Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-05-04
HAS LAID OUT
GOOD PROGRAM
Mayor McCaskrin Outlines New
Measures in His Inaugural
Message to Council.
is FOR CIVIL SERVICE
Advocates 1t for All departments
Wants Health Board and Water
Commission.

The inaugural address of Mayor
George w. McCaskrin last evening
urged several new measures iii the
handling of the affairs of the city.
He desires the addition of a fire en-
CINE to the fire department appar-
atuS; proposes the establishment of
a board of health; favors continuing
the policy OF uniform sidewalk con-
struction; advocates the extension of
the park system; suggests civil SER
vice for all departments of the city
government: urges prompt attention
TO the water question and proposes
a commission to handle the water
works department; and endorses the
movement for the settlement OF the
west end track problem by the con-
struction of an Independent switch
ing track.
Asks for Harmony.
Mayor McCaskrin spoke as fol-
lows:
ITO the City Council: Gentlemen
In presenting my message 10 the city
council, | desire to emphasize the nee
essity of harmony between the legis-
lative and executive branches Of the
municipal government. | believe this
to be hn obligation mutual between
these bodies and the citizens of tn.
city of Rock Island. Two years of
united work with the common welfare
of the city in mind is worth more than
| 10 years of maneuyering to secure per-
sonal and partisan advantage for an
| individual or u faction.
There is absolutely no excuse for
careless and malicious speaking and
writing ON the part of citizens in this
community spreading broadcast the
| impression that the city of Rock Island
| is bankrupt or nearly So A careful
Icomparison with other cities through
ont The country will show that while
the city OF Rock Island has undergone
n great many hardships in the past in
its upbuilding it holds place today in
the forefront rank as progressive.
thriving, prosperous municipality.
Increase in Cost.
The financial requirements and eX-
lpcnditures have increased step by step
as the city has changed from few
thousand inhabitants to a present pop
Hiation of 10000 souls. and these eX-
Expenditures become necessary if we do
not permit our city 10 fall into n
shameful physical and sanitary conJi-
ton. Modern methods have been
adopted furnishing the public addi-
tional service in matters of safety,
comfort and convenience. During the
last eight years public demand has
called for increase and larger police
force and additional patrolmen have
been added from time to time. The
fire department has required the re-
lneWal of worn out and antiquated ap-
lparatus and there yet remains many
things to add to this department to
place il upon a thorough basis as 4
protection to the city, the citizens and
the home.
| Wants n Fire Engine.
Il shall present for your consider
alton during the term of my Office a
proposition of installing in this depart
ment a first class up to date, well man
aged and controlled fire engine. This
/ believe TO be an absolute essential
III fact, demand, is a term none tC
mild, in recommending TO you this en-
CINE as further equipment in thi:
department.
n The sewers and their building i'm tn:
city mark the initial beginning of
: greater city, and while we are reason
r ably well provided with sewers man,
= of them are small and inadequate (,
meet the demands of the increase,
{ buildings of the city. and the severa
e systems Tor the different parts of TIL
= city that have been outlined in tn
d past should by all means be carrie,
Il out as rapidly as the finances of tn
$ city will permit. The growth in POI
S IIlation in this city will require thi
method of improvement in order t
t keep pace with other cities of like pol
L ulation
IL For Health Board.
Il I'm relation TO the health of the con
n munity | shall endeavor further :
y create a health board clothed wit
s. power such as will enable the city t
g keep under control contagious disease
that constantly effect the lives Of on
is citizens. | believe it possible to esta
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