The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1890-04-15

engine, with capacity of 100000 gallons
per day. The works now supply 2,5O0, coo
gallons per day and have capacity OF Il,
O00,0OO gallons per day. A large amount
season.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Our fire department is unquestionably
the best in the state This is demonstrated
by the fact that no wooden building, how
ever much of finder box it may be, IS
ever permitted to be destroyed. The power
and efficiency of the new steamer was
made apparent at the late fire in the large
block on Main street. The report OF the
chief is presented in full.
POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Unfortunately, in our judgment, this i'm
portant branch of the public service, has,
by an act of the legislature been taken
from the hands of the mayor and council,
and by the governor placed under the con-
troll of board Of commissioners of his
own appointing. The force is in no way
responsible TO the executive or legislative
Departments Of the city, nor can the execu-
tive in any way direct the force. This Is
taking from the people the power to select
their own officers and public servants,
which is contrary to the spirit and intent
of our laws and constitution, which recOg-
nizes in the people the ability to govern
themselves. The practice of tax
ing this prerogative from the
people and placing it in boards and
commissions appointed by the governor
Is being condemned and abandoned in
other states and should be in this. Were
our police force under the control of the
city government, all laws could and would
be as well enforced as they are now, as
good order would be maintained, and the
force would not only be self sustaining
brrf yx-CrrI Ii hp-fyaCr a
No complaint IS made OF board Of commits
siOners. They are gentlemen OF honesty
and high standing and command conf
dence of our people. The men on the force
are brave, active and diligent in the per
Torrance of duty. The system and the
laws are such that the results desired can
not be reached. All laws can be better en-
forced by officers Of the peoples own choos-
ing, than by those in whose selection the
people have had no voice.
The commissioners herewith present
their annual report.
PUBLIC PARKS.
We are still of the opinion that the city
should secure more ground for public
parks, before it advances to price many
times more than it can now be bought Tor.
The city should take good and proper care
of LinwoOd park and make 1t an ornament
to the south part of the city. l ADVISE the
DullOIIlR u a must, dD a lllOItICtIC IA DC4ASS,
at once, and the placing Of man there 20
care for the grounds. Hyde park should
also be protected and improved. These
parks will ere long become valuable.
PUBLIC HEALTH.
The high altitude Of our city, being 1900
feet above sea level, the clear
and pure water all combine to make
our city the healthiest of all the cities in
the west you are referred to the reports
Of the city physician and board OF health.
SEWER.
1t is expected that our system of sewer
age will be completed and ready fer use by
June l next. It is highly important that
some system of rules be adopted by the
council, regulating or fixing the way and
manner in which connections shall be
made This work should only be done by
responsible parties, and under the direction
of the engineers department, and for every
connection a fee should be paid to the city.
In cOnclusion.-I desire to extend my
thanks to the gentlemen with whom l
have been associated the past year for the
uniform courtesy extended and the cordial
support rendered Many of our duties
have been new and perpleXing. Mistakes
may have been made: but we beheVe II has
been the purpose of all to see that the IN
guarded. 1t should be the aim of every
public officer to so perform his labOrS as to
meet the approval of those who selected
him as their representative. This approval
can be had only be honest conduct and
firm purpose to manage the business OF the
city with economy and for the best inter
est of ali the people. | trust that our assO-
Citations for the coming year may be pleas
ant, and our labors for the highest good OF
the city. G. W. CLEMENT, Mayor.
The city clerk presented a report which
he read 1t stated that much time had
been spent systematising records goipg
back as far as -. Recommended that
each committee of council as soon as posi-
bic report estimate OF expenses for the
year, Reported safe facilities inadequate
to care for all valuable sources. Receipts
for the year S135,OO0; disbursements S135,
600. Disbursements for sewer work during
the year $4,000. General improvement
bonds issued for $4,000.
The treasurer submitted report which
was read. General revenue fund showed
total S134, 1854; total disbursements Sl33.-
500. Balance in sewer account $40, 600
Total receipts for Market street paving
$4,000.
The city engineer read annual re
port dealing with curb and gut
ter. sidewalks, sewers. Four miles of
main vet to be put in which can be COM
pleted in two months. Dealing with pave
ments showing total contracts for eighty
six thousand square yards. Advised to
make travel over Douglas avenue bridge
more safe.
The fire marshal read reprt which was
the third annual report by Marshal Wal
den. Thanks were extended to police,
patrol and others in assisting
on many occasions. The names
of the members of the various
companies were given Submitted list
of buildings and apparatus and
property statement including all stations.
Total value of department $1,000; actual
cost of departmentmuch less. The needs
of present year are small, as little demand
beyond actual running expense. The work
of extending alarm service recently order
ed commended Total loss by fire Sl@.-
600: not covered by insurance $4,000.
Eight horses in department, cost Of feeding
a horse per year S54, or $50 less than former
wear. Expense of department, salaries
S13. 600. and total Of $4,000. including
new additional apparatus. The fire alarm
service has given good satisfaction; eigh-
teen boxes in the business part of the city
and seven more ordered.
The street commissioner submitted re
mort showing cost OF labor during the year
81. coo.
The board of health made report that
the general health of the city was good;
the leading epidemic being la grippe. No
reliable information for making calcula-
ton on death rate Recommended a city
chemist.
The city attorney failed to submit re