Buchanan County, Missouri - Chapter 9: Municipal Government, 1904

Chapter 9: Municipal Government

The Old City Charter and the Evils That Were Wrought Under Its Provisions - Bonds Issued With Astonishing Recklessness - The City Scrip and Other Methods of Relief - The New Charter, Its Provisions and Value - How the City is Governed.

As the community progressed and developed, the scope of the town charter became too narrow, and the people sought relief at the hands of the Legislature. Accordingly, a new charter was obtained, early in 1851. The following, from the minutes of the town trustees, shows how the way was paved for the new municipal go\ernment :

Board met at the call of the chairman for the purpose of laying the city into convenient wards and for the ordering of election of city ofificers. Present: James A. Anthony, R. W. Donnell, Lewis Tracy, A. Dillon, W. M. Carter, James A. Cochran.

On motion, ordered that the town be laid ofif for the purpose of elections into the followiilg wards: First Ward is all that portion of the town lying south of Edmond street; Second Ward all that portion of the town lying north of Edmond and south of Jules street; Third Ward is all that portion of the town lying north of Jules street, extending from the river to the eastern boundary of the city.

On motion, ordered that an election be hold on the first Monday in April, 1851, for the election of a mayor of the city, six councilmen, two from each ward, and a city marshal. And that John A. Devorss, William Langston and Conrad Crawley be appointed judges of election for the First Ward, and that said election he held for the First Ward at the Missouri Hotel; that John Cargill, Joseph P.

Smith and William Dillon be appointed Judges of said election for the Second Ward, to be held at the office of Lewis Tracy, Esq.; that John H. Whitehead, David Frank and Neely Fitzgerald be appointed judges of said election for the Third Ward, to be held at the steam mill of John Whitehead.

City Council met and took the oath of office and was duly organized. Present: His Honor the mayor, Israel Landis; William M. Carter, John Angel, James B. Pendleton, James A. Anthony and John H. Whitehead.

The mayor, councilmen and marshal were the only officers elected at first. The mayor and council appointed the following other officers at the ensuing meetings : Milton H. Wash, city register; Alexander W. Terrell, city attorney; John Curd, treasurer; Isidore Poulin. assessor; Charles Schreiber. city engineer; Johnson Copeland, street commis-

There were no municipal buildings of any kind in those days, and the Council paid onehalf of LawA'er Terrell's office rent for quarters for the mayor and a meeting place for the Council. F. M. Wrig^ht, who was the first marshal, had to look out for himself, as did also several of his successors.

The mayor had jurisdiction as a justice and the marshal was the sole guardian of the peace at first. Offenders were brought before the ma}-or and tried. A room in the old County Jail, that stood on the Court House hill, w-as used as a workhouse, and the street commissioner had charge of the city prisoners, who were generall}- employed on the streets.

In 1852-53 a Market House was built on the site of the present City Hall. In August of 1855 the Workhouse was established in a two-storv stone Imilding that "-ave wav, in 1884, to the present structure. The ^larket House was supplanted by the present City Hall in 1873.

In January of 1858 the office of city recorder was established and the mayor relieved of the judicial power. A Police Department was also created at the same time and the marshal was gi\-en six policemen. As the marshal was also the tax collector, the police duty fell largely to his deputy and assistants, wdio were styled the ''city guard.'' This order continued until 1866, when a collector was provided In- an amendment to the charter. In 1885 the offices of collector and treasurer were combined. The recorder was cx-officio justice of the peace until 1889, and the name of the office was changed to "police judge" in 1893. The marshal's office continued until St. Joseph became a city of the second class.

First Ward was all of the corporate territory south of Edmond street, the Second Ward was bounded by Edmond and Jules streets, and the Third W'ard was north of Jules street. When, by an increase of population and an extension of the boundaries, five wards became necessary, the territory was divided as follows : First Ward, north of a line extending through Poulin, Corby and Colhoun streets; Second \\'ard, between Faraon street and the southern boundary of the First Ward ; Third W^ard, between Faraon and Edmond streets; Fourth \\'ard between Edmond and Olive streets: Fifth W\ard, south of Olive. When the limits were again extended in 1889 the territorv was divided into eio-ht wards.

The municipal history of St. Joseph is unique in more ways than one. and offers a rare field, especially for the student of pioneer city financiering.

