USA > Illinois > Cook County > History of Cook County, Illinois : being a general survey of Cook County history, including a condensed history of Chicago and special account of districts outside the city limits : from the earliest settlement to the present time, volume II > Part 44
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Negotiations with the Chicago Telephone company and other corporations along lines that would benefit the city were com- menced, with the expectation of soon reaching satisfactory results. During 1905, at the request of the mayor and many others, the Legislature passed a law enabling the city to fix reasonable charges for gas and .electric lights. Under this act the Council passed an ordinance reducing the price of gas to 85 cents instead of to 75 cents, as recommended by the mayor. The city continued to suffer, as it had done almost from its first creation, from a lack of the necessary funds or from a misuse of funds needed to carry on needed improvements. The fire department was too small and weak. It was neither large enough nor elaborate enough to meet the requirements of modern Chicago. It was not the fault of the department, but the lack of means to fight fires to the best advan- tage. The saloon license was increased from $500 to $1,000, with the result that additional revenue for the fire and other departments was secured. With this and other revenue the city government was enabled to add to the police force about 1,200 additional patrolmen. The city's financial system was still cumbersome and perplexing. While the appropriations for the current year must be determined by March 31, the assessed valuation upon which such appropria- tions were based could not be known until eight months later. This prevented any certainty in estimates. Tax-dodging corpora- tions and individuals were on the point of being required to pay a fair taxation upon their actual holdings. It was hoped that the proposed charter convention would adopt such measures as would consolidate the various taxing bodies then in existence in the city. The citizens of Chicago were justly proud of their splendid water
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system. The total revenue from the water department during 1905 was $4,219,562.44. The water bureau was completely reorganized and additions and extensions needed were authorized and com- menced. It was recommended that water should be sold by the city to all persons at the same price. Such had not been the practice. A new system of accounts in the water department was put in opera- tion, with excellent results. The city acquired by purchase the Aus- tin water system. During the past year all records were broken in extending Chicago's municipal electric lighting plant. A total of 1,580 arc lights was added, making an aggregate in the service of 6,687 arc lights. Other great improvements were made in the lighting system. The power to be developed at Lockport, it was declared, should belong to the city and should be utilized at the earliest opportunity.
The reduction in typhoid mortality during the last twenty years amounted to more than 90 per cent. Under the commissioner of health the work of sanitary inspection was advanced extensively. Particularly was meat inspection at the stockyards and elsewhere of the greatest benefit. The large amount of meat condemned and destroyed was pointed out to show what Chicago had suffered in the past. The Department of Health at this date conducted ten public baths and otherwise inaugurated a vigorous reign of public cleanliness. Much improvement in gambling was also effected. Though vice and crime were still present, they had been checked and controlled. Chicago in all respects was vastly better than it ever had been before. The police department extended its opera- tions to "get-rich-quick" concerns of every description. Scores of such establishments were driven out of existence. A systematic enrollment of criminals and crime took the place of previous un- certainty and confusion. The municipal lodging house received 13,000 lodgers, served 26,000 meals, and secured employment for many thousands of indigent people. Progress in controlling the smoke nuisance was made. The Department of Public Works ac- complished excellent work in preventing the drainage water of the city from reaching the lake. The intercepting sewer system divert- ed immense quantities of water into the river and the drainage canal. By April all the sewers from Chicago river to Eighty- seventh street, except one at Fifty-sixth street, were connected with the intercepting sewer. The early completion of the sewers as far as Calumet river was announced. Notwithstanding the lack of revenue, the streets were kept comparatively clean. The Bureau of Compensation was placed under the supervision of the Bureau of Streets.
It was learned that business establishments in downtown districts were using subsidewalk space for private purposes, without paying anything to the city therefor, and also that many establishments built bay windows over the sidewalks without authority. The
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Bureau of Compensation investigated such practices and during 1905 collected an aggregate of $41,543 in taxes for such infringe- ments on public rights and property. The duty of the Bureau of Compensation required it to keep a complete record of all streets and alleys and infringements upon same, whether above the surface or below it. It was shown that many of the city's alleged most prominent and public-spirited men, one a so-called "merchant prince," were not only guilty of thus infringing upon public prop- erty, but were highly indignant when such infringements were called to their attention and payment was demanded.
During the previous year the Bureau of Bridges, Harbor and Architecture was created as a branch of the Department of Public Works. This department seemed necessary owing to the numerous bridges required and to the important changes constantly being made in the harbor and in the form and convenience of public build- ings. A complete lake front survey from the mouth of the river to the northern limits of the city was completed. Everywhere throughout the Department of Public Works was seen simplifica- tion, consolidation, improvement and progress. The year 1905 from a building standpoint was the most prosperous in the history of the city.
