Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-05-07
being recalled TO order Mayor Rlanding

pelng recalled 10 order Mayor Blandlnf
delivered his valedictory address
Mayor McConochie on taking the chat
suggested rising vote of thanks to thu
retiring mayor. which was uuanimousl,
voted, on motion of Alderman Ed
wards.
MAYOR McConochie read his inaugura
address as follows:
Gentleman Of the City-Council:
| On my assuming the duties of mayo
of this city | wish to say briefly tina
while appreciate the honor conferred
upon me by my fellow citizens I do no
fail to recognize the grave responsible
ties placed upon me not merely in beinl
called TO preside over the deliberations
Of this honorable body. but for the faith
full discharge of every duty pertaining tc
that office, at time which we all hops
| to be the eve of an era of increased gen.
eral prosperity and important public inn
provements. You must not expect any
extended remarks from me. have
neither the natural nor educational quail
fications of my immediate predecessor,
who retires with honor TO himself and
credit to the city. His economical and
conservative policy in the management
of public affairs reflects credit upon the
administration just closed If we emu
late our predecessors in their watchful
regard for the city's best interests we
shall earn the confidence and respect of
all good citizens.
In the appointment of city officers
have been deluged with recommended
tons and petitions in the interests of
20 II
aside all personal and sentimental feel
ings; am even compelled to ignore, to
great extent, the solicitations and
recommendations of friends BY selecting
only such men as / believe are fully
qualified for the positions assigned them
shall insist OH sobriety on the part of
officials in every department of the city
government.
L shall make but few recommends
tons at this time, simply drawing your
attention to few of the most pressing
subjects. l am not disposed to read the
council lecture as to their duties.
sincerely hope you will work in har.
mony with the business interest of the
city. / find disposition on the part of
many of our leading business men to
make Improvements in various ways.
This is very desirable and should be en- :
coursged. 1t Is to be hoped that no
hostile legislation will be the cause of
preventing or retarding any projected
enterprise that would be beneficial to
the city. | am of che opinion that with
harmonious action on the part of this
council and the business interests we
will have an era of prosperity the like of
which we have not seen in twenty years.
l wish you would carefully consider
the annual reports of city officers, and in
making the annual appropriations for
the ensuing municipal year you would
be as economical as possible without
Gripping the service in any department.
Provision should be made to create and
begin sinking fund to enable the CITY
to meet its obligations as they become
due, and thereby relieve the people from
an interest burden they have borne for
many years.
L believe q reduction in tolls over the
Milan bridge would be beneficial to the
business interests in the center and west
end of the city, but if in your wisdom
such reduction cannot be safely made,
OF the surplus revenue from that source
and improve the Milan roads and streets
leading into the city from the southwest
by making several good streets across
the slough.
L wish to draw your attention to our
sidewalks, many of which are now in a
deplorable condition. Something must
be done and that very soon to enforce
the sidewalk ordinance. Accidents are
liable to occur at any time. All defec-
tive and damaged sidewalks should be
condemned and if they cannot be renew
ed or repaired at once they should be
taken up and thus prevent the city from
being deluged with damage suits. Many
Of our people are putting down walks Of
cinders or ashes. am not very favor.
ably impressed with these walks but they
have the advantage over plank in that
accidents are not as liable to occur as
upon the plank walk.
In looking over our city squares / find
they are not pleasing TO the eve nor cal,
culated to create good impression on
the minds of strangers sojourning in the
city. / am in favor of improving them
by placing sidewalks around and across
the squares, with good shade trees, grass
and iron seats at intervals, and perhaps
small lakes or basins in the centre with
fountains. Union square should be
raised to grade. curb stones placed all
around the outside. / think good walks
could be made with macsdam covered
with gravel and well rolled, that would
answer all purposes. 1t would be DUR
able and not very expensive.
The embankment wall at the west end.
under contract and now completed,
have not seen yet, but | understand it is
a good Job. do not believe this is all
that was contemplated. The whole sys.
tenn should be carried out this year and
thus prevent, if possible the city from
again being flooded.
Earnest attention should be devoted to
the paving question. Harmonious &C.
ton between us and the property owners
on Second avenue is essential to the sue
cess OF the project. The first step Is to
agree upon the material to be used. /
understand your position fully, you can
enforce paving ordinance regardless of
the wishes OF the property owners. but
am opposed to such action. 1t is my de-
sire and will be my endeavor to work in
harmony with you upon all questions
looking to our common welfare.
The mayor nominated DR.. g. l.. Eys-
ter for health commissioner and asked
his confirmation. Confirmed uDani-
mousiy.
The mayor successfully nominated
John A. Murrin for superintendent of
water works; Phillip Miller, city mar.
shall; George Long for deputy marshal;
Fl. G. Harris for street commissioner;
Charles Engel for poor master; w. L.
Sweeney for bridge toll collector; and P.
j. Cary. John Brennan, Lawrence Kra-
mer Peter LnUe John Schaah Gaorne