The provisions of the charter were good - too good to suit the people, l^ecause it restrained the Council from creatine- an indebtedness exceeding $1,000. In 1853 and 1855 other descents were made upon the Legislature, and amendments secured authorizing the city to "subscribe for the capital stock of railroads, and for erecting \vhar\-es and protecting the banks of the Alissouri" against the encroachments of that changeful stream. This was well enough for a year or two, and thousands of dollars were xoted by the people for the abo\e purposes. But as the Western country settled up, new schemes for in\esting citv funds were devised, and a fourth call on the Legislature in T857 secured the passage of another bill, authorizing in the mayor and councilmen to "subscribe for the capital stock of any railroad terminating at or near said city, or for the stock of any other improvement tending to promote the general interest and prosperity of the city," The people apparently voted "yes'' on al- most every proposition submitted to them, for the records of the defeat of measures of this kind are few and far between. The people evidently reasoned that the only great city in the West must give a certificate to that effect in the shape of an indebtedness of a million or so. They also probably argued that future generations would pay these debts so contracted.

With such elastic laws, and in the swift times in which they prevaded, it is no wonder that the question of voting a few thousands of bonds was regarded so lightly. Bonds were voted for almost any purpose, and the interest was almost invariablv fixed at from 8 to lo per cent. Some of these bonds went for railroads which were never built ; others for a road which was built and afterward abandoned; others still for a bridge, for river improvements, for building macadamized roads, and other schemes supposed to benefit the city - all given with a free hand for the asking.

Of course there were halts called now and then by thinking men - but usually they were of short duration - and the jolly giving of gold went merrily on, until the State constitution of 1870 put a limit to city indebtedness, prohibiting its exceeding 5 per cent, of the city's assessed valuation.

In those days the' Council proceedings, instead of being dull and prosy accounts of resolutions ordering sidewalks repaired or ordinances ordering district sewers, as in these days, were in the nature of a meeting of railroad Ijuilders. resolutions directing superintendent this or manager that to Iniy flat cars, hire engines or Iniy railroad ties, being of frequent occurrence.

Further amendments to the charter later on prohibited the expenditure of money beyond the receipts of the city. It was thought for a time that this provision would at least prevent the incurring of further indebtedness, but this was a false hope, and soon a scheme was devised that circumvented the law. The Council simply estimated the receipts at the beginning of the 3^ear, and went on appropriating from this estimate, totally regardless of whether it was collected or not. As a consequence, city warrants were soon below par, although bearing interest at 6 per cent.

Something else must be done, and in 1878 Mayor Joseph A. Finer brought relief with a city scrip. One and two dollar warrants, resembling government bills, non-interest bearing, were issued to the extent of $100,000 for home circulation, which contained upon their face the city's promise of redemption. The "ones and twos," as they were called, served a good purpose. Though there w-as some question as to the legality of the city's action in the premises, the people took them and they passed at par, and were finally redeemed. The redemption, however, was not brought about until the business men of the city harrassed beyond forbearance by the necessity of continuous handling of this city "money," its dilapidated condition, and the urgency for exchanging it for money for use in all outside business transactions, insisted that the Council should provide w-ays for retiring the scrip. In 1885-86, the first year of the city under its present charter, $35,000 worth of scrip was redeemed by the city and destroyed, the following year $25,000 w'as called in and burned, and in two years more it was practically all in. A city "bill" or scrip is now regarded as a curiosity. The first city bills ])aid out in each denomination were secured by William B. Mc- Nutt, then chief of the Fire- Department.

Use of this "money" being confined to the city, little else was seen in ordinary transactions. This constant circulation soon reduced it to a dilapidated condition, necessitating the renewal of a large portion of it, under Mayor Posegate, in 1882. An attempt to replace it again in 1885 was frustrated by Gen. James Craig, then comptroller, who refused to certify to the ordinance carrying an appropriation of $800 for that purpose, on the ground that the entire transaction was illegal. The appearance of government officials on the ground to investigate the matter about this time, together with the demand of the merchants, settled the fate of the city scrip. In the matter of interest the scrip saved the taxpayers between $65,000 and $75,000.

But times grew harder and harder with the city. - People began to refuse to pay taxes, and in tlie latter part of the "seventies" and early "eighties" the Council tried to evade part of the city's debt, declaring it invalid, but better judgment finally prevailed, the means were found to pay the interest falling due. and steps were taken in 1882 to refund all that was left of the high-interest-bearing l3onds. This only partly succeeded at the time, but it was the entering wedge to the settlement of the debt.

