The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-05-22
CITY HALL DISPUTES.
The Aldermen SIN Insisting thnt they Have
Legal Control Of the streets.

The Common Council spent n third session
yesterday in the discussion of the question Of
cncumberng the streets and sidewalks. Alder
man Reilly presented n resolution directing the
Commissioner Of Public Works to instruct his
superintendent Of cncumbranccs not TO remove
any couryards. bay windows. show windows
sioops or stands that have been placed on the
sidewalks or streets under the authority OF the
Common Council. and provided that If any Of
those cncumbrances aro removed the Commits
sioner and the Superintendent shall be declared
to be acting in violation OF the Common Coun-
ellis orders and be held accountable for the con-
sequences.
This resolution was referred to the Committee
on Law Then Alderman Shells moved that
Sarah Welsh be permitted to keep stand under
the stairs leading to the Gilbert Elevated Rail-
roads station on the southeast corner Of Sixth
avenue and Fourteenth street. Alderman Nor
ris opposed the resolution. That place. he
said, ia in front of Nlncy CO. store, They
have protested against II, and have informed
this board through the Mayor that they pay the
salary of police officer to Keep the street in
their front free from DISTINCTIONS Alderman
Shells thereupon consented to the reternnce Of
the motion to the Committee on Public Works.
ofwhich he is Chairman, .,
This WIS followed 10y the Introduction by Al
dcrman Saucr Of Il resolution to permit the
erection Of two columns in front OF 4O6 Sixth
avenue. Immediately after its reference to a
committee. four messages were received from
Mayor Ely vctoing resolutions allowing per-
sons to retain posts that have been erected in
front OF their premises Then MIR. Reilly was
again recognized hy the Chair. He presented u
report from the Committee on Streets. OF which
he is Chairman. recommcuding the passage Of
his resolution. offered at previous meeting.
directing the Commissioner OF Public Works to
report the location OF all the stOops areas.
courtyards bay windows. stands. and all other
entertainments on the streets and sidewalks.
and that in making his report the Commits
sioner begin with Broadway and Fifth and
Is
first relieved from such distractions.
Alderman Morris moved that the Commits
sioncr include in his report those encumbrances
only that have boon erected since the passage
OF the charter II 1873.
Alderman Wachner urged the passage OF this
amendment but II WAS lost
Then Alderman Pinckney took the floor. He
read from a newspaper that runiors were cur
rent that the Aldermen had been improperly
influenced to permit these cncumhrances. He
did not believe that this charge was true. But
he knew that gentlemen outside Of the Board pf
Aldermen had tried to influence their friends
IN the board TO grant these privileges. He knew
that some persons were receiving money for
the u.s. 81 the sidewalks In front u their prem
ises. They had no right 70 exact money for
such privileges. rs the sidewalks belonged 10
the public. Mr.. Pinckney moved TO strike out
,ga, pari Gi me rpps2H.G9 t4a directed SS igs
work on Fifth avenue. Broadway. and Park
avenue
said: 1t is undigniiled for the gentleman to
read that extract from the newspaper He has
probably, carried that paper in his pocket for
two or three weeks. II had read IL | should
have asked for n committee of investigation.
Then turning toward his colleagues. no added
" People who wish avors from me come 70 me
direct. They send no agents.
Mr.. Piuckney's amendment was voted down
and Mr. h"illys resolution WIS passed ~ to 2.
This was followed by n message from the
Mayor enclosing y communication from the
Commissioner of Public Works. in which that
official says that signs md sign posts aud avn
lngs ana awning post- ar" not considered en-
cumhrances absolutely prohibited by the charter
that charter the Common Council have power
to regulat" the use Of the streets and sidewalks
for such purposes. The Commissioner does not
rccede from his position against the erection Of
stands and other distractions on the sidewalks.