Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1869-09-09
MAYORS MESSAGE.
MAYORS OFFICE,

MENFuIs, Tenn, September :, 1869.
Gentlemen Of the Board: 1t is to be
regretted for the public interest IN
VOWED that you failed to have a quo
rum for the transaction of business OF
| pressing importance at the last regular
\ and called meetings. A number OF
/ you. however, were absent from the
/ city.
The season is most rapidly passing
in which the Nicholson pavement
NAV be preserved from early loss by
tarring or other process (it in your
Judgment that is not the best, or Is
insuficient), your early and earnest
| attention and action are necessary.
When YOU directed the improve
ment OF the way to Elmwood Gene
terry your expectations OF the means
necessary had not been frustrated.
The work, as the City Engineer IN
forms me, will likely cost about $1,000.
Our changed financial condition
makes it proper that before proceed
ing with it / submit the matter to
YOU, as you may deem it proper to
defer it for the present. And, in fact,
il is now too late to be done to advan-
tage.
directed the street force to the inn
pPoyement OF Poplar street so far as
indispensabIy necessary under the IN
structiOns of the Engineer, and that
most important ~thOrOughiare Is now
passabIe Tor the coming winter.
The caving condition Of a portion OF
thes Wharf claims your attention, ]
recommed that the subject be referred
to our intelligent Engineer in order to
some early remedial action. 4 paper
from him to the Acting Chairman OF
OF the Landing Committee, j. .. Duri,
accompanies this message.
Mr.. \, HitZfield, who is cheaply
and successfully lighting with his gas
certain parts of the city, presents to
the city, delivering the same in this
Office. seven volumes of the Ordinan-
ces. etc. ofthe city of Baltimore, from
which, as from the experience of an
/ elder sister, some additional light may
be had to guide US as valuable as that
the donor dispenses IN our streets.
Our finances continue to be to me q
subject of painful anxiety, and claims
your earnest attention. The current
expenses reduced so greatly from their
former amount, for several months
past are unpaid, whilst some oil the
city's notes and cOllaterais to SECURE
| them have been sold necessarily to
our prejudice, As Others are likely TO
be. 1t is fruitless TO discuss the causes
of this embarrassment temporary, as
| hope, out bad enough). The system
pursued under this administration,
whether the best or not, Nas lust ele-
waiting us toa Highland enviaBie imam
ciaI position at home and abroad.
The old Indebtedness, laying like
a milestone about our necks,
was fast fading away and were I pre-
paYing 10 meet all our engagements,
Including interest in cash, promptly,
and vet reduce fut4Fs taXatiOn. In
fact a reduction of five PEP cent, had
already been made by the Board. TEo
future was bright and cheering. The
svstem. however, was disturbed and
the plans assailed and defeated, and
Obstacles and difficulties piled up be
fore US. We were denied tie use OF
the means and temporary reiief a,
hand and necessary. All were visited
with injunctiOns upon u available
resources, which yet hold, and our
assets, however sufficient in amount,
are unavailable al present. The tax
books lust completed in the county
Clerks Office are not yet in the hands
of our efficient Collector, so q TO tpr-
nish us any relief from the incoming
taxes, and ali informed on the subject
know that under former laws the past
due taxes OF a vast amount themselves
are not available Tor present relief,
In this, our embarrassment, have
worked and yet do, as heretofore, ~
woke the wisdom alQ aid of our citi.
zens equally interested wlth W and
Of sound Judgment. We invite iaYes;
tigation into and a knowledge OF oar
affairs and the causes and reasons OF
our condition whilst those only who
are ignorant of the facts may carp the
intelligent inquirer, who viii tFopble
himself to be posted from our books
and records, will, as he does, give US
his sympathy and the aid of a friendly
counsel. The Interests of the city are
the interests of all her citizens. thrust
il may not be necessary, but yet tearlt
may, that compelled by law end tbs
courts, and defeated otherwise, We
shall have 10 collect q sum sufficient
to pay the matured and maturing in
debtedness in q manner at once
prompt, nervous and harsh.
j. 7. SWAYNE,
Acting Mayor.
Upon motion it was received, filed
and ordered to be published.