The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1894-04-20

COMMON COUNCIL Room,
0mnscn April IA ,Od

OOMMON OOUNtkL MUM,
Owosso, April 10, '94.
Regular meeting Common Council, Mayor
M. G. Dawes presiding.
Aldermen present at roll call: IL. Fries
exc. Lamfrom, j. Frieseke, Post, Curry,
Maclxey. Crandall.
The mayor presented the following, his
inaugural address, which was ordered
printed:
Gentlemen Of the Common Council:
While deem 1t great honor 1 fully
realize the grave responsibility resting upon
me as your presiding officer for the ensuing
year. More especially am impressed with
the responsibility OF the position when l
consider the very efficient manner In which
my worthy predecessor has discharged the
duties of this position, aud the least tribute
can pay him Is to SO conduct the affairs OF
the city that my successor may be able to
commend my administration In like terms.
Let us during the coming year constantly
keep in view the financial condition of our
city government by this i mean to avoid all
unnecessary, extravaganza expenditures of
money. We have one of the most beautiful
and attractive cities In Michigan, with a
population of nearly ten thousand and am
proud to say as prosperous today as any
city in the state now in its 35lh year as an
incorporated city. Its growth has been
steady and permanent. Our streets are
WIDE handsomely ornamented with beauti-
full shade trees and lined with solid brick
blocks. Our armory, the home of Co. g
Michigan National Guards, is a cOmmOdOus
structure and reflects credit upon the city,
and 1t makes it possible for Owosso to enter
tain state conventions and fraternal organ
izations. We have IL churches with liberal
and attentive congregations, each led by an
excellent pastor, their respective Sabbath
schools leading the young to practices of
morality and nObleness of life and character.
Our five weekly and one daily newspapers do
great credit to their editors and prOprletOrs
whose educating and refining influences is
felt far beyond the limits of our own county.
Our fire department is an institution that
should interest every property-Owner in the
city; am glad to say that is as we'll equipped
and effective. Their report will show what
they have done in the past year. During
the past five year, the schools of OwOsso
have increased very rapidly and their repu-
tatiOn for good We Is well known and
commented upon rever the city's name
Is spoken. The g lioOl census in 1887 was
1904; at that time ne district boundries ex-
tended further nv n and west than now;
last August the census was 1900; In 1889
there were 25 teachers engaged, now there
are 3d. During this time the Washington
school has been erected and additions made.
to Bryant and Emerson buildings, in all
IL new rooms and a seating capacity or COZ
pupils. Our high school has incread from
11S to 1856. gain of 6S. A very noticeable
feature of this department is the large num-
Der of boys, about 40 per cent of the enroll
ment being male, and the large proportion of
those who entered from the grammar school,
last September, 20 out OF possible IS were
from those promoted. Our schools are es-
pecially noted for their harmonious working
but little If any friction ever manifesting it
self
The system of sewerage is cOmmenced; l
would recOmmed that 1t be extended as fast
as the property-owners living OH the line
shall petition for it, if in your judg-
ment. you should deem it for the best inter-
est Of the city. Our water works is supply
ing the city with an abundance of good water
and Herewith give a synopsis Of the water
board report:
OWoSSO WATER BOARD.
Water Works placed in charge of Board Jan.
/, 1890 In 1890 and 1891 the writer receipts were
not turned over to the treasurer but expended
by the board.
Excess expdt's above receipts in 80 s4esl 3e
:" :" I" 81 1868 81
Reed water rates private consumers 92 1899 So
Running expenses for '92 4213 05
Constructing new mains ETC., 92 1905 92
Reed water rates private consumers '93 1871 S2
Running expenses for 93 4349 81
Construction for '93. 4577 40
RECAPITULATION.
ceipts for 1890 and 1891 5000 %
Running expenses for 1892 and 1898 S562 80
Construction for 1899 and 1898 1884 II /
Total a279s n
Total water rates (private) 'e2 and 'e3 7977 as
credit by hydrant rentals 2l723 81
Total 297Ol 80
The treasurer's report will show the state
of the finances. Our streets will need your
earnest attention in way to make decided
improvements. would recommend that you
use crushed stone, for say one block, on
Main street, west towards the Michigan
Central depot, as an experiment. / would
recommend your careful investigation of
some cheap cement or concrete walk
that can be used in place of plank in
eur most common walks. Our city is
noted for its numerous manufactures,
with the four railroads coming into
the city we have excellent shipping
facilities and with proper effort and
earnest work other manufactures could be
induced TO locate here. Let us encourage it
and increase the ''tin-pail brigade" L
would recommend that Washington street,
between Exchange and Main be paved and /
would suggest that the different systems
fore deciding which shall be used.
hope the affairs of the city will be con-
Quoted in public spirited manner; that all
its business shall be transacted as ecOnomi-
oally as possible, consistent with our rapid
growth and prosperity; that as laws are made
to be obeyed and not dis0beyed and as 1t is
the duty of officers and not citizens to en-
force laws, | hope our action will be to the
end that all laws shall be faithfully en-
forced without fear or favor, in the interest
of the masses and not the classes As Off
Gals, we can find no authority which per-
mits us to say what laws we shall enforce
and what not, hence we should enforce all
laws; then will our city be quiet and orderly
and our good name honored.
And now, gentlemen, knowing you to be
energetic and successful business men feel
c)nfident that the business interests of the
city are safe In your keeping and L trust
that harmony and good feeling will ever
characterize your deliberations. In assum-
ing the functions of your presiding officer
] am conscious that at times ! shall need
your forbearance and while faithfully and