In 1884 the indebtedness of the citv was. in round numbers, about $2,250,000 of which $210,000 was a floating debt in the shape of \varrants, one-half of which were interest-bearing, the other half being sham money; $40.- 000 in judgments, interest and claims against the city. Then there was a bonded debt of about $2,000,000. The city had issued bonds fc the following purposes : River and improvement, $200,000; gas plant, $25,000; macadam road from Elwood to Wathen?\, $25,000; St. Joseph & Denver Railroad. $500,000; bridge, $500,000; Kansas City. St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad, $210,000; Missouri Valley Railroad, $150,000; St. Joseph & Topeka Railroad, $50,000. The other figures necessary to round out the two millions arc furnished by bonds issued to provide money to grade streets

It was at this time that a wail went up for a change of some sort. Taxation was doubly , onerous, the city's credit was nil, interest-bearing warrants were at a discount of from 10 to 20 per cent., and the "ones and twos" were in such a wretchedly dilapidated and worn condition that merchants were refusing to receive them.

The agitation thus commenced resulted in totally rejecting the patched-up old charter and starting anew in April, 1885, as a city organized under the laws of the State governing' cities of the second class.

When the Legislature met in January of 1885. a committee went to Jefferson City with such amendments to the existing State laws governing cities of the second class as would permit the adjustment of St. Joseph's affairs so that the city could be brought under the provisions of the desired charter. The amendments were not material so far as the organx law was concerned, and the delegation from Buchanan County in the House and Senate had no difficluty in securing their adoption. At the April election of 1885, the people voted upon the proposition and it was carried, the vote standing 2,925 for the adoption of the charter and 192 against it.

On Monday, April 21, 1885, the transition took place, and St. Joseph became a city of the second class, under H. R. W. Hartwig as ma3^or. Mr. Hartwig had been elected in the previous year.

The disposition of the "ones and twos" gave great concern, for they were a problem of proportions. The best business men of the city met with the Council and a solution of the problem was found in accepting the "ones and twos" in priyment for back taxes. This was

Under the new charter no del:)ts can l;e made, no contract can be entered into for a period longer than one year, no public work can be ordered and no purchase made, for which the money is not in the treasury.

The component parts of the city's machinery are the mayor and Council, the comptroller, auditor, collector and treasurer, city clerk, engineer, assessor, building inspector, license inspector, health officer, hospital steward, superintendent of the Workhouse, the park commissioners, market-master, chimney sweep, boiler inspector, superintendent of street lighting, a library board, Board of Works, weighmaster, Fire Department, Police Department, Police judge, city attorney and city counselor.

The assessor lays the foundation for the municipal work. In January of each year he begins to make his assessment. The real estate values are taken from the county assessment, to which they must conform. Personal property, merchandise, banks, etc., are \\ithin his jurisdiction. When the tax books are completed, the mayor, assessor, comptroller, clerk, auditor and chairman of the Council finance committee sit as a board of equalization. Some assessments are raised and others lowered l)y this board, according to circumstances.

The tax books are reach" l)y the third ^Ionday in April, the beginning of the fiscal year. On that day the Council meets and the city clerk announces the total valuation of property. Under the charter not more than one per cent, on each $ioo valuation can be assessed for general administration purposes, and as much as is necessary may be assessed for the purpose of paying interest on outstandingbonds, and the creation of a sinking fun<l for the payment of these bonds, which were inherited from the old system. Under the charter of to-day no new bonded indebtedness can be created until the present bonded indebtedness of the city has been reduced to within five per cent, of the assessed valuation of property.

Upon the first assessment under the new charter the tax levy was $2, - $1 for administration purposes and $1 for the interest and sinking fund. The levy has since been reduced to $1.55 on $100.

Aside from the $1 tax, there are other sources of revenue to the city - licenses upon various occupations and the Police Court. Of the saloon license, however, the city retains but 47 per cent, the county receiving 53 per cent.

The comptroller makes an estimate of receipts from all sources at the beginning of each fiscal year and this is apportioned in achancc to the various departments by the finance committee of the Council.

