Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-02-28

Ordinance, which ex-
.4ues for issue Of new bonds In
exchange for old bonds only, and at their
''face value.' (See section of an Or
dinaEce to Compromise the Bonded Debt Of
the City of Savannah
As It appears from statement Of the
Treasurer that the city redeemed by pur-
chase, for cash from treasury. during the
pending Of the compromise, e78, 600 OF old
bonds which were destroyed in presence Of
the Finance Committee, as per their certin-
Gates duly on record In the Treasurer's
Office, we do not consider the use OF a sim
ilar amount OF new bonds, for the purpose
for which they were used In this instance,
against the spirit Of the ordinance, and
hence the over issue, or actual increase of
the "face" Of the bonded debt, is $42, 200
only.
From the foregoing the total amount of
new bonds issued appears to be 50, 81, 400,
leaving In the hands of the Treasurer availa-
bic for exchange Sill, 900. AS this amount
is probably larger than will be required for
some time, now that bonds come in very
slowly, by reason Of so comparatively few be-
ing outstanding, and, as considerable num-
Der of the bonds in hands of the Treasurer
are Of the denomination Of $500, denomi-
nation that appears not to be in request, we
would respectfully suggest that two hun
dred of these bonds, taking the highest
liz
The amount that would be left in hands of
Treasurer, after such cancellation, would
be ample for all probable applications for
exchange for some time.
As more bonds were required, the Com
missioners could sign certificates on those Of
denominations more In request than the
three hundred dollars issue.
With the funds at our disposal, ga 40
balance from 1879, $4,000 received from
1891 nd G1R 2S drawn m
total $1,000 75), we have purchased new
bonds of the face value of $l2, 900, and care
fully cancelled same with all unmatured cou-
pons attached, and handed said bonds, &C.,
to the City Treasurer for such final destruc-
ton as Council may direct. The details of
our purchases are as follows:
February 9, 1880. $751; 300 bonds at 77sz
May ., 1880, $500 bonds at 77Sl per 49, :
cent. ....................... 248S 90
August 6, 1850. So, 100 bonds at 8il6 per ~ =
November 3, 1880, $1,000 bonds at $50 '1o -
per cent. Observation-Disclosures. 800 10
Total. $780,. $12, 800 bonds, costing $1,000 rs
Pur'd previously 1880 bonds,eosting 1895 50
Total purchased $3.50 = ssO,O26 50
In addition to these new bonds cancelled,
the City Treasurer has taken in payment of
balances on ground rent lots, bonds amount
ing to So. 100, the cancellation of which we
have verified, and details duly placed on
our records. The total amount of new
bonds cancelled is thus $4,000, leaving
So, 81 800 outstanding on 31st December.
In conclusion, we beg to return our
thanks to your Honor and to the City
Treasurer and assistants. for aid and courtesy
extended to us while engaged In the labori-
GUS duty of examining the large number of
old bonds received In exchange for the new
issue up to 3lst December, 1880.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Chief Engineer Blair, of the Savannah
Fire Department, after giving some details
in regard to the property Of the department,
says:
The entire property of the Department is
in fair condition, but the engines begin to
show the effects of age, all Of them having
been in use about fifteen years, and during
that time have done good service. 1t is
hardly to be expected that they will be in
condition to last longer than four or five
years, and during that time will require
much more repairs, comparatively, than in
the past.
For more specific schedule of the prop
ertY of the Department, number of fires,
etc, respectfully refer you to the report OF
the Secretary.
1 again invite the earnest attention of
Council to the inadequate supply of water
In various parts of the city, particularly In
the western and southeastern portions
Since my last report, am gratifed to state
that openings to hydrants have been en-
larged in accordance with my recommends
ton, and the anticipated beneficial results
are being realized. A large plug should be
put Immediately on Fahm street, near the
old main, in order that should it become
necessary, two engines could be worked at
once. This would furnish good supply of
water for that neighborhood.
Losses by fire during the year have been
very small. The men of the force have
been prompt in responding to all alarms,
and are deserving Of praise for faithful per-
Torrance of duty. | respectfully recon-
mend an annual appropriation by Council
to each company of the department. At
present they receive no compensation,
while the men are subjected to expense for
uniforms, etc. A small annual gratuity
would be no more than an act of Justice,
and would act as an incentive TO still
greater efforts in the performance of duty,
at all times arduous.
Although the fire alarm telegraph Is work
ing very well at present, it requires a great
deal of attention, and as the operator is
frequently absent from the city, this duty
devolves upon the Chief Engineer. | beg
respectfully to recommend the removal of
the fire alarm apparatus from the Exchange
building to the fire bell at the police bar
racks. The last named bell being much
the largest, its tones could be heard at
greater distance and alarms be responded to
in shorter time.
l again urgently invite your attention to
the Swinging harness." referred to In my
last report. This gearing is used in nearly
all the cities of the North and West, and has
proved, not only saving in cost, but a re-
lief from chatting to horses, and cause them
to last much longer, which is an important
consideration, aside from the mercy which
should always be accorded these dumb ami
mails, so faithful to their master, man.
POLICE DEPARTMENT..
Gen. R. II. Anderson, Chief of the Po-
lice, gives the following interesting In
formation in reference to that service:
The aggregate strength of the department
is ffty-six, as follows:
Sihet ..'.' .'.'-''''.'-'
11cuOeuaileS. .........-............
SerSeAnCS. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES.
ITAFaOeS AZ
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