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 51
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HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
strict attention to their duties as members of the various committees. The business of the County Board had become so diversified and ex- tensive that necessity demanded strict classification, careful inspec- tion and earnest attention. The vast system of charitable institutions owned by the county demanded great watchfulness on the part of the County Board in order that the unfortunate in the care of the county should not be imposed upon. The commissioners were par- ticularly charged to use great care in selecting heads of the various departments, because success or failure rested almost wholly in their care. Particular attention was called to the condition of roads throughout the county. There was much complaint, owing to the want of repairs both on the roads and on the bridges. The cost was nothing compared with the benefits derived by good roads to the community. In the winter time particularly they were in extremely bad condition and should receive earnest attention from the County Board. Bicycle riders, automobile drivers and all manner of con- veyances demanded good roads. The elevator service in the court- house was declared wholly insufficient to meet the wants of the pub- lic. The sanitary condition of the jail was objectionable and should be improved. The judges had recently expressed their indignation that such conditions should be permitted. The watchmen on duty at the jail complained that the noxious odors threatened to injure their health as well as that of the prisoners. Affairs at the county hospital were declared to be unsatisfactory. It was recommended that the County Board should institute reform measures at once in that institution. Mr. Edmanson did not believe that a physician was necessary to serve as general superintendent at Dunning. It had been previously shown that practicing physicians had neglected their duty as superintendent when placed in charge of these institu- tions. It was declared important that a business man should be placed in the office of general superintendent. He should be a man familiar with business affairs of all kinds ; should be honest, energetic and should be able to conduct the institutions strictly on business lines. The cottage system which had been adopted was pronounced successful and its continuance and expansion were recommended. It was declared best for the inmates themselves that the poor at the county house should be required, when able, to do manual work. The Detention hospital properly managed was believed to be a credit to the county. The president recommended that none but union mechanics should be employed upon the various county institutions and that eight hours should constitute a day's labor.
In December, 1892, there were pending against the county twenty- four of the boodle litigation cases. The aggregate amount demanded was several hundred thousand dollars, but the State's attorney felt sure that a considerable portion could be defeated in the contest. Many other cases were pending in which the county was interested. The State's attorney's office at this time was well conducted and a
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credit to that officer and to the county. The committee on public service recommended the adoption of the assessment rolls returned by the various town assessors for the year 1893. The total real estate was valued at $76,883,620, personal property at $32,162,272, and railroad property at $2,221,825. The grand total of taxes levied for 1893 was $2,105,530.75.
On December 2, 1893, in his closing address, President Edman- son of the County Board said "that our administration of the coun- ty's affairs has been a success I do not believe the bitterest partison would seek to deny. That much more might have been done, we our- selves admit. This board has had many things to contend against experienced by no other board." He stated that the county hospital, Detention hospital, insane asylum, poorhouse and the county agent's office were taxed to their limits. The World's Fair brought to the city thousands of the unemployed, with the result that all charitable institutions were taxed beyond their capacity. Thousands of desti- tute persons were sent home as soon as their residences could be learned. During 1893 the board had less means by $90,000 with which to carry on affairs than the board of the previous year had. In 1892 the county had $400,000 available for building purposes, but in 1893 had only $200,000. A considerable portion of this amount was spent in repairs and alterations at Dunning and on the county hospital. The commissioners apparently showed great per- sonal interest in the management of public affairs. During this year large sums were spent for the improvement of poor roads through- out the county. The board was criticized severely for the unfinished condition of the Criminal court building, but no change was made, owing in a large measure to the failure of the architect to prepare plans in time. The president of the board stated that in his judg- ment the new Criminal court building was a serious mistake and blunder, as the old building was substantial and well constructed. During the preceding year the bonded indebtedness of the county was decreased $925,000. The president predicted that at the present rate of decrease a few years would see the last of that nightmare. As a whole, the county institutions were poorly managed, and the press criticisms were cutting and just. The contagious disease ward was in full operation. The Dunning institutions, under James R. Pyne, satisfied the board as to their management. James O'Brien's ad- ministration of the office of county agent was pronounced successful. The county physician, Doctor McGrath, and the county attorney, James Maher, with his assistant Mr. Donovan, were energetic and able, and their work was well done. Mr. Healy's management of the office of controller was honest, efficient and satisfactory.
The total amount of taxes necessary to be raised in 1894 was $2,114,656. The old indebtedness to be met was $75,000. The new indebtedness amounted to $231,600; salaries and election expenses, $776,800; supplies, repairs and advertising, $617,000; miscellaneous
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expenses, $178,775 ; contingent purposes, $35,481 ; building purposes, $200,000.
