Daily Democrat and news. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1859-1864, 1862-04-17
MEETING OF NEW COUNCIL.

MEETING OF NEW COUNCIL.
Immediately upon the adjournment Of the
old Council, Mayor French called the new
Council to order.
PKEsExr-Ald. Schmidt. Mitchell. Gla.man,,
Ochs, Noe. Lambach, Davenport, McCsrn.
LeCisire, ksnwi and Cunningham.
Mayor French proceeded to read his
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Gentlemen of The Council:
1t is expected that shsll address you at this
time in reference to the affairs Of this city.
will eodeavor 10 be as brief as possible.
cannot refrain from calling your undivided
attention to our nunicipa debt. 1t Is u sub.
isct paramount to all others, and should be
carefully considered. The outstanding bonds,
and over due unpaid coupons amount at this
time to the sum Of $344 400. Other items Of
indebtedness will be found 10 the reports Of the
Finance Committee Of the outgoing Council,
to the amount Of $4,000, which eweils our
entire indebtedness to the sum of $359. 400.
In June last one Of the Judges of the Supreme
Court, at the suit Of Willard Barrows and
others, enjoined the city government from
paying either the city bonds or the interest
on the same. This case is now In the District
Court, where the city, in justice to it. credi-
tors. appears as defendant. We cannotreason.
ably expect that this debt will be decided to
te illegal, and You should hold yourselves in
readiness to effect such terms of settlement as
will be alike satisfactory to our creditors and
honorable to our city. Whatever our pecuni
ary inability may be. the good faith of the
city should not be compromised. Our people
would feel humiliated were We so much as to
name reputation. Even the poorest of our
c,tizeus-those ofivery small meane will exert
themselves to the utmost, rather than submit
to such disgrace You will do well to bear
this subject con.tantly in mind, as it properly
should have an influence on all expenditures es
Economy Of the most rigid kind IL not only
advisable. but absolutely necessary.
Our streets ore generally in good order. but
will Of course require constant expenditure to
keep them passable and answer the demands
Of our citizens. During the severe rain storm
Of this me rning, much damage was done both
to the streets and private property in the
Fret Ward To obviate a recurrence Of like
results At the xt heavy fall of rain. itappears
to me that considerable enlargement Of the
culvert on Second street, near the City Genes
terry, and tho culvert on Third etreet. near
Fillmore, will be necessary. This matter re-.
ouires imme ediate attention. Itis hardly prob.
able that as much money will be required this
year as last. although this depends on contin-
genciee.
The Fire Department j. in an effective con-
dition, with the exception Of lack of hose,
which has been contracted for. and will soon
arrive. Unless o company shall organize to
operate tho engine which has been in dieuse
the past year. l would advise it's sale. The
hose which We now have has become compar-
atively useless. in consequence Of the lack Of
con W enierces for drying. To avoid this in fu-
turs l would recommend the construction of
hose towers for drying the hose after being
used
It would also be we'll to construct several
cisterns above 5th street. for furnishing water
in cases Of fires along the bluffs. The cost Of
| suitable cisterns would not be much. while
the advantages would bs very con.iderable.
1t 10 very desirable that the city should de-
rive revenue from the public landing. To
effect this sdvsntagsously would require the
purchase Of that portion Of the landing know o
% LIE Clairs's reserve. This done, estimate,
with proper chargss for landing lumber, wood,
sand. coal. boats. aud rents Of such portions ae
csn be spared, the city will obtain at least
| 81 500 above sxpenees Tho executors Of the
Ls Claire estate have expressed willingness
to dispose Of the reserve landing, and there
tOT0 00VIO0 tO8b ~ tu0 OolOO S0O O0 pUTC00S9O
on satisfactory terms. that the city acquire it.
and at once proceed to establish rates of
wharfage.
The Police Department, - arranged last
year, has worked we'll. while the cost to the
citv has been merely nominal. The fines col.
lestsd and paid into the City Treasury. nearly
equal the entire expenditurea cannot sug-
eest any improvement.
desire to call your attention to the meapre
receipts from poll taxes. The number Of polls
paid 10 cash or work is quite too small. II
further legislation 10 necessary It should be
had forth with.
Il 10 cause for congratulation that not With.
standiog the existence during the past yesr Of
. wicked. esussless and desperate rebellion in
the Southern section Of our country. this city
has sensibly gained in population. manufae-
tories and trade. With the return If peace,
which We oil 90 sincers;y desire. our city will
enter on . career Of unexampled prosperity.
While It will be my constant endeavor 10 ad-
vance the interests of our city. am sure you
vili Be animated BY ike sentiments. and viii
extend to me your earnest and hearty eo-ops-
| ration.
The official bonds Of the Marshsl. Treasurer
and Clerk were approved and accepted.
| On motion the Council adjourasd.
] ThoA DEsNeDY, CITY Olsfk.