Mexico weekly ledger., 1885-10-01

In the third-class charter, the right
10 make such a contract is given in
so many words, as is also the right
to grant an exclusive fanchise for
that purpose for any period of time
not exceeding twenty years.
We have contracted for 8 good
water supply, and in order that we
may get the full benefits to be derived
therefrom, it Is absolutely necessary
that we follow in the footsteps of
other progressive cities, and build
one or more public sewers.
Our present charter is silent on
that subject, and a especial sewer
tax" would be wholly illegal.
Ample provision is made for such
matters in the general charter for
cities of the third-class.
Although in some of their provis-
ions the two charters are Of necessity
very similar, yet, in many respects
there is no comparison as to their
desirable features.
Powers that are absolutely neces
sary to a city like Mexico, are either
very limited, or altogether wanting in
the one, and quite comprehensive and
liberal in the other.
1t will not do at this period in VI
municipal life to think of standing
! still. If we do not move on so
much the worse for Mexico. AS to
the principal feature, bearing on the
administration and management of
municipal affairs, the advantages to
be derived by adopting the new char
ter, will be conceded by everyone.
All elective officers would hold their
places for two years instead of one.
The offices of marshal and collector
would be separated and filled by diff
ferent persons. Although in the
past we have had some marshals who
were good collectors, yet in the very
nature of things it IS impossible for
one man to properly fill both offices.
As a rule it is very seldom that q
man possessing the proper qualifica-
tons for a good marshal or police
officer has the business qualifications
necessary to make an efficient col
lector of revenue. The qualification;
necessary to properly fill the two Of
fees are entirely different.
The mayor, marshal, recorder, city
attorney, treasurer and collector
would be elected every two years
The recorder would no longer be city
clerk, the clerk being appointed by
the city council for such time as may
be provided by ordinance. The re
corder being e.r odfcio justice of tht
peace. with the same power and au
thority, and the same jurisdiction tt
hear, try and determine civil ant
criminal cases as any other justice O
the peace in Salt River township. l
| in the progress of any trial befor'
the recorder it should appear that tn
) accused ought to be put upon tria
for an offence against the crimina
| laws of the state and not cognizabl
: before him as recorder, it would b.
7 his duty to cause a complaint to b
made before him as er oticio justic
of the peace and proceed against tn
accused in the n provided b,
3 general law. Past experience ha
. taught US that the same reason
, which are urged against the Office
: of marshal and collector being file,
E by the same person would have ofteI
r applied to that of recorder and cit
l clerk. There are many jus Ices Q
the peace who are quite a uceess i
their particular line of duty, but
sorry figure indeed would they cut
required to keep the records and &C
/ as auditors and accountants for th
e city of Mexico.
The city would have to be "redi:
tricted" and divided into not les
than four wards, with two council
r men from each ward, one-half goin
}. out each year, the remainder holdin