Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-05-10
rHR cIrY oRpINANcRs.
Let Them be EDforced-The Cow and
Dog Nuisance and Bad Pave.
ments.

ments.
tits notorious fact that there are sew
eral Of the city ordinances, wise, practical
and IN the interest of the general public,
which are virtually dead letters on the
statute books. Occasionally there is
spasmodic attempt to carry out these ordi-
nances, but nothing is accomplished. We
frequently have communications on this
subject from well known citizens, who ex-
press their surprise at the in
ability Of the authorities 10 en-
force the ordinances, and are urged to direct
attention to the matter. The disregsrded
ordinances are specially those relating to
the running at large In the streets OF the
city Of cows, the dog tax, and defective
sidewalks.
In regard to the first there has been very
general complaint. Only recently the ordi-
nance was strengthened by some new fea-
lures proposed by Alderman Roberts, and
it was hoped that it would be rigidly en-
forced. The results prove the contrary,
and COWS nightly roam the streets and
occupy the public squares, as though the
freedom Of the city had been
extended them. Some of the walks In the
most popular squares, specially those in
Bull street, aud johnson square particu-
larry, are frequently IN condition that
excites indignation and severe condemna-
ton. This is q disgrace to the city,
and is certainly not calculated to
impress favorablY the hundreds
of strangers who pass through Savannah or
sojourn here awhile. The squares have al
WAYS been the pride of this community, and
hence the general dissatisfaction at seeing
them converted into pasturages for cows.
a gentleman informs US that only night
or two since, in passing down Bull street,
he saw a colored boy driving four cows into
johnson square from the st. Julian street
entrance, 10 Craze. and It may be inferred
this was done under instruction from the
owner. There are fine pasturage
grounds in the immediate vicinity
OF the city, where cattle can
be driven, and 1t is an outrage upon
this community that they should be turned
loose at night to roam about the streets and
than usual feeling aroused on this
subject Of late, and the suggestion
has been made that a meeting be
called and the sentiment of the community
be publicly expressed. The ordinance is ex-
plicit, and there is no reason why it should
not be enforced. II this is not to be done,
then it were better that it be repealed, as it
Is DOLQlDg DUb uOSheTy duu u laECes
1t Is the duty OF some one TO attend to
this matter, and it is a duty that should be
performed, as certainly the city has the
power to carry out Its own ordinances.
Another nuisance, and almost as great, is
the number of worthless dogs that Drowl
about the city and occasion so much an
noyance and trouble about the Market.
There is an ordinance requiring the owner
of every dog to pay certain nominal tax for
the privilege Of possessing such property, land
certainly no one who has a really valuable
or useful dog objects to paying it. Yet with
canine population estimated at nearly two
thousand, it is doubtful il the tax on five
hundred is yearly collected. Why can it
not be collected as well as other taxes? If
the owners do not choose to pay the
amount let the community be rid,
10 an 'official' manner, OF the presence of
these worthless ours. Some parties, disgust
ed by the annoyance Of these prowling ca
mines, have taken summary action, and the
result has been several sudden deaths
among these quadruPeds recently. For
this course, however, there should be
no necessity, and would be none If
the law were enforced. 1t will be remem-
bered that some years ago, when there was
q determination evinced to collect this
dog tax, that there was rapid hegtra
of ours Of various degrees from the city.
four, and possibly more, run
ming them off to the country, being IN
willing, on account If the worthlessness of
their pets, to pay the small tax required.
And for time the sight of q stray dog in
the streets was rarity. But the scare sub
sided, and they are all back again, and ap-
parently have brought company.
Last but not least, we may mention the
side 8alks, concerning which there has been
so much and so general complaint. There
is scarcely a street in the city that is free
from bad sidewalks. Many Of them are
in a miserable condition, and have SO re-
NAMED for months. Attention has been
directed to them from time to time, but
they are not repaired. Some of these
places are actually dangerous Ia pass over
on a dark night and the most care
full pedestrian is liable to get
spralned ankle or a bad fall. There
is nothing oppressive In the ordinance
requiring owners Of property to keep the
sidew walks IN front of their premises in good
repair, and while some very cheerfUlly com
ply With it, there are many who do not.
This is an important ordinance and its pro-
visions should be carried out to the letter.
Nothing adds SO much to the appearance
of a city as even laid sidewalks in good con-
dition, and the expense attending is tri1ing
in comparison with the benefit.
1t is to be hoped that the Board OF Alder
men, who manifest a determination to ad-
vance the interests of the city, will exer-
else the authority vested IN them and take
such action as will secure the thorough en-
forcenent of these ordinances, and instead
Of complaints and censure will be heard only
expressions of satisfaction and praise.