The Anaconda standard., 1896-05-06
Anaconda Nel0s.

demands and gradually the laterals
can be laid and thus drain our build
| ings. schools and hospital, at present
using cesspools. The matter will soon
/ come before the taxpayers. and it is to
be hoped that they will vote the long
| needed relief.
CONDITION OF STREETS.
The streets are i'm fair condition, but
the expense of keeping them i'm shape
is radically increasing. The heavy
traffic upon our roadways requires con-
stant work upon them, and X may not
be far distant when paving of our
principal streets is necessary. Sprink-
ling should be considered very soon,
and at least a district covering the
business portions created. The expense
to property owners, where all are as
sessed for the service. will be lighter
than when only few pay private par
ties for the work.
Improvement district No. l is now
under way-the last council having
taken steps looking to its creation. The
streets in the territory named are in
bad shape and this course enables the
city to proceed Systematically to inn
provement and the cost of the same
levied against the property benefited.
The cost of all work may be distributed
over three or four years in the event of
extensive improvements being ordered.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The fire department has been espec-
tally efficient-outside of the two paid
men at the fire house, the whole labor
of fighting fire has fallen upon the vol
unteer companies and at all times they
have been able to cope with whatever
situation arose with energy and intelli-
gence. We have had but few fires but On
every occasion its spread has been pre-
vented by prompt and reliable service.
To them the city owes its thanks. for
without remuneration they have pro-
tected our property at all times.
The department has been increased
of late to five men and a chief, and with
new apparatus recently purchased its
further efficiency is assured "A hose
wagon has been provided at an expense
of about 500. and "A team also will soon
arrive. The further needs of the de-
partment will be cared for at your
hands. The extent Of the city and the
danger from fire and perfect protection
should have careful thought. and If i'm
your judgment "A steam engine should
be purchased IL would be valuable aid
in the hands of the department. We
have suffered little from fire, the waste
through this source has been light for
many years. but 1t cannot be told how
long we will be so fortunate.
MANY duulilbIdl hkilAS anu NoNti
plugs have been added during the
year. Lighting has been improved by
the company and a reduction In the
price of arc lights has been intimated.
In many instances lights are closer
than is required and could be changed
with advantage.
The police force increased by three
new men has been found almost ade-
quate to the demands Of our growing
nff 4 nvnI1I1 no well however If
judgment agrees with mine. to add an
officer whose especial duty ii would be
to look after stray animals, impound
them. care for the pound and assist the
health officer i'm keeping the alleys
free from refuse and garbage. Our cit
izens are much annoyed with stray
animals, trees and gardens suffer
through them, and the regular force
with other duties can not give the nee
essary attention to the matter.
THE ORDINANCES.
The ordinances of the city will soon
be i'm published form. The last council
has taken the steps required to this
end, and IL will be a great relief TO
have ordinances amended to conform to
our codes and in number that all may
be conversant with the laws of the
city.
THE CEMETERY.
The present burying ground VIII soon
have to be changed. Notice to this ef-
feet was served upon the city last fall
but as nothing could be done in win
ter the matter was not pressed. The
city owns some ground bought for the
purpose but II has never been occupied.
Some definite arrangements will soon
have TO be made.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS.
The reports of all heads of depart
ments made to your predecessor in Of
flee on file i'm the city clerks office
and give complete history of each for
the year Your attention is directed to
report of health officer and his recon-
mendations should receive early atten-
tion.
Into your hands the city is turned for
the next year. 1t is a matter of con-
graduation that its finances are i'm ad-
mirable shape; that you will soon per-
form your labors in a new and hand
some structure and that our city and
its people are enjoying much pros
perity.
city Treasurers Report.