The law department established a new record for ability and efficiency. Notwithstanding the immense numbers of intricate and perplexing legal problems, the department accomplished results un- expected, valuable and satisfactory. Two important cases alone --- the traction franchise and telephone suits-would have made this department conspicuous at this time. The settlement of the ninety- nine-year act likewise distinguished the law department. The con- troller's office was managed with such excellent system that the results were gratifying in the extreme. The Board of Local Im- provements accomplished great reforms in the use of materials and methods of construction. The Civil Service commission was an established and prized department of the municipality. During the entire year improvements which were not deemed possible eight or ten years before were instituted. A better class of public officials was secured, and it must be admitted that in a large measure these results were accomplished through the publicity given to every de- partment by clubs, associations and the daily press. The fire de- partment rendered throughout the year excellent service. The department consisted of 100 engine companies, twenty-nine hook and ladder companies and other adjuncts. Four fire-boats were on constant duty. Numerous small parks and playgrounds were se- lected and opened. Track elevation progressed to a greater extent than during any previous year. The Department of Weights and Measures conducted a vigorous and successful campaign against short-weight and short-measure dealers in all parts of the city.
The House of Correction, including the John Worthy school,
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contained an average population of 1,737. The public schools showed a corresponding advancement. An improved course of study for the elementary schools was tried, and manual training, physical culture, sewing, cooking, etc., received attention. Though the schools were still crowded, the department managed to take all . children who applied for admission. Special schools, such as for cripples and other afflicted persons, were established. Particular attention was paid to ventilating and heating the school rooms. The cooperation of the Board of Education and the Department of Health was of great importance to the health of children and con- sequently in their educational progress.
During the year, under the instruction of the administration, plans and specifications for improvements involving an expenditure of about $8,000,000 were prepared. The improvements contem- plated new tunnels, pumping stations, pumping machinery, and boilers. The southwest land tunnel, ten miles in length, the nine- foot water tunnel in Seventy-third street near Western avenue, and the Roseland pumping station were projected. The southwest land tunnel was located under Lake Michigan from the foot of Seventy- third street to the new crib near the Sixty-eighth street crib, and was the largest tunnel for the purpose of conveying water ever projected in America under the bed of a body of water. The cen- ter of the tunnel was 120 feet below the level of the lake and was constructed of solid rock. The design was to make this tunnel of sufficient size to supply three pumping stations each with a daily capacity of 100,000,000 gallons. During 1906 there was put in operation a new municipal brass foundry. The plan was to save large sums annually by enabling the city to make its own brass castings, fittings, etc. It was disclosed by the water department that private corporations and individuals were using city water surrep- titiously without paying for same. The department equalized the tax rate of water sold through meters. It was shown that thirty- six large corporations were required to pay but 4 cents per thou- sand gallons for water, while the great mass of people were charged 10 cents per thousand gallons. Reform was demanded and the department finally fixed 7 cents per thousand gallons as the rate for all consumers. The revenue derived by the city from the sale of water during the year was approximately $4,500,000. It was realized at this date that no city in the world had a larger or better supply of water than the people of Chicago. The appraised valuation of the city's water system was approximately $35,000,000 at this date.
Covering the year 1897 the annual message of Mayor Busse in April, 1908, contained many valuable observations and suggestions. The most difficult work during 1907 was a reorganization, coordi- nation and development of the various executive departments of the city administration. The object was to promote the greatest
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degree of order, economy and efficiency. However, department heads were given too free a hand to accomplish necessary improve- ments. Giving a free hand meant giving greater official liberty and license. But the first result was better service with less red tape, less friction and less lost motion than at any time probably within the history of the city. Still further advanced was the policy to conduct city affairs along buisness lines without special favor. Never before was the city government brought in such close com- munion with the citizens in their daily walks and pursuits. Par- ticularly was this result shown in contact with the departments of building, health, weights and measures, smoke inspection, boiler inspection, electricity, and the examining boards. The Department of Public Works and the Board of Local Improvements introduced better business methods in order to effect permanent results. Though the city's finances were in an unsatisfactory condition and though a disastrous panic swept the country, the credit of the city was kept above par.
For the first time in several years the city's legal business was wholly handled by the regular force of the law department without the assistance of special attorneys. Many important reforms and advantages were gained by the track elevation department. It was notable that the police and fire departments were raised to a higher degree of efficiency than had been known for several years. There was better discipline and harmony and less corruption and careless- ness. Though the police department was usually first to be blamed and last to be praised, excellent progress along modern paths was made. There was less public immorality and crime and particularly less gambling than for several years last past. More than ever before were the streets declared to be the property of all the people and more than ever before the police department carried this prin- ciple and policy into effect. Continued advancement in instituting throughout the entire city civil service reform was made. The water bureau and the Department of Public Works, which previous to this date were more or less disorganized and inefficient, were investigated and placed on a better platform of economy, honesty and duty than ever before. These departments particularly had been for many years the foci upon which personal and political schemes and ambitions were directed. It was acknowledged that the city was still hampered by the limited borrowing power and the inequitable division of the tax levy. It was desirable, owing to in- creased expenditures, to increase also the revenue. It was yet the custom and had been for many years to pay for permanent in- provements out of current revenues. This was a temporary expedi- ent which should be avoided. Street cleaning, street repairs, re- moval of garbage, and the wheel tax authorized by law promised additional revenue for street improvement.
