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Reports of the Finance Committee 1884188. I CLASS SA T BOOK Carnegie=Stout f ree Library it DUBUQUE, IOWA. 1 REPORTS -OF THE - -AFISAI\ AUDITOR, TREASURER, ATTORNEY, ENGINEER, MARSHAL -AND- CHIEF OF FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE - CI -= OM' I)T-7 TTCZ,ITE'_ DUBUQUE: B. W. BLANCHARD, PRINTER, EIGHTH STREET. 1884. 9 r-- MAYOR. FRED. O'DONNELL. ova ALDERMEN. First Ward—P. CLANCY, T. KAVANAUGH. Second Ward—M. H. McCARTHY, T. ALTMAN. Third Ward—JAS. MARTIN, P. OLINGER. Fourth Ward—P. W. CRAWFORD, JOHN GLAB. Fifth Ward—C. HOLLNAGLE, H. C. DECKERT. CITY OFFICERS. Recorder—J. W. HALPIN. Treasurer-PAUL TRAUT. Auditor—C. J. BRAYTON. City Engineer—M. TSCHIRGI, JR. Marketinaster—SAMVI. RICE. Assessor—T. 0. SULLIVAN. To the Honorable Mayor and City Council: GENTLEMEN: —The following report of your committee of the financial condition of the city for the fiscal year ending February 29th, 1884, is herewith presented for your careful consideration: The financial transactions of the city are fully set forth in the accom- panying reports of city officers, by reference to which it will be seen that the bonded debt of the city is $759,846.71, and that the floating debt amounts to $79,317.70, making the total debt $839,164.41. There has been a decrease of $7,467.47 in the bonded debt during the fiscal year. The floating indebtedness, less cash in the treasury March lst. 1883, was $42,089.23; the floating debt, less cash in the treasury March 1st, 1884, is $25,554.11, a decrease of $16,535.12 in the floating debt, and a total reduction of $24,002.59. The entire receipts for the last year have been $220,275.34; the receipts for the preceding year amountedto $210,217.62, an increase of $10,057.70. LICENSE. The total receipts for License is $19,287.30; the receipts for the pre- , ceding year were $12,998.02, an increase of $6,229.28. FIRE DEPARTMENT. The expenditures in this department have exceeded the expense of the preceding year $3,334.49, owing considerably to the purchase of I new hose, horse and wagon, furniture, &c., necessitated by the change in the department. Under this heading, it might also be well to mention the construction of the new engine house, which had become almost a necessity for the efficient working of the fire department, and in our opinion prudence dictated this expenditure of $4,714.08. POLICE. In this department there has been a reduction in expenses of $1,872.75, 1 FINANCE REPORT. as compared to the preceding fiscal year, caused principally by reduction in the number of policemen. ROAD. The disbursements in this department amount to $81,061.41, which compared with last year shows a decrease of $3,516.71. Your committee frankly confess that the cost in this department has somewhat overreached the original intentions of the council, as their desire was to reduce it at least $10,000.00; but we feel that this is a step in the right direction, and sincerely hope that a deduction of this or a greater amount will be made in next year's expenses in this depart- ment. PRINTING. The expense in this department is $2,419.80 for the year, while last year's expenses were but $1,708.50, showing an increase of $711.30. We would therefore recommend that economy be practiced here. BOARD OF HEALTH. An epidemic having invaded our city, in the early part of the season, we were compelled to make a considerable outlay, viz: $2,786.15. This, of course, was an absolute necessity, and the expenses were kept to the minimum, although they may at first seem rather large. But it is neces- sary to stamp out every vestige of disease to promote the general wel- fare of our people. OTHER DEPARTMENTS. The expenses for gas, water, fuel, &c., are about the same as for the preceding years, having varied only as necessity compelled. By observing prudence in incurring expenses, and by energetically en- forcing the collections of the amounts due the city, we see no reason why there should not be ample means to meet all the requirements of the coming year. THE DISCOUNT. ' The ordinance allowing the discount on all taxes paid prior to a certain date, at the time of its adoption, and up to the last few years, was un. doubtedly a very wise measure, as it enabled the city to obtain tha revenue when it was most needed, and avoid the high rates of interest then charged. But as interest has in the last few years dropped to about one-half of the former rate, and the city can borrow all it may need at 5 or 6 per cent., we think it unwise to pay 3 per cent. for the use of money for two or three months. The sole object in allowing this discount is in order to obtain money sufficient to meet the January and February obligations. This could be done in a much more enconomical manner by borrowing the amounts FINANC REPORT. needed for about three months, at say 8 per cent. per annum; this would amount to $600.00 or $700.00 while the amount of discount allowed last year was $4,272.77. In order to collect in the taxes to meet the money so borrowed, the penalty on delinquents could be increased to say 3 per, cent. on all taxes not paid by any given date, as is done by the county, when the taxes are collected without discount or difficulty. In view of these facts we would reccommend the discontin- uance of the discount. The reports of the different officers accompany this report and r ach is worthy of your careful perusal. Especially do we desire to express our obligations to City Treasurer Tiaut, and acting auditor Reilly, whose accuracy has enabled us to present the true statement of the finances of the city. Our efficient Recorder Halpin has proved his fitness for the position he has so ably filled. He has discharged his duties in a manner satisfactory and creditable to himself, the city and public generally. We herewith also submit a report from City Engineer Tschirgi giv- ing in detail an account of the manner in which the Road fund has been expended during the last year, and the cost of the different works that have been done. The valuable services of this officer, upon whose good judgement and skill depends, in a large manner, the success and econo- my of our permanent improvements, can not be too highly estimated. In concluding our Report we would make mention of the efficient gentleman who has occupied the responsible position of city attorney to the