Year: 1867

well-knew that it as for their interest to dc
so. They knew that with the unreasonably
large amounts of bonds issued under circun-
stances very closely resembling fraud :. in
many cases and places the people of no NUM-
cpal corporation would submit without the
most serious trouble, to be taxed for the pay
ment in full ofthese bonds; and they also knew
that by compromising the matter and taking
new bonds for less amounts, running lot,ger and
at lower interest, they would get their money
IN time, wi hout difficulty, and they will do so
10 our case, if you deem it best 70 adopt this
policy; and IN the laws of 1861 there is an act,
which l think, would enable us in that case to
carry itnto effect There is nov in the treas
ury the sum of S3943 IA which can be and
ought to be used without delay in diminishing
the amount of the city debt.


Our public schools are in prosperous condi-
ton and too much credit cannot be given to
Superintendent Bieber and Principal Bernhard
for the perseverance and industry displayed by
each of them in the cause of education. The
new union school building is well underway
and it will probably be completed by Septem-
Der st next. The following school property,
consisting OF vacant lots is not wanted any
more for public purposes: south half Of block
8. in Cady's Addition. Lots and in block
II IN the 4th ward After the completion of
the new school buildings, two brick and one
frame school house, with the lots upon which
the same stand, can also be sold and the pro-
ceeds from the sales Of aforementioned property
will probably exceed the sum Of S3 900.


1t is source of great disappointment that,
after erecting well arranged and commodlons
engine house and containing good hand en-
gne hose, hooks and ladders, not sufficient
enterprise and public spirit can be found among
the younger men, to form fire, and also a
ho k ami ladder company. If there was well
organized and efficient Fire Department here,
if it consisted of only one company, it would be
entitled to receive two per cent. OF ali fire pre-
mums paid IN this city 20 Insurance companies,
which would probably amount to about $500
per year.


| invite your close attention to the ample
powers grantee to the Common Council in re-
gard to the prevention of fires and hope that you
will make such Of them, by passing an
ordinance to. carry the same into effect, as the
public safety may require.


1t will probably not DE long before the city
will have to bui Id one or more new bridges
across Rock River, in which case it viii be ne
cessary to apply to the next legislature for an
act autholizng The levy of special tax for that
purpose, it being even almost impossible to de-
fray the expense of bridge repairs out Of the
city eener i fund the tax that can be raised
for that fund being limited to a quarter per
cent. There are tao many bridges in this city
and their number ought to be reduced. If
street could be laid out running parallel with
the river, on the east side thereof from the





or more of tie bridges above Labaree bridge
might be dispensed with, without any incon-
venience to the travelling public and to the great
relief of the city funds.


Z IwouId have some more matters of minor
Importance to lay before you, were not this COM
munication getting already too lengthy. If
deemed important will hereafter direct them
to your consid Grafton.


In conelution, Gentlemen let me again allude
to the responsibility which we have voluntarily
assumed and for which constituents will
holi each Of Us accountable. w lille we must
be prudent III all necessary disbursements, we
must not be insenSible to the steady growth
of Wateftown and her conseq uently Increasing
wants. Let us not hesitate to provide for such
improvements as good order, public health and
convenience may require, bot in doing SO let Us
manage to remain within the limi OF The means
placed at our disposal.


trust in the discharge Of the various du ties
entrusted to me, shall always endeavor to act
faithfully aud impartalIy, and if, in presiding
over the deliberations of your Honorable Body,
| shall commit mi stakes on account Of my mex
perience in the business, hope that GU will be
patient and forbearng TO me.


ass HENRY MULBERGER.


Waterto wn, Wis, May goth, 1867.