Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-02-06

The common council at its regular
meeting Monday night passed upon sew
eral matters, which although noted fully
in the official records are of such public
Importance as to merit greater degree
of attention than that therein given. be.
ing as they are issues requiring public
attention and comment.
The sldermanio body In the first place
decided not to &C into the building bust.
ness in the immediate future at least
The present quarters in the ar.
mory building. occupied by the city for
council chamber. city clerks and mayors
offices. city marshals Office and city pris-
on will be re leased for period of three
years with privilege Of Eve. Although
the ARGUS would like exceedingly to see
= handsome city building located in
Union square and hopes to some day, i,
believes that in the city's present financial
condition such desires must be re-
strained. The city has in the face
of existing facts acted wisely.
The proposition to sell the water works
is also admirably provided for in Alder
man Negus' resolution which the council
endorsed. This 10 question that is OF
much public concern and upon the expe'
diency of selling there is sc
much variance of opinion. supported
by very strong argument both
wavs. that it is but right and proper tina,
the taxpayers and citizens generally
should have an opportunity to exercise
their right to speak upon 1t through the
medium Of the ballot. no matter wha,
may be the opinion of the council.
The council rightly showed its approva
of the enterprise shown By the Franklin
Hose company il the west part of towr
by ordering telephone put in the com,
pany's house to be used at night in con,
nection with the electric alarm service
recently introduced by that company
A company that shows, as the Franklini
have, such desire to be considered
worthy Of the name of firemen. is en-,
titled to every consideration and evidence
of approval that can be shown.
The council took peculiar stand though
In reference to the heretofore reported
condition of the suburban slaughter
houses. Action in this particular, how
ever. was prompted apparently by
failure to comprehend the true silua
ton. 1t is not the idea that the city
should move against these nests of SAM
tary contamination in order to abst,
nuiss noes to South Rock Island. 1t il
with view of looking after its own in
terests and protecting the health of II
citizens that it should act The peopl
of South Rock Island may be annoyed il
consequence of he disease breeding st
mosphere that must come from thes
places, but they are not PLACED
In the same jeopardy from consumption
of the beef that comes from such institu
lions that the people of Rock Island are
The question of the city's jurisdiction
to abate a nuisance does not figure il
this case, The point to be considered is
shall the city permit meat that is likely t
eDdanger the health of the populace to b
sold within its tOrdersI The ARGUS be
lieves that in the face of the bande
opposition and rebellion of the butchers
injunction or no injunction, abatto;r O
no a5attoir. the city has the right to de
mand that ali beeves slaughtered for tn
market of the city, be inspected both be
fore and after killing, and the city shout
exercise that right.
If the condition of affairs at the certain
suburb slaughter houses ia one hun
dredth part as bad as it has been reporte,
to be by the commissioner of health O
this city-and there is no reason why m
should misrepre sent 1.-THE city has dis
regarded the sanitary welfare of its citi
zens in a most censurable manner in deal
ing with them as it has.
As the matter now rests, the Soutl
Rock Island au' horities can abate thes
nuisances or they may continue to exis
and the people of Rock Island remain a
their mercy. l. not this a serious stat
| of affairs to cor siderY