242 Called Meeting of the City Council Austin Texas November 10, 1885 Hon J. W. Robertson Mayor presiding Present Aldermen Schneider, Metz, Pilsbury, Wells, Campbell, Schubert, Underhill, Warren, Driskell, Brooking, Odell, Carrington, Steid, Plait, Erwin, & Brush. Absent Aldermen Hancock, Hradec, Holman & Brennan. The following call of the council was read. Mayors office Austin Tex Nov 9th 1885 To the City Council of the City of Austin. Gentlemen: – I hereby call a special meeting of the City Council to assemble at the city Hall this Tuesday evening Nov 10th 1885, at 7.30. P.M. to receive the mayors report, with other reports, of commissioned and city officers, to order an election for mayor, aldermen, and trustees of the public free schools, and to transact such other business as may then be placed before you Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. J. W. Robertson Mayor Mayors office Austin Nov. 9th 1885. Gentlemen of the City Council: It becomes my duty to lay before you a final report of the public and official transaction of the City of Austin since I had the honor to preside as its executive and also to present a statement of the present condition of its affairs. I assumed the duties of this office on June 14th 1885, having as you are aware, but little experience in municipal matters; At that time the city was seriously embarrassed for want of funds to carry on its government. The taxes for the current fiscal year had been collected and appropriated to the payment of City bonds maturing January 1st, 1884. to the payment of outstanding interest bearing warrants and to the payment of other pressing obligations of the City. The treasury was empty. --- Page break --- and the city had no revenues from which to meet its liabilities and expenses until the taxes of 1884 should become collectable, March 1st 1885. It became necessary to borrow money to pay the semi-annual interest on the bonded debt, falling due July 1st 1884 (the negotiation of the loan of $35,000, some time afterwards, permitted the return to the revenue and special funds of the amount already used to discharge pre-existing debts, and enable the City to meet its current expenses) until the taxes of 1884, became available. The bonds, warrants, and other past due obligations absorbed the entire loan. The City was left free of all matured bonded and of all floating debt of every character, except bonded, unprejudicated claims and under the provisions of the present charter it is impossble, that any floating debt can hereafter be created. I am forced to deal generally and briefly with the several matters of public interest pertaining to the city government, because to enter into more particular recitals would render this report too voluminous. I have been favored with full reports from the several committees of the City Council and and from all the officers of the city, and to these I must refer for more specific details. The bonded debt of the City at this time is as follows: Six per cent bonds due January 1st 1894. $35,000. " " " " " " " " " 1895. 20,000 " " " " " " " " 1901 12,500 Six per cent bonds due , " July 1st 1904 40,000 Total $125,000.00 The income of the City, from all sources as received by the Treasurer, from June 1st 1884 to October 1st 1885, has been as follows: --- Page break --- 244 November 10th 1885 Cash in Treasury May 31st 1884 $2885.57 Cash " June 1st " 2802.00 Advalorem taxes paid to Treasurer and June 1st 1884 69.325.13 License tax 19.281.75 General Fund 10.789.97 Market " 273.20 Cemetery 1331.00 Proceeds of Bonds 85000.00 Borrowed to pay interest 5000.00 Refunded in Erwin case 131.70 Total receipts $150002.76 In the items of ad valerem and license taxes above are included a few hundred dollars collected by the assessor & collector, before June 1st, 1884 but not paid over to the treasurer until after that dates. The taxes and other revenues received by the assessor & collector from June 1st 1884 to October 31st 1885 were as follows Advalorem Taxes 1884 $67503.77 For previous years 1843.77 " " 1885 481.05 License taxes 18547.90 Market house 69.95 Cemetery lots 1218.50 Recorder's Court 9026.90 Ground rents 583.70 Miscellaneous 716.57 Total . $99.987.00 The advalorem taxes assessed for 1884 were $68.445.60. Insolblish 704.83 In litigation 267.00 collected on rolls of 1884 167503.77 For the year 1884, the assessed value was " " 1885 " " Increase in taxable value The increase bring about 5 per cent on the values of the preceding years The taxes assessed for 1885 at the rate of one percent ad valorum amount to $72.023.21 of which the sum of $481.05 has been collected --- Page break --- 245 having yet to be collected $7.841.97. The collection of this tax is not enforceible until after March 1st 1886. and the taxes to be levied for 1886 will not be available until after March 1st 1887. (Although the fiscal year begins November 1st and ends Oct. 31st of each year, yet owing to the condition of the laws relating to forced collections of taxes, the practical adjustment of receipts and disbursements must extend to March 1st of each year. The licenses tax for the current year and extending to March 1st 1887 may be reasonably estimated at $12.000. Receipts from the Recorders court and all other sources, may be estimated at $10.000. The cash balance in the City Treasury on October 31, 1885, is $3.1048.59. But of this amount in the Treasury there has been appropriated to various purposes now under way the sum of $13.937.19. Leaving the unappropriated balance $17.11.40. To this amount should be added $1000. to be realized on the sale of the property of the Fire Department and to be applied on the general appropriation for the new fire department building $4.000. Thus making the unappropriated amount in the Treasury $21.611.20. This estimate would make the available revenues of the City from all sources and for all purposes, to meet all liabilities and expenditures from Oct 31st 1885 to March 1, 1887 when the taxes of 1886 will become available as follows. Ad valorem taxes $7.841.97 Licenses 12.000.00 Recorders Court rec. 10.000.00 cash unappropriated 21.611.20 Total $41.515.17 A liberal estimate of the current expenses of the City for that period, exclusive of school. --- Page break --- 246 November 10th 1885 improvements and other public works estimated on the basis of expenses for the past year cannot exceed $80,000.00 And this will leave an easy margin of $35,000 for streets Bridges and other public works while upon this branch of the subject I will mention that under certain contracts heretofore made with the City by the Austin Gaslight & Coal Company and the City Water Company, these corporations have been claiming the privilege of exemption from City Taxation. Their property was assessed for the year 1884 in common with all other taxable property. The taxes of the City water Co. have been paid under protest but the District court of Travis county, granted an injunction restraining the collection of a part of the taxes assessed against the gas company, and that suit is now pending. I apprehend that no further trouble or complications will arise on this account. I call your attention especially to the very small delinquent list for 1884 only $704.86 Appropriations & Expenditures Total amount of cash on hand June 6th 1884, and received since that date as shown by the Treasurer's statement $152,000.26 Paid out as follows. Paid by per warrants. . " Account hospital $2118.32. . " Cemetery. 3,759.06. . " Warrants on general funds. 7,774.45 . " on account of interest fund. 109.00 . " interest coupons. 10,880.00 . Total cash on hands. $21,048.83 Recapitulation Paid out. $118,950.87 On hand. 31,048.39 Total $150,009.26. --- Page break --- 247 The expenditures, as shown in the report of the city clerk are itemized as follows: To complete City Hospital 15493. Expenses of Hospital 2715. Clerk of Beds, old Hospital 37300 Expenses of Smallpox 48510 Charity 48944 Streets and Bridges 71402.61 Street Lamps, Gas at city hall 30490.2 Fees for city Teams 961.01 Police 1671065 Fees for city Prisoners 2762.66 Market houses & Cellars 716.00 Salaries & Commissions 17969.10 Fire Department 7307.00 City Water Company 19150.00 Judgments 3307.43 Costs in suits 776.75 To repay money borrowed and interest 5185.42 Printing Advertising & Posting 1678.54 Cemetery 774.41 Sanitary 1760.50 Miscellaneous 3773.44 Total warrants drawn from June 18, 1884 to Oct. 31, 1885 $108599.79 Add unket. coupons, &c. 1330.00 + amount paid by treasurer on acct. of Hospital board 2106.72. Total $117386.51 The Treasurer's report shows that he had paid since June 18, 1884 the amount of $118503.89 The excess of payments over the warrants drawn since June 18th 1884 arises from the payment by the Treasurer of warrants drawn prior to that date but paid afterwards, and the amount of these payments is increased by the warrants issued on and before October 31, 1885 and not presented to the Treasurer for payment up to that date. Streets and Bridges The total length of streets in the city is 128 7/10 miles The total length of alleys is 80 5/10 " Length of streets actually opened, since June 19, 1884 11,876 feet or about 2 1/4 miles. --- Page break --- 248 November 10" 1885. The streets have been opened repaired and graded as follows: per ward feet; cost. 1st ward 14.186 feet; cost. $497.80 2nd " 12.224 " " 347.74 3rd " 8088 " " 736.75 4th " 12.072. " 777.37 5th " 19.656 " 581.39 6th " 21.006 " 460.50 7th " 23.567. " 473.75 8th " 11.136 " 517.10 9th " 8.514 " 412.30 10th " 10.206 " 658.40 Total length 146.055 cost. $5.611.08 This is nearly 28 miles of streets opened repaired and graded at a cost of about $200. per mile Much of this work has required deep excavations and heavy filling, and much of it has been blasted through solid rock. The work has been well done and at a cost of less money, I will venture, than any other city in Texas has ever paid for a like amount and character of improvements. The credit of this work is due, in a very degree, to the faithful and untiring services of the chairman of the street committee, alderman J. Schubert, and to the skill and efficiency of the city engineers. The appropriation for this work made prior to 1885. and not used in the several wards, were added to the general appropriation of 1885 of $500. to each ward, and in some instance there were special appropriations. Out of these several appropriations there is yet due and to be expended in the several wards the following amounts: 1st ward $16.588 2nd " 86.31. 3rd " 48.84 4th " 174.91 5th " 168.30 6th " 29.25 7th " 1.05 8th " --- Page break --- 249 9th ward 10th " $ 87.70. 