For some years city taxes were not due until August, but to induce early payment, rebates were allowed as follows : 6 per cent, on payments made during May, 4 per cent, during June, 2 per cent, during August, and a fiat rate existed during September. On October I St a penalty of 2 per cent, was attached. This was changed by the Legislature in 1903, and now the rebate for May and June is 2 per cjnt. and the flat rate obtains during July and August. Delinquent property is sold to the highest bidder in No\-ember and is redeemable within four years.

As the money is received, it is credited b}- the comptroller to the ^-arious funds as prescribed by the apportionment ordinance. Each department is required to live within its means. Bills are audited, and, if allowed, themoney for their payment is appropriated by ordinance, as are also salaries. The auditor draws a warrant upon the treasurer, which must be countersigned by the comptroller, who has previously certified that the money is i^i the treasury to the credit of the fund upon which the warrant is drawn. The Pohce Department, however, which is under the metropohtan system, draws one-twelfth of its apportionment each month and the funds are expended at the discretion of the commissioners.

The new charter provided that the mayor, aldermen, collector, auditor, city attorney and police judge should be elected, and hold office for two years. The engineer, counselor, comptroller, clerk, superintendent of street lighting, health officer, hospital steward, superintendent of Workhouse, superintendent of streets, assessor, market-master, weighmaster, license inspector, and the various deputies, were made appointive by the ma)or to be confirmed by the Council for two-year terms. The chief of the Fire Department is appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Council, the firemen are appointed by the Mayor upon the recommendation of the chief and the Fire Department committee of the Council, and are removed for cause only. Since 1887 there have been three police commissioners, appointed by the Governor for three vears each, one term expiring each year. They appoint the chief and "all other attaches to the Police Department. The Public Library and the city parks are managed by boards appointed by the mayor, and .these boards appoint the various employees of their departments. The building inspector is appointed by the ma}or, confirmed by the Council, and holds his office during good behavior.

When the transition took place, in April of 1885, an agreement was made with those officials who had been elected for two years that they would, upon resignation, be appointed to serve out the unexpired portions of their terms. Under this agreement Harry Carter, who had been elected collector in 1884, was made treasurer for one year; William P>. Tullar, who had been elected city marshal, was made chief of police for one year, and P^rancis M. Tufts, who had been elected as register, was made auditor for one year. All fees were abolished.

The following new officers were appointed : Gen. James Craig, comptroller ; Purd B. \\'right, clerk; James Limbird, counselor; M. M. Kane, chief of the l^re Department: Patrick Mclntyre, street commissioner; M. J. McCabe, engineer: Dr. J. A. French, health officer; Ishmael Davis, assessor; Anton Dalhoff. superintendent of the Workhouse. Policemen, firemen and market-master were also appointed. Officials other than these who are now in the government ha\e since been added.

The Charter has been amended at various times since its adoption, and there have been proposals, recently for substituting an entirely new organic law. The Legislature of 1901 provided for two houses of the Municipal Assembly, - an upper house, the Council consisting of five members at large and a House of Delegates, consisting of a member from each ward. This was unsatisfactory, and the Legisture of 1903 provided fcM" a single house of one member from each ward, elected at large and a president of the Council, also elected at large. The same Legislature provided for a Board of Public Works, consisting of three members, appointed for three years by the mayor, auditor and comptroller.

Prior to 1899 the comptroller was appointed by the mayor. The Legislature of that year passed a law making the office elective and its term four years. At the same time the tenure oi office of the treasurer and the auditor were also made four years.

perienced the workings and trembled for the city from the dangers of the old system. Since 1885 the city has paid its way out of the revenues, has completely wiped out the floatdebt and city scrip, and has materially reduced the bonded burden. As evidences of improvement, we have the parks, the sewers, the streets, the electric lighting plant, the Central Police Station, the Free Public Library, and excellent Fire and Police departments.

Public Safety

The Police Department of St. Joseph, Its History and the Various Chiefs From the Beginning to the Present Time - The Police Judge and City Attorney, and the ]Men Who Have Held These Places - History of the Fire Department From the Days of the Bucket Brigade to the Present Time - The Various Chiefs.

Up to 185 1 the peace of St. Joseph was preserved by a constable, who, when the times were Hvely, as during the Cahfornia period, had a force of deputies and was assisted by the sheriff. The constable was also the collector of town taxes and was withal an important functionary.