At the close of the fiscal year 1894 President Struckman reviewed what had been accomplished by the County Board. He said that he did not know why the expression "clean and businesslike" should not be applied to the administration of county affairs for the past year. The previous administration had been conducted in such a manner that little resources were left to be drawn upon by the board during 1894. The commissioners were compelled to rely upon their own ingenuity and good management to successfully carry on the affairs of the county. Not only was the board of 1894 confronted with a large number of poor persons on hand, but was compelled to meet an amount of suffering, misery and starvation almost unprecedented in the history of the county. The various strikes of that memorable year threw upon the board great responsibility and an unusual amount of work to meet the demands of charity. The resources of the county were drained although rigid economy was exercised.
In spite of all drawbacks and obstacles, the affairs of the county at the close of 1894 were in excellent condition. About $60,000 that had to be met by the board during 1894 was left over from the pre- vious administration. This amount was met from the surplus earn- ings of the county treasury. The president recommended the estab- lishment of an emergency fund for the payment of such extra bills during any administration. The sewerage system at Dunning was greatly extended and improved. A new laundry costing over $18,- 000 was constructed there. Although the smallpox epidemic had extended somewhat over the city and had increased the labors and care necessary at the institutions, all had been managed ably and suc- cessfully.
The contagious diseases of the institution at Dunning were placed under the management and control of the Illinois Training School for Nurses. The county agency during the year 1894 had undergone great pressure for relief of every description. At this date it seemed almost impossible to meet the requirements, but the agent, assisted by the County Board, promptly and successfully met every demand. The policy of ascertaining the friends and relatives of outside per- sons asking for assistance was followed and a great saving to the county resulted.
Although a new courthouse was needed, the board believed the public were not ready yet to stand such expense, and further believed that the present building could be made to answer the purpose for a decade or so yet. The board experienced much trouble also in com- pleting the Criminal court room. During the year there was appro- priated about $30,000 for roads and bridges throughout the county. The county attorney's office was ably and successfully conducted. Many of the boodle cases were tried and the so-called Holland paint case was settled for much less than was demanded. Numerous other
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cases against the county were defeated or settled for comparatively small sums. The county attorney's office likewise had given impor- tant opinions concerning many questions of importance to the board and to the county. As a whole, every department of the county serv- ice was improved over the condition of the previous years.
President Healy stated in 1895 that the revenue of the county for the fiscal year ending September 1, 1887, had been all spent but not collected. The outstanding indebtedness on that date against this revenue amounted to $1,584,020.37. By December, 1894, this sum had been wholly paid, except about $140,000 which was in dispute. He stated that it should be borne in mind that the taxes to cover the appropriations made for any fiscal year were not levied until such year was almost at an end, and that the collection of same was not made in earnest until about three months after the expiration of the year. As the cash resources of the county which came from the earn- ings of the various offices were considerably less than the appropria- tion for the jury services, salaries, etc., the county was compelled annually to borrow money in anticipation of the tax levy in order to be able to issue warrants in payment of supplies, salaries, etc., against money actually in the treasury. He announced that the true policy of the county should be to attain a position where it could borrow its own money. On December 1, 1894, there was in the county treas- ury cash on hand amounting to $1,800,000, accumulated from the various appropriations during the preceding seven years. This ac- count enabled the county to pay all maturing indebtedness and to do away with the old system of issuing scrip against the tax levy. The equalization of the taxable property of the county for 1894 amounted to $271,954,169. The revenue from this assessment, together with the revenue from all other sources, gave the county a total of $3,173,- 788.26 with which to pay all county expenses.
During the fall of 1894 the people of the county by a decisive vote decided against the issuing of bonds for the erection of a new court- house and jail. The vote was taken to mean that the county should repair and continue to use the existing building. It was suggested that the Probate court office should be removed to the Criminal court building. Much complaint regarding the inefficiency of the county jail had been passed. Mr. Healy stated that in his opinion the pres- ent building would answer the purpose of the county, providing there should be an increase in the cell space by the erection of a new wing.
On December 2, 1895, President Healy summed up what had been accomplished during the preceding fiscal year. The congested con- dition of all offices of the courthouse, owing to the immense increase of business of all descriptions, proved that more room would have to be provided in the near future. It was his opinion that two addi- tional stories should be added to the courthouse, but the newspapers and many citizens opposed and combated this view. At this date legal proceedings to ascertain the nature of the title held by Cook
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HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
county to the west half of Block 39, the original town of Chicago, were pending. In the meanwhile additional courtrooms were secured temporarily in the Chicago Opera House building. During 1895 the courthouse was thoroughly overhauled and a new plumbing system throughout was installed. The building was greatly im- proved and rendered more suitable for public purposes than it prob- ably had ever been before. The whole system of ventilation was changed and electric lights were added. Early in 1895 Mr. Healy advocated that a civil service law be passed and put into effect. Largely through his influence and efforts such a bill was passed and became a law on July 1 of that year.
