Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-12-14

designation of the streets bv construct |
ing ash side walks and depositing ashes |
in the midi lie of the street 1t was the
privilege, if not the duty of the individ> |
ual members OF the association to call |
attention of the marshal or other police |
officers where they observed violation of
this very important ordinance The city
itself had exercised very bad policy in
the matter of ash walks and streets, and
he could not see what encouragement
there was for citizens to exert themselves
in behalf of these reforms when the au-
thorities themselves sanction and make
sidewalks that are contrary to good judg-
ment if not law.
Here President Hass called for the
opinion of Mr.. VIM. Jackson as to what
authority the city had to continually vio-
late this ordinance and to set the very
bad example of doing itself what it had
| forbidden of its citizens.
In reply Mr. Jackson stated that the
city had no special privileges with regard
to laws enacted by itself. The city itself
or the city officers are as much liable to
fine as any one for violation OF law. No
officer had any more rights in the prem
ises than any other citizen. The city has
no right to do what it forbids its citizens
from doing.
Mr.. Ssville Johnston thought the ma.
| jority of the council we're In favor of the
work provided for IN the special assess
ment ordinance; yet there are some
who are not in favor of it and they obs
struct it in every way possible. 1t
WAS for this association to see that these
reforms are carried out. The committee,
he said, was preparing general ordi-
nance providing for the erection of side
walks inside the fire limits and which
would be reported at future meeting.
Mr.. W. FL Judge spoke briefly on the
lack of uniformity and grade in sidewalks
in the business part of the city and hoped
that remedy for these evils would come
with the enforcement of the new ordi>
nance.
Mr.. VIM Jackson dwelt at some length
on the evils of Rock Island sidewalks
the eyesores they are the liability Of
the city for damages resulting from jul
~ received through their dlspidated con-
dition; the Disagreement of the city
through these walks, which are also the
hotbeds of disease. The council must &C.
complish the remodeling of our side,
walks. Ash walks, which deterlorat'
the value of all property wherever they
are used, should be forbidden.
MI a. NJ. Blakesley spoke of the ba'
appearance of the city in consequence o
its sldewalks-the bad moral effect. H
spoke of the general impressions on
miserable walks made upon strangers an
the serious detriment they are to the city
MIR. Robert Bennett favored the imme
diate calling of the attention of the cour
Gil to the loose planks in many of tn
most generally travelled walks, and ths
these distractions be removed at once.
Mr. Saville Johnston spoke on the ba
appearances the ash walks make an
moved thst a committee of five be al
pointed with the president as ex>offic
member, on the side walk question. tt
I motion prevailed.
Under the head OF mauufact orie
Chairman Davis from that COL
mittee, reported correspondence with t
eastern industry of considerable impol
ance with fiattering prospects Of its cor
ing to Rock Island. Mr.. Davis was i
l. structed to continue his correspondent
and report again at future meeting
- Mr.. T. j. Medill, Jr.. made gratifying I
port concerning another eastern manufs
- turing establishment, the owners
u which had already looked over the fle
" and had reported that Rock Island pl
sented the best advantages of any G
visited, and that there was good pre-
poets of the industry, which has S30t
: 600 plant, locating here. Mr.. W. B. F.
guson is carrying on correspondent
= with the gentlemen interested in the {
terprise and with very encouraging pr
poets.
4 The committee on paving Seco
avenue reported progress.
The subject of new business coming
Mr.. Saville Johnston took the floor with
suggestion that it is time to abolish
present board OF supervisors syste
+ The proper control Of and management
county affairs is very important to c
q the size of Rock Island. The system
Scott county across the river. of hav
d five commissioners, is infinitely supe
and much more satisfactory than the R
Island county board. A board of sur
4 visors is as worthless as legislai
which is in session two years at t
and then fails to accomplish anything
yond taxing the people for its servit
'oiA Mr.. Johnston favored the adoption Of
system of county commissioners as
- Al