The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1895-04-12

poX cOntagion was rapidly spreading
| to every state. We have fortunately
been compelled to take care of but
two patients mo smallpox The dam
| gers then existing are now over, yet
we shall be ever upon our guard.
Health Department.
Our health officers have labored I'M
ceaslngly to protect the health of the
city, and the fact that there is not
now case needing attention within
our limits is evidence of proper sani-
tation and special care.
They have succeeded as a board in
causing the completion of nearly all
sewer and water connections upon
| Front and Second streets, and while
| it has seemed to be a hardship to
property-owners, it was necessary and
the time was limited.
The brewery drainage connection is
now made, and all complaints from
that quarter stopped. This was one
of the worst things with which we
had to contend. Too much credit
cannot be given to DR.. Jacoby :,
Hans Jorgensen and Capt Keysor.
Public Library.
One of the valued realiZations of
the past year is our public library. 1t
was started without funds, and the
board has faithfully labOred under
financial difficulties, Notwithstanding
which 1t has now nearly two thousand
volumes and rapidly increasing.
Our past council levied $1,000 for
assistance, and so worthy an object
should have encouragement. [ there
fore recommend at least duplicate
of the past years levy, with the hope
that some wealthy, enterprising citi-
zen will endow it literally.
Migrants.
Our legislature has under considera-
tiOn bill for the elimination of this
very Objectionable element from the
state, but it will probably not pass,
and we are sure to be annoyed beyond
endurance the coming season. We
have small police force, and our city
is very large in area. 1t will be a
difficult matter to meet without an
ordinance. 1t seems to me if we will
enact an ordinance under which we
can compel them to work, we can sue
cesSfully cope with those who come
here, and it will keep away hundreds
we otherwise will have to feed.
Assessor.
Our charter makes the assessor the
third member of the board of public
works, and requires him to give such
time and attention to his duties as
they demand. The other two mem
berS are required to give their whole
time.
To assess the property of our city,
except in the real estate years, re-
QuireS but 60 to 20 days. beginning
May 1st and ending July 1st latter
and before which he has literally no
duties defined. 1t should be the duty
of your honorable body to take up this
matter and decide what that charter
provision was intended for, to the end
that he may be made valued and
valuable official.
Vaults.
| desire to especially call your at
tention to our city vault for the sup
posed safe keeping of our books,
papers, etc. 1t is entirely too small
and unsafe-there being no founda-
tiOn under it, as you will observe. The
maps, platS, drawings and surveys in
the city engineers office, if destroyed
by fire, could scarcely be replaced, and
might cause endless litigation. Every
city record except those now kept in
a small box at the Savings bank
would be destroyed if the building
burnt. Safe and adequate vault room
is imperatively demanded.
Offices For City Officials.
1t is my opinion that the city
treasurer, attorney and assessor
should have offices within the city
hall building. 1t is now a necessity,
as those officers will agree, and can be
done with very little expense
In conclusion | will say that it is
my purpose to endeavOr in the future,
as in the past, to cOnScientiOuSly adj
minister the affairs of the city in such
a manner as shall best conserve it's
highest interests, promote it's devel-
opment, and protect it's good name.
To this end | invite the honest and
cordial cooperation of all good citi-
ZenS.
No attention will be given to ire
spOnsible, sensational charges, based
upon idle rumor, and better results
may be reached if persons knowing Of
violations of the ordinances of the
city or laws of the state will make
their complaints direct to the proper
authorities.
Such a course will not give self
constituted guardians of the public
welfare an opportunity to exhibit
their assumed virtues to the public,
nor designing men a chance to attain
their ulterior designs, but it will en-
able civil officers to better promote
the public welfare, and avoid the un-
pleasant notoriety sent abroad, in
furious to the city's good name, and
which it in no sense deserves.
There is apt to be trouble in the
new council over two aldermen in the