entire satisfaction of the council and people. JOHN GLAB, P. CL ANCY,. THEO. ALTMAN, Committee on Finance. Dubuque, March 8th, 1884. FINANCE REPORT. WARRANTS ISSUED. SALARIES. Mayor and Aldermen, Treasurer, Recorder, Auditor, Attorney, Market Master, - Asgistant Market Master, Wharf Master, - Park Keeper, - Assessors, - MISCELLANEOUS. Extra Compensation of Officers Expense of Spring Election Repairs to City Hall - Cleaning City Hall Cleaning Streets around City Hall Supplies for City, Hall - Ice for City Hall - - - Board of Prisoners at Calaboose Curtains for Council Chamber Postage - - - - - Stationery - - Taking care of Town Clock - Taking care of Clocks in City Offices Glazing and Repairs to Street Lamps Livery for City Council and Marshal Scales for Weighmaster - Repairs to Fountains - - Repairs to Fire Alarm Boxes Fire Alarm and Telephone Service - Painting Signs for Wharf Master Tools for Park - - - Sprinkling Streets around City Property Expressing - - - House Numbers Cutting Wood_ - 58 12 235 00 111 20 116 74 - 156 25 173 59 - 18 80 284 40 - 20 60 46 15 - 193 60 221 90 6 50, 114 82 89 00 47 50 13 20 30 00 716 50 14 20 - 37 50 80 65 15 25 9 40 57 50 FINANCE REPORT. 9 Killing Dogs - - Selling Old Engine House - Painting Nos. for Team License $3,600 00 Moving Safe - 1,300 00 Plans for Engine Houses 1,200 00 Abstract of Title 1,100 00 Court Expenses 1,500 00 Legal Services in Motor case 600 00 City Directories - 138 00 Collecting delinquent City taxes 175 00 Repairs to Scales 547 50 Expense of Equalization Committee 1,200 00 Expenses of Committee of Council to Memphis $11,360,50 Expense of Committee of Council to St. Louis Expc se of Celebration of Decoration day - Compiling Tax List - - Compiling Tax Sale Book Compiling Lot Book Indexing Council Records Clerk in Treasurer's Office BOARD OF HEALTH. Salary of Physician - Salary of Clerk —ten months - Salary former Clerk —two years Physician for Pest House - Physician for Pest House Supplies for Pest House Livery for Pest House Delivering supplies to Pest House Nurse at Pest House Boarding patients at Mercy Hospital Watchmen to Quarantine House containing patient 27 90 5 00 19 00 3 50 100 00 5 00 60 10 50 00 15 00. 37 55 3 00 98 00 108 75 30 20 63 80 - 150 00 1,200 00 100 00 100 00 320 00 Removing garbage and dead animals FIRE Salaries of Regular Firemen Salaries of Minute Men Paid extra Engineer Hauling Steamer Feed for horses DEPARTMENT. $360 00 166 05 400 00 370 00 807'00 151 85 40 00 12 00 290 00 28 00 84 00 577 25 - $4,598 35 3,407 65 8 00 454 00 289 40 $5,363 16 $2,786 15 10 FINANCE REPORT. Repairs to apparatus - Repairs to Engine Houses - Testing apparatus - Hose purchased - Furniture, blankets &c , for Engine Houses Two nozzles Wagon - Horse _ Oil, tallow and waste Steam heater - Steam for Engine House Coal and coke - Veterinary service Rubber coats and boots Horse shoeing - - Expense of trip to Waterloo Rent of building for Truck Repairs to harness Lanterns Sundries ENGINEER DEPARTMENT Salary of Engineer _ Salary of Assistant Sundries - - 472 20 130 05 10 95 1,028 80 322 05 - 12 80 92 00. 225 00 74 35 30 00 60 00 306 90 72 50 120 40 58 90 - 157 95 64 55 64 75 8 50 - 334 47 -- $12,40452 GAS. Key City Gas Company —street lamps (200) and Public Buildings G. W. Burden —Gasoline lamps, (176) Salary of Marshal - Salary of Assistant Salary of Policemen Sundries POLICE. $1,000 00 378 59 36 45 y ---- $1,415 04 6,438 74 4,250 13 $10,688 87 1,000 00 720 00 - - 11,814 80 16 10 PRINTING. Blank books, advertising tax sales, &c., - REFUNDED TAX. Taxes and licenses refunded - - $13,550 90 2,419 80 668 34 FINANCE REPORT. SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS. Paid contractors for curbing, guttering and ma- cadamizing FINES AND FEES. Paid Police Justices WATER. Rent of hydrants, and water furnished to fountains and public buildings - - - - INTEREST AND EXCHANGE. Interest on floating debt and exchange paid on cou- pons payable in New York - - DAMAGES TO PROPERTY. Paid on account of damages for opening streets, &c. FUEL. Wood and coal for city offices INSURANCE. Paid for insurance on city property - IMPOUNDING. Salary of keeper of pound Feed, &c. LOANS. By finance committee FIFTH WARD ENGINE HOUSE. Paid on contract Paid Superintendent ROAD. Paid for labor Paid for teams Macadam and Rock Lumber - Hardware Tools - Repairs to tools Gravel and cinders Powder and fuse Tile pipe - Freight and drayage on tile pipe 360 00 37 50 5,277 16 46 25 8,942 20 4,327 83 738 60 527 S0 340 50 $397 50 31,307 25 4,614 08 100 00 $4,714 08 13,439 85 4,346 65 1,862 45 1,862 18 162 28 53 45 322 50 142 40 76 95 450 78 115 25 General expense Board of I-Iealth Fire Department Printing - Water Damages to property Fuel Insurance - Impounding Road Engineer Gas - Police - Fines and fees - Fifth Ward Engine House Interest Coupons Interest and exchange Total, - 12 FINANCE REPORT. Carpenter work Roberts Avenue improvement Seminary street - Bui.lding retaining wall on llth street Building retaining wall on Grove street Coping for Grove street - Retaining wall on 5th street Repairing wall on St. Mary's street Macadamizing on Juliien Avenue Bridge on Railroad Avenue Bridge on 16th street Sanford street sewer Eighth street sewer Laying stone crossings and paving Grading Salary of Superintendent Expressing Total warrants issued, ACTUAL EXPENSE OF CITY IN 1883. 160 45 6 25 50 00 355 07 1,423 50 150 00 200 00 27 00 35 68 200 00 635 15 160 50 - 767 55 589 80 2,299 47 825 00 140 25 $31,061 41 $148,337 36 $16,723 66 2,786 15 12,404 52 - 2,419 80 8,942 20 - 738 60 527 80 - 340 00 397 50 31,061 41 1,415 04 10,688 87 13,550 90 $101,996 45 46 25 4,714 08 46,196 32 4,327 83 $157,280 93 Balance, March 1st, 1883 Paid on Henry Young loan Paid on Corcoran loan Balance due March lst, 1884 - This balance is made up as follows : Henry Young loan, (5 per cent. payable annually) 5,027 10 (f G' 46 87,275 00 Corcoran Grant & Smith settlement, payable in 1896 105,309 37 Miscellaneous loans payable in 1897 and 1899 562,235 24 FLOATING DEBT. Balance March lst, 1883 - $77,131 44 Warrants issued during the year - 148,337 36 $225,468 80 146,151 10 Warrants redeemed during the year Oustanding Marchlst, 1884 Total debt March 1st, 1884 FINANCE RETORT. STATEMENT OF THE CITY INDEBTEDNESS. BONDED DEBT. $767,3I4 18 457 47 7,010 00 $7,467 47 13 $759,846 71 79,317 70 $839,164 41 Part of Principal