The settlement of the traction question and its removal from
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politics were a great advance in peace and prosperity. Upon the settlement of the traction question the companies within a short time expended more than $8,000,000 to better the street car service. The settlement of the disputes enabled them to proceed with these needed improvements. The traction question was settled much to the advantage of the city and quieted public excitement and outcry. It was announced that the two companies-Chicago City Railway company and Chicago Railways company-contemplated spending over $15,000,000 during 1908 on reconstruction and rehabilitation. During the first year under the new traction ordinances the city received from the companies $1,535,719.19. The reconstruction work of the companies was by far the best ever seen in the city and gave abundant satisfaction. There was still to be settled the elevated railway situation. Improved service in the downtown dis- tricts was demanded. The subject of subways to relieve the loop district was prominently before the city authorities and the public generally. Its importance and difficulty were recognized. It was admitted that in the near future there must be a vast improvement to relieve the congestion of the loop districts.
Two other important matters yet to be settled were the telephone and the Commonwealth-Edison ordinances. The city demanded the absolute and unquestioned right to regulate rates and to require the publicity of accounts. These demands were in accordance with the already established policy of exercising complete control of pub- lic service corporations. The harbor commission studied scientific- ally and comprehensively wider and wiser questions of harbor improvement. The boulevard link project connecting the North and South systems was advanced in a measurable degree during the year. For the first time the smoke problem was attacked from a rational and scientific rampart. The policy was to suppress the smoke nuisance, not so much by punishing smoke-makers as by compelling them to avoid the offense and penalizing them only when they refused to adopt improved methods. During the year a further demand for the substitution of electrical for steam power on railroad terminals was made. Under the direction of the commis- sioner of health a concerted movement to prevent the further con- tamination of Lake Michigan water was made in conjunction with other cities and states having boundaries on the lake. This was a step to secure still better water, and contemplated vast improve- ments that would benefit all the future. In recent years the force of all efforts was directed to prevent the further contamination of lake water.
In December, 1908, the Hamiltonian contained a review of the city administration by Mayor Busse. The department of Public Works, under John J. Hanberg, showed immense transactions with the least possible error and the best possible results. The policy of this department strictly carried out was that the lowest reasonable
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bidder should get the contract. This policy was being exemplified in the construction of the new city hall. Throughout all the branches of this immense department a system, economy and honesty rarely ever witnessed in this city or county were carried into effect. The immense task of mapping underground Chicago was undertaken and well advanced. Particularly was great improvement shown in street cleaning and water saving. The department of Health, under Dr. W. A. Evans, made an astonishing record. Great advance in reporting diseases never before noticed was made. The death rate was still further reduced. Considerations concerning health, diseases and sanitation never before in practice here were put in operation. A foundation for good health was laid broad and wide for the fu- ture. Under George M. Shippy the Police department showed unus- ual efficiency, honesty and economy. Numerous reforms and im- provements were introduced. Under Fire Marshal Horan the Fire department reached a degree of discipline and effectiveness scarcely ever seen before. Particularly was civil service put into execution. The fire apparatus was standardized and there was better housing for the force. The law department, under Edward J. Brundage, corporation counsel, attained a still higher degree of usefulness. The expense of special attorneys was done away with. Many old cases of verious descriptions which had been pending for many years were settled and wiped off the slate. Numerous test cases to ascer- tain the rights, obligations and duties of the city were instituted. The department was still further separated into distinct necessary and important branches. Though apparently complicated, the Legal department is the perfection of system and wise management. Still further were personal injury suits controlled, defended and defeated. The office of city attorney, occupied by John R. Caverly, investigated personal injury cases with astonishing results. It was revealed still further that scores of cases without any merit whatever were begun against the city under the advice of shyster lawyers who expected success from the neglect of the department. This department re- quired high legal ability and skill and showed those qualifications under Mr. Caverly. The extent to which fraud suits were thus car- ried to judgments in favor of the plaintiffs was never before fully realized until the revelations of this office disclosed them to the pub- lic. Under Mr. Caverly every case was fought to a finish and was investigated before suit with the assistance of able detectives. The results shown in 1908 were as follows: More cases disposed of at less cost ; less office expense; average of judgments against the city greatly reduced ; the entire department was revolutionized and per- fect system established ; great decrease in the number of cases against the city ; personal injury fakers exposed and several indicted; steady elimination of fraudulent cases
The Board of Local Improvements, under Col. H. S. Dietrich, showed great expansion, economy, honesty and a far better character
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of work done. A wiser system of dealing with contractors was adopted and carried into effect with great saving to the city. The department of Finance under Controller Wilson reflected much credit upon the administration. Everywhere was shown economy, system, greater efficiency, greater celerity and a system of bookkeeping that at all times showed the exact condition of the city funds. For the first time in the history of Chicago, judgments against the city sold at par.
