A New Mayor Inherits a Solvent City — and a River Full of Filth

Monday was the date for the regular monthly meeting of the Council, made more than usually interesting by the retirement of old members and the administration of the oath of office to the newly elected. All of the new members were present at the hour, but it did not attract much attention, perhaps on account of the condemned quarters where the meeting was held, and only two or three outsiders were present. The oath of office was read, and the following gentlemen attached their names thereto: Jas. N. Glover, Mayor; S. G. Havermale, R. Forrest, A. M. Cannon, P. Deuber, Geo. T. Crane, J. N. Squier, Simon Berg, W. L. Turner, Councilmen; E. R. Hyde, Marshal; Chas. Collins, Clerk; M. T. Hartson, City Attorney. H. G. Hayward, Treasurer-elect, being the only absentee.

The old Board was called to order, the minutes of the last meeting read and approved with a few trifling alterations. On motion of Dr. Gandy the old Board adjourned sine die.

The new Council was called to order. Mr. Forrest stated that in order to determine which members were to hold over it was necessary to decide by lot, and moved that the Mayor should decide in what manner this drawing should take place. The motion prevailed. The Mayor suggested that two strips of paper, one containing the words "Short term" and the other "Long term," be put in a hat and one member from each ward draw out a slip, and the paper so drawn would designate his term of office. The Marshal prepared the lot and as the drawing took place the result was announced as follows: First Ward—R. Forrest, long term; H. G. Havermale, short term. Second Ward—W. L. Turner, short term; P. Deuber, long term. Third Ward—Simon Berg, short term; J. N. Squier, long term. Fourth Ward—Geo. T. Crane, long term; A. M. Cannon, short term.

The bonds of the several officials required to give security were read in blank and the amounts placed at the following sums: Treasurer, $7,500; Marshal, $2,000; Mayor, $3,000.

The Clerk proceeded to read the following as the

MAYOR'S REPORT.

To the Honorable Council of the City of Spokane Falls, W. T.:

GENTLEMEN:—In accordance with the provisions of that Charter regulating the actions of this Council, and following a custom of my predecessors, I have the honor to submit to your examination and approval a financial statement of the monetary condition of this city. It gives me pleasure, gentlemen, to say in conjunction with the presentation of this report, that the city is in a healthy, solvent condition. One year ago, when the will of the people called me to the mayoralty, the city had a debt of some $500 hanging over it. To-day there is a balance in the hands of the Treasurer of $978, including the road tax of the canvass, with no outstanding warrants. This cheering exhibit, considering that no tax levy has been made, and the receipts accruing entirely from fines and licenses, I deem a very creditable one.

The past year has been one of remarkable growth for our city, and an exceedingly prosperous one for our people, and every indication points to a still greater and more wonderful development for the year 1884. Surrounded as we are by rich and extensive agricultural, mineral and lumbering resources, happy in the possession of a water power that surprises every stranger, in the pathway of the most stupendous tide of immigration, the front of which is now upon us, ever known in the history of the country, proud in the knowledge of having the most picturesque city, modest though its size may now be, on the Pacific coast, there is no reason why the people of Spokane Falls should not feel cheerful and contented, nor is it presumptuous in me to promise a future grand and glorious, the dawning brightness of which is upon us.

I would earnestly call your attention to a few of the most important matters, in my judgment, affecting the city's interest at the present time, and would suggest that you give them your earliest consideration. The establishment of at least a system of sewerage, along the principal streets. We boast of the healthiness of our city, and it is necessary, in order to keep up that good reputation, some provision must be made for drainage. The health of the city is a matter of the first importance. These improvements will necessarily require a small tax levy, to which no property owner can object.

Hoping that our relations may be of the most pleasant character, and having full confidence in your integrity, honesty of purpose and wisdom, I look forward with many hopes to a careful, judicious and creditable administration of city affairs throughout your deliberations during the next twelve months.

JAMES N. GLOVER, Mayor.

Mr. Berg moved that the message should be spread upon the minutes. Mr. Havermale amended by moving that the message be also published in the city papers. Mr. Berg accepted the amendment and it was so ordered.

A petition from H. Levy asking the privilege of erecting a fruit stand on the sidewalk was read. The Mayor proceeded to relate the conduct of the man Levy in regard to running up a peanut stand on Howard street. On motion the petition was laid on the table.

A petition asking for the removal of a sewer from the California House was read. Mr. Havermale mentioned the fact that he had his attention daily called to the condition of this sewer by the filth discharged therein. Considerable discussion ensued over the subject, all of the members favoring a rigid law prohibiting the discharge of filth in the river above the falls. Mr. Berg made a motion that all sewerage within the city should be run into the river below the falls, and it not being seconded, Mr. Cannon moved that the City Attorney be instructed to draw up an ordinance in reference to sewerage, and the disposition of garbage and dead animals.

An ordinance regulating the number of police, one on licenses, and one on providing for filling vacancies were read and thoroughly discussed. A motion prevailed that the ordinances be numbered and codified. A committee, consisting of Cannon, Havermale and Squier, was appointed to secure a room to meet in. A committee, consisting of Crane, Forrest and the City Attorney, was appointed to draw up rules of procedure for the Board.