141.60. Total $ 902.88 This improvement has extended over the entire City, and I confidently assert that the streets of the City of Austin were never before in as good condition. The cost has been trifling in comparison with the convenience of having our highways and drives in decent order. In future appropriations, I think the amount to each ward should be determined by the extent of its, territory, and the amount of work required to put its streets on an equality with all others as far as practicable. The time has come when our principles Grevious streets should be paved. This may be done without increasing the debt on the rate of taxation, as much as $50,000. to $75,000. annually can be appropriated out of the present general revenue to this purpose with out detriment to the finances of the City, at this rate it would require only a few years to make congress avenue and Pecan street the finest of roadways without additional burden on the people. A more efficient system of sidewalks should be adopted. Austin has fewer and poorer sidewalks than any city of its size in Texas. This is caused in a great measure by the want of necessary power in the charter. It can be easily remedied by additional legislation. Bridges Number of wagon bridges in the City Stone arch bridge 7 Iron " 4 wood " 32. Total 43. Number of Foot Bridges 66. Iron 24. wood, (smaller creek) 11 Culverts 218 --- Page break --- 250 Nov 10th 1885 Expenditures on Bridges since June 1st 1884 Wing wall to bridge $107.76. Arch Bridge, Mesquite st. with roadway 2384.75 Abutment for bridge, East Chestnut st. 220.40 Bridge on East Walnut st 171.15 " " West Cedar " 500.00 Extension of bridge West Pecan st. 600.00 Arch bridge West Walnut " 300.40 Repairing bridge West Peach " 58.00 Wood bridge San Marcos " 50.70 Wood " Magnolia " 86.20. Iron bridge Abutments & roadway Plume's. 2105.85 Total. $717.76 For new Bridges. New iron bridges on congress avenue with stone filling $1190.00 Wood bridge Bois D'Are Street 74.00 " " " " " north avenue 84.00 " " " " " Ash Street 31.50 Total. $1.354.50 Miscellaneous expenditures on streets & Bridges Grading Hickory street $713.00 Repairs on sewer foot of avenue 607.75 " " gutters congress avenue 38.50 " " congress avenue & Dean st. & roadways 124.45 Hardware 390.48 Lumber 447.62 Iron water Troughs. 210.05 Teams wagons & harness 950.00 Repairs on harness 244.45 Blacksmith work 361.47 Salary of Engineer 1,700.00 Engineering Service 100.00 Salary of Teamsters 1,680.00 Total. $7,365.27 Recapitulation Streets $561.08 Wagon Bridges 717.76 New " " 1.354.50 Miscellaneous 7.365.27 Total. $11.100.61 --- Page break --- 251 In this connection I would suggest that the iron bridge across Water creek, on east Pecan street is too narrow to accommodate the increased travel produced by the growing trade and commerce of that portion of the city. This bridge should be removed to Elm street, on the south, and if it is practicable, an arch stone bridge the full width of Pecan street should be erected where the iron bridge now stands. If an arch stone bridge cannot be constructed then a double-width iron bridge should be supplied. Stone arches will last longer than iron bridges, and they rarely need repairs. They cost no more than the iron structures and their construction enables the city to buy our home material and to employ our home labor. These views are concurred in by the street committee. Police Department & Recorders Court. The police force has consisted of a marshal, a sergeant and twelve policemen. The expenses of this department including salaries, has been $16,210.65. number of complaints made, 2,502. number of arrests 2,110. This covers the period from June 13, 1884 to Oct 31, 1885. and the fines and costs collected and paid to the assessors & collectors amount to $3,026.90. From December 10, 1884 to Oct 31, 1885. The number of complaints filed in the Recorders court, have been 3,028. Convictions 2,070, acquittals 290. dismissals 622. fail to arrest 41. Amount of fines assessed $19,775.00 " costs. $12,031.10 Total. $31,806.10 Number of appeals 86. of fines assessed since June 10, 1884 there has been remitted. $343.50 Discharged by Physician 210.00. Appeals to county court $2,388.80 Unpaid fines $2,021.10 3/ Unpaid work streets $7,235.50. Prisoners who work out their fines on the streets are allowed $1.00 per day --- Page break --- 252 November 1st 1885 The feeding of Prisoners constitute a very considerable item of expense. This expense since from 13.1884 to now has been $2672.66 under an old contract in force from June 1884 until April 1885 ten months, the cost was $154.78 or $154.78 per month. Under a new contract made April 1st 1885 seven months, the costs has been $814.80. or $116.85 per month A saving of nearly half. I must add my dissent to the present method of selecting the marshal and police force. The marshal is elected by the city council and then under the provisions of the city charter, the council also elects his policemen. The marshal should be left to select his own policemen, and then be should be held to the very strictest responsibility for their conduct. I want a personal responsibility for the appointment and deportment of the police force and a denial to the marshal of the power of summary removal, as after all effort at good discipline and aiding the usefulness of the force. The people of this city are dissatisfied with the present police management and the department needs a thorough reorganization. If there are good and true men on the force and I know there are such. They should be retained on the force. If there are bad or incompetent men they should be removed and their places supplied with competent and worthy men. The people demand and the good name and welfare of the city demands, that there should be a