When St. Joseph was incorporated as a city, a marshal was provided, who, like the constable, was the tax collector ; but it was not until 1858 that the Police Department was created, at which time the marshal was given a Deputy and six men. These were pompously styled the ''city guard" and the deputy marshal was the captain thereof. The marshal recei\-ed fees only, Ijut had a lucrative place. In 1866 the collector's office was established and the marshal gave his entire attention to police work. The fee system continued until the city adopted the new charter, in 1885, when the title of the office was changed to that of chief of police and a salary of $1,500 per annum provided.

In 1887 the metropolitan system was adopted. Under this the Governor appoints three commissioners, whose duty it is to manage the Police Department. The commissioners elect one of their number as treasurer. At the begining of each fiscal year they certify to the Council the amount necessary for the department during the year, which the Council is required to provide. This amount is paid in monthly installments to the treasurer of the board and expended for salaries and other necessaries.

The first chief of pohce was Wilham B. TuUar, who had been elected marshal for twc }'ears. but \\ho. resigned \\hen the new charter went into effect and was made chief of police for one year. He was succeeded by John Broder in 1886, who was retained by the Board of Police Commissioners when the metropolitan system went into effect, and filled the place continuously until June, 1901.

Under the present system a captain of pohce and two sergeants are jirovided for. Solomon Broyles was captain from June 1. 1887. to March 3. 1888, when he died. He was succeeded by John Bloomer, promoted from sergeant, who serxed until June i, 1899. The first two sergeants were John Bloomer and William J. Lovell. When Sergeant Bloomer was made captain, J. Fred Henry, who held the honorary title of corporal, was advanced. Sergeant Lovell was succeeded JNIay 7, 1892, by Corporal Edward L. Cutler, who served until June i, 1893. Corporal John J. Neenan was advanced and served until his death, August 29, 1896. Patrolman William H. Frans was then made sergeant. Sergeant Henry died in August of 1898 and was succeeded by Robert Maney, who served until June i, 1901, and was succeeded by William P. Gibson. On June I. 1899, Sergeant Frans was made captain and James T. Allee was made sergeant. On June i, 1901, Captain Frans succeeded John Broder as chief and at the same time John J. McNamara was made captain and Charles Kelly advanced to the grade of sergeant in place of Sergeant Allee.

The metropolitan force was organized June I, 1887, '^'^'ith the chief, cajitain, two sergeants, two turnkeys, two drivers and thirtytwo patrolmen. At present ( 1904) the Police Department is constituted as follows : Chief,

The chief, captain and sergeants are appointed for one year. PatroJmen are appointed for six months as specials, on i)robation, at $()0 per month. If confirmed, they are appointed for three years from the date of the first appointment. The humane officer is selected by the Humane Society and commissioned and paid as a regular patrolman by this department, he being under the direction of the chief. Regular patrolmen receive $70 per month salary.

Telephone signal service, the first to exist, was introduced in 1891. There are thirt}-ei§"ht stations, and patrolmen are scheduled to signal every hour during the day and night. There is an independent telephone exchange, with a switchboard and three operators at Central Police Station. The system is leased from the Missouri & Kansas Telephone Company.

A substation was established on the South side in the winter of 1899. I^ is only a wooden structure, used for detention, ^^'ithin a short time a substantial building will be erected.

