The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1905-04-27
PUSHES MUNICIPAL PLANT
Mayor Has Good Word to Say for
Public Parks and Urges Careful
Consideration of the City's
Financial Condition.

common cement of the last year of my
present term as mayor we find an en-
| tire change of one half in the per-
sonnet of the council.
OF the retiring members we can
speak only in terms of the highest
commentator for the zeal and in
dustry displayed and the many sacri-
fees made by tnem for the welfare
ard best interests of the people of the
city of Kenosha.>
On assuming administration one
| year ago, we were confronted not only
with an almost depleted treasury, but
by an actual indebtedness Of about
ST., 900, as nearly as can be ascertained,
exclusive of the city's bonded indebt-
edness.
This condition arose from the prac-
tice prevalent of 1evying tax insult
| ficient to meet the demands and re-
quirements of the city, in consequence
whereof, as the appropriations to the
several departments became exhausted,
the city would be compelled to borrow
money and incur obligations burden
some to an incoming administration.
During the past year we have inau-
/ gurated system of bookkeeping
whereby the accounts of each depart
ment are kept separate.
The appropriations for the several
departments have been increased to a
sum sufficient, in the Judgment of the
council, to enable each department to
maintain itself by it's appropriation
until the next tax levy.
| cannot too strongly impress upon
each committee the necessity Of keep
ing within the appropriation. This
can be accomplished by wise and
economical administration Of each de-
partment, which | most urgently adj
wise.
In my address one year ago I re-
marked that municipal ownership of
public utilities was being promi-
nent1y advanced as public question.
1t is true the proposition has been,
and is, being earnestly disputed, and
many objections worthy of serious
consideration are being advanced.
The sentiment, however, in it's favor
seems to be as strong as it was year
ago.
The experiment will undoubtedly be
| put to practical test in the city of
Chicago, and the eyes of the people of
this country will be directed to that
great city, which has recently de-
| clared in no uncertain tones in favor
of municipal ownership of all public
utilities.
/ Not being sufficiently informed, do
/ not care, at this time, to commit my
self in favor of municipal ownership
Of all public utilities.
/ am firmly convinced, however,
that such necessary uti1itiesnas water
and light should be owned, operated
and controlled by the people.
Our own experience sets at rest the
proposition Of public ownership Of
waterworks.
may be mistaken in my conclu-
sions respecting public lighting. I
am open to conviction. The question
is an important one and merits the
most earnest and careful considera-
ton.
Our present lighting contract ex-
pires in four years. It is none too
early to discuss the ACCESSIBILITY and
practicabi1ity of a public lighting
plant, and would recommend that
the proposition be thoroughly inves-
tigated, fully discussed, and care
fully considered by the present coun-
Gil.
While not committing myself to mu-
nicipa1 ownership of all public uti1i-
ties, fully appreciate the value of
such franchises.
Kenosha has learned by experience
the value Of a railway franchise
Since the first street railway franchise
was granted to a specu1ator few
years ago, each subsequent promoter
seeking railway franchise has in
creased his bid Il mean the compensa-
ton the city was to receive for the
valuable grant,, until in 1900 the pro-
moters of the Haynes Clausen fran
chise offered a greater compensation
THAI had ever before beer contem-
plated, aggregating about $4,000.
We we're importuned by the business
men and other leading citizens to
grant the franchise, and were led to
believe that the city was being hand
somely compensated for the gift of the
peoples property, but we we're mex
perienced.
| Later developments have proven
conclusively that the present street
railway franchise was worth at least
double that amount.
With the sentiment in favor Of pub
lie ownership steadily advancing, the
promoter will exert himself seeking to
secure long term franchises of public
/ utilities.
| Kenosha will not escape, and again
we shall be importuned by spectators
and by business men and others, to
surrender to these promoters and cor