thorough reorganization of the police department and I earnestly trust that it will be made. Cemetery. As you are aware, the burial ground in the city cemetery is about exhausted. The necessity for additional grounds is becoming imperative. This question was before you when I came into office I am told it was then of long standing. It is still unsettled. A large number of proposals have been submitted for your consideration but so far --- Page break --- none have been accepted. The opposition of the people in the eastern portion of the City to an extension of the present cemetery, either north or south is entitled to respectful consideration and I am of the opinion that such extension should not be made. I see no reasonable objections to the purchase of the ground on the north east corner, so as to make the Cemetery squares, unless that objection be found in the character of the soil, and of this I have very serious doubts. It seems to me to be the general desire that a new cemetery be established, to the east and north of the City, on suitable grounds where the drainage will be below the city. A purchase should be made as soon as a desirable location can be obtained. Water & Gas Under the existing contract between the City Water Co and the City of Owatonna, the City pays the Water Co an annual rental of $100. each for one hundred fire Hydrants and $50. for all fire hydrants or at a cost of $10,000. per annum. The location of these hydrants does not afford fire protection to more than one half of the city. They can only be located on mains of a certain size and in certain portions of the City. There is twice the number necessary or required for use while other portions are wholly without such fire protection. The burden of supporting this contract falls on all alike and the benefits should be more equitably distributed. The territory protected would constitute only a village, the rental paid would be exorbitant to a City of one hundred thousand inhabitants. This contract was made in 1883. The claim of the water company to be exempt from taxation on account of water furnished for flushing gutters, water troughs &c:- has not been assented to, as in violation of the constitution of the state, and the charter of the City, and against public policy to tolerate such a claim. But for the present circumstances, it is insisted that the city shall pay this rental, --- Page break --- 254 November 1st 1884 the reasonable and fair share of the water used and accounted for the future should be enacted. The supply of water to the people, has been greatly improved during the past year, and it is to be hoped that all cause for complaint will cease. We now have two gas companies and the price of gas has been greatly reduced, and how the city is lighted to the great extent of the mains of both companies are extended in new districts will be lighted and the cost of lighting the city was since June 3, 1884 has been $2040. Other portions of the city are applying for lights and it should be provided as fast as the companies can be induced to extend their systems. Hospital. The City and County Hospital, was completed and occupied in the latter part of the year 1883. The contract price of the building, was $10,000. but a very considerable expenditure of money on the buildings and grounds, and in furnishing the building, became necessary before it could be occupied. The running expenses of the hospital has been $2488.82 The City by contract with Davis county, dated May 1st 1884 look entire charge of the hospital for one year, the county paying the city as its share of the expenses, the sum of $2000, in quarterly installments The management of the hospital under the City and county Physicians, and Dr Frank P. McLaughlin, the resident physician, and Miss Ella Wright, the matron, has been eminently satisfactory. During the fifteen months the hospital has been in operation, 179 patients have been treated. It is a public charity of the noblest order, and promises great results in the alleviation of human misfortunes, it deserves and I trust, that it will receive as liberal support. I must especially commend the patient, devoted services and the able management of Miss Ella Wright to whom the City is greatly indebted for placing this institution in its present prosperous condition. --- Page break --- 255 Charities The committee have endeavored to review all cases worthy of public charity. I am gratified to state that there have been but few calls for public charity even during the winter months. The entire expense for this purpose has been only $489.44, and yet relief has been granted in every meritorious case that has been presented. Markets. The city market has been abandoned long before I came into office and your body has declined to re-establish it. I do not believe that a general market for the entire city is practicable or just, but there is room for many improvements on the present system. A market place for the sale of wood, corn, hay, and other country produce should be re-established and I would suggest that the ground that the ground know as “Market Square,” on East Pine street, would be utilized for this purpose. Ordinances, Suits, etc. Since I have been in office the following suits against the city have been decided: G. D. Johns vs the City, Judgment for $1,321.29 and costs for commissions as city attorney in 1881 and 1882. A. Horner vs. the City, Judgment for $1000 and costs for damages sustained by being thrown in