During 1895 the county hospital as never before was taxed to its utmost capacity. Large additional sums to maintain the county in- stitutions were necessary and were used. The pavilion for conta- gious diseases and the Detention hospital served excellent purposes throughout the year. The consolidation of the Detention hospital with the county hospital not only caused a large saving to the county, but resulted in better and more efficient service. A clinical labora- tory for scientific and experimental purposes connected with the county hospital was established. All predicted that it would prove a valuable adjunct to the county charitable institutions, and it did. There was also established during the year a department for the manufacture of drugs and chemicals for the county institution. The management of the county institutions by one head continued to be a cause of success and congratulation. The patients were now, for the first time, under the sole management of an able and efficient corps of physicians. A supervising medical staff was selected at this time. Many changes and improvements in minor matters connected with the county institutions were made throughout the year. The poorhouse, as usual, gave the authorities considerable trouble and annoyance. The plan of separating bad characters from the others was adopted with excellent results. The county farm raised a large amount of produce of all kinds, which assisted materially in support- ing the wants of that institution. The county agent necessarily was required not only to be honest but to be able, energetic, attentive and watchful. George F. Olson occupied that important position, and was complimented on his management of the department. One of the most difficult problems before the board was the wise, econom- ical and proper expenditure of money appropriated for the care and relief of paupers. During 1895 the county agent's department was required to pay out about $140,000 for the needy poor. The total number of families aided was 1,477. The poorhouse showed a daily average of about 800 men. It was believed that many of these in- dividuals could properly be required to perform much-needed work upon the county farm.
Mr. Iles, county attorney, rendered excellent service during the year. Many important cases against the county were successfully
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HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
litigated or skilfully evaded. It was recommended that the Normal school, which cost the county annually about $36,000, should be turned over to the management of the Chicago Board of Education, with the understanding that they should maintain that institution for the education particularly of teachers for Cook county public schools. It was recommended that a portion of the Normal school property should be sold, as it was believed that nearly $200,000 could be realized from idle property there. A new wing which cost about $100,000 was added to the county jail. An additional outlay of approximately $60,000 would furnish sufficient cells probably to meet immediate demands. The old jail for years had been the cause of just complaint, owing to the insanitary condition of the building. Important improvements on the new Criminal court building were made. On July 1, 1895, the law creating the Cook County Civil Service Commission became operative and three commissioners began their difficult service. During the first five months of its existence to December 1, 1895, 1,500 applications for positions were received and 1,200 applicants were examined. An honest attempt in the teeth of great opposition to put the law into execution was made.
During the year the county hospital was attended by nurses from the Illinois Training School for Nurses at a cost of $22,200. It was suggested that the county might find it advantageous to establish its own training school for help at the hospital. That step would insure the retention of trained, true and efficient nurses for many years at a time. As the office of superintendent of public service had the expenditure of nearly three quarters of a million dollars annu- ally, the board throughout the year exacted rigid economy and ster- ling honesty in the management of its affairs. At the close of the year President Healy challenged any person to make a just criti- cism of the manner in which the institution had been conducted.
For the year 1895 the equalized valuation of all classes of property in Cook county was $270,745,536. The law permitted the county to levy 75 cents on each $100 of this valuation. This tax supplied a revenue of $2,030,584 for 1896. Other receipts of the county in- creased the amount to a total of about $3,183,584. The total bonded indebtedness on December 1, 1895, was $4,206,000. It was seen to be necessary that great economy in all departments should be prac- ticed to meet the current expenses and to slowly retire the old indebt- edness. At that date the question of a tax upon all legacies and in- heritances was before the people. The Legislature had recently passed an unsatisfactory law to that effect, and President Healy sug- gested that it should be repealed and some practical law be adopted in its place. He suggested that such tax should be applied to the sup- port of charitable institutions. Mr. Healy favored the passage of this law because of the conceded fact that the poor man was taxed much higher in proportion than the rich man and that such a tax upon an inheritance would work no hardship upon its recipient. It
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HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY
was suggested that the city of Chicago should bear much of this burden now resting upon the county. He advised that, in justice, the care of the sick and maimed poor should be taken by the city and that the insane and dependent children should be cared for by the state. As it was, the county with a limited revenue was called upon to provide a courthouse for all county offices, jail, hospital, insane asylum, poorhouse, morgue, etc., mainly, caused by the city itself. It was suggested that a law providing for payment of certain fees received at the State's attorney's office into the county treasury should be passed.