On April 28, 1887. Governor Marmaduke appointed Bernard Patton. John Donovan, Jr., and Thomas P. Maupin commissioners, the first for three years, the second for two and the last for one year. The regular terms of commissioners after the first appointment are for three years, a \acancy occurring annually. Mr. Patton was president for three years. He was succeeded as commissioner by George H. Hall, Jr. Mr. Dono\an was reappointed at the expiration of two years, and Mr. Maupin was reappointed at the expiration of his year. Mr. Donovan was treasurer for the first three years and was succeeded by Mr. Hall in 1890, when Mr. Maupin was elected president. This organization continued until August 11. 1892. Mr. Maupin's term had expired in April, 1891, Mr. Donovan's, April, 1892, and Mr. Hall had become ineligible because he was a candidate for office. At that time Governor Francis appointed an entire new board, consisting of Thomas F. Ryan to succeed Mr. Donovan, Samuel M. Nave to succeed Mr. Maupin and Harris Ettenson to succeed Mr. Hall. Mr. Nave served as president until the expiration of his term. Mr. Rvan was elected treasurer and served continuously in that capacity foi: six years. Mr. Ettenson was succeeded in 1893 by T. F. Van Natta, and Mr. Nave was succeeded in 1894 by John H. Trice. Mr. Van Natta succeeded Mr. Nave as president. Both Mr. Ryan and Mr. Van Natta were reappointed. Mr. Trice was reappointed April 29. 1897. and Mr. Ryan was succeeded September 6. 1898. by Walter H. Robinson. Mr. Van Natta was succeeded in 1899 l)y Frank Freytag, Jr., who is now serving his second term. Mr. Trice was succeeded in 1901 by William H. Utz, Avho is now serving his second term. Mn Robinson was succeeded in 1903 by Joseph H. Tullar. The board is now organized as follows : Joseph H. Tullar, president : Frank Freytag, Jr., vice-president: William H. Utz, treasurer, and Richard S. Graves, secretary. Chris L. Rutt was the secretary from the time of the first organization of the board, in May, 1887, until jMay i, 1900, when he resigned to become managing editor of the Gazette and was succeeded by Mr. Graves, also a newspaper worker.

The Police Court is the tribunal to which offenders against the city ordinances are brought, St. Joseph was a town, offenders were brought before a justice of the peace. When St. Joseph became a city, in 185 1, the mayor was, under the charter, the police judge, and so continued until 1855.

The office of recorder was then introduced, the first incumbent being A. A. Dougherty, who served one year. The position was subsequently held as follows : Felix Robidoux, 1856-58; John A. Dolman. 1858-62: M. L. Harrington, 1862-64; William C. Toole, 1864-66; J. B. Hawley, 1866-68; Charles M. Thompson, 1868-70; William Drumhiller, 1870-72; Charles M. Thompson, 1872-76; R. B. Fleming, 1876-78: Samuel B. Green, 1878-80: George W. Belt, 1880-82: John A. Dolman, 1882-84; Mordecai Oliver, 1884-86; John A. Dolman, 1886-90; William B. Sanford, April 1890. to Septemljer, 1891 (died in office); John A. Dolman, September i. 1891, to February 9, 1896 (dying in office) ; Peter J. Carolus, February to, 1896, to April, 1898, when he was succeeded by Col. John Doniphan. Judge Doniphan served tw(^ years and was in turn succeeded b}- Judge Carolus, who has since served continuously.

The office depended upon fees until 1885, when the fees \\ere abolished and a stated salary pro^-ided. The recorder was also exofticio justice of the peace up to 1889, when this perquisite was cut off. In 1893 die name of the office was changed to "police judge."

Prior to 1884. the recorder provided his own clerk. Harry Angel was the first appointee, serving until April, 189 1, when he was succeeded by Albe 'SI. Tracy, who served until April, 1895, and was succeeded in turn b}- John T. Warburton. The mayor appointed these clerks. In 1897, the office was abolished, cuid the duties thereof delegated to the secretary of the Pjoard of Police Commissioners.

The city attorney prosecutes offenders against the ordinances liefore the police judge. I'his ofii'ce was created under the first charter and Alexander W. Terrell was the first incumbent, serving 185 J -52. He was succeeded by John Scott, who served until 1856. The ( ffice

A number of men who held this hunil)le ofifice afterwards distinguished themselves in the legal profession, among them Alexander W. Terrell, who was United States Minister to Turkey; Alexander M. Davis, Thomas Thoroughman, John T. Baldwin, Isaac Parker, Jeff. Chandler, Willard P. Hall. Jr.. and Joseph ]'. Grubb. Messrs. Davis, Thoroughmrin and Chandler achieved fame at St. Louis and John T. Baldwin in Montana. W'illard P. Hall was one of the first judges of the Court of Ap])erds at Kansas City and Joseph P. Grulib was circuit judge here for many years. Isaac C. Parker went to Congress from this district and was appointed by President Grant as United States judge at Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he died recently.

in 1897 the office of police matron was established through the efforts of a number of philanthropic women, headed by Mrs. Waldo Beach and Mrs. Lyman Forgra\-e. Mrs. Alice Gribben held the place until June, 1903, when

The Humane Society has operated in conjunction with the Police Department for the past eight years. The humane officer has proper quarters at Central Police Station. This place was held for the first three years by Charles G. Hall, who was succeeded by William A. Ziemendorff, the present incumbent.