a ditch in 1883. compromise and settled for $670. N. A. Walton vs. City, Judgment for commissions as City attorney in 1881, 1882, 1883. on appeal to the Supreme court. Connell vs. City, Judgment for $100. and costs, for damages to a horse on a street bridge in 1883 satisfied in full. H. A. Fitz vs. City, suit pending for damages alleged to have been sustained by reason of a defect in the street, in December, 1883. Austin Gaslight Coal Company vs. City, suit by injunction to restrain the collection of taxes - still pending. Other matters relating to suits will appear in the report of the city attorney. I would suggest that the City Ordinances should be compiled and printed, it is almost impossible to ascertain what Ordinances are in force, from what ordinances are still in force, the entire code of Ordinances need revising. --- Page break --- Pecember 10th 1885 256 City Printing. The amount paid out for printing and postage, July 1st 1884. has been $1,106.37. for printing, stationery July 1st 1885, $1,269.57. The cost of printing has been reduced 50 percent in the present system which also makes a convenient and valuable record of the proceedings I think a synopsis of the Council proceedings and of Ordinances and of resolutions introduced and passed, should be published in the City papers. Fire Department. The City has four companies of volunteer firemen having an aggregate membership of 156. The force consists of two Steam fire engine companies and two hook and ladder companies. In July 8th, the council directed the sale of two lots and building belonging to the fire department, in Block No. 69, for the sum of $4,000. This sale was consummated with the understanding that the fire companies should continue to occupy the old premises until new quarters could be provided for them, or until the purchasers should be compelled to use the property. They are still occupying these quarters. Two of the companies are to be located in the building being erected on the City lots in Block No. 89. The cost of this building and the preparation of the approaches and grounds will be as follows: Grading the front of Hickory Street $72.40. excavation for foundation 6.25.60. Building $10,000. Total $17338.00. Of this latter appropriation the sum of $4000. is to be applied from the sale of the department property, which has not yet been paid. The cost to the general revenue of the City will be $12,838. Preparations for the accommodation of the remaining company will have to be made in the near future, and for this purpose $3,000. will be available from the sale of the other property. Twenty four fires have occurred in the City since July 9th 1884 involving a very aggregate loss of property, but so nearly covered by insurance that the actual loss is comparatively light. Recently an appropriation of $2,500 was made to purchase hose for the fire department, and a contract has been made for the purchase of 600 feet at ninety cents per foot. --- Page break --- 257 columbia received the department service as well equipped for any emergency I need not speak of the efficiency of the Austin fire department nor of the esteem in which its members are held. Their service extended throughout the state for the past fifteen years worked as well as with the aid of water works. They have never failed to confine a fire to the premises in which it originated. They have rendered invaluable services to the people of this City and have save millions of property from destruction The cost of this department since June 1st 1884 has been $ 7.307.26. The fire department is always entitled to a liberal support from the city government. Sanatation & Sewerage. The sanitary condition of the city has not been perfect, but it has been as good as it can be made until other means are supplied. During the past year one and some times two or more officers have been detailed specially to see that the ordinances to protect the public health were observed and obeyed. They have served 790 notices. The city has been unusually clean during the summer and in this statement I am supported by the written testimony of a majority of the practicing physicians of the city. They also concur in the opinion that the recent epidemic of dengue was not produced by local causes – that the fever was imported here and did not originate here that the disease became epidemic soon after its introduction into the city; that it was not produced by digging and excavating the streets and that its nature and cause are not understood, except as developed by its effect. The city has been comparatively free from diseases, except the dengue, and I am happy to say that it is just now enjoying a season of unusual good health. I believe the time has arrived when the city must adopt a more effective system of sanitation. A general system of sewerage, extending over the entire city, would be impracticle, and would require a million of money beyond our resources. --- Page break --- 258 November 10ᵗʰ 1888. The necessity for sewerage exists in the lower and more thickly populated portions of the city, and this section should be provided with sewers, other and cheaper methods could be provided and enforced in the remainder of the city, entirely adequate to the demands, I think there is little difference of opinion upon these points, either among the members of the city Council or among the people. It would be inequitable and unjust to tax the entire city to establish sewers for the benefit of only a