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Beloit City Government report

©1900 Beloit, Rock County, Wisconsin

Page 3


be done at a very low rate of interest.
The Public Library is in a flourishing condition, as seen by the published reports of the Librarian. I would recommend
that the directors of that branch of our city institutions take into consideration the question of providing a reading room where our citizens can have the use of the varied assortment of current literature and a place where the use of the city can feel that they are not intruding upon any one. Also the feasibility of extending the benefits of the library to those who reside in the joint school districts of Beloit and Turtle.
The city cemetery has under its present management been kept in excellent condition, and the sexton is certainly
worthy of the commendation of our people. Our parks are in as fair condition as can be expected under existing circumstances, and much care should be taken to preserve and keep alive the trees in the City Park. Mechanic's Green has now an undisputed owner, and is ours not only be inheritance but by an edict of the Supreme Court of the State, whose decision the past year has in all cases been favorable to the city, and for which our City Attorney is deserving of much credit for his energy and perseverance.
The question of License has not been before the people this year. Therefore, I leave it to your own good judgment to
decide in your own minds what is best to be done. If you conclude to grant licenses those applying should be given to understand that it does not take twenty men all Sunday to scrub out a saloon. Such work should be done Saturday night. The electors of the Fifth ward are yet compelled to exercise their right of suffrage in a barn, and not a very good one at that. A more suitable place should certainly be provided before the fall election.
I would call your attention to the condition of our outlying streets near the limits; they are almost impassible at times,
which does not well compare with the town roads leading to the city. The worst of the lot is the River Road from the joint track crossing near Fairbanks, Morse & Co. to the Fenton place north. Much fault has been found with the practice of bicycle riding on the sidewalks after dark, and I would recommend that you take the matter into consideration and pass such ordinance as will either prohibit future riding on sidewalks at any time or making it to the interest of any one filing complaint of any violation of existing ordinances relating thereto, by paying them at least one half of the fine imposed.
The question of repairing and keeping in order the sidewalks of our city is a serious one. Some way must be devised
by which they can be kept in good condition to prevent as much as possible our being defendants in suits caused by faulty sidewalks.
And now, gentlemen, the interests of the city are in your hands. The important matters which will be brought before
you must not be acted upon hastily. Think twice before you act, consult with each other, consult with your constituents so that you may be enabled to act in accordance with the wishes of the people. Let your watchword be "Economy." Do the business of the city as you would your own, be as careful of its interests as you are of yours. Let us profit by the failures and mistakes of the past, and enlarge upon its successes, and all will be well. Gentlemen, I ask you cordial support during the time I am to preside over the Council, and may He who presides over all be with us and guide us aright.
Ald. SHARP moved that the Mayor's address be entered upon the proceedings and made a part of the records of
the Council:
The motion was unanimously adopted.
The Mayor announced the following standing committees appointed by him for the ensuing year:
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