Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1906-05-11
City Council Proceedings
Mayor Fitch Retires and Mayor Gemmill Assumes
the Reins of Government.
The Mayors Appointments Good Men and a Full
Performance of Duty Demanded.

dIlu Ul1dU Willie We uldy have ulueIcu
as to means we have never disagreed
greatest good for the greatest humble
of the citizens of our city.
During my term OF office the city
has experimental somewhat in the
matter of the licensed sale Of intoxi-
eating liquor, and 1 believe it to be a
source of congratulatiOn that during
our administration no legal actions
were instituted against the saloons
for violation of the high license stat
uteS. With your cooperation l en-
deavored, during the period of legali-
zed saloons, to see that the same were
conducted in accordance with the
laws in such cases made and provided
and when our citizens by their votes
revoked the legalized traffic, we have
done What we could to see that laws
were enforced.
In our inaugural address we stated
that open or public gambling would
not be tolerated or allowed, and l
point with pride to the fact that no
public gambling has been allowed,
altho several state gatherings have
been held in our city during my term
Of office, when large license fees have
been rendered for the privilege. I
have systematically refused to coun-
tenance any form of gambling and am
pleased to state that l have had the
hearty cooperation of the council in
this regard
During my term of office the water
plant of the city has been conducted
in a most economical manner, and the
service has been requisite for all
needs, while the expense account for
repairs has been less than ever before.
To the water commissioner belongs a
great part Of the praise and / wish
to heartily commend him for his ef-
ticiency.
During my term the fire depart
ment has reached an advanced stage
of efficiency. Needed material for fire
protection has been purchased, and
we have constructed and completed a
commOdiouS fire house and city build
ing.
During u term more cement cross
ingS have been constructed than in
all previous years Of the city history
and more than eight miles of cement
pursuance to the order of the our
Gil. a.
While the financial balance may not
show as much money in the treasury
as there was upon our assuming office
we, nevertheless, point with pride to
the fact our city now possesses public
Improvements equalled by few and
surpassed by none of the cities of like
size in h state or the north west,
and the city has ove S4OO. 90 worth of
coal on hand all paid for, purchased
in time to avoid the exorbitant rates
which will probably be extant on &C
count of the strikes in the mining
districts of u country.
A @ n ~ i~lsn~
~ 80 %Lo ~rJ
quietude of our city I would call at
only been required in the past year
to pay out the sum of 1920 for fees
to the Police Justice.
l wish to thank the citizens of Can
ton for the manner in which they
have so nobly responded to all public
demands.
In conclusion allow me to state
that 1 am proud that so far as I have
any official knowledge there are at
this time no s'holes in the wall or
speak easys' in the city, and to the
police department [ must give the
credit.
In retiring we leave over S45OO of
unpaid taxes which will when collect
ed place the city in a 1ourishing f.
nancial condition and over and above
months back are now due and pay
able.
1 leave the office of Mayor with
little regret, and wish my successor a
prosperous and successful admins
tration. I shall in the future not as
pire to be a "Knocker' but on the
contrary will be a "Pusher'' for a
greater Canton.
Moved and carried UNANIMOUSLY that
the address of Mayor Fitch be spread
upon the records.
On motion council adjourned sine
die.