Mexico weekly ledger., 1883-04-12
STIyE ADDRESS.
dayor Pollock, Before the Old
and New City Council.

In reviewing the business Oh the City
for the past year l find, taking it as a
whole, to have been as well managed al
probably any other term in the history of
the city. 1 find in the examination of the
books of the clerk and recorder that the
accounts of that officer nave been care
fully and well kept; and 1 think that he
deserves the commendation Of this coun-
Gil, as well as that of all citizens, for his
close attention to the business interests
of the city,
The financial affairs of the city are now
in the best condition they have been in
for many years, all the debts having been
paid except the balance of two thousand
dollars due and pa, able to Joel Haden in
August next; the interest on which has
been paid up to February last, and the
bonded debt of six thousand dollars, on
which the interest has been paid, and six
hundred dollars set aside to the sinking
fund to meet the principal when due.
This sinking fund should be loaned on
good real estate security and for a long
term of years, the interest to be paid an
nually; and / have instructed the treas
urer to make such loan subject to your
approval.
Since your annual statement the sale of
the old council chamber has not been
consummated, or rather Mr.. Harper re-
fused to accept the deed and pay 81 500
on account of a reservation of a right in
north wall by E. d. Graham, when the lot
was sold by him to the city. The failure
to consummate this sale will reduce the
amount of cash in the treasurer's hands
the above amount, and viii Leave only a
balance in the treasury OF sIaI 40 over
and above the sinking fund. l find this
council have redeemed and destroyed
twelve hrr3-au and EsvantY-niue dollars
o. ,Le engraved II dollar WARRANTS and
I think there are but few if any ieTt ju
circulation.
Many Of the assessments for side
walks and benefits assessed for opening
streets remain yet unpaid, and these ac-
counts will be turned over to the next
council for collection. Suit has been
instituted in some cases for the collec-
ton of sidewalk accounts, while there
are many OF which suits have not been
instituted. The reason more suits have
not been instituted on the above &C
counts is because the council in the be-
ginning adopted the policy of avoiding
litigation with reference to such mat
ters, provided no injustice tt the city
would be done. I feel sure it is no fault
of our collector and take pleasure in saying
that I believe he has been untiring in his
efforts to collect the revenue and in the
discharge of all the many duties of both
collector and marshal.
The delinquent tax for the year 1882
can all be collected by using the proper
means, as the recent surveys made by di-
rection of this council previous to the last
assessment of all property not properly
described by former surveys. These re-
surveys being made and having them
numbered and placed on record is one of
the most important things done by this
or former councils. Heretofore most of
the delinquent tax was left uncollected
on many pieces of property because of
improper descriptions and collections
could not be enforced.
MACADAM.
While We have not done as much in
making macadamized streets as 1 would
have desired, yet l find we have four
blocks completed and I think enough rock
broken in the rock yard to make another.
Most OF the labor performed in breaking
the rock has been done by those unable
to do, OF procure other work and by those
working out fines imposed for violation
of ordinances.
wATER SUPPLY.
This project was kept from being in
augurated on account of not having the
means to make a start, nor a suitable To-
cation for a water tower and buildings;
but as this council has purchased a suit
able lot, it is now in shape for the incom-
ing council to make a beginning. This we
could have done in the past year but for
the floating debt of the city that became
due and that we all felt should be paid,
which with the interest added, amounted
to S5,l4s that this council have paid.
GAS WORKS
This enterprise l think snow in proper
shape to be erected and to give US light at
an early period, as there is apositive con-
tract with the builders to complete the
works by August next. The Messrs.
Miller, of Pennsylvania, have taken charge
of the work and are, 1 learn, practical
men of long experience in the business,
and I am informed by one of the company
that the works to be built for Mexico
will be of the very best with all the late
improvements in the manufacture of gas.
LEGISLATIVE.
The bill we presented to the legislature
for the purpose of enacting a general
law allowing cities having a population of
less than twenty thousand to change or
alter ward lines, and to change the num-
Der of wards in such cities, and to provide
for two concilmen in each ward. and fix
ing their term of Office as well the term Of
Office of the mayor thereof at two years,
n councilman to be elected from each
ward annually, was passed by the house
but failed to pass the senate. 1t was
claimed that said bill was in conflict with
section So, art 4th of the constitution,
and sections 1855 and 1856 Of the revised
statutes of Missouri; or rather, that be-
cause OF said sections the proper steps
had not been taken to justify the passage
of said bill, but upon an examination Of
said sections it can be seen that they
have no reference to bills of the charac-
ter of that above named. The bill passed
the house almost without any opposition,
and would have passed the senate but we
all know that towards the close of the
session of every legislature there is a
press of business, and our bill did not
reach the senate until a few days before
its adjournment hence was disposed OF
in q summary way and without its proper
consideration. No one a help but rec.
ognize the Importance of the bill, and
hope it win not be lost sight of and wher
the next general assembly .convenes the
proper steps will be taken to secure its
passage.
REVISION of ORDINANCES.