The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1871-08-24

Present-Messrs. Underhlu lffesiuenSb
Bender, Beldsn. Lindsey, Stabler, Sch'eisr'
Anderson, Cook.
Minutes of previous meeting were reao
and approved.
From Steamer Fire Company asking
that the money steamer earned for pump
ing for certain parties be granted them for
the purpose Of being expended on Nsheir
engine room. Agreed to.
Mr.. Belden, as chairman Of the Gas
Committee, made g report in favor of in
ereasing the price Of gas to private con-
sumers from $500 to 1925 per 1000 feet
and for city use from $3.50 to $2.75 per
1000 feet; also recommending an ordi-
nance to grant those prices for z years.
Mr.. Schsefer made motion TO lay the
report on the table, seconded by Mr.. Ben
Mr.. Schafer then stated that he was a
member of the City Council in 1856 and
1887, when the original gas ordinance was
passed; that Mr.. Coverdale, the builder
Of the gas works and owner of the stock,
did not demand more than 50 per 1000
feet OF gas for street lamps, and $3.50 for
private consumption that the consump-
ton, both private andpublic, was then not
much exceeding one third Of the present
amount used; that labor and material
then was nearly as high as now; that
when under Mccall and Begges the price
was carried toss for private consumption.
DR.. Wallace and John Reynolds, the late
and present propnetors as private con-
sumers, felt outraged and ceased burning
gas, and Reynolds, for length Of time
burned hogs lard in his store, claiming
that the citizens were imposed upon BY
such prices. Their opposition continued
until they had secured the controlling
shares of stock. From that time the tune
on gas was changed In 1867, at time in
the midst of winter when the roads were
IN the worst condition, increasing the prica-
OF coal from 10 to 20 cents per bushel,
John Reynolds asked the council for a mere
| temporary protection to increase the price
to 81 so for public, and $3.50 for private
consumers with the express understand
| ing that when coal come down he would
do likewise. Members of council should
bear in mind that labor and materials
were nearly as low now as before the war;
| that every kind Of business is affected by
] the general depression National, State,
/ County, School and City taxes are extra
| ordinary high at this time, with a pro-
/ spect of worse times and more pressing
monetary crisis at no distant day. The
members of the council frequently mani
fest their partiality to reduction of tax
alton; why at this time, put the hands in
| TO the pockets of q taxridden community
merely for the purpose of swelling the
Golfers of a single individual, with so little
show OF right and justice. The old coun-
ell carefully and impartially disposed Of
this question; why 1t Is urged at this time
and on this council, is peculiarly strange
Mr.. Belden said, he has spent much time
and labor with the committee on this sub
ject, did not come here to debate the ques-
tion, If the council are dissatisfied with
the reporting. can so say, if the council
desire the evidence taken they can have
it.
Llndsay-be was member Of the Com
mIttee on Gas of the old council; the test
imony before the new differs with that Of
the old committee he is tired of this
business, is sick of it, We have the testi-
mony, and If the council desire it they can
have it.
Mr. Schmler stated that the motion to
lay on the table be qualified, until the
testimony taken by the committee accom-
pany the report. Mr. Schaler then re-
marked that he would like to see the light
which has dawned upon this new commit
tee, producing such change IN the price
of gas he did not see any good reason,
why this question was mooted at all at
this time he did not wish to do in
Justice to Mr. Reynolds, but he should be
amply satisfied with the price Of gas as
established, and more surprising to see
this committee recommending an ordi-
nance granting that right fer years, when
the present grants to the company extend
to 1876. Mr. Reynolds now collects of
most of the private consumers $3.50 per
lO0Ofeet when he knows the law don't
allow him to charge that amount Mr..
Reynolds making application for certif-
cate of incorporation increasing his stock
to $55,00000, is no evidence that the
works are of that value; he certainly
knows they did not cost him that amount.
But let us have the evidence so that we
can see how some men can swear on two
different examinations on the same sub
ject matter. To increase the price now,
when every other department of business
is less profitable than formerly and taxa
ton higher, and gas business paying better
than ever, Is an outrage and imposition
on the people of Canton.
On motion the report of the committee
was laid upon the table, barring further
consideration until testimony is submitted
on Friday evening.
From Committee on Streets (lIr. An
derson) submitting lengthy report, the
substance Of which is adverse to paying
Paper Mill Company damages from grad
ing. The city agrees to slope the ground
around the mill so that it may be more
convenient to load and unload material,
&c. Accepted.
ORDINANCES.
To provide for the licensing Of auction
I har
To provide for grading Roland street.
First reading.
To establish the width of sidewalks on
part of East Tuscarawas street Passed.
To require pavements to be made on
North Poplar street, between Tuscarawas
and North streets. Passed.
RESOLUTIONS
By Mr.. Schafer:
ResoLUed, That the City Solicitor draft
an ordinance making it a penal offense for
any interference of fire plugs or any other
apparatus the property of the City Water
Works. Adopted
The Chair offered the following by re-
ResozUed, That the City Marshal and
| City Police are hereby required to make
complaint to the Mayor against all now
resident persons who may carry on any
lottery, prize passage, gift enterprise, or
other scheme of chance in this city.
Adopted.
cLAIMs ALLOWED.
H. A. Miller. for cleaning gsewers..........-.- 1000
Street Com Newman, for street labor,....... 1890
D. W. Staber, for stone and work, .-.----.-. 6l5o
August Vogt stone and brick work sos
Mr.. Schafer said Rescue Hose Company
would like hydrant in their hose house
for convenience in washing apparatus, DC.