of Bonded Debt becoming due during the present fiscal year. May 1st, 1884, five percent. of Henry Young loan, payable at City Treasury - - January 1st, 1885, five per cent. of Corcoran loan, payable in New York - - $456 96 7,220 00 - $7,676 96 Interest becoming due during the Fiscal Year. March lst, 1884, payable in New York - $3,159 28 April 1st, 1884, payable at City Treasury - 1,987 92 May lst,1884, payable at City Treasury - 175 95 September 1st, 1884, payable in New York - 3,159 28 November lst, 1884, payable at City Treasury 159 93 January let, 1885, payable in New York 6,064 90 January 1st, 1885, payable at City Treasury 9,971 53 February ist, 1885, payable at City Treasury, - 21,130 21 $45,809 00 $53,485 96 Total, 14 FINANCE REPORT. Delinquent tax of 1874 - Delinquent tax of 1875 Delinquent tax of 1876 Delinquent tax of 1877 Delinquent tax of 1878 Delinquent tax of 1879 - Delinquent tax of 1880 _ Delinquent tax of 1881 Delinquent tax of 1882 Delinquent tax of 1883 Delinquent tax -special Total, - - Amount of delinquent tax estimated collectable - $47 802 11 Amount of licenses &c. estimated collectable $25,000 00 Amount of cash in hands of Treasurer 15,000 00 53,763 59 $93,763 59 RESOURCES. 'Total available resources Respectfully submitted, 2,617 74 1,971 64 3,906 19 1,944 86 1,906 12 1,800 89 - 1,880 89 2,146 90 2,370 42 19,510 52 - 7,745 94 C. J. BRAYTON, - .. Juditoi. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT. DUBUQUE, March 10, 1884. • To the Honorable Mayor and City Council GENTLEMEN :-I respectfully submit to your honorable body the fol- lowing report of receipts and disbursements, as City Treasurer, for the fiscal year ending February 29th, 1884 : Cash balance March 1st, 1883, RECEIPTS. Received from Special Tax, - Received from Tax 1873 and prior years, Received from Tax 1879, _ Received from Tax 1880, - Received from Tax 1881, - Received from Tax 1882, _ Received from Tax 1883, Received from Interest, Received from License, &c., Received from Advertising Cost, Loan -money borrowed, - S35,042 21 5,876 90 11 17 4 98 5313 378 90 14,875 92 144,327 94 - 937 36 22,433 79 68 00 31,307 25 $255,317 55 FINANCE REPORT. DISBURSEMENT. Paid Warrants, - Paid Coupons, - Paid Interest, - Cash balance, March ist, 1884, Coupons Paid, Paid on Warrants, - Allowed on Tax of 1883. COUPONS PAID. INTEREST. DISCOUNT. REFUNDED By Council on Tax of 1883, - By Council on Tax of 1882, By Council on Tax of 1881, By Council on Special Tax, Total refunded, - Special Tax, Tax 1873, - Tax 1875, - Tax 1876, Tax 1877, - Tax 1878, - Tax 1879, - TAX. TAX ACCOUNTS. 15 $146,151 10 53,663 79 1,739 07 53,763 59 $255,317 55 $53,663 79 $1,739 97 $4.272 77 $3,995 67 482 45 - 124 26 83 63 - $4,686 51 - $13,746 57 Collections. - - Refunded Tax, &c., Balance, - $13,746 57 TAX 1874. - $2,617 74 Balance, TAX 1875. - $1,982 64 Refunded Tax, Balance, - - $1,982 64 TAX 1876. - $3,906 19 Balance, TAX 1877. $1,944 86 Balance, TAX 1878. $1,906 12 TAX 1879. - $1,805 87 Collections, Balance, $1,805 87 $5,917 00 83 63 7,745 94 $13,746 57 - $2,617 74 $11 00 1,971 64 $1,982 64 - $3,906 19 - - $1,944 86 $1,906 12 $ 498 - - 1.800 89 $1,805 87 16 FINANCE REPORT. Tax 1880, - Tax 1881, - Tax 1882, Tax 1883, - TAX 1880. $1,934 02 Collections, - $ 53 13 Balance, - - 1,880 89 $1,934 02 $1.,934 02 TAX 1881. $2,650 56 Collections, - - $ 378 90 Refunded Tax, - - 124 76 Balance, - - 2,146 90 $2,650 56 $2,650 55 TAX 1882. $17,740 99 Collections, - Discount, - Refunded Tax, Balance, - $17,740 99 TAX 1883. $172,106 90 Collections, Discount, Refunded Tax, - Balance, - $14,875 92 12 20 - 482 45 2,370 42 $17,740 99 - $144,327 94 4,272 77 - 3,995 67 19,510 52 $172,106 90 SUNDRY ACCOUNTS FROM PETIT LEDGER -LICENSE, Saloon License, - - Auctioneer License, - - Billiard License - - - - - - Butcher's License, Hotel License, _ - - Hotel Runner License, - - - Livery License, - - - Peddler License, - - - - - Pork Packers' License, - - - Team and Express License, - - - - Theater and Circus License, - - Dog License, - - City Scales. - - - Rent of Huckster Stands, Rent of City Property, - - Cleaning Alleys, - - - Impounding, - - $172,106 90 &C. $14,692 80 31 95 407 50 768 40 385 00 83 35 255 00 442 25 60 00 1,432 55 408 50 320 00 633 51 224 05 43 75 123 75 28 50 FINANCE RISPORT. 17 Sale of Old Hose, - - $32 25 Fines and Fees, - 83 70 76 00 Damages, - 7 95 Removing Nuisance, - - Subscription to Building Grove Street Wall, - 325 00 Subscription to Sanford Street Sewer, - - 140 00 Prize Money -Fire Department, 100 00 Sale of Macadam. - 10 00 Repairing Sidewalk, - - - - - 37 45 Board of Health (money received from Dubuque Co. Treas.) 704 58 Board of Health (money received from U. S. Collector), 576 00 Special Tax, Tax of 1874, ` 1875, 1876,. 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, " 1882, 1883, $22,433 79 RECAPITULATION --TAX BALANCES. $7,745 94 2,617 74 1,971 64 3,906 19 1,944 86 1,906 12 1,800 89 1,880 89 2,146 90 2,370 42 19,510 52 Yours truly, $47,802 11 PAUL TRAUT, City Treasurer. CITY ENGINEERS REPORT. To the Honorable Mayor and City Council of Dubuque • GENTLEMEN: The following report of all improvements and expen- ditures under my supervision and that of the street committee for the year ending Feb. 29th, 1884, is respectfully submitted. The detailed account of the work done during the past fiscal year, is shown by the statements appended to this report. STATEMENT No. 1 shows the locality, name of contractors and cost of all work to abutting property owners. STATEMENT No. 2 shows the locality, name of contractor, number of cubic yards and cost of grading done by contract. STATEMENT No. 3 shows the locality and post of all sidewalks ordered laid. STATEMENT No. 4 shows the improvements made by the city and not assessed to abutting property owners. STATEMENT No. 5 shows the location, contractor, and cost of work done by property owners not assessed. STATEMENT No. 6 gives an account of the work done under the direc- tion of the street committee. EXPENSE OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. Salary of Engineer, - Assistance, Incidentals, - Total, SUMMARY OF ENGINEER'S WORK. Total amount of improvements assessed, Total amount of improvements not assessed, Total, STREET COMMITTEE'S WORK. Total amount of work done as shown by statement No. 6 Total amount of grading by contract 9517.8 cubic yards. Average cost per cubic yard, Amount of curbing set, lineal feet, 2086.6. Average cost per lineral foot, Amount of paving done, 1469.8 square yards. Average cost per square yard, Amount of macadam used 3726 cubic yards, Average cost per cubic yard, - $1,000 00 400 15 30 85 $1,431 00 $5,294 93 7,590 53 $12,885 46 ,$17,484 87 22.8 cts. 48.6 cts. 40.0 cts. 99.1 cts. FINANCE REPORT I9 LENGTH OF STREETS AND ALLEYS IMPROVED DURING THE YEAR. Streets curbed paved and macadamized, Alleys macadamized Total 0.329 miles. - 0.716 `° 1.045 miles. LENGTH OF STREETS AND ALLEYS IMPROVED TO DATE. Streets guttered, curbed and macadamized, 19.629 Miles. Streets paved and curbed, 0.234 " Streets macadamized, - 8.159 Alleys macadamized. - 5.403 " Total, - - 33,425 The following is a comparative statement of the Road account for the several fiscal years ending February 28 : From Engineer's report, " Street Committee reporb, " Auditor's report, - 1882. $5,694.01. 