South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1913-10-22
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boilers and pumps at the waterworks
plant, and everybody was in a hurry
20 get through 10 get away from the
confusion 10 its deliberations
were very few. The clerk carried his
records back and forth and possessed
no facilities for custody or filing. ex-
cept what he would personally sup
ply
There was a city engineer in name
-he lived elsewhere. and had records
only Of the work he had handled.
The previous engineer was also a non
resident with a circulating library of
records, which we're practically value
less
only one sewer OF any conse-
quence had been constructed. There
was no plan for extensions; no ade-
quate record OF grades. water mains.
or other public service.
The city street commissioner had
the city marshal The fire depart
ment was a volunteer department.
The calaboose was vile place TO
house even the most vicious criminal,
entirely insanitary and inadequate.
Good Comparison.
Il call your attention TO these
things that you may compare the
present situation with the one which
existed then-Only a comparatively
short time away.
The problems were serious as de-
mands were coming in for extended
water mains and electric lights. One
of the developments of that period
has been attacked by citizens, whose
sincerity in doing so 1 must challenge,
for / do not believe there is a single
taxpayer who understands the Situa-
ton, that does not agree with the
plan then formulated and carried
thrOugh-by means of which every
dollar Of equity in their property was
conserved TO the city, additional funds
secured TO provide needed public ser
vice, and the entire matter placed on
basis Of deferred payments through
lease whereby the ultimate pay
ments were extended over a period
of SO years.
Through that arrangement, which
was effected by conference and CO.
operation Of 20 leading citizens of
MishaWaka, regardless of political af-
hliatiOn, with the city council, your
city has enjoyed a widely extended
water and electric service, a paid fire
department with its Gamewell alarm
system,-an asset of great value TO
every citizen because of the favorable
insurance rates made possible by its
presence,-a city hall with headquar-
ters for police and street departments,
as well as all other city officers-with
OF the city,-a sanitary and safe Gala
boose or jail quarters for temporary
detention of those under arrest.
Were Made Possible.
These advantages we're made pos
sible within a very short space of
time, aside from funding overdue
obligations. and restoring the city's
credit.
There can be no doubt in any ones
mind that the following developments
of the city, its marked progress to-
; wards the city beautiful-the devel-
opment of the true Mishawaka spirit.
were all the result of getting her at
fairs i'm better shape and relieving the
situation of the cloud of hopelessness
that was then prevalent.
This was no matter of personal
accomplishments it was the result of
cooperation of our citizens and a
careful study of the conditions.
Seek improvements.
AT that time and almost contin.
uously since, we have been endeavOr-
ing TO complete the projected plans
which called for pure water, the most
valuable asset of any city.
Thanks TO the persistent effort of
Mayor Herzog. and our present ad-
ministratiOn, this has been realized
This addition to our public ser
vice is Of great value from many
standpOints.
Impure water is a curse TO any
city; ii is a foe more dangerous than
an armed barbarian in ambush, and
am more than proud of the fact that
We can say that that question has
/ been solved.
1T bears another important ad-
vantage that means actual dollars
| saving TO every watertaker and TO the
city.
1T is an actual dollars and cents
benefit to everyone, and any man who
knocks that proposition Is hopelessly
lost. He don't know what he is talk
ing about and has no conception OF
I what a city needs.
our work is only partly finished.
| however. If we wish to hold our heads
high amongst the up-to-date cities of
the country.
The Garbage Question.
In the way of public service, with
the pure water question out of the
way. we must now organize a more
modern method of collecting and dis
posing of the garbage. This subject
needs the careful consideration of all
citizens for il has TO deal with the
health Of our people and the beauty
OF our city.
The present plan Is a temporary
6Xpetent only; il needs organization.
such utilization Of The garbage and
bY-prOducts as may assist IN making
the plant a self-suStaining one In
many large cities, il is "A source OF
pToht. The collection plan needs the
greatest study and in that. we must
be guided by the reports Of engineers.
and the experience OF other cities.
With this question also goes that OF
cleaning the streets and alleys
We now have sufficient miles OF
pavement to justify an efficient plan
for cleaning and dispOsing of the
refuse.
There can be no gainsaying the
need OF a public library, that will be
consistent with our size and prog
ress. While we have something now,
it by no means meets the public de-
mand.
Wants Public Library
81 addressed a Letter 10 a certain
committee last April, outlining a plan
whereby Mishawaka could enjoy the
privilege OF a substantial library at
small cost. but nothing has been done
apOut il so far as / know. vet il was