Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1893-05-02


l believe l realize in measure the
duties devolving upon the mayor and
will assure YOU that l will try and
perform them to the best of my,
ability, ever bearing in mind the
best interests of the city and in the
performance of which, gentlemen, |
ask your hearty cooperation and
support.
1t is hardly necessary for me to
state that my sympathies are in
favor of public improvements; those
of You who are acquainted with me
are aware Of this and | expect so long
rs | am a resident of Rock Island to
labor for its advancement.
In the matter OF improvements.
Mayor McConochie. with the able
and willing assistance OF the council,
has set us good example: the stamp
of his administration is seen upon
every side of us. Paved streets.
beautiful parks, splendid fire de
partment and other features all attest
to the spirit of his progressiveness.
Finances.
In taking a cursory view of the
financial condition of this city's affairs
-
me by the retiring mayor, | learn
that the bonded indebtedness of the
city is S195, 900, $4,000 of which is
6 per cent. funding bonds. due in
1897. and $25. 900 is D per cent. water
works bonds due in 1902. A debt of
such magnitude and near approach
should have our careful attention.
We learn from the best Information
that our revenues for the ensuing
wear are not likely to exceed SIP. 600.
After making our annual appropria-
tionS, if we find we can set aside a
certain amount aS a sinking fund to
provide in part for the payment of
our bonded debt. | think it would be
advisable to do so. The law govern
ing the levy of taxes for municipal
purposes allows Il limit not to exceed
two per cent. of the assessed Valua-
ton. to which we are allowed to add
the interest on the bonded debt. a
two mill tax for library purposes.
and it also provides for levy to liq-
uidate the bonded dcbt. Now, gen
tlcmen. if in YOUR judgment it is for
the best interest OF the city to in
crease the taxes and thus reduce the
citv's debt. You viii have an oppOr-
tunitv to do so. otherwise provision
should be made to renew the debt
and payment extended to some future
time.
The sanitary condition of our city
viii require this wear our careful at
tention. Owing to the fear and pos
sibility of of an invasion OF the
dreaded malady. known as the
Asiatic cholera. which respects no
one but leaves death and desolation
in its wake. the city should he kept
clean and healthy. and the sewers in
as perfect condition as possible. To
this department we should give par
ticular attention
The Paid Fire Department.
The inauguration of the paid fire
department has | think met with the
APPRECIATION of majority of the citi-
zens. 1t is true, as some claim.
quite expensive. still it gives to
property holders that security which
is desirable. | am inclined toward
increasing its efficiency, as soon as
we feel able to do so, by adding to it
n chemical engine and such other
improvements as may be deemed
necessary.
Owing to the large increase of pop
ulation in our city during the past
two wears and in order that the city
shall have more police protection.
would recommend an addition of two
to the police force. This
addition to the force is also advisa-
bic from the fact that as this is
Worlds Fair year, our city Will no
doubt be visited by a large class of
persons who should he under police
can only speak in a general way
of Improvement of streets and side
walks. the extension of sewers. water
mains. etc. but as occasion requires
will present to your honorable body
such matters of Importance pertain
ing thereto, as may arise. 1t Is my
desire. however, to see carried on the
system that has been established of
the permanent Improvement of
streets and sidewalks, believing by
this method that we can in course of
time place our streets and sidewalks
in the best condition.
| desire to extend my thanks to the
retiring mayor and city clerk for the
MANY courtesies shown me and |
trust that prosperity may attend
them in the future, also that their |
lines may fall in pleasant places.
TO YOU. gentlemen of the council,
permit me to say that l hope our re-
ations may be pleasant and agree
able. For the next two years our
work will be in common and the best |
results will be accomplished by mu-
,ual good feeling. .
At the conclusion of Mayor Medill's
lifting inaugural, Aid. Evans moved
hat the council adjourn until Thurs