The Republican journal., 1912-03-21
The City Government Or
ganized.

ganlZed.
The members-elect of the city council met
at 10 a. M, March 18th, and were called to
order in joint convention by deputy city clerk
M. W. Lord, who then administered the oath
of Office to the members present and to the
mayor. Prayer was offered by Rev. Arthur A.
Blair and the mayors address read.
MAYORS ADDRESS.
The mayors address was along the usual
lines Referring to the fact that all the mem
bers of the city government were elected upon
the ticket headed by himself he says that here
tofore there has been "more or less of divis-
ion of responsibility" and that he has mot al
ways been able to carry out plans that be-
lieved would have been of great value to the
city, In fact. only once have his plans been
deferred and that the buying of horses for the
city, by the vote of member OF, his own party.
With that exception he has been in absolute
control of the city government in all its
branches and departments. Here is pledge
which it would be well to bear in mind:
"We should forget that any man opposed our
election, and every citizen should be treated
with equal courtesy. and their interests served
and protected to the very best of our ability"
The mayor says that the rate of taxation, 500
per thousand for the past year, increase
of one mill from the preceding year, necessi-
tated "by the increased call by county and
State for funds to meet their liabilities, and
that it fought to have been one mill more to
have met the city's current expenses even
when handled on most economical basis"
! but thinks that with the rate of $50 per thou
sand for the ensuing year "there will be suf-
fcient funds to conduct the city's business in
| satisfactory manner without incurring any
over draft
/ He says that two important pieces of sewer
were built last year, but advises that the con-
struction of sewers be confined to such cond-
tions may show the most urgent need" In
connection with the roads he says an increase
in wages amounting to 25 per cent has re-
quired onefourth larger appropriation for
labor. He speaks of White City Grader
bought for the city last year as great money
saver, but says it has not been used to his
knowledge except for grading the track at the
trotting park, "where it was acknowledged to
do splendid and most effective work. King
drags, he says, have been used with splendid
results" 1t is urged that the principal streets
be kept as clean as possible. The work of
constructing State road will be continued. The
dsplacing of as much plank sidewalk as possi-
Bile with crushed rock is recommended
Of the City Park it is said that "the Improve
ment Society-frst projectors of the park
have apparently abandoned it and turned their
attention to work around what is known as the
Muck" but that, fortunately by persistent
work of the few who have placed the interest
of the public above personal and partisan
pique the park is well supplied with trees.
shrubs, etc, that are growing and enhancing
its beauty yearly" A reasonable appropria-
tion for park purposes is recommended.
The library is said to show splendid con-
dition financially and the librarian and assist
ant librarian commended The fire de-
partment is said to be better equipped today
than in any prev ious period of its history, and
consideration of the suggestions of the chief
engineer for additional hose, etc, is asked of
the schools it is said ''that there have been too
many new-fangled methods introduced, meth.
DDS that have seriously impaired the efficiency
of the departments This and much that
follows is simply a personal and political at
tack upon the well qualified and very efficient
superintendent. The acquiring of the Pierce
block is spoken of and the mayor proposes to
have one large building to accommodate the
North and South primary schools as well as
the Grammar and High schools, and says he
will submit a plan later He recommends
acquiring municipal lighting and power plant
and also control of the water supply There
is nothing further in the address of public in
terest.
THE TREASURER'S REPORT
Until the past two three years the report
of the city treasurer has been made public the
week before the city election that the voters
may know the financial conditions Why it is
kept back is matter for conjecture. The re-
port was made public this week and shows re-
ceipts of $112,072, and expenditures of s1O5,-
57115. Cash on hand March 4, 1912, sc, sol. .52
Of the appropriations ss2s24 were unexpend-
ed, and there were overdrafts of $4,842 81; net
overdraft s4,014.o9. Following is the treasurer's
trial balance:
RESOURCES
Real Estate:
Park Property 4,500 90
Lot and buildings. ngs..................... AS 90
5,s45 90
Tax Deeds. $50 80
Machinery, Tools, etc................... 6,5lS 90
Stone 600 90
City Team Outft.... 1000 90
E. M. Farnsworth & Co. Balance on