The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1885-01-09

a. s. Baldwin, Fire Department 400
P. C. Water Co. q .................. 34s.75
= W george. ~
VIM. Joernot, ...................." 800
Fred. Eichler, " g .....................- $50
Aid. Jacobs reported having conferred
with DR.. Paddock and found him op-
posed to making written agreement,
thereupon Aid. Reynolds moved the ac-
ceptance of the verbal contract, which
was seconded, and, the ayes and nays be-
ing called for, carried by the following
vote:
Ayes-Reynolds, Jacobs, Joerndt,
Augment, Lewis, Grant, Pennoyer,
Leonard.
Nay-Robinson
Committee on Public Grounds was
granted further time to remove building
at Main street bridge.
Mayor Simmons called President Rey-
nolds to the chair and presented the fol-
lowing:
To the Common Council of the City of
Kenosha.
GENTLEMEN Something over thirty
years ago this city involved itself in q
heavy debt for the purpose ofmaking i'm
provements on the. harbor and building a
railroad. The railroad defaulting on its
part made the burthen so great for the
city that it was unable to meet its en-
gagements and it also defaulted, and has
remained in default to this day. About
the year 1862 plan of adjustment and
settlement of this Indebtedness was
adopted by our citizens at a public meet
| ing called for that purpose, and the mat
ter was placed in the hands of COM
mittee charged with the duty of carry
| ing out the plan. This committee fail
ing to act, the matter rested until the
year 1868, when what is known as the
City Debt Association" was formed. I
need not detail the plan of this associa-
ton, for it is known of all our citizens.
This City Debt Association" was suisse
quently supplemented by the Citizens
Loan Association" From the time of
the Inauguration of these respective
associations until now I have acted as
their financial as ent, during which time
1 have had charge of all the purchasing
and settling of the claims against our
city, and I now have the pleasure to re-
port the final adjustment and settlement
of said claims against the city, aggregat-
ing over 81, $50, 900, with five per cent
readjustment bond for 100000, payable
at the pleasure of the city on or before
the expiration Of twenty years from date.
In accomplishing this result / have
had the cordial support and cooperation
of large number of our citizens and
the contributions of over 500 members
of the two associations. These contribu-
tions have been managed by the officers
and committees of the associations with
much pride and great pleasure. l have
to state that every cent of these contribu-
tions have been used for the sole and
only object for which they were made.
Out of this fund so contributed not one
cent has been taken by any of our city
ems for services or expenses, save one
bill of less than $50, made In organizing
the association. During all these many
years the officers and agent of these
associations have steadily worked with
out hope of pay or reward except what
they enjoy in common with all. There
has been no profit or gain made by any
citizen handling this large aggregate Of
Indebtedness save the sum of about 5000,
exacted by citizen banker on pur-
chase of one small judgment aside
from this no one OF. our citizens has in
any way made or sought to make any
gain or profit, directly or indirectly out
of the trust committed to their charge.
The officers and committees of the
associations are entitled to much credit
for their devotion and faithful discharge
of their duties. Special credit is due the
Secretary and Treasures who have per-
formed large amonnt of work with an
accuracy and fidelity not to be surpass-
ed.
From the beginning of this work, dat
ing back more than twenty years, have
made as agent many journeys at great
inconvenience, have spent much time,
aggregating in the twenty years quite a
per cent Of my life. | have assumed
burthensome responsibilities, have adj
vanced at various times large sums of
money, for which and my expenses as
well have made no charge. Nor have
I kept any account thereof. But esti-.
mate that I have paid out oyer So 900,
including commissions, travelling ex-
penses and incidentals Of all kinds.
Estimating commissions on the amount
settled at the nominal rate of one per
cent the sum earned would be over
ST., 900; estimating at the ordinary rate
of 23 per cent it would be over $40, 900.
1t may seem selflaudatory to mention
these matters, but there are many per-
sons in Kenosha who will believe me
when I say that it is not in the spirit of
self-praise that l speak, but rather in
justice to many friends who have re
posed confidence in me in our darkest
times, and for the further reason that I
hope this record may tend to inspire
trust and confidence between us as fell
low-citizens, who have much to do for
the common welfare that can only be
done by united and unselfsh co-opera-
ton. Now that the adjustment and set
thing of the city debt is accomplished
and the work of many years brought to
a close, hand you herewith my receipt
in full for all demands against the City
Debt Association, the Citizens Loan
Association and the City of Kenosha.
Very respectfully,
u. G. SIMMONS.
Kenosha, Jan. 5, 1885.
The receipt reads
Know all men by these presents,
that l, Zalmon G. Simmons, in con-
sideration of one dollar to me in hand
paid by the city of Kenosha. the receipt
of which is hereby acknowledged, do
hereby release and forever discharge
the City Debt Association; the Citizens
Loan Association and the City of Keno
sha of and from all claims and demands
of every kind and description coming Or |
in any way arising from services render
ed by me as agent of said associations or |
said city, or for money advanced or ex-
penses incurred by me in settling of the
debt of the city Of Kenosha from the
year 1852 to this date.
In witness whereof have hereunto |
set my hand and seal this 9TH day of |
January, A. D. 1885.
2. G. SIMMONS. L. ST.
) Moved by Aid Jacobs that the report