20.699.15. 6,492.28. 1883. 8,172.54. 19,073,15. 7,269.33. Li 1884. 6,744.58. 17,484.97. 5,857.87. Totals, - $32,785.44. $34,515.02. $30,087,37. Several surveys and plats have been made for the opening of proposed streets. The only street opened, however, was Fourth street extension. The ordinance in relation to the issuing of building permits has, for the first time, been enforced, however, with considerable effort on my part. Parties building in some cases not being aware of the neces- sity of permit, and otherscareless and indifferent, all of which had to be notified and forced to secure the permit. Even if no other benefit would be gained by the enforcement of this ordinance than the record of the location, cost and character of the buildings erected, it would pay for the little or no cost, and the labor attending it. There were issued during the year 203 permits, including 238 build- ings, of which 143 were frame and 95 of brick —the frame buildings cost- ing $139,000 and the brick buildings $241,509, making a total of $380,500. This is the estimated cost of buildings alone, aid does not include the surrounding improvements of a building. I have not had time to,personally inspect the construction of walls and chimneys, which is a very important duty, but it was constantly urged upon builders to comply with the ordinance on the construction of chim- neys, in which there is generally too great carelessness. The city has wisely assigned this inspection of chimneys to the fire department. Much of my time and that of my assistant has been de- voted to this work of drawing plans, loeating the house numbers and issuing permits. All profiles of grades of additions or subdivisions recorded, were w 20 FINANCE REPORT. copied and platted and indexed in the proper books kept for that pur- pose In comparing the expanse accounts of this with the preceding year, it will be seen that the engineering expense is less-- the special assessment account about $3,000.00 and the road account about ;$4,000.00 less than the previous year. As it is possible to still further reduce the road ac- counts by a more careful and systematic method of doing our necessary street repairing and cleaning, many necessary improvements could be made without increasing the ordinary yearly road account. The arching of our planked sewers is a very necessary improvement and as far as it has been done the past six years, has proven to have been economical and satisfactory. The most urgent work to which I would call the attention of your honorable body, is the extension of the arching of Eighth street sewer from Iowa street to White street, or, if possible, to Washington street, there to connect with the work done two years ago. This work can be done cheapest before the June floods. The esti- mated cost of that portion absolutely necessary to be arched, from Iowa street to White street, is $1,600.00. The enlarging of the sewer across Seventeenth street at Main street, by lowering and repairing the invert, should be done, as in case of heavy storms the flagging covering the sewer is displaced, and a serious acci- dent to persons, or damage to the street, might occur. The expense would not exceed $50.00. Thecondition of the out -fall of the Dodge street sewer, is such as re- quires attention to prevent any further washing out and undermining the sewer. The tile sewer, constructed on Sanford street, has proved successful in removing and draining the nuisance so long endured on that street. Eighth street sewer was reconstructed from Main to Iowa street; and the necessity of lowering the grade of the invert has made an objection- able juncture at the east side of Iowa street, where the old sewer re- mains, and in order to prevent any possible damage, the work ought to be extended to White street, as recommended. Eighth street, from Main to Iowa street is much improved by lowering the sewer, enabling the curbing, paving and macadamizing that portion of the street form- erly occupied by the plank covering of the sewer. The subject of a system of sewers for house drainage has occupied the attention, and has been advocated before your honorable body ; that it is only repeating what has been said before to try and advocate the begin- ning of the work; but to show what others have lately said in reference to the advisability and cost of the proposed separate system, I would re- fer to the address of Octave Chanute, member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, read before the Academy of Science at Kansas City, March 30, 1883, in which he demonstrates the fact that the separate sys- FINANCE REPORT. 