The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1897-11-18

or not, but if that is the idea he in
tends to convey simply refer not only
him, but the persons who made the
remarks as we'll, to my annual reports,
which can be found on file at the Office
of the city clerk; in which they can
find statement in detail of the more
important improvements undertaken
and accomplished during my incum-
bency; also a financial statement in
which have accounted for every dol
lar which has been expended under my
supervision, showing that improve
ments have been accomplished at the
least possible cost, and at a great saw
ing to the city. For instance. the re-
port of 1896, on the construction of
sewers IN block 40, in the 18th ward
shows as follows: Proposals were
asked for the construction of $40 feet
of pipe sewer, the lowest proposal
being $l.45 per foot, or total cost OF
1888. then stated that it could be
done for less, and at the request Of the
council | proceeded with the Uonstruc-
tion of said sewer, and completed the
same at an expense of $454.30, or in
other words Oh that one job / saved
the city the sum of $328.70. This is
only one of the many instances which /
might cite where improvements have
been made by this department. at a
saving to the city. Yet Alderman
Gonnerman asks, rs that getting
value received for your money? Do
you suppose the Balm Wagon Works,
N. R. Aliens Sons or the Chicago Brass
Co. or any other business would be
allowed to run in such way?"
Permit me to ask Alderman Conner
mann, does the superintendent of the
Balm Wagon Co., N. r. Aliens Sons or
the Chicago Brass Co. work, or is the
work performed under their supervis-
ion?
/ am supposed to have supervision
of the city. streets and now fearlessly
and openly reiterate the statement that
l made before the common council that
l am not hired to work, using the word
work in its strict construction. Any
fair minded, impartial and unpreju-
diced citizen knows that TIE duties of
stree commissioner are OF such a char
acter that he may be called to any part
of the city at almost any moment.
Again, Alderman Gonnermann COM
plains of the condition of some of our
streets, which complaint, we admit,
has some foundation in fact, but are we
to suffer on account of an inadequate
appropriation for the maintenance of
our city streets? The disadvantages
with which we have to contend are
more clearly shown by the following
deduction report of 1866:
AppropriationEfor 1896 81, 800. 90
Supplies and incidentals. -. 1926 Sc
Available cash for team work
ana LABOR -S2, III 81
There are within our limits forty
miles of dirt road that srequire almost
constant attention, yet we find but
So, 274. 81 available cash with which to
accomplish the work, or an average
expenditure of $685. a year per mile,
or taking working days into considera-
ton We have an average of 1913 per
day, or a daily average Of less than
twenty cents per mile. Under above
conditions the public can judge for
itself as to whether or not l have faith
fully and economically administered
the affairs of the street department;
also whether or not the taxpayers have
received an equivalent for every dollar
expended under my supervision.
Thanking the editor for the valuable
space allotted me, and asking the
kind indulgence of the public until
this matter is finally disposed of, I
remain sincerely yours,
VIM. BOYLE,
Street Commissioner