The New Council Takes On the Sewage in the River

It is evident from the drift of the proceedings of the first meeting of the City Council that the new Board mean to push forward some reformations in the city. If they keep on the way they have commenced, some healthy changes will be noticeable in the city by this time next year. None of the members seem at all backward in expressing opinions and backing their convictions with votes, which argues well. The only point they will have to guard against is too much haste in passing ordinances without due deliberation.

Two very important subjects were discussed Monday evening, upon which the Board was unanimous. One was the reprehensible habit of throwing garbage and running sewage into the river above the falls, and the other the evil of permitting minors to frequent saloons. The members are determined, if within their province, to put a stop to the custom of making the upper river a receptacle for everything nasty. It not only spoils the beauty of the stream but poisons the water that so many people are compelled by necessity to drink.

Chinese wash houses, it appears, are permitted to flow into the dam, creating an offensive scum on the water and dispensing odors that carry the germs of disease and death over the city. This matter will receive prompt attention from the authorities, their idea being to have all sewerage run into the river below the falls. The members spoke very pointedly in regard to passing stringent laws prohibiting boys from hanging about saloons. It must not be supposed that the public houses of the city are thronged with youths, but in a few instances they are permitted to loiter in the freedom of the bar room. Proprietors of these places do not want boys around, and they will be pleased to know that the authorities have taken the subject in hand. The public in general will be well satisfied if the council sees the good work so auspiciously begun carried through.