part of its people. The City should be surveyed for this purpose and divided into sewer districts and each district should bear the expense of laying and maintaining its own sewers. But neither a district system nor a general system can be inaugurated without additional legislation. The provisions of the present charter are wholly inadequate. Either system will require the expenditure of large sums of money, and this must be raised in one or two ways—either by increasing the bonded debt and increasing the taxes to meet the interest and sinking fund or by local assessment. To accomplish the enterprise by any method will require an amendment of the powers contained in the charter. I would suggest that a survey of the city should be made and maps and plats prepared as a preliminary step, and that the City should be divided into sewer districts, according to the formation of its surface and the natural courses of drainage. Then adopt a system and procure the necessary legislation to carry it into effect. The chairman and members of the committee on sewers concur in these views. Crimes in the City During the past year a number of most dastardly crimes known to the law have been committed in this city, in some instances, murder, and in others murderous assaults with knife, hatchet or pistol. These crimes have been of the most revolting character attended with evidences of the grossest brutality and perpetrated at the dead hours of night, in nearly every instance upon --- Page break --- unprotected colored females. They have occurred in the most, unexpected quarters, and have always been involved in mystery. The community has been outraged and shocked by these crimes, and the city government, has been subjected to severe criticism, some of which is unjustified and sometimes bordering on the malicious. I undertake to say that the city authorities, ably aided by the state and county officials, have faithfully and earnestly labored to detect the perpetrators of these crimes and bring them to punishment, but they have failed of success. The council directed me to employ detectives and to use all available means to discover and arrest the guilty criminals. I employed detectives who came with the highest endorsement as honorable and skillful men. They too have failed to detect the guilty parties, at your direction, receiving have baffled at every point. I offered reward for their detection sufficient in amount to induce any one having information to come forward and make it known. No one has come forward. Great vigilance and energy has been displayed by private citizens, who have devoted much time and labor to bring to light the real criminals, They too have accomplished nothing. On the first Monday in October the grand jury of Travis county, composed of its most intelligent citizens, white and colored, was organized in the District Court and have been making the most energetic investigation of these crimes, calling to their aid the whole power of the state of Texas. They too have failed to find evidence that would warrant them to presenting an indictment against a single person. To say that no honest and faithful effort, by all the means about command, has not been made to bring these murders and assassinations to justice, is to misstate and falsify the facts. No effort has been spared nor any promising success have been withheld. The crimes still remain a mystery, and their guilty authors retain their secret. It was impossible sible to prevent these crimes, they are abnormal and unnatural, as compared with ordinary crimes among men. No one, not even the effect, has been in the association of crimes, can find no reasonable motive. It is all speculation. It is not in the hands of the police, in the police cteway in the hands of the city, where it is not possible to or anticipate but beyond the fact of the murders no one has been able to penetrate. --- Page break --- 260 November 10° 1885 This seem to be a year unprecedented in the character of its crimes. They have occured with astounding frequency all over this union. The columns of the news. papers are full of them. It is not confined to auctile nor Texas, it is everywhere; I have failed to discover that the authors; of these crimes will yet be discovered. No human Bosom is strong enough to hold such secrets. some guilty conscience will unburden itself sooner or later. I have felt it my duty to you and to myself as well as to the good people of this city, To lay these plain unvarnished facts before you. The Public Free Schools The institution of the city of Austin deserves more of our fostering care and support, than the public free schools. These schools are in the most prosperous and condition and are conducted with merits success, Our system is not surpassed any where in this State, or in the south, it is thoroughly organized and disciplined, and under the management of earnest and skilled teachers. The number of children in the city by the scholastic census of 1884 was as follows: white 1407 Colored 706 Total 2113. By the census of 1885 have white 2088. Colored 1015. Total 3.103. The attendance in 1884 was 2.200. in 1885 84 weeks after opening 1.620. The amount of Money received from the state for 1884 was $10,815. In 1885 we received $16,135,65. Amount received from City tax in 1884 $14.157.74 “ “ “ “ “ “ 1885 $4.007.62. Total amount expended in 1884 $21.808.16 “ “ “ “ “ “ 1885 24.007.62 The present city tax for school purposes is 3 mills on the dollar, or one