The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1876-02-24
The Mayor and City Council.

Last "Wednesday evening matter OF some
little import to oursef and to the city render
ed it necessary for us TO visit the City Coun'
ell rooms when that body was In session. III
was our first visit under the present admins
tration We found each ward represented,
the Mayor presiding, the Clerk reading the
minutes, Judge Fisher, City Attorney, and
Mr.. Meagher, City Marshal, in attendance.
The proceedings were marked with proper
formality and strict adherence to parliament
tsry rules in voting. reporting OF committee,
etc., aud in every way we were very favor
ably impressed with iha business air ana
character with which the city fathers disposed
of the matter in hand. During the evening
the Mayor made talk or address to the
Council. the essence OF which we herewith
append. The address viii be read with
great interest by every citizen:
Gentlemen cfthe Cay Council.
For the first time since the City of Wichita
has been known by that name it stands free
Of gambling houses, and 50 tar rs my knowl-
edge extends, the vice of gambling does not
exist in our city at the present time. In for
mer tunes it was tolerated by our city author
tiles under various excuses. BY one it was
regarded that 1t WIS source Of revenue TO
the city: by another that il was necessary in
order TO encourage the transient trade. and
especially necessary 10 entertain our Texas
friends, who drove their cattle 10 this point
liberation Of the evil are not very compliment
tary TO the character OF the gentlemen from
the Lone Star State, and. in fact. are such as
iine-ienths OF the owneis Of cattle repudiate,
they are opposed to gambling in every
shape and form. As to this vice contributing
to the revenues OF our city let us say, if We
connot support our city government without
the aid OF ill-goiten means, then is Wichita
unworthy to be numbered among the cities
of Kansas.
Gentlemen. l honestly believe gambling is
the worst form OF vice that ever existed in
this fair land of ours. 1t robs honest toll of
its just reward, and causes many innocent
ones TO suffer want for the necessaries of life
1t has led many young man TO take his first
step in career of crime. which finally
brought him TO the prison or the gsiows. Its
influence on society at large is most perni-
cisus, and is so regarded by the laws Of our
land, and hence it is prohibited under heavy
penalties.
The good people Of our city are making
great efforts by night and by day to elevate
the standard of morals in society, and thus
promote the happiness OF our people. l think
we, as officers of the city, who have sworn TO
work for best interests, should, with one
voice, proclaim that the law shall henceforth
be maintained and enforced, aud the "ciick of
checks" and the call of"first bsll' shall never
more be heard in Wichita. For the sake OF
the rising generation-our children whom we
love and cherish, and who will shortly sue
coed us in the active duties OF iie-let us dis
charge our duties manfully. and in such a
way as TO promote peace, harmony and good
morals, and thus insure lasting prosperity TO
our rising young city.
| shall be glad to hear the views of the
Council, after which | propose to test your
sentiments by a vote on the subject.