Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-12-24
ST. P4UL'S NEEDS.
They are Again Discussed by the Commit
tee on Legislation.

Ihey are Again Discussed by the Commit
tee Oh Legislation.
a meeting of the committee on legislation
of the common council and the members OF
the legislature was held yesterday afternoon
The matter of the election of board of pub
lie works was taken up, and Capt. Starkcy
protested against the selection of but
five members, on the ground that ono
ward would be unrepresentcd The matter was
laid over.
The proposed amendment to the law requir-
ing the city engineer to be elected by the board
of public works and the common council joint
ly was taken up. Mayor Dawson opposed the
amendment for the reason that the engineer
was directly responsible to the board of public
works, and that that body should have the
selection and control of that officer.
James Smith, Jr., moved that the charter be
SO amended as to compel the payment of en-
gineering and surveying expenses out
of the general fund, instead of being charged
to the property.
Mr.. Gilfllan opposed the motion, claiming
that it would bankrupt the city. He
thought the present system the most equit
able
The question was discussed by Messrs
Smith, Dawson, Giltillan, Murray, Sanborr
| and others.
Mayor Dawson insisted that property own
ers should be obliged to pay the cost of tho
improvements made for the benefit of theil
property, for if the expense came
out of the general fund Il. few influential
citizens would have their property i'm
proved while less influential citizens would
have no chance. The question was post
| pOned.
The motion of Aid. Minea to increase the
number of the board of public works to six
was lost.
On motion of James Smith, Jr, it was re-
solved to increase the number of the members
or the board from three to five
Engineer Sewall submitted estimates of the
cost of the proposed improvements over the
railroad tracks at Fourth street, and for re-
placing the bridge at Seventh street. For the
latter he submitted three estimates-the first
for change of grade and filling, amounting to
$169020; the second for less grade, amount
ing to $165,320, and the third for an iron
bridge and fivc-foot change of grade,
amounting to 1881, 72O A saving of $4,000
could be made in each case by the construc-
ton of a temporary bridge over the st. Paul &
Duluth tracks. He was of the opinion that a
wooden bridge could be built for about
$1,000.
After considerable discussion the question
was laid over for the time being.
The estimates for the bridge at Lafayette
avenue were presented, amounting to $41 $50,
the city's portion being about $4,000.
The Mississippi street bridge matter was
laid over till conference could be had with
the railroad officials Also the question OF
the bridge at Westminster street.
The new court house came up, and q lively
dialogue ensued between Messrs. Gilfillan and
Murray, the former opposing and the latter
favoring the erection of court house. No
conclusion was arrived at.
After brief discussion of the sewerage
question the committee adjourned, after au.
thorizing the issue of bonds to the amount OF
$4,000 for the construction of sewerage
mains.