The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1875-07-07

Mayor Davenport got go mad that he vetoed a re
solution TO Improve Elm street. and Threatened to
resign II the council didn't quit voting money for
necessary improvements.
Make it read unnecessary improvements
and it will be nearer correct.
Mayor Davenport has no interest to
serve or feeling to exhibit, except in be-
half of the mass of the people. On &C
count of the heavy expense of rebuilding
our water works, Ian expense entailed
upon the people by the incompetency of
those who first built the works. Mayor
Davenport is opposed to appropriating
any money for any purpose which can be
avoided, this year. Necessary improve
ments, in his view, are such as must be
made. Many improvements are desirable
which are not necessary. He will not ap-
prove of any appropriation which, in his
judgement, can be safely postponed for the
present. IT the council override him,
those who do it will have to answer to the
people for it. Nor will he ap-
prove of appropriations beyond the amount
allowed by law to be made If the council
persist in making illegal and unnecessary
appropriations he will not sign a warrant
on the treasurer for payment of the same.
If the courts compel him, by mandamus,
to do so, he will do it under protest, and
throw the responsibility upon those who
make illegal and unnecessary appro-
priations. He will not be held responsible
for the reckless and unnecessary appropri-
atoms of this most reckless of all the
boards Of alderman we ever had.
lie will not approve of the appropriation
for Elm street, simply and only because
he thinks it can be avoided, without great
public detriment, for this year land because,
if that appropriation shall be made, there
are petitions enough out now, asking for
others which are no more necessary, but
which will have to be made if that is made,
for enough to bankrupt the treasury and
destroy the credit of the city.
He will endeavor to protect the people
from an unnecessary expenditure of their
money, il he cannot do that he will
resign. He is determined that no share Of
the responsibility for an unnecessary use
Of the peoples money shall attach to him.
In the Gazette account of the council
meeting we find the following:
Mayor Davenport stated in the discussion that il
Mr.. Boynton was re-instated, he would remove hin
again, tomorrow (this) morning,
This is not true. He stated that be
would be acting in the peoples interest
were he to do so. He did not say
whether he would or would not remove
him. He has no feeling against
Mr.. Boynton. He removed him because hi
thought one superintendent enough, and
because Mr.. Riley, in his opinion, was tn,
most suitable man for the place. H,
says Mr.. Mitchell wanted Mr.. Riley t.
superintend the rebuilding of the works
He asked why Mr. Boynton could not d
it. Mr.. NJ. replied that Mr.. Riley wa
the most experienced and the water boar,
preferred him for that job. He think
one man ought to be able to superinten
the work, and must do so-but he doe
not say what he will do in relation to re
moyals.
He thinks that the five aldermen VIII
were elected on the ticket with him, an
UPON principles of economy and prudenc
E in the management of city affairs, ougl
to stand by him in his efforts to protet
the treasury and the credit of the city. Ii
thinks the vote cast last spring was an il
dication of the peoples wish in that re
pect. If they Ewill not do SO, and persi
! in recklessly exposing the city to unne
essary and extravagant appropriations,f
! will not share the odium which must e.
sue from such course, but will resig
and thus avoid any responsibility for in
\ prudent legislation.