Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-05-10


----------------
was simply the expression OF the wishes
of the council which passed it; that in its
most enlarged extent it was only binding
upon that years council, and not upon
its successor unless renewedly affirmed as
the expires sion of the succeeding council.
and as that had not been done bv the
council of last year at the time the Eighth
avenue work was commenced, the old
resolution of former council establish.
ing rate of wages had no longer in fact
any binding force or effect. The mayor
deems it his privilege to further remark
that he himself is not inexperienced in
the wants and necessities OF the wage
laborer, nor unfriendly either in thought
or feeling TO the interests and prosperity
of that class of his fellow citizens; every
thing he can officially do for their benefit
and to promote their welfare, consistent
with official duty and the obligations of
public trust, it has always been, and will
continue to be. his desire and purpose to
perform.
careful observance of the provisions
OF the general Incorporation law which
constitutes the charter of the city will
greatly obviate the difficulties and con
tsDtions which the introduction of the
eight hour system has tended to produce.
BY reference to the statutes of the state
and to the book of ordinances, page 10,
article 164, Section 80, it will be found
that the provisions of the law in relation
to city work are as follows: Gan con-
tracts for the making of any public i'm
provements, to be paid for in whole or in
part by special assessments, and any work
or other public improvement when the ex
pense thereof shall exceed $500 shall be
let to the lowest responsible bidder, etc.
This language appears to be sufficiently
broad and explicit to cover all city work
except possibly the annual cleaning of
streets and alleys and incidental repairs,
which, being scattered about in different
localities and not necessarily continuous
operation. it is thought probable are not
embraced in these provisions of the law.
In an unpaved city like this where the
streets for one half the year are liable to be |
undergoing repairs or partial construction |
the cleaning up and small local repairs |
can ordinarily be done better and cheaper |
under the supervision of the street cons
missioner than by contract, and it IS there
fore good policy to have this kind of work |
wise provided by law; but in all other
cases 1t appears wise and eXpedient and
in the line of true economy to adhere to
the express terms of the law. The opin-
ion of the city attorney, the legal and
constituted adviser of the city. has been
asked on this subj ct and his views of the
requirements of the law are in accord
with those of the executive department.
The very close expenditure of funds
Appropriated by the council last year for
the various branches of public service,
renders it necessary and desirable you
should prepare and pass upon the several
items of appropriation for the present
year at as early period as the requisite
Information upon which the appropria-
tons are based can be obtained, and en-
able you to act AS heretofore, so at
this time, rigid and careful estimate of
the expenditure OF public funds is rec-
commended, as also your best efforts to
limit appropriations to the smallest
sums consistent with q reasonable and
faithful outlay of moneys to meet cur
rent and contingent expenses the interN
est on bonded Indebtedness, and such |
further items of expenditure as may be |
thought expedient and unavoidable. 1t |
is also desirable, in my Judgment, to set
apart u specific amount annually US a |
sinking fund to li1uidate the bonded In
debtedness which becomes due and pay
able Feb. /, 1892. 1t is no less essen
tial to make strenuous efforts to reduce |
the amount of taxation and by all proper |
and legitimate means lessen the burdens |
Of tho taxpsyers and husband the city's |
resources. The nutiUu OF TIC council TO |
this and will receive at all times nay sins |
cere and unqualified approval.
1t is gratifying to observe in various
parts of the city preparations for the
erection of an unusual number of sub
stantial business blocks and dwelling
houses, as well as other unmistakable
evidences of improvement and material
prosperity. These indications of munic
ipal growth and advancement should
meet with recognition and encourage
ment from the city council in every way
which such interests can be legitimately
served by municipal authority.
To the retiring members of last years
council, the mayor tenders his assurance
of recognition and respect for their abil>
ity and fidelity to the public service,
their punctual attendance at the council
meetings. and of personal regard for
their kindness and courtesy to the chair.
To the members of this years council he
desires to express the confident hope and
expectation that their proceedings will be
orderly and harmonious, conductive to
public interests, aAd such as to inspire |
cordial unity of action and hearty coop
Grafton between the executive and legis- |
lative departments of the city.
V. NJ. BLANDING. Mayor.