President Healy, on November 30, 1896, congratulated the County Board on the successful and economical management of county af- fairs during the preceding year. Although there was some friction from political factions, and from county management, the work of the board as a whole and of the county departments proved satisfac- tory to the public and was generally above criticism. It must be admitted, however, that the County Board did not throughout the year make due and bounden efforts to put into operation the new civil service law. To a large degree this neglect or failure was the cause of considerable sharp criticism from the newspapers. During the year the Department of Public Service was so ably and success- fully managed as to attract general attention. Great economy was exercised and many improvements resulting in great savings were in- troduced and carried into effect. It was formerly a custom to let contracts for supplies without publicity and satisfactory competition. This custom was done away with and all contracts were now let after bids had been received according to specifications. In order to pre- vent fraud, all supplies when received under contract were rigidly inspected, with the result that ordinarily the best food and other -supplies were obtained. Contractors were informed that they must comply with their contracts both as regards quantity and quality. Favoritism in awarding contracts was almost wholly banished from the departments. While it is true that the civil service law in a meas- ure was neglected, yet considering the objections generally to the in- troduction of the system, this board should be given credit of hav- ing advanced the execution of that law probably as far as practica- ble. Any change necessarily encountered such. obstacles that com- plete reform and alteration in so short a time could not properly be expected. The merit system was installed to a degree not anticipated by place-holders who held their tenure of office under the spoils sys- tem.
Another important improvement was to require all county officials to purchase their supplies through the Department of Public Service instead, as previously, through their own department. This change served the excellent purpose of placing under a perfect system of in- spection all orders for supplies needed by the various county depart- ments. Large sums were thus saved, because the service department
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required all persons furnishing the supplies to meet competitive bids on specified goods and to comply with their agreements. Mr. Healy stated in December, 1896, that during the past two years more than $300,000 was saved from the amounts appropriated to the various county departments. Although during 1895-96 a total of $6,103,- 799.77 was appropriated, only $5,720,977.76 was expended, leaving on hand $367,592.24. During the year the building fund was ex- hausted, but necessarily so, for imperative improvements. The Nor- mal school property was transferred to the Board of Education at a saving to the county annually of about $36,000. The question of a county industrial school for boys and girls was settled during the year. The expense of conducting the institution at Dunning seemed slightly increased over previous years, but in reality was a decrease, owing to the large additional number of persons assisted during the year. It was believed that the institutions were so conducted that the benefits of charity were extended to all worthy cases without justifying, dignifying or encouraging pauperism. Two new features in the county agent's office were introduced through the year. One was the relief of indigent veterans under the Bogardus law and the other was the system of visitation of county physicians. President Healy closed his second year with the following correct statement : "Thus it is that, in dissolving, the County Board of 1895-96 takes with it the plaudits of an admiring public and the eight members of it who today will depart into private life and prosperity take with them the encomiums of all who appreciate a trust fulfilled and a duty well done."
On December 6, 1897, President Healy in his opening address said : "So successfully has your honorable body administered during the past twelve months that no matter what may be the difficulties to be surmounted and personal sacrifice demanded in the interests of hard, painstaking and for the most part, thankless tasks, I have every confidence in the ability of this board to successfully surmount all obstacles and triumphantly close its career of public usefulness as the most businesslike, economical and progressive set of public officials ever elected to a like capacity by voters of Cook county." Notwith- standing that the board was hampered by reduced revenues, bur- dened with great public debt and hemmed in by vague and contra- dictory laws and regulations, the affairs of the county were success- fully managed. Never before had there been such demand for pub- lic charity. The county agent, the hospital, the poorhouse and the County Board were besieged by requests for help, the extent of which was not comprehended. The ingenuity of all county officials was taxed to the utmost. With only $110,000 the county agent passed over the severest, most taxing and most distressing winter ever experienced by his department. The people of Chicago them- selves partly realized the amount of suffering, and also generously contributed in many ways to its relief. At one period the demands
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for temporary relief were so urgent that more than $80,000 was subscribed by the citizens within one week.
Notwithstanding the pressure thus brought to bear, every depart- ment except that of the county agent exhibited a marked saving at the end of the fiscal year. Every department instituted reforms and improvements and was in better working condition along more eco- nomical, systematic and wiser lines than ever before. A praiseworthy sentiment of integrity, personal responsibility and love of county in- stitutions was shown by heads and subordinates of every depart- ment. It could be said at the close of the year that the Cook County hospital, jail, insane asylum, and poorhouse were, for the first time in their history, models of their kind. A new and nobler era had dawned upon the conduct of Cook county affairs.
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