The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1915-12-28
CITY COUNCIL
BUYS RYAN'S PLOT
THE MUCH CUSSED AND DIS.
CUSSED SAND PIT ACQUIRED
FOR PARK PURPOSES.
E. l.. Bartlett Given Final Payment
For NashOtah Street Sanitary
Sever Work.


The city council met in regular ses-
sion last Tuesday evening, and as
forecast in the last issue of The Lea
der, by far the most important ques-
tion for the city fathers to determine
was the purchase of the plot of ground
containing about two and one-third
acres, and frequently referred to as
Ryan's sand pit, or the Ryan proper
ty, according to the, partisan view
taken of the land for park purposes.
The subject made it's third appear
ance before the council in the shape
OF resolution by Alderman Kessler,
which directed a warrant against the
general fund for 81 900 to pay for the
land.
Upon reading the resolution the al
derman launched into a long speech
Justifying his resolution, and told Of
the condemnation to be expected from
many of the citizens who were op-
posed to the purchase, but added that
in years to come the majority of these
same objectors would be only too will
ing to rise up and say blessed be ye."
The alderman stated his experiences
during the first paving and sewer
contract letting in Watertown, and
said that at that time the objectors
were SO vociferous in their denunci-
alton that charges of crooked deals
and graft were common street con-
versatiOn. Today these same persons
could not be induced to advocate a
return to the good old days" when
farmers coming to the city in soft
weather drove through Main and many
other streets in seas of mud, and sew
age fioated away when a heavy rain
fell or was absorbed into the ground
He said he expected to hear unfavor-
able criticism aplenty. but implored
the aldermen to vote for the purchase
anyway.
Alderman GruetZmacher delivered
most able and convincing speech
against the city acquiring the land.
He said he would not pay $1,000, or
any considerable portion of that
amount, for such a shrub and brush
covered sand dune, and then spend
possibly from three to five times that
amount to improve the place. He de-
nOunced the purchase as foolish and
extravagant and suggested that land
buying as a fad by the city must cease.
He spoke of two or three recent pur-
chases of real estate, which, he said
VIZ oil I,,t
which he did not seriously oppose.
This purchase, however, he specified
as unwise, ill-timed and absolutely
extravagant, waste of the public
funds and the acquiring of a liability
instead of an asset. He said he would
never allow his vote to be recorded in
favor of purchase for the city of
anything which he would not by for
himself. He ridiculed the statement
that Mr.. Ryan could sell the land to
anyone for sum approaching $1,000
for chicken farm ice house, or any
other purpose.
After Alderman Gruetzmacher's
speech Alderman Kessler again spoke
in favor of the purchase, and the sub
ject was thoroughly discussed by the
following aldermen in the order
named:
Alderman GruetZmacher.
Alderman Kessler.
Alderman Gruetzmacher.
Alderman Kessler.
Alderman Gruetzmacher.
Alderman Kessler
Alderman Gruetzmacher.
Alderman Kessler.
Alderman Gruetzmacher.
Alderman Kessler.
Alderman Gruetzmacher.
During the course of his last speech
Alderman Gruetzmacher dropped re-
mark which brought Alderman Charles
F. kieeman to his feet in hurry de-
nouncing the bringing in of politics,
which precipitated lively three min
ute tilt from each side.
Mayor Kading pleaded with the al
dermen in ten minute speech advo-
eating the purchase.
Upon roll call the aldermen ap-
proved the purchase by vote of 8 to
4, as follows:
Ayes-Beurheus, Bublitz, GlatZel,
Harte, Kessler, Knick, Kohn, Schme-
chef.
Noes = Gruetzmacher, Kerr, KIe-
mann, Wedemeyer.
Bills aggregating $4,000 against
the general fund were allowed in
amounts ranging from 35 cents to
$3.50 for current petty accounts.
An order against the general fund
for S1,862.81 was also authorized in
favor of Edward l.. Bartlett, this
amount being due Mr.. Bartlett as the
final payment for the construction of
a sanitary sewer in Nashotah street.
The claim of Mrs. Clara Shakshesky
in the sum of $1,000 for damages on
account of personal injury received
by her in falling upon an alleged de-
fective sidewalk was presented and