Sec.[Section] 1. Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly, That the president and trustees of the town of Springfield, in the county of Sangamon, and state aforesaid, and their successors in office, or a majority of them, shall hereafter have authority, in addition to the powers conferred upon them by an act entitled “an act to incorporate the inhabitants of such towns as may wish to be incorporated,” approved February 12th, 1831, to extend the boundaries of said town, one half mile in each direction beyond its present limits, and to open, widen and extend, the streets and alleys of the same, and to levy and collect, annually, a tax on all the real estate in said town as extended, not exceeding four per cent. per annum, on the assessed value thereof, and to borrow money: Provided, That at no time shall the amount so borrowed exceed one hundred thousand dollars.

Sec. 2. All moneys arising from the collection of taxes, or from the loan or loans above authorized, shall be appropriated by the said president and trustees, and their successors, in such manner as in their opinion will best promote the interests of said town.

Sec. 3. The said president and trustees shall have power to enforce their ordinances, by authorizing the collection of taxes, to sell any town lot or parcel of ground, within the limits of said town, or so much as will pay the tax due and in arrear from the owner thereof, in such manner as is now authorized under the act approved 12th, 1831, aforesaid.

Sec. 4. That when any street is opened, widened, or extended, the president and trustees shall make the person or persons injured thereby compensation, to ascertain which they shall cause to be summoned twelve good and lawful men, freeholders and inhabitants of said town, not directly interested, who being first duly sworn for that purpose, shall enquire into, and take into consideration as well the benefit as the injury which may accrue, and estimate and assess the damage sustained by reason thereof; and shall moreover estimate the amount which other persons will be benefitted thereby, all of which shall be returned to the board under their hands and seals; and the persons so benefitted and assessed shall pay the same, in such manner as shall be provided, and the residue, if any, shall be paid into the town treasury.

Sec. 5. That upon the application of the owners of two-thirds of the lots on any street or part of a street, it shall be lawful for the president and trustees to levy and collect a special tax, on the owners of the lots on said street or parts of a street, according to their respective fronts, for the purpose of grading and paving the streets and side walks in front thereof.

Sec. 6. This act to take effect from and after its passage.

Approved, 20th July, 1837.