Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1882-05-20

COUNCIL PRocExDINGs.--Coun met in adj
journed session Monday night, to receive re-
tilihen McSherry, showers, Hill, Parks, Cush-
va, DeGrange, Grozinger, Farrin. Lambert and
Linth icum,
Mr.. Hill, of the Finance Committee, sub
nitted report of final settlement with ex-
Sergeant Pitzer, showing balance of ssss. III due
corporation, which was received and adopted.
Sergeant Wien submitted his report which
was received and referred TO Finance Commit
tee. Council met on Tuesday evening, and
went over the delinquent tax-list.
MAYORS REPORT.
To The Honorable the Members Of the CITY coun-
riff
GKrrLsMEN :A4In accordance with the pro-
vision of nm ordinance requiring the Mayor to
make out an annual report, have the honor
to herewith submit the following:
THE FINANCES.
By reference TO the Treasurer's report 1t will
be seen that the city finances are being
brought up to a sound and healthy condition.
The large floating debt which four years ago
amounted to over 900 has been gradually
reduced until it is now less than 5000. During
this period the interest on the bonded debt of
100000. together with all the current expenses
of the Corporation has been promptly mel.
Corporation bonds at one time down to fifty
cents have been brought up to par, and are now
reckoned among the best securities the
market, and the citys credit is first-cass This
is certainly gratifying exhibit, and could
only have been attained by the most careful
management and closest economy in the ex-
ercise OF which you have been compelled to
streets, &c. Just as prudent man will deny
his family, though reluctantly, many Things
which he wonld like to furnish them, but could
not do without running into debt. lii making
an examination of the improved condition of
the credit and finances of the Corporation,
compared with four years ago. certainly no man
OF coed business judgement will censure you
Tor the strict economy you have exerc sed in
the expenditure Of the peoples money, even
them of many conveniences. The exercise Of
that economy has enabled you to pay off and
stop the interest on the large debt which came
to you as a legacy of a former Council, and at
the same time made it possible for the next
Council to supply those needed wants, which
for lack of means you could not supply.
THE MAYORS DOCKET.
During the past year, from June 1st, 1881, to
this date, the amount of fines assessed was
S3l2.s9; amount of Jail fees paid $50. The entire
number OF arrests for that period was so, clasSi-
fled az follows:
Drunk and disorderly.
Fighting.
Profane and obscene nsuage................-....
Disorderly and resisting officer................ 4
Playing cards on day..........................
The average of arrests were over one week,
which is considerably less then former years.
WATER DEPARTMENT.
The reports of the Chairman of the Water
Board and the Engineer of the Water Works,
submitted ut a former meeting OF the Council,
shows this Department to be in excellent con-
dition in every respect. The expenditures in
this department. were somewhat increased dur
ing the year, by necessary repairs on the dam
and big spring reservoir a part of which, how
ever, may be classed as permanent improve
ment, and added to tho valuation of the Works.
The receipts from water rents amounted to
81, ioo an increase of 20 per cent. over the pre-
vious year.
STREET DEPARTMENT.
In making up the estimate of expenditures
at the beginning of the fiscal year, a compara-
lively small appropriation was made for the
Department of streets; The amount appro-
most needed points, in the judgement of the
Committee. But while the Committee has
been able to keep most of the streets in fair
condition with the means at their command
the system OF simply "repairing" will not SUI
hcs, on some OF the most used thoroughfares at
1T least, much longer. They will soon need to
be almost absolutely re-macadamiZed, and 1t
will be wise economy to have 1t done as soon as
the finances will permit.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Martinsburg may well be proud of its volun-
teer Fire Department. 1t is composed of
splendid material and well offic9red. The roll
contains over one hundred active and efficient
members sub-divided into Hose, Hook and
Ladder companies and five police. These men
are always ready and willing to do their utmost
in the extnguishment of fires whenever they
may occur without regard to weather or to
time. Midday or midnight, rain or shine, snow
or sleet the tap of the fire bell always brings
them promptly to the front. Without hope or
expectation of reward or compensation, they
have stood the brunt Of storms and danger TO
save the imperilled property of our citizens.
and their efficiency has been demonstrated on
more than one occasion. The organization, by
virtue ofthc ordinance creating it, is under the
care and control OF the Council, and one of it's
most important duties in my opinion, is to see
that these Ynt.a are literally supplied with all
necessary apparaL:'S for successfully combat
ting fires and with the necessary rubber cloth
ing TO protect themselves rom exposure. The
Council should see that the bremen lack for
neither encouragement or supplies.
SANITARY CONDITION.
The sanitary condition of the city is good,
and will compare favorably with that of any
neighboring towns. While smallpox. scarlet
fever and other epidemic diseases Were all
around us during the past winter, but two or
three sporadic cases occurred here, and they
were promptly taken in charge and the dis
peared. In my opinion, the appointments, by
the Council OF City Board of Health, which
could in case of necessity, act in conjunction
with the Local Board for the County, would not
be an unwisc measure.
POLICE REGULATIONS.
With q population of over 1000, we have but
one police officer. No matter how active and
efficient the one officer might be, it would be
utterly impossible for him TO and arrest
every violater of the ordinances, and besides,
he could not be expected to be on duty more
than sixteen hours out of twenty-four. But
considering all the circumstances, the peace,
quiet and order of the city has been eXcep-
tionaly good. Formerly the Corporation en-
ployed from three TO i've police, and they had
plenty of work TO do 1t would greatly add to
the protection of property and the better en-
forcement of the laws if the police force was
increased OF course this win entirely depend
on the condition of the finances. 1t is how
ever, q matter for the consideration of the next
Council.
THE MARKET.
Some means ought to be devised by which we
could have n better market, and have it kept
up during the entire year. In the matter of
a well regulated market we are far behind our
neighbors. There is no good reason why this
should be. We have the population and sur
rOundings to give us Il first-class market dur
ing the entire year, and | know of no good rea-
son for not having it. II it is the fault of tho
present market ordinance or the inability to
enforce its provisions, it ought to be amended
and re-cnacted to meet the requirements. We
certainly ought to have as good market as
our neighbors. Whatever the cause it should
be removed, and Martinsburg have a first class
market.
THE CITY BUILDING.
The new city building, now in rapid course of
completion, was real necessity 1t will not
only be invaluable furnishing offices for
prop rly conducting the business of Corpora
ton and affording n safe deposit for its books
and records, but it will be an ornament and
credit to the city. 1t also furnishes conven-
Firemeil, TO provide which has heretofore cost
the Corporation considerable trouble and ex-
pense. 1t is MS much due the Firemen as to
the members of the Council and officers of the
Corporation that they should have a comfort
able place for their meetings and the transac-
ton of their business.
CONCLUSION.
In closing up the business of this fiscal year,
1t Is gratifying to be able to contrast the present
sound and healthy condition ofthe Corporation
xK,tNl Il