The Civil Service commission made still further advancement. During 1908 this department was revolutionized: Perfect system took the place of previous partial disorder. A study was made of character and qualifications. An immense work was done. A vast increase in the number of examinations and inspections compelled greater system, retrenchment and effectiveness. The Board of Edu- cation, under President Schneider, managed to accomplish several important reforms. The Building department, under Joseph Dow- ney, still further amplified and improved the results of this depart- ment. Particularly were methods of escaping from buildings in case of fire made easier and more satisfactory. The department of Smoke Inspection, under Paul P. Bird, showed unusual activity and better results. The department of Weights and Measures, under John Kjellander, city sealer, was active in condemnation proceed- ings and in compelling dishonest merchants and dealers to make good. The Track Elevation department, under Walter J. Raymer, made an excellent showing and still further emphasized the impor- tance, usefulness and efficiency of this division of the city govern- ment.
Early in 1909 evidences of graft and irregularity in the adminis- tration of city affairs were so manifest and notorious that the press generally, and the civic improvement organizations particularly, de- manded investigation. The Municipal Efficiency commission ap- pointed early in the year made several important recommendations, but at first had not the means to go to extremes. During the spring the evidences and reports multiplied until there was a general demand for investigation. John E. W. Wayman, state's attorney, in- augurated a special system of investigation that began to bear fruit as early as April. His first notable success was the conviction of "Skinny" Madden in May in spite of the most brazen and outrageous attempts to "fix" his jury. This conviction and his announcement that he intended to continue his attack on graft everywhere dis- mayed the criminal elements as it overjoyed all lovers of law and order. At once he had such prestige that terror seized the city hall and shook it to its foundation. About June 1 he asked for $25,000 with which to drive crooks from the city, and the appropriation of that amount was demanded by the press and citizens. He stated openly that if given necessary assistance he would clean the entire jury system which, he declared, was rotten to the core. The estab-
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lishment of the Merriam commission in June was approved through- out the city. The primary object of this step, as stated by Alderman Charles E. Merriam, when he introduced the ordinance, was to in- struct and otherwise prepare the citizens of the county so that they could vote understandingly and effectively on the $16,000,000 con- templated bond issue. Immediately the object widened to an investi- gation of "city expenditures for all purposes." The Chicago Daily Socialist deserves credit for important discoveries in July concern- ing the McGovern contract irregularities; but the grand jury re- fused to take action because the charges were not proven. In July Mr. Wayman discovered the existence of extensive gambling graft wherein numerous Chinese bought immunity from corrupt city of- ficials. Many indictments followed. About the same time came the open charges that immense sums of money were paid by the West Side levee district as graft and for protection. The grand jury begun a searching investigation. The Tribune of July 22, said : "Charges that graft and protection money is being paid in the levee districts of Chicago at the rate of thousands of dollars a month, yesterday caused the grand jury to begin a sweeping investigation to discover who profits. With more than 105 indictments returned during the day against gamblers, proprietors of disorderly resorts and slot machines operators, it was disclosed by the state's attorney's office that the work of inquiry had only begun. State's Attorney Wayman is directing the investigation. He said, 'I am not trying to indict any specific person, but no one toward whom the evidence points will be immune. I am here to prosecute violations of the law.'"
The first blow was struck against Inspector Edward McCann's dis- trict on the West Side, from which the worst evidence came and against which the severest charges were made. Finally the Inspector himself was brought to trial and was found guilty of extorting bribes from resort keepers of his district. During the trial, in spite of the evidence against the inspector, a protest against the crusade was made by ministers, merchants, lawyers and others, to the as- tonishment and shame of the whole city. Many dive keepers were indicted and during the investigation of the grand jury Judge Scan- lan publicly stated that unlawful attempts to influence that body were made. Evidences of graft and other crime continued vastly to increase from all grafters. It was now seen that the North and South Sides were as vile and corrupt as the West Side. To cap the climax outrageous attempts to corrupt the juries and a villainous counter attack on Wayman were made. In August he caused the arrest of three men charged with conspiracy to do an illegal act in the intimidation of the state's witnesses in the graft inquiry cases. Criminals openly boasted, "We can fix any jury." Wayman said, "This office has been interfered with in every way possible. It has become a common practice for attempts to be made to intimidate the Vol. II-27.
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