21 tem of sewerage is the proper one for Kansas City to adopt, owing to the advantages of healthfulness and cheapness. That city having in- curred the expense of building combined sewers to drain 307 acres, at a cost of $314,914, and having 2,600 acres still undrained,"it finds itself dissatisfied, both at the enormous expense and the unhealthfulness traced to sewer gas generated in those large sewers. Mr. Chanute, therefore, argues that it would be policy yet to adopt the separate system and save over a million dollars in the construction of the remaining sewers. The cost of the combined system amounted to $1,026 per acre drained, the separate system only $217.80. Dubuque needs sewerage for four hundred acres, which at his figures would cost $87,120.00. The area included in the four hundred acres is all that portion of the city below the bluffs, from Dodge street to Sanford street, and northeasterly to the new Eagle Point school. My estimate for draining a district from the elevator to Eagle Point avenue, made last year, and based 'bn actual calculations, was as follows : 3 feet brick sewer from elevator to Eagle Point avenue: $7,300 00 27,500 00 11,050 00 34,320 00 Excavation. Sewer Thirteen miles laterals, branches, &c Grading Total $80,170 00 The agreement of these independent calculations make it evident that the work can be done for about the amounts named. The figures given by Col. Waring, on the occasion of his visit here, was for a smaller area, and in my opinion his plan would never have harmonized with the general plan of the city, and consequently would have been useless to the city. The proposed construction by private company, and the system of monthly or annnal payments for use of sewers, are not deemed best for the city or property owners. The sys tem of assessing the cost of construction to the abutting property bene- fitted is the preferable and usual method. The plans and profiles of the sewerage system adopted by the city in 1875, now in my office, are well adapted to the proposed separate system, with a few changes. The main sewer I would recommend should be ex- tended directly from First street down Iowa street to the elevator, in- stead of down First street extension and the levee. Considerable would be saved in distance and cost. I would earnestly recommend to your honorable body that the main sewer, extending from First street to the elevator be constructed this season. The distance is three thousand six hundred feet, and would cost, as estimated, $8,100. If this amount were expended annually for ten years we would have the necessary amount of sewers. The cost of the main sewer and branches to be di- vided among the different sewerage districts in proportion to the num- 22 FINANCE REPORT. ber of acres drained, and the cost of constructing the lateral sewers of each district to be paid by the owners of said district in the proportion of area drained of each abutter. Such a system would exempt that por- tion of the city not sewered from any sewer tax, although the entire city would be indirectly benefitted. The number of sub -districts arranged in the proposed system is 16, mak- ing the average cost of each district about $5,000.00. To each lot owner the tax would amount to about $30.00, from which sum he could secure house drainage for all time, while he incurs the constant expense of cespools and liability to disease arising from them. The able report of the committee on sewerage made to your honorable body last year, will I trust be supplemented by prompt and favorable action on this subject, thereby showing that the city representatives are interested in the health as well as the prosperity of its citizens. With thanks for kindness and favors shown, the above is Respectfully submitted, M. TSCHIRGI, JR., City Engineer. STATEMENT NO. 1. 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QQ "t 0D y dU g C ear U4 C'co�a�*`'r <o�•rprsmtD�� yr ;CDo Q' w�d*i co: e•r c0-t ( „,,a e+ p eh 0 1St g4. cs p CDCDct CD cc+ 0 CD r• CD CD• • cn O I,,. a., C-td- LI Cab . % I+� M y �cDm` CD t m O- 0g 0) _ g P °'-r rd p� P e`,), . 0 ° ki rn r)-0�CD�x,.mCDrnmCD CCDMc+ CDH mm Rmm. <D,�+• IY+ c ct,11;1 ro cr 0 �„ `r kYtDs rn CD CD g c+ `{ m m to -4 CD CD 0 a, t0 '.K01 SVD0'I H O C?pltidt. 0 0000000Oh H r an m rn H rs m 7+� e`+',t-5. tJ tt wr0000L 00�- 0,t0 �0an an 00 0yo an O.� 0000000tvoo 01zdt 000000000co O h rn 01 O i IyCo an O W03 w 07 O 0 00 d tiJ t=J ti td co 0 00 00GO 26 FINANCE REPORT. STATEMENT NO. 4. MISCELLANEOUS IMPROVEMENTS [NOT ASSESSED} AND MADE DURING THE YEAR ENDING FEB. 29, 1884. LOCATION. CHARACTER. COST. CONTRA CTOR. West Eleven th and Walnut St. Retaining Walls Sixteenth Street.. ................. Bridge • Sanford St Culvert ................... West Fourteenth St..... ........ Sewer.... Grove St .... Culvert Eighth St Sewer V` est Fourteenth St Paving Air Hill St. . Culvert.. Levee ................................ ..... Paving Stone.... St Mary's Street ......................... Retaining wall Fifth Street................ Tile .Pipe for Sewers. Grove Street I Retaining Wall.. Railroad Avenue Retaining Walls. Bridge.... 555 07 John Coogan, 212 25 D. R. Jones 160 50 C. Primassing 121 85 Spear & Lee 34 00 J. N. Foye 706 70 W. H. Rebman.. 31 33 F. Fischer 25 18 Spear & Lee 76 5U Hansen & Linehan. 27 0 (John Lucas 950 78 City 201 00 A. A Cooper 1,774 73 H. Martin 260 00, James Martin.......... 4,575 891 STATEMENT NO. 5. STREETS AND ALLEYS IMPROVED BY PROPERTY OWNERS [NOT AS SESSE D.] LOCATION. CONTRA CTOR. CHARACTER OF WORE. COST. Alley from Henion to Cornell St.! N. of W. llth Street W. H. Rebman. West Fifth Street IA. A. Cooper Alley from 5th to 6th St. bet. Blufil and Locust . A. A. Cooper. ... Eighth St.. North side from Main to Iowa St W. H, Rebman... Maeadam i zin g Curbing and Paving, Grading Curbing and Paving. Total,. 347 90 119 40 78 75 300 00 $846 05 STATEMENT NO. 6. IMPROVEMENTS AND REPAIRS, &c., MA i'E BY THE STREET COMMITTEE DORING 1HE YEAR ENDING FEB. 29, 1884. LOCATION'. Canter avenue. Stafford Avenue Fifth Street Third•Street .. Prairie and Chestnut Sts Rnglish Lane and Southern Avenue... Rising Avenue High street Fourteenth Street Fifth and. Air Hill Streets .... ........ Clay and 18th Street, Engine House.... Levee . Sanford Street Miscellaneous 64 66 • CHARACTER OF WORK. Macadamizing and Repairs.... Grading.... Repairs... " Grading... cosT. Grading... Grading and. Bridge Paving Express Hauling Carpenter Work ............. Quarrying Rock. ... t'rossings Macadam Breaking. Alley and Street Cleaning.. Repairs on Streets and Alleys, • Total-..... . 