Rock Island Argus., 1899-04-29
HAPPY DAY FOR CITY.
Continued from Fifth page.

ais were pleuged Ioi SIN years loE Tue
sum of $50, 700. to be liquidated at
$1,000 per year. Thus we are enabled
to construct the plant from the city 5
water rentals alone without imposing
a burden upon our property holders
by increasing their taxes or using their
tax money whatever.
The plans and specifications were
prepared by Jacob y. Harmon, a civil
engineer of Peoria, III. Work was
commenced on the improvement by
the city in the fall of 1897, when con-
siderable excavation was done In
the spring of 1898 the contract for the
balance of the excavation and trench
ing was let to the Sennott COnstruc-
ton company. of Chicago, and the con-
tract for masonry and cement con-
creting was let To G. j. Larkin, of this
city. When we stop to consider that
every pound of rock, cement brick.
sand. water pipes and gravel had to be
hauled to the top of this hill, VARYING
in distance from one and one-half to
three miles, we can realize that it
is giliantic undertaking.
Close the People.
We honestly hope and trust that
this great improvement will fulfill its
mission and give to the people that
satisfaction we anticipate. We know
of no public utility that comes closer
to the people, or appeals to municipal
authorities more than the public
water supply. The condition of the
water certainly affects the health of
the community. When impure and
loaded with diseased germs, the in
crease of the death rate will be very
perceptible. When pure, clear and
sparkling, as we expect the eifiuent of
this plant to be, it will prove the
truth of the adage, that Pure water
is one of Gods greatest gifts to man"
At the conclusion of his address
Mayor Medill. in the name of the city
of Rock Island, and with the assist
ance of ContractorC c. j. Larkin, placed
the cornerstone in position.
Contents OF the Box.
The copper box placed within the
contains copy of the
city ordinances, a committee card of
the city council, a copy of specitica-
tions of the water supply improve
ment. copy of The Rock ISLAND
ARGUS of April IS, 1899, copy of
the Rock Island Union of April %,
1899. a copy of the Rock Island Nolks
Zeitung of April 2S, 1899, five pieces
of old coin, life of Black Hawk by
j. Il. Patterson, n copy of Rock
Island Arsenal, In Peace and War"
group picture of Mayor Medill, Clerk
IIuesing and city council, photograph
of j. A. Murrin, superintendent of
water works, photograph of Con-
tractor c. j. Larkin, and photograph
of the late Miss Gertrude Surman,
daughter of Aid. Surman.
Mr.. Guyer's Remarks.
The band played again, after which
F. ii. Guyer was introduced. He
talked entertainingly of the develop
ment of the Mississippi valley, which he
said was confined to the century about
to close. Naturally the steps taken
toward developing this vast territory
were for many years few and far be-
tween. We all remember the mud
streets. the uneven board sidewalks,
the stone quarry and the gravel pit in
the public squares, that real estate
would not sell for the cost of i'm
the improvements. The new genera
tion organized, established grades,
paved the streets, built sidewalks and
transferred the quarry and gravel pits
into beautiful parks. As an intlu
ential officer these paths of progress
were sought by the man (Mr. MedilD
who had twice honored the city as its
chief executive. Devoted to the in
terests of the public and jealousy
guarding its rights, even at the eX-
pense of unpopularity in certain Isel-
fish quarters, he had devoted his tai
ents and best endeavors to secure the
greatest good to the entire city. He
realized that the one drawback to the
permanent prosperity of the city was
the contaminated water supply, which
threatened the health and lives of all
citizens. Many difficulties had TO be
overcome, the greatest of which were
the financial undertaking and the
arousing of public sentiment.
The very best job that could
be planned by intelligent study
was perfected i'll the most economical
way that devotion to duty could die
tate. Mr.. Guver said the citizens of
Rock Island felt proud of the mayor
who planned and executed, and the
council which loyalty supported the
forever as a monument TO their wis
dom, Intelligence, skill, perseverance
and devotion. Monuments, how
ever" said Mr.. Guyer in conclu sion.
''are mere reminders of good accom-
plished; the good accomplished in this
great work, in insuring health and
long life to the citizens of Rock ISL
and, should he n greater source of sat
isfaction to these faithful public SER
wants than a monument of bronze or
stone In behalf of the citizens of
Rock Island. say well done. thou
good and faithful servants"
At the Leyee.
After the cornerstone laying the
courcil proc, e led TO the levee, where
the dedicatory exercises are in pro-
gress late this afternoon, the address