The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-07-26
City Council.

A special meeting of the city council wa,
called by mayor Allen to meet on wednesday
evening last. All the members were present
except aldermen Griffith and McDougall.
The following communication from the
mayor explains the main object of the meet
ing, and il is reproduced here that the sug.
gestions Of the mayor may be acted upon by
the public, so far as is possible by them.
To the Honorable Tee Common CouncH Of N,
CITY q Ottd,Cd;
GENTLEMEN-I have called you together
for the transaction of such business as may
come before the council and more particular.
" to take into consideration the sanitary con.
dition of the city. ! am no alarmlst, but ii
is the part of wisdom to look danger in the
face and by prompt action disarm it, as far AS
may be.
The cholera scourge has commenced its
western march and we cannot expect to be
passed by.
We may not be visited this year, but we
undoubtedly will in the early season of next
Again, it is possible it may be knocking ut our
doors this fall, before cold weather comes to
insure immunity for this season. In any event
We should set our city in order and prepare
for the worst, tolthe end that, if we do not en-.
tlrely escape we may make the visit of the
We should, and that Immediately, have our
streets and alleys, particularly the latter,
thoroughly cleaned, privies aud cesspOols also
cleaned and disinfected. See that garbage
and all unhealthy matter is disposed of aud
the citizens required to keep their premises
free from everything tending to invite disease
The health officer and the health committee
should adopt an organized plan of work Wis.
itng every part of the city and directing all
nlliSlnpps. inn IN utn oil
abated. think they have now sufficient
power TO enforce these requirements, if not,
awould recommend they be given still fur
ther and, II necessary, extraordinary powers.
would also recommend the immediate To-
cation OF fish market, away from the bust
ness portion of the city and also where it will
not be offensive to the resident portion
would suggest the bank of the Illinois river at
a reasonable distance from the bridges or
travelled streets.
would also recommend the appointment
of city scavenger, under proper restrictions,
and under control of the health officer and
health committee.
In order to carry into effect the above sug-
gestions and recommendations, | would rec.
ommend an appropriation Ia the health com
mlttee OF Il sufficient sum, say $500, for that
purpose. They may not need this amount
but such sum at least should be at their dispo.
sal, and If not used will of course be covered
back into the city treasury.
would also recommend an additional ap.
preparation for the street and alley committee
Since reading their estimates, All important
bridge has given way, is impossible and can.
not be repaired and new one is required i'm.
mediately, hence the call for an increased APP
priation,
If these additional amounts are granted the
street and and alley committee and the health
committee, the proper ordinance must be
adopted tonight in order to file with county
'lerk within the required time,
Respectfully submitted,
En-. c. ALLEN,