third of one per cent advalorum This rate has continued for two years, but I am now authorized by the board of school trustees to announce The fact, that, after this year, that they will not need and will not ask more than one fourth of one per cent. They will keep the tax --- Page break --- 261 of 1886 come to be levied. ask the council to reduce to ½ of one per cent at this rate. the city will yield about $18.000. This with the amount to be received from the state, will be sufficient to support our school for ten months in the year. The Public school is one of the greatest if not the greatest of factors in the advancement of civilization and in the elevation and advancement of the human race; Every child and youth in this city from the age of 6 to 21 years of every race and color, may attend these schools without cost, and he may receive an education equal in every respect to the usual college course. These schools have increased population and wealth to our city and will add to its future prosperity, Let them be liberally supported. Conclusions. I have now made a brief reference to the principal subjects of public interest in the administration of the city government since the people entrusted it to our hands. I have refrained of omitting many minor details which will be gathered from the reports of the committees and offices. I am pleased to say that the city is in a most prosperous condition and is rapidly increasing in wealth and population. Its growth is steady and permanent. The city does not owe a dollar beyond its bonded debt. It has no depreciated warrants in circulation. Its bills are paid promptly. It can buy its necessary supplies and can contract for work upon the same terms and at the same prices as can be obtained by private parties. It has a sufficient sum of money in its Treasury ($41.048.34) to meet all existing appropriations, and to satisfy all liabilities and expenses occurring until the close of 1886. The amount available. The business has been conducted on business principles and the result is to the credit of the successive councils of the city. --- Page break --- 262 November 1st 1885 and public works, in its prompt payment of all liabilities, in its large balance left in its Treasury to meet future demands, in its restored credit, and in the increasing public confidence it has inspired. This City has a grand future. Its magnificent location, its picturesque surroundings, its invigorating and healthful climate, must be rapid and cultivated. People, invite the stranger to make his home among us. Its development is strong and vigorous, and its public improvements should advance along with its wealth and population. Any public enterprise that will add to the growth and prosperity of the City of Austin and to the happiness and welfare of its people will always command my hearty approval and support. I hope that before many years we may see a grand population dwelling upon these hills; the principal streets all paved, the sidewalks all laid, a splendid City hall crowning these heights; many other imprments commensurate with the development and improvement and importance of the capital of Texas and, last, though not least, a fine Bridge spanning the Colorado river. I am very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. Robertson, Mayor. Alderman Campbell moved that the mayor’s message be printed in the Daily Statesman and Texas Vorwaerts, motion lost by the following vote. Yeas, Aldermen Pierce, Wells, Campbell, Schubert, Umbach, Carrington & Hill 7 Nays, Aldermen Marty, Warren, Quickill, Crocker, Odell, Clark, Erwin & Bruchs. 8. Alderman Crocker, moved that the mayor’s message be printed in the daily Statesman, Daily Dispatch, Texas Vorwaerts, Austin Wachenblatt and Austin Citizen. Motion carried by the following vote. Yeas, Aldermen Marty, Wells, Campbell, --- Page break --- Hundershiel, Duckiel, Crooker, Cale, Carrington r Erving-7. Nays. Aldermen Pillows, Schuben Warren, Hill, Platt, & Bruch. 6. Alderman Maas came in and answered to his name. The Mayor introduced the following Resolution which was adopted. A Resolution providing for a general election in the City of Austin, on Monday December 7th 1885. Section 1st. Be it Resolved by the city council of the City of Austin, That a general election be, and the same is hereby ordered and directed to be held in the several wards of the City of Austin, on monday, December 7th 1885, for the purpose of electing the following Officers to wit. A Mayor of the City of Austin for the ensuing two years, 9 Aldermen in the several wards to succeed those whose terms expire, as follows: First ward, One Alderman in place of J. P. Schneider. Second, " " " Lewis Hancock. Third " " " " " R. C. Wells Fourth " " " " " J. Schuben. Fifth " " " " " S. Warren. Sixth " " " " " J.W. Duickil Seventh " " " " " J. M. Coll. Eighth " " " " " S. P. Hill Ninth " " " " " A. Platt. Tenth " " " " " W. Bruch. 3 Three Trustees of the public free schools in place of B. C. Ludlow, F. Reuter and A. P. Wooldridge, whose terms have expired. Section 2nd. The polls shall be opened in the several wards at the following places to wit 1st ward Walsh's Shoe house 2nd ward Welch Stable 3rd ward Market house 4th ward Rumple Store 5th ward Protection Fire house 6th ward Wielbach's Store 7th ward Zellener's Mill 8th ward County Court house 9th ward Weir's Stable. 10th ward Ed Walker's house --- Page break --- 264 November 10th 1886 Sect 3rd. The following named persons are appointed Judges of election for the several wards to-wit: 1st Ward C. Archer, Fred Menzer & Fred Scott. 