344 50 118 00 357 70 165 45 107 90 4:39 90 106 75 194 00 135'0 251 70 133 85 79 25 200 0 73 50 253 17 1,279 10 150 50 1,979 58 4,540 82 6,573 92 $17,484 8787 REPORT OF CITY MARSHAL. To the Honorable Mayor and City Council : GENTLEMEN :—I have the honor to submit to your honorable body my annual report as city marshal, showing the condition and strength of the police department and the work accomplished by the same during the year ending February 29, 1884. The Police force consists of the Marshal, Deputy Marshal, Captain of Police, and eighteen Patrolmen, of which one has been sick and not on duty since October 10, 1883, but has drawn his pay in full to date. At the commencement of the year there were but sixteen Patrolmen, whereupon, in the month of July, upon petitions from citizens on the hills, there were four more put on, their time to expire on the 1st of November, 1883. During the mentioned time, two of the first sixteen were asked by the Marshal to resign, which they did. Their vacancies were not filled, but the four left an whose time was to expire on the 1st of November, 1883. The force has not been as large as the two previous seasons, but all orders given by the City Council to the Marshal have been strictly en- forced. The tramp problem is hard to solve, but, according to reports from other cities, I think we are less troubled with them than our neighboring towns ; still we could reduce our expense in this line if we had a ball and chain gang to put them at work on as soon as arrested. I commend this question to your consideration. While other places have been visited by burglars, we have by due vigilance been enabled to keep them from doing much harm here. The quiet and peace of our city has not been to any extent disturbed. I know from different reports of other cities, sent to me by mail, that we have as well conduted a city, according to our population, as there is in our land. It has been my desire to keep the expense of the Department to its minimum, and I think I have filled the bill. There has been about eight thousand dollars more licenses collected this year than in any previous year, as you will find from your Auditor's report. I wish to return my thanks to the Mayor and Council for backing me in my endeavors to enforce the ordinances, and other courtesies ex- tended. 28 FINANCE REPORT. ARRESTS MADE DURING THE YEAR FOR OFFENSES COMMITTED. Intoxication Vagrancy Assault and Battery Disturbing the Peace Larceny - Rioting - Ordinance cases Jumping Train Sundries - Resisting Officer Committing nuisance Profane Language Concealed Weapons Total - - Respectfully submitted, F. J. ZUGENBUEHLER, City Marshal. s 342 138 53 52 15 5 - 22 15 1 1 - 1 1 - 9 - 655 DEPARTMENT OF BOARD OF HEALTH. To the Honorable Mayor and City Council : GENTLEMEN :—The year that has just closed has been one of the healthiest that has occurred in the history of the city of Dubuque. Except a mild one of measles, no epidemic has existed during the year. The whole number of deaths occurring during the year was 294. Esti- mating the population of the city at at least twenty-five thousand, this makes the rate per one thousand (11.76) eleven and seventy-six one hundred, s. The pltarding of houses in which scarlet fever existed has been con- tinued as heretofore, and in all cases the children residing in these houses have been prevented from attending any school during the dura- toin of the desease. The cases of measles have usually been of so mild a form that physicians have seen but few of them. The five deaths re- ported as caused by that desease were probably, in most of the cases, first seen by a physican when death was about to take place. The case of small pox that was brought into the city last April by the marine hospital service was followed by eight other eases. One of these was a "tramp" and it is believed that all the others were caused by the marine hospital patient. Of this number but one died. This was the FINANCE REPORT. 29 first and was the only one who had true variola. The others had all been previously vaccinated and suffered but a comparatively mild attack of sickness. When a bill was presented to the Council for payment for goods that had been exposed to the infection of small pox and which had been burned for the safety of those in the place where the articles were, by my advice, the Executive Committee and myself after mature consideration and after I had obtained the opinion of the secretary the State Board of Health decided that no one should be paid for goods that are destroyed for either individual or public protection by either the advice or order of a Board of Health. Believing this to be just and right, and knowing that if an epidemic of either Cholera or Small Pox should ever exist here that this view of the duties of the Board of Health will save the city and county thousands of dollars, we desire our action to be recorded as a precedent. The local Boards of Health throughout the state have a le- gal right to cause any goods to be destroyed which have been exposed to an infectious disease, if they believe it necessary to destroy in order to protect the public health. As soon as navigation opens the greatest care should be exercised to prevent another person having the small pox from being landed here. The butchers' association should be required to erect a new slaughter house as agreed a year ago and the old building condemned as unfit for use. There should be no delay that is not absolutely necessary in this matter, and as soon asit is accomplished no butchering should be done in the city except in the slaughter house. The total expense incured by the smallpox was $1282.85. Of this the Marine Hospital Service has paid $576.00. Dubuque County is responsible for and will pay the balance of this expense, $706.85. The remaining expenses, belonging properly to the Board of Health, are as follows : For printing one hundred placards - • $1 50 For one year's postage and stationery - 2 00 For physician's salary —one year - - - 360 00 For City Recorder —as clerk one year - - 200 00 For removing garbage - - - - 577 25 $1140 75 Total, Respectfully submitted, M. E. CONNELLY, M. D., Health Officer. DUBUQUE, March 6th,1884. 32 FINANCE REPORT Umbilical Hemorrhage Unknown Uraemia - Whooping Cough Whole number of deaths NUMBER OF DEATHS. Males Females 1 FINANCE REPORT 33 1 The Fifth Ward Hose company was composed of six men up to Janu- 4 cry lst, of which P. Domenig was foreman. 2 The Fire Department was re -organized January 1st with the following - 1 regular paid men and their salaries : __ Per month. 