The Fire Department

First there was the bucket brigade, then organizations of volunteer firemen ; next a combination of volunteer and paid firemen, and then an all-paid department, which has grown into one of the best equipped and most efficient in the West.

The late Gen. William R. Penick is credited with having been the most ardent promoter of organized and systematic protection from fires. He began his efforts in t86o, when a member of the City Council, but was unsuccessful until 1864, when, as mayor of the city, he earnestly recommended an appropriation of $5,000 for the purchase of a steam engine. The provision was made in August of 1864. At the same time Mayor Penick urged the citizens to subscribe means for the purchase of hose and hook-and-ladder equipments. The people responded promptly and sufficient money was soon pledged. In May of 1865 the steam engine arrived, was tested, accepted and named "Blacksnake." The hook-and-ladder truck and hose-reels were also on hand, and the next step was the formation of a volunteer corps. The Blacksnake Steam Engine Company and the Rescue Hook-and-Ladder Company were promptly organized. In the following year the German-Americans organized a third volunteer company and purchased a hand engine.

which was nairiCil "Watorwitch."' The steamer was (h'awn l)y horses. l)ut the trucks and hand engine were drawn by the firemen and vokinteer citizens, there being ropes to accommodate ah who desired to "run wid de masheen." Cisterns were buih at important points in the business district. There were 13 of these when the introduction of water-works supplanted them, and the average capacity of each was about 1,200 barrels.

There was great rivalry among the firemen, both for efiiciency and splendor of parade, and the annual turn-out was always the occasion of a public holiday. The first of these parades occurred on Washington's Birthday, 1868, when the late Edward R. Brandow was chief of the department. The procession was composed as follows : Blacksnake Steam Engine Company, Hardin Ellis, foreman, 25 men ; Waterwitch Hand Engine Company, Henry Lund, foreman, 45 men ; Resctie Hook-and- Ladder Company, Hugh Symmonds. foreman, 55 men. The engine companies had a contest at Market square and the affair concluded with a general drenching, the rivals turning their nozzles upon each other.

In 1870, a paid Fire Department was established. Seven men were stationed in a house at the foot of Edmond street. The apparatus consisted of the "Blacksnake" engine and three one-horse reels.

The hook-and-ladder company's apparatus was stationed in a building" at the alley east of Tootle's Opera House. The ground was donated to the city by the late Milton Tootle, and the Rescue company luiilt the house with money secured by means of entertainments. In 1871 two paid men and two horses were placed on duty here.

The zeal of the volunteers naturally l)egan to wane \\ith the introduction of paid firemen, and the compaines disbanded. The "AVaterwitch," which had been stationed on Edmond street, west of where the Ballinger Building now stands, gave way to a second steamer, named "Bluebird," which was purchased in 1872; the "Waterwitch" was sold in 1875 to Wyandotte, Kansas. The "Blacksnake" was sold to Shenandoah, Iowa, some years ago. and the "Bluebird" is still in service.

The introduction of water-works- gave an impetus to improvement and expansion of the Fire Department. In 1879 a hose reel was located in the Patee Market House, which remained there until 1886, when the present house was built at loth and Olive streets. In 1 88 1 a reel was located at loth and Francis streets, in a building leased from the O. \L Smith estate. In 1895 this company was removed to Seventh and Charles streets. In the same year a company was stationed on North Third street. In 1882, the house at the foot of Felix street was built and the apparatus removed there from Second and Edmond, to make room for the Davis mill. In 1884, Mr. Tootle exchanged ground at Seventh and Charles streets for that which he had donated adjoining the Opera House, the hook-and-ladder trucks were moved, and the old "Rescue" house was merged into the Tootle Opera House. In 1895, the building at Seventh and Charles streets was enlarged, so as to accommodate new apparatus, and that which was moved from loth and Francis streets. In 1889. a house was built at Ninth street and Doniphan avenue: in 1891, one at i8th and Felix streets; in 1892. one at loth and Powell streets, and in the following year, the company on North Third street was moved to a new house Avhich had been built at Third and Franklin streets. Since 1896 fire stations have been established at 26th and Penn streets, on Frederick avenue, near 21st street, on St. Joseph avenue, in Walker's Addition, in South Park and in South St. Joseph. All of these are equipped with modern apparatus.