2nd Ward E. E. Anderson, Jas Hickey & J. W. Howard. 3rd Ward Ed. Gust, C. C. Bartholomew & B. B. Allen. 4th Ward J. T. Woods, A. Waterman, & R. B. Goldbeck 5th Ward L. Hues, A. Eggling & H. E. Shelley. 6th Ward F. Holdbacker, Louis Maurena & A. P. Foster. 7th Ward Wm. Melcher, J. L. Phagin & Booker Hancock 8th Ward Jos. Costa, A. Defenbaugh. 9th Ward J. C. Daniels, J. S. Hannaway & Wm. Reeder 10th Ward J. Mc. Mansfeld, Sam Singleley & W. P. Hall. Section 4th. The Mayor will issue his proclamation ordering said election in accordance with the law, and in accordance with the charter and ordinances of the city of Austin. Section 5th. That this ordinance take effect and be in force from and after its passage. Alderman Campbell introduced the following resolution: Be it resolved by the city council of the city of Austin, That the street commissioner be and they are hereby instructed to contract with the Austin Gas light & Coal Co. to erect and keep light every night at the same price per month as other street lamps are lighted. One lamp at the A. M. E. Church on San Antonio & Ash street. The motion to amend the resolution by striking out Austin Gas light & Coal Co. and insert any lighting company was adopted. The following amendments were offered. By Alderman Hill one lamp near the M. E. Church East Ash Street. By Alderman Crooker One lamp at the corner of Magnolia avenue & San Bernard Street. By Alderman Underhill One lamp at the corner of Colorado & Peach Street. On motion of Alderman Platt the resolution and amendments were referred to the water and gas committee. --- Page break --- Alderman Bush submitted the following report, of the special committee appointed to investigate alleged outrages committed upon Alex Mack also the statement of Hugh Hancock, Dives Hopkins and Dellie Mack, which were read. To His Hon. the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Your committee, to whom was referred a resolution by the City Council to investigate the conduct of the special detectives while in the employment of the City of Austin; also your committee was further empowered to investigate the alleged outrages perpetrated upon the colored man Alex Mack by the said detectives and city officers, would most respectfully represent that in pursuance of the resolution, passed on the 9th of November 1885, for the purpose of proceeding with said investigation when we were interrupted in said investigation by the City Marshal and subordinates demanding that they be heard. We consented to grant them a hearing and issued subpoena for them to appear on the 10th inst. and authorizing them to make their statements in their own way and manner fully. At that time they expressed themselves as being satisfied. But on the following day they demanded that an attorney be admitted, also dictating to the committee as to how the committee should proceed in the matter of investi- gation. The committee not agreeing to be dictated to by the city marshal or his attorney, informed him that said committee had permission to occupy the room in which they had assembled and would not be dictated to by anyone. The city marshal was informed that when witnesses were desired by the committee they would be sent for, whereupon the city marshal and his attorney left the room. A few minutes after they left Policeman Johnson came in to summon us to attend a special meeting of the city council. --- Page break --- 266 Nov 10th 1885 It was suggested as he was present that he should take his statement, and while he was seated at the table writing his statement, the City Marshal came in and said something to him about not making a statement and ordered him to come with him. He arose and started and remarked, well you see how it is and as it had passed the hour and no witnesses appeared and no subpoena returned, we concluded as every obstacle had been thrown in our way by the officers we had looked to for assistance in our investigation we had best adjourn and report the facts as far as we were able to obtain them, we present to you the sworn statement of Alex Mack, Hugh Hancock, Sallie Mack (Alex mother) and Bess Hopkins which speak for themselves. Your committee, not approved of any law requiring them to admit an attorney while in the performance of their duty investigating a case submitted to them by your honorable body. We are induced to make this declaration from the fact that the City Marshal has attempted to create the impression that we are going to act partially in the investigation we have been willing to give every and all parties a chance to make a statement. We therefore ask that the City Council take such action as they may see proper from the evidence submitted and the committee be discharged. Respectfully, J. W. Trickie } Committee R. Platt } H. G. Lee. J. W. Johnson and J. P. Converse submitted a petition and protest against the manner of investigating certain charges against them, claiming that the committee would not allow them or their attorney to be present, while witnesses against them were being examined. Alderman Gill moved that the report of the committe and the communication from the City Marshal be recommitted, That the City Attorney represent the city and that the marshal be allowed to be present and represented by council during the investigation. Motion adopted. On motion the council adjourned J. F. Durnell City Clerk