298 John Drehouse, Chief Engineer, - - $60 00 Jerry Sullivan, assistant, - 20 83k 150 THE J. K. GRAVES COMPANY. - 148 Under 1 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 4 to to 4 5 5 to 10 10 15 to to 15 20 20 to 25 25 to 30 30 to 40 40 to 50 50 to 60 60 to 70 70 to 80 80 to 90 90 to 100 Total American 7anadian English 3erman [risk [talian Drench Scotch Swiss .. ... Bohemian 61 21 8 4 3 151 4 11 1 12 3 1 11 1 3 1 16, 2 4 1 11 6 9 4 1 1 z 13 9 0 2 9 9 3 4 1) 7 1 1 1 5 2 3 2 1 1 190 1 6 56 32 1 2 2 7 JOHN W. HALPIN, Clerk of the Board of Health. REPORT OF CHIEF ENGINEER OF FIRE DEPARTMENT. DUBUQUE, MARCH lst, 1884. To the Honorable Mayor and City Council of Dubuque : GENTLEMEN :—I herewith submit to your Honorable body a report of the expenditures and other details of the Fire Department for the fiscal year ending March 1st. The Sol Turck company up to January 1st was composed of ten min- ute men, of which John Cahill was foreman. The J. J. Lenehan was composed of ten minute men, of which Steven Schollanberg was foreman to January 1st. The, Hook and Ladder company up to January 1st was composed of six men, of which Tom. Cullen was foreman. Michel Eitel, Captain, Peter Martin, Engineer, John Ptiffner, Stoker, Ed. Morgan, Engine Driver, John Flynn, Reel Driver, John Willtse, Roseman, - Jas. McLaughlin, " Ira Davis, - THE SOL TURCK COMPANY. Jas. Daly, Captain Job Barnes, Engineer Sam. Hamor, Stoker - Jerry Murphy, Engine Driver Andrew Cullen, Reel Driver John Connolly, Roseman Jake Schonaberger, Roseman George Moyer, Hoseman - THE HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY. Frank Essrnan, Foreman —Minuteman. Jas. Allen, Tillerman, per year - 480 00 John Williams, Minuteman. John Hilson, " Joe Sloan, " Wm. Flynn, " The following is the cost of the Fire companies up to the reorganiza- tion of the department January lst, 1884 : SOL TURCK COMPANY. April - - - - $288 30 May - - - 8515 June - - - - 85 00 July - - 49 25 August 128 35 September - - 74 85 October - - - 164 45 November - - 133 95 December - 54 80 per 3-e tr. $600 00 800 00 480 00 600 00 600 00 480 00 480 00 480 00 PER YEAR $600 00 . 800 00 - 480 00 600 00 600 00 - • 480 00 480 00 '480 00 Total, - $1,064 10 $1,064 10 34 April May June July August September October November December April May June July August September October November December April May June July August September October November December Total, FINANCE REPORT. J. J. LENEFIAN COMPANY. $273 25 97 20 91 70 46 05 92 35 39 00 107 60 90 60 - 43 30 $881 05 HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY. - $129 00 38 50 35 20 36 25 67 75 29 75 - 106 35 92 00 41 30 Total, - $576 10 Total, FIFTH WARD HOSE COMPANY $144 05 34 05 - 33 70 42 80 72 85 38 50 103 10 88 50 41 30 $881 05 $576 10 $598 85 PAID MEN TO JANUARY FIRST. John Drehouse, Chief Engineer $225 00 Jerry Sullivan, Assistant - - 187 50 Job Barnes, Engineer Sol Turck 600 00 Sam. Hamon, Stoker " - 112 50 Jerry Murphy, Driver " .4 - 450 00 James Daley, " " Reel 450 00 Frank Strinsky, Engineer J. J. Lenehan 450 00 Joe Strinsky, Stoker " `• - 112 50 Ed. Morgan, Driver Hook and Ladder Co. 450 00 Sundry Expenditures for which itemized bills have been presen- ted. - - - $1,360 27 FINANCE REPORT. 35 Horses fnrnished by Wm. Howard to draw J. J. Lenehan En- gine and Reel - - - - $450 00 Total cost of Fire Department to January lst, 1884. $7,967 87 Total cost of Fire Department from January lst to March 1st, 1884, - - - $1,818 33 Grand Total, - - - $9,786 20 The following is an estimate of the value of Property in use of the Fire Department : J. K. Graves Engine House and Ground J. K. Graves Engine One Hose Reel - One Coal Wagon Three Horses One Set Double Harness One Set Single Harness Six Horse Blankets Two Horse Brushes and Curry Combs Two Water Pails - Two Stoves - 150 Bushels Oats . One Ton Hay Two Shovels One Fork - Three Brooms One Barrel Salt One Barrel Oil - Nine Rubber Coats 750 feet new first class Hose 800 feet old Hose Eight Beds, Mattresses, Blankets &e. Eight Chairs and Table - Three Gongs One Heater - One Vice One Oil Tank One Clock 100 feet one inch Hose Two Tons Coal - One Bell of 150 pounds $8,000 00 3,500 00 200 00 90 00 uoo 00 - 25 00 15 00 6 00 - 7 00 50 60 00 52 50 10 00 2 00 50 75 1 00 6 00 35 00 757 50 560 00 200 00 15 00 65 00 - 50 00 8 00 12 00 4 00 40 00 14 00 30 00 $14,366 75 Sol Turck House and Grounds - $5,000 00 `` Engine - 4,000 00 " Hose Reel 75 00 Three Horses - 450 00 One Set Double Harness - 25 00 One Set Single Harness - - 15 00 Six Horse Blankets - 6 00 Two Horse Brushes and Curry Combs - 7 00 Two Water Pails - 50 Two Stoves. - - 25 00 One Coal Wagon - - 90 00 IMF 36 FINANCE REPORT. 100 Bushels Oats Three Tons Hay Two Shovels - Two Forks Six Brooms - Barrel Salt One Barrel Oil One Bell of 560 pounds Ton Straw Eight Beds, Blankets,' Mattresses, &c. Six Chairs and Table One Vice - 50 feet one inch Hose 750 feet new first class 1200 feet old Hose Two Oil Tanks - Eight Rubber Coats One Clock One Engine Heater Two Gongs Total, Hose Hook and Ladder House and Ground Hook and Ladder - One Bell of 400 pounds One Vice - 50 feet one inch Hose 1200 feet old Hose One Gong Seven Coats One Clock J. J. Lenehan, Reserve Engine in same House One Heater One Dozen Chairs 35 00 30 00 2 00 1 50 1 00 60 6 00 150 00 4 00 150 00 8 00 5 00 20 00 757 50 - 720 00 25 00 - 32 00 4 00 100 00 55 00 - $11,800 10 $4,000 00 - 1,800 00 160 00 - 5 00 10 00 720 00 50 00 28 00 8 00 - 4,500 00 50 00 12 00 Total, - One Hand Hose Reel stationed at the corner of Nnith and Pine Streets with 300 feet Hose Two condemned Hand Hese Reels One Old Wagon - - One Life Wagon and Ladders - - 00 00 One Gong in Chief Engineer's House - - 50 00 One Gong in City Hall - - - 50 00 Seventeen Fire Alarms, Boxes, Locks and Keys 143 00 RECAPITULATION. J. K. Graves Engine House, &c. Sol Turck " Hook and Ladder " Miscellaneous - Repairing Sol Turck Engine Grand Total, - $11,343 00 - $145 00 $488 00 - $14,366 75 11,800 10 - 12,343 00 488 00 - 275 00 - $38,272 085 FINANCE REPORT 37 The number of alarms from March 1st, 1883, to March 1st, 1884, was 46, of which 14 were false alarms. The Apparatuses, Houses, Horses, & ., are all in first class condition, with the exception of the Sol Turck House and Hose Reel. As new ones have been ordered in both cases it is unnecessary to make any fur- ther remarks concerning them. The following is the amount of old Hose sold by me during the past year and the money returned to City Treasurer : July 2nd, old Hose Aug.5th, " Oct. 1st, " Dec. 24, " Mch llth, " $8 15 • 6 20 6 50 and use of Hose 6 05 6 00 Total, - - All of which is respectfully submitted, JOHN DREHOUSE, Chief Engineer. $32 90 REPORT OF STREET COMMITTEE. To the Honorable Mayor and City Council: GENTLEMEN: —The