The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1878-05-25
A Snug Oily.

A year ago Earlvllic, IN thls county, oiS"h-
lied as a city under the general law and elect
ed its first Mayor. The city seems to have got
along very prosperously, and week or two
ago Mr. j. J. Pool its second mayor, was fnal-
gurated, who on taking his seat delivered to
the city council the subjoined inaugural. We
publish it not only because we are requested
to do so but as matter that cannot fail to inter.
est our readers, particularly in the northern
part Of the county;
Gentlemen IF tie city CouacH:
One year ago your city elected It's first Mayor
and Aldermen; their record is before the Cit.
zens of Earlville Their acts have been weigh
ed, measured and passed upon long ere this.
The rolling wear has fled and but few incidents
have occurred to mar the peaceful brow
of our citizens. | cannot call to mind one
street fight that has occurred the past year.
Even the week Of the horse fair, when nun
dreds of men of all classes throngcd our streets
daily, not u single fight occurred. let as IL
city government we are not perfect. n lew
saloon rows have occurred. Oneor two where
whisky and muscle Nave come together and
battered on the badge of mourning; but com
pare even this with years of the past and draw
your own conclusions. Though we have but
three saloons the one thing that has most an
moved our citizens is that few disslpated crea-
lures Whose appetite for rum has ruined thelr
MANHOOD can 90 to those saloons and procure
drink as long as they have dime lett ana
legs that will carry their staggering bodies TO-
the bar. This Is also true OF the past years
But, gentlemen OF the Council, with the com
ing year this must cease. Every time saloon
keeper does this he not only lays himself liable
to "a fine but fOrfeits his license and | give sa-
Inc cDmnlE
with the laws, or have their licenses revoked.
And here | would say to the anti-lcense men,
if you mean what you preach, fall INTO the
ranks and help suppress the violations OF the
law, cease to find fault with the officers OF your
city until you are willing to act your part. II
you have any proof that your laws are violated
bring the victim, and the victory is yours.
Gentlemen of the Council, would call your
attention to the fact that years ago the Trustees
of the village prohibited card playing in sa-
looms, and when our city ordinances were made
this was omitted; will you not give the subject
your attention, and if you i'll your wise Judg-
mcnt should deem it best to create such an or
dinancc it would receive my hearty approval.
You have the same power to create such an
ordinance that you have to make any other
that does not conflict with the statute law. Let
me say of MCssrs Powers Brown and Miller,
the retiring Aldermen, that their prompt at
tendance the past year, their courtesy and kind
ness in all of their acts will ever be kindly re:
membercd by their Mayor may their indivdu-
al lives be us full of success the coming years
as the last year has been full OF their earnest
toll and strong desire for the welfare OF our
city.
rs this new council let me say, gentlemen,
that you arc not seated here to consult your IN
dividual pleasure nor to pass any measure that
is not calculated to benefit the many, and l feel
assured from your well regulated lives and su-
periOr business qualifications, that at the close
of the year, you will as well and truly deserve
the confidence of your citizens as you do to-
night.
To the citizens | will say, that there have
been no debts contracted the past year but
what are paid, besides paying Si63 principal
and INTEREST," on the bonded debt of your city
for bridges built the previous year. We may
have to build some sidewalks the coming year,
although you have more walks and in better
condition than the most of your sister cities.
This year | would recommend the plan of eX-
pending more money in graveing and drain
ing the streets and less on walks.
The permanent growth of your city the past
few wears is solidly increasing. Substantial
farmers, who have retired with handsome
amount of this worlds treasure, are coming ill.,
locating and building; all on the march to
progress and prosperity The green and gold
en- days are coming while time will bear you
on to Il richer harvest.
As for your Mayor, he pledges himself anew
that his efforts shall be directed to suppressing
disorder, and the maintenance of the ordinan-
ces through the coming year. All wheels of
fortune, games of chance, or any other gamb-
ling institution, will be prohibited from running
inside the city limits. The highest ambition
of your Mayor is to see your city prosper,
your rights, irrespective of rank or party,
equally cared for, and harmony prevail through
all your walks of life.
Thanking you all for your kind and cheer
full support the past year, Wilt the coming
one to deserve the same.