council:
In assuming the duties imposed upon me by
our fellow citizens, under our recent act Of in
corporation, it is perhaps expected that l will
proceed to give my views in relation to some OF
the most important measures necessary to be
adopted for the benefit and prosperity of our
city. This shall do briefly, and as my ac
Guaintance with municipal affairs is but limit
ed, l shall only allude to such measures as
have more carefully considered, and regard
most necessary to be adopted in your incipient
proceedings.
Immediate measures should be taken to OBJ
tain correct exhibit Of the present fiscal con-
dition OF the city, and ascertain the exact
amount of assets and liabilities which have &C.
crued under our late town organization. JUS
tce to the creditors of the city at least requires
that the Indebtedness be funded and early pro-
vision made for the payment of the principal
In this connection. would suggest the propri-
ETY.. if in your opinion it is not incompatible
with the act of incorporation, of making loan
based upon city bonds, payable at some speci-
fed time, not exceeding fifty years, and bear
ing interest not exceeding seven per cent. per
annum, payable semi-annually.
1t is the opinion Of persons well informed in
relation to monetary affairs. with whom have
conversed, that bonds of this character, with
coupons attached, could be negotiated at par
in the Eastern markets. AS the purposes to
which ! shall recommend that the greater por-
ton Of such loan, if procured. be applied, will
be of greater benefit to our city in the future
than the present, there can be no Injustice in
creating funded debt for another generation
to cancel.
\ permanent supply of water for all parts of
the city is imperatively demanded, both for the
convenience of our citizens, and the protection
of the city against the constantly impending
danger of conhagration. Perhaps no city in
the Union possesses such enviable facilities for
cheap and abundant supply ofpure water as
st. Paul; and in my opinion the time has ar
rived when the interests of the city demand
that the city government should take the most
efficient measures to make these advantages
of protection, would recommend that cisterns
or reservoirs be constructed in convenient To-
calities, sufficiently capacious to afford an
abundant supply ofwater for ex:inguishing any
fire which may occur.
would also suggest the propriety of pres
cribing fire limits. to embrace for the present
the principal business streets of the city, lying
adjacent to the Mississippi, within which the
further erection of wooden teneInents be pro-
hibtcd by ordinance. The custom now obtain
ing among some of the most extensive property
holders on these streets, of leasing their lots for
a long term Of years. by the payment of a
ground rent by the lessee with the stipulation
that the buildings shall be removed at the ex-
pration of the lease, or revert without conside-
ration TO the lessor, is calculated to discourage
and prevent the erection OF buildings OF such
character as the interests, the appearance. and
the safety Of the city demand. Most of these
lots, if not encumbered by buildings of this
character, under tenure which in effect pre-
cludcs the erection of tenementS Of u better
class, would soon be covered withrows of brick
Oh stone cd;fces which instead of disgrace,
would be an ornament to TIC city. This system
also serves to discourage the erection Of sub
stantia! buildings hy persons who would other
wise improve their own lots, but who fear to
place valuable buildings in contact with struc-
lures which are every moment liable to furnish
food for a onhagration which may bring rnin
upon the finest portion ofthe city.
y careful ObScry alton of the improvements
which have been made, rs we'll as those which
are in contemplation the present season, in the
portion ofthc city alluded to, will, in my iudg-
ment, convince you OF the necessity Of some &C
ton on your part upon this subject.
OWING TO the stringent economy prac Used by
most of the original proprictors Of this city. in
laying out the original plats, but meagre por-
ton of land was appropriated to public pur-
poses. IN all large cities, capacious public
parks are considered almost indispensable to
public health and comfort. and although no ur-
gent necessity for such reservation can now be
said to exist here, am convinced that pro-
per regard for the future, dictates that some
early provision be made on your part for the
purchase of lands to be appropriated TO such
purpose. l would, therefore, recommend that
you adopt measures at ;.n early day to secure
the purchase of at least three tracts of
lana, Of not less than fifteen acres each, in Diff
fercnt paris Of the city, suitable for. and to be
appropriated to, lnc purposes Of public parks.
The necessity which exist, for the completion
of some of the most necessary grades for our
streets: for establishing and repairing STU
walks: for removing unnecessary accumuia-
tions Of rubbish and filth from the streets and
other places: for well defined wharf regula-
tons; for purchasing one or more lots on which
to erect a town hall and Jail for organizing
Gre companies, and establishing efficient ord-
nanccs respecting fires; are all matters which
should, in my opinion engage your early at
tention.
Much Of the future welfare of our city is init
mately connected with the primary action of
your Council, and not only your measures but
your example is calculated to have lasting
and important influence in the future admin
stratiOn of its municipal affairs. A strict re-
gard for economy should be manifested in eve
ry department, and the most rigid accountable
ity enforced towards every officer charged with
the Keeping or disbursement of moneys be-
long ing to the city. At the same time however,
nonggardly policy which would sacrifice future
welfare to present convenience should be suffer-
edit o obtain: The almost unexampled prosperity
Of ST Paul since the organization ofthe terrific
~; its geographical position at the head of
navigation of the most magnificent river in the
world; the commercial advantage afforded by
its location in the heart of country Astounding
in extensive and almost unequclled agricultu-
raj, mineral, and numbering resources; the pro-
iocted improvements which doStipn1 cbort