A thumb-nail history of the city of Houston, Texas, from its founding in 1836 to the year 1912 Page: 28

28 A THUMB-NAIL HISTORY OF
Paving Streets ................. 221,006.00
Water Department, Extension of
Mains and Improvements .... 825,757.83
Wharves and Slips............. 883,109.89
School Buildings .............. 856,477.20
Total Improvements ........$1,878,966.88
Extraordinary Expenses.
Storrie Certificates ............$ 78,800.00
Refund Paving Certificates .... 141,418.68
Sinking Fund ................. 120,220.00
$884,988.68
This makes a grand total of $2,218,905.56, all of
which was paid out of current revenues, and the
elimination of a floating debt amounting to a little
more than $400,000. One need go no further than
those figures to be convinced of the benefits and advantages
of Commission form of government.
Unquestionably the magnificent form of government
that Houston has, and the thoroughly business-like
manner in which the affairs of the city are
administered, have had their effect in establishing
confidence in the stability of the city both at home
and abroad. Though the commission may not have
caused it, the fact remains that co-incident with the
establishment of the commission Houston began to
grow and expand in the most marvelous way.
Strangers who come here and find a large and beautiful
city are amazed to learn that modern Houston