Page 48 - Industries_of_San_Antonio

48
SAN ANTONIO-HER TRADE,

THE STREET RAILWAYS.
In 1850 the city of San Antonio was proud in the possession of one
cart ; and, as a local publication tells us, the people wondered at the prog-
ress which was being made, when a few years after a stage was started,
plying between Fredericksberg, a neighboring town. Hacks were active
in 1865, and the old inhabitants held up their heads in vast pride. The
idea of transportation had taken possession of them, and many began to
throw out hints about street cars and railways. One audacious individual
obtained a charter to start a street car line, but did not prosecute his en-
gagement. In 1877, Col. A. Belknap came, and with indomitable energy
established a street car line, and afterwards a system for the building of
others. San Antonio has great cause for revering the perseverance of
Col. Belknap ; for with the completion of his enterprises, the buildings
sprung along their entire routes. Property increased, the tax roll swelled,
and all real estate advanced in value. To-day they are an indispensible
factor in the prosperity of our city as in all others ; and the management
has always been such as to insure politeness and comfort to all travellers.
The first car began its journey July 1st 1878, from San Pedro Springs to
the Alamo plaza. Now the principal thoroughfares are traversed by these
great conveniences, and lead to all the principal places of interest and
amusement in the city.
THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
The management of city affairs rests in the hands of a board of alder-
man, elected from their respective districts, ten in number, and the follow-
ing order of officials : Mayor, city clerk, assessor, collector, treasurer, at-
torney, city physician, city health officer, city engineer and assistant,
supreintendant public schools, public weigher, market master, sexton,
pound master, street commissioners, and two ditch commissioners, one
for each side of the river. The city hall is one of unusual elegance, and
a credit to the local architect, Mr. Alfred Giles, whose works, however,
are seen among the public and private buildings of all the adjoining coun-
ties. The administration have a harmonious mode of procedure, and sat-
isfaction is daily expressed by the people regarding their actions. The
people of the city seem exceptional in their unison of opinions on all pub-
lic affairs, and an early settlement of all questions and problems is the
happy result.
THE GAS WORKS.
San Antonio is amply supplied with all the benefits to be derived from
this corporotion, which has been in existence several years. Electric
lights have supplanted it however in many places of business, particularly
at pleasure resorts. This, however, does not interfere in any way with
the mighty pedestrian's convenience. Both institutions are paying the
investors handsome profits, and will continue to do so as long as business
exists.