The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1870-08-20
4 The Water Power Business.


day evening will apprise the reader Of new
movement in that body on the water power ques-
ton in the form of resolution offered BY Alder
man Burke. That resolution was referred to a
special committee, who had an interview with
Mr.. Cushman on "Wednesday, and on Thursday
evening submitted the following report, at
special meeting Of the council called on purpose
red until the regular meeting of the council
next Tuesday evening:
The committee to whom was referred the fol-
lowing resolution:
WHEREAS, W. II. w. Cushman has failed to
perform his obligations as stipulated in the con-
tract entered into by the said w. II. w. Cush.
man with the city Of Ottawa for the improve
ment of the water power at Ottawa
ReSOlrtd, Meret0re. that the Mayor be and he
is hereby instructed to notify the said w. III. w.
Cusnnan, and all whom il may concern, that
the interest accrued August ,, A. ID. 1870, on the
bonds given to the SAID W. H. w Cushman by
the city of Ottawa. in consideration of the i'm
provement OF the water power, will not be paid
by said city, and the City Attorney is hereby
instructed to take such legal measures as may
be proper to protect the interests OF the city from
the transfer Of the water power bonds 70 limo.
cent hands,
Respectfully report, that in their opinion it
would be inexpedient at this time TO adopt said
resolution.
The adoption of the resolution would be a
virtual rescission of the contract between Mr.
Cushnan and the city. Is the council prepared
to take this step 1t must be BONE in mind
that, under the provisions Of the new constitu-
ton Of Illinois, IL will not again be in the power
u tie city 10 offer similar bonus to other par.
ties to undertake this work, or 10 make q similar
contract or Arrangement with other parties, or
for the city 10 AID the undertaking. or TO under.
take the work itself by the Issue OF lis bonds. Is
1t wise. therefore, for this council to take so
important step as this resolution contempt ates
until they have grounds, at least, Tor pretty
positive conviction that Mr. Cushman does not
mean TO commence this work and complete it 10
good faith in accordance with his contract with
the city Is there such evidence The weight
Of the evidence appears to your committee TO be
decidedly the other way.
l our committee have had an interview witt
Mr. Cu-hm4u and received his positive pledge
that 1t Is not only his iull purpose 10 complete
the proposed water power improvement at Otta-
Wa IN the literal and exact fulflment Of his
contract with the city, but that be will do a
considerable II not the heavier portion Of the
work this selsO n,-certaiLly not less than to
place upon the ground the material for tAe d am,
piers, head gates, &o and 10 excayate the head
race Mr.. Cushman also states that his pecu-
mary situation Is such, that it will be impossi-
Die Tor him TO 70 on with the work unless lie can
avail himself OF the 100000 placed in bis hands
Tor the purpose II this Improvement by the city,
and that the work has BEEN and i now beiug
delayed by the non-payment Of the interest due
August ri las. past on said bonds il being i'm.
possible 10 dispose a the bond. while the city
refuses 10 pay the interest On them. He is will.
ing To accept the bonds Of the city TO the amount
Of $4,000 IN payment Vi said interest and pledges
himself neither 10 touch the original bonds for
500 VJO or said interest bonds excep, to use them
IN = prosecution Of the proposed water power
improvement.
In view OF these statements aud pledges, your
committee though they have no hesitancy in
saying that in their belief this council aud the
people vi Ottawa have Just cause for complaint
Oi what at least Set.ts TO have been an unreason.
Die delay II the commencement: OF this work,
yet your committee believe this council is un.
willing that any portion Of the blame for this
delay should rest upon them on account of a
want o! readiness TO meet any Interest Justly
due upon these bonds; and to leave Mr. Cush.
man without sucn excuse IN future, We recon-
mend the adoption of the following resolution:
That the Mayor be directed ~ execute in due
form the bonds he has been authorized by an
ordinance passed by this council aud ratified by
a vote Of the people of Ottawa to issue and to
pay them over TO Mr.. Cushman in full satisfac.
ton Of the interest due August %. 1870, On the
bonds for 100000 issued August ID, 1869, in aid
OF the water power improvement; at Ottawa, and
TO receive from Mr.. Cushman the proper coupons
therefor.