The log cabin Democrat., 1914-04-16

state; county that lea all OtnerS III the dry column; city that above all should be temperate, I shall insist up on these laws being strictly enforced.
 "Those addicted to strong drink we do not hope to cure-theirs IS habit to those who keep beverages in their homes. we cannot reach-it is their privilege: those who drink on the
 streets and public places are violators of the law, and should be punished but those who sell or give away in- toxicating drinks and those who tempt youth-the law hath not made the penalty too great for them. Sen timent makes good law-such laws must be enforced.
 "Light and Water-For the past two or three years there has been quite a good deal of discussion about a commission for the handling of our light and power plants. At first, l was very much impressed with the |idea and thought it wise solution of the problem. I am now inclined to doubt the wisdom of such a move up on the part of the council. It would be a most acceptable thing for the administration to shift their respon- sibility to such commission, but l do not believe it will shift or that it will meet with the hearty approval of the people. In other words, 1t be the stretching political lines a little bit farther, give rise to more dissension in the management of the plants-too many bosses spoil the bossed. It is rather an indirect way of handling the business. The people are holding us respopsible-the council looks to the commission-the commission ex- poets the superintendent or some one else to keep things going.
 "Few men who are really capable, would offer or feel obligated to serve on such a board, while those who might want to serve. very likely, would have some selfish purpose in view. I am in favor of the commits sion form if you can induce reliable and competent men to serve without pay. Otherwise not.
 Improvements the past five years we have spent much money in building concrete walks and street crossings, until now the city is pretty we'll threaded with walks in every di- rection. Unless there are gaps to be filled in, or some unfinished work that is needed, think we should let the sidewalks alone until our streets are in better shape.
 "During the late fall and winter quite number of water connections were made and bath tubs and lava tories installed, with the understand ing that sewer connections could be made within short time. The sewer work has been delayed, and in many places along the streets ditches are standing full of bath and sink water. Unless conditions can be soon reme- died we are sure to have many mos quitos and much sickness this sum- mer. As early as possible, l trust those who have made water connec- tions, will seek to have their drains connected to the sewer, instead of turning the water into the streets. This may call for a sewer ordinance. 'I am informed that in many places uptown the insurance rates are ma terially higher than the first-class risks are rated. This comes from the exposure of outhouses, coal sheds and other wooden buildings. There are some two or three old buildings, or fire traps, that should be condemned and torn away at once. Let us do everything reasonable to reduce the hazard, the fire and consequently the rate. If by a little care and atten- ] tion to our fire ordinances we can re- duce the rates and save the mer- chants few thousand dollars, they in turn will be willing to put this money into street paving. Conserva- tion is the question of the nation. ] Why not begin at home by conserving our property, our money and our time?
 "Finances-Last and perhaps least are our finances. I had hoped to have , the citys obligations listed and filed with you at this time. but have not been able to get them. 1 shall ask that the finance committee and light plant committee get an accurate statement of the outstanding obliga- tions of the city and present same at our next meeting for matter of rec ord.
 | "I understand that the light plant owes S6.4OO on machinery, of which amount $2,8OO is carried by the three local banks. In addition to the $6,- | 4UO, IHeIe dIt OCiicI dulouiieo loi iho terial, etc., that will amount to pos sibly 5000 or $1,20O. All of this will be cared for by receipts of the plant, and will be taken up within the IS or 20 months, most likely. The city owes $2,000 in round numbers for fire hose, suit for which is now pending. The sheriff has already advanced the city $500 due to be paid us in June. figure that the city tax from the sheriff will be $5,O0O; $500 of this has been spent already; $2,O00 due for hose, and our current expense, 1,5OO, will leave but little more than ST. 900 upon which to operate this year. If we accomplish any material thing the first year, under these conditions, it will call for master financing and the strictest economy. If we pose as mon of ahilitv we have an excellent