The New York herald., 1879-02-05
THE DEB7-BURDENED CITY.
No Change in the Position OF
Affairs in Elizabeth.
STORMY SCENE IN THE COUNCIL

Rumors were flying thick and fast around Eliza
beth, n j. yesterday of efforts being made in Tren-
ton TO reduce the city to some sort of territorial
condition. the same as Memphis, the only city in the
United States which. like Elizabeth, is unable to
meet its honest obligations. The only warrant for
this rumor was the introduction of bill in the Leg
isla,ure taking from the City Council of Elizabeth
the power to provide for the public schools and
lodging it directly in the hands of the School
Boari. bill to that effect introduced yester-
day by Assemblyman Stiles. In the meantime Presi-
dent Rankin has issued manifesto to the good cti-
of Elizabeth, asking them not to hold the School
Board responsible for the non-payment of obliga-
tions since October l. this non-payment being at
tributed by him simply to 'the financial condition
Of the city,, and he is emphatic in declaring that
upon their shoulders does not rest the responsibility
for the of the teachers and creditors Of
the Board.
In SO far the taxpayers Of Elizabeth will very
shortly be called upon to provide the money for the
citys liabilities considerable controversy has arisenn
regard to the actual valuation of Elizabeth city prop
erty. the more those in authority differ mate
rally to the figures placed upon real estate in this
unfortunate city In order to get accurate estimate
of this property number of leading citizens called
yesterday upon Mr.. Oliver Pierce. gentleman who
for years has been member of the Board of Assess
mcnt and Revision of Taxes. and who is considered
nhatiopy uh that the propertv of Esabeth al told i'm
cluding Quality Hill Cbemmock HilD, was not over
$l5oooooO; that while some portions of the city
property might be more valuable other parts were
how ELIZABETH HAS BEEN MonraAcEp.
In subsequent interview with the HERALD
porter Mr. Pierce snid:-"There have been in
the real estate business here who have told your
financial institutions in New York that this was an
El Dorado. Hence several companies have loaned
money property now not worth the face of tile
mortgages These institutions comprise some of the
1andi dinf
they have had to buy in goodly number OF
these residences under foreclosure y, SALE ,o The
that in walking along our streets and avenues
you tell exactly the houses on which this
concern originally loaned money. The painter who
told meof this less than two months ago said he was
Now, to give You an idea of how things
have been going on here, can refer you to
great wooden pavements were laid, while making
assessments, paid visit along the newly laid
roads and then found water ON both SIDES >. or the
the adjoining property foot by foot at the value
OF the road. and he ridculed the idea. These roads
ran far into the country where there was not house
wit in sight and they all curbed and guttered On
Quality Hill tso called because only people of quality
reside thcre). house originally belonging. to
the president Of the defunct Third Avenue Savings
Bank, in New York. was morgaged to various
crty has been sold for ssooO Another house in tho
Eighth ward Of this city. mortgaged to New York
builder the other day at 5000. Houses for which
few years ago $500 to 5000 asked, now rent
for si2 month: All this has been the result Of tho
terrible speculation which has not only SGT
people crazy, but made New York institutions invest
their money most foolishly.'
CoUrCrI. SESSION.
At half-past seven o'clock last evening the City
Council met once for the purpose G. orgnnza-
lots taken to elect president when motion
was made by Councilman Ryan that the Board meet
night after night until organization is effected.
THIS bitterly opposed by scvera! members. and
the bailoting proceeded with, Cory receiving
and Crane votes
Dr. GaIKRI an getting heartily tired of this thing.
Mr. DuNN-So ALL but cannot como
every evening from Trenton to play the fool here.
MR. Dunn is also a member of the Assembly, Thero
great many bills IN Trenton affecting the in-
terests of Elizabeth requiring my presence cam y
not be here any other evening than Friday but it
strikes me TINT there is decency nowadays
among q certain class Of politicians.
Mr.. REEyTs--f there is any member Of the City
Council who will do IN indecent thing sooner than
the gentleman who Just spoke I'd like to know it.
Calls to order am decent any man hcis,
but that is reason why should favor the gentlo-
man s motion.
Mr.. DUxN--I said "a certain class Of politicians
If the gentleman considers himself among that class
and the cap fits him, let him wear 1t. (ireat ap-
plause in the obby.)
of half hour was here taken. and. on
rcassemblng. the whole city of Elizabeth seemed To
have taken possession OF the City Hall. Every nook
and corner of the Council being eagerly taken
advantagc-of to watch the renewed efforts to give
the city a responsible city government. Notwih-
standing three attempts were mado to elect an
organization result reached and the Council
finally adjourned at late hour till Thursday