duties of your committee on streets during the past year have been somewhat increased by having assumed the duties form- erly assigned to the Street Commissioner —they having employed an act ing Street Commissioner to carry out their work; and as an experiment we leave the result attained, though far below our wishes and anticipa- tions, as a measure of our success. The large territory covered by our city with its miles of streets, laid out in ravines, where heavy rain storms damage them greatly, although but a few may use the street, they exact of the city the keeping of them in a passable condition. Much has been expended in keeping such streets in repair, and with the increased traffic and length of our macadamized streets, it becomes necessary each succeeding year to expend a larger amount to keep them in good condi- tion. The continuous rains of last spring and summer caused an unu- sual' amount of expense in repairing and cleaning our streets. Your committee avoided as rnuch as possible the doing of any work petitioned for, unless it was considered a public necessity. As will be seen from the city engineer's report the amount expended for road purposes during the fiscal year, ending March 1, 1884, was $30,874.78, of which. the city received cash returned into the city treasury from property owners on Grove street $375.00, and from parties on Sanford street sewer account' $140.00, thus leaving the actual expense $30.359, and as the present com- mittee leave no unpaid contracts for the next committee on streets to meet, they are justified in deducting from the past fiscal year the amount of $646.95, paid during the year for/. 16th street bridge, and $1,225.00 paid on Grove street wall, not enumerating various bills not properly charged to your committee's work, thus leaving the actual amount of the road expense chargeable to your committee as $28,487.83. The rebuilding of Railroad avenue bridge at an expense of $425.00, and the rebuilding of retaining walls on Walnut and West Eleventh streets. costing $555.07, was an unlooked-for expense. We refrain from making any recommendations, for the future council and street committee will find ample opportunity for work in making improvements, repairing and keeping in good condition our thorough- fares, which we have endeavored to do. IT. C. DECKERT, Chairman. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY, To the Honorable Mayor and City Council of Dubuque : GENTLEMEN :--The undersigned, for his annual report, respectfully submits the following abstract of all causes in which I have been en gaged in behalf of the city and now pending in the various courts : DISTRICT COURT. Commenced. William Graham, vs. City of Dubuque. Action for ser- 1874. vices as City Attorney. Partially tried, and will be dis- posed of at the next term. City of Dubuque vs. John O'Meara et al. To recover for 1876. defalcation of Collector. Settled by agreement to pay in amount of defalcation ; $45 paid. 1876. Ellen Blake et al. vs. The City of Dubuque. To recover for damages to property by obstructing water course. Feb. Term, Richard Bonson vs. City of Dubuque Appeal from as- 1883. sessment demurrer of city. Sustained. Cause dismissed. William Hintrager vs. City of Dubuque. To recover 1882. back alleged illegal taxes. Pending on demurrer to pe- tition. Feb. Term, Joseph Quinn vs. City of Dubuque et al. To recover 1884. damages for personal injuries. Pending on demurrer to plaintiff's petition. Feb. Term, Sophia Stange vs. City of Dubuque. To recover dam- 1884. ages to lots by Motor Railway. New case. City of Dubuque vs. John Graff et al. To recover for 1877. special assessment lot sold and redeemed. Case dismissed at plaintiff's cost. DISTRICT COURT. Alex. Simplot vs. City of Dubuque. Damages for pos- 1881. session of triangle on 1st Street. For trial at April term, unless settled. Samuel S. Scott vs. the City of Dubuque. To quiet title 1881. to triangle. For trial before referee, befora the next term. German Theolog. Seminary vs. City of Dubuque. Judg- ment in favor of city affirmed in Supreme Court, October 1883. Pending on petition for rehearing in Supreme Court. 40 FINANCE REPORT. Commenced. Sept. 3, A. B. Rood, Executrix, vs. City of Dubuque. This cause 1877. is awaiting the action of the Supreme Court in the above case, and is upon a claim for damage to property abutting on 17th street, caused by the flood of 1876. Commercial National Bank vs. City of Dubuque. On 1881. Stocking bond coupons. Settled and dismissed. City of Dubuque vs. Samuel Scott et al. Same as Scott vs. 1881. city. Supra and consoldiated with that case. John D. Bush vs. the City of Dubuque. To recover 1883. money paid on the Nightingale judgment. To be disposed of at the April, 1884, term. 1883. C. J. Walsh vs. City of Dubuque. An action on city warrant. Dismissed at plaintiff's costs. Wm. G. Stewart vs. City of Dubuque. To recover amount 1883. of special assessment for Water street improvement. Demurrrer to petition filed. C. L. Mulski vs. the City of Dubuque. To recover dam- ages for personal injuries by falling into 8th Street sewer. 1884. W. H. Rebman, Contractor, notified to appear and de- fend. Answer of city filed. Case for trial at next term. SUPREME COURT. Sophia Stange vs. City of Dubuque et al. Submitted 1880. and argued by my predecessor. The Judgment against the city has been affirmed. B. J.. Duffy vs. City of Dubuque et al. Argued and sub- 1882. mitted at December term at Des Moines. U. S. CIRCUIT COURT. Justus Stocking vs. The City of Dubuque et al. Action on city bonds issued to D. W. R. R. Co. Tried at November 1880. term, 1883. Verdict $26,025 70. Settled March 3, 1884, by bonds and cash for amount of verdict, $500 in settle- ment of 20 coupons in case of Commercial National Bank in District 'Court of Iowa. The case of the City vs. Graff et al., noted above, was commenced un- der the ordinances then in force to recover the amount of a specialassess- ment in 1875. No service appears to have been made upon the defend- ants. Upon examination of the records, I found that the lot adjoining the improvement had been sold for the special tax and redeemed by the owner. I have dismissed the case, as to allow it to remain longer on the docket would only make additional costs, which the city of course would finally have to pay. Respectfully submitted, D. J. LENE}IAN, City Attorney.