The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-04

Ut y VI VT q " JFTINV
Adams by the falling of The wall at the East
street culvert, but they regarded the accident as
a very sad one. and as Mr.. Adams had long been
a faithful employee of the city, they recommend
ar allowance of $500 to him, which was con-
Cured in.
The claim of John NJ. Higgins for $50, on
account of injuries TO his horse in falling through
a bridge at the corner of Virginia avenue and
Alabama street, was allowed on the
datlon or the committee on claims.
THE TELEPHONE C~OMPANYs CONTRACT.
There were two reports presented by the
special committee to which was referred the
ordinance revoking the rights of the Central
Union Telephone Company to the streets and
alleys of the city. The majority report recon-
mended the indefinite postponement of action on
the ordinance, in accordance with the desire of
the managing committee representing the tele-
phone patrons, as the trouble with the company
had been amicably settled. They further re-
ported that they had found that there was no
truth IN the rumors to the effect that the
rate on lines outside of p mile circuit
had been advanced. The minority report was
signed by Mr.. Edenharter. He recommended
the adoption of a resolution directing the city
clerk to notify the Central Union Company that
unless they certify TO him in plain and positive
language within twentY-four hours that they
will, irrespective of any contracts, comply with
the law as passed by the Legislature. the Coun-
Gil will deem it sufficient cause to pass the ordi-
nance repeating their charter"
Mr.. Cowie said that no one is demanding that
the telephone company shall be driven from the
city, and so he could not see that it would do
any good. or satisfy any one to pass the resolu-
ton.
Mr.. Spahr said that the manner in w ich the
| patrons committee conducted the investigation
had disguised him. No committee has the right
to advise an evasion of the law. The committee
is virtually aiding the telephone company to
uIA1o + - fha MN T = nl1Ay-0 %hA
strue the law as it pleases, and act upon that
construction until ruled upon by the courts. The
Council is afraid to enforce the law. The people
have no right to use the telephone except under
the provisions Of the statute.
Mr.. Thalman thought that the citizens were
satisfied with the action of the company, having
agreed to let the matter rest until decided in the
courts. The Council has no business to inter
fere. The company is treating the city right.
The ordinance simply voices the sentiment of a
few dissatisfied citizens, while the great majority
are in favor of the present situation of affairs.
The motion to adopt the majority report was
carried by a vote of l3 To 10. the vote being as
follows for the minority report: Curry, Downey,
Edenharter, Moran. Gallahue, Mack, Rees,
Reinecke, Spahr and Wolf-l0. For the major
iy report; Benjamin, Cowie, Coy, Bowling,
Haugh, McClelland. Newcomb, Pearson, Revn
olds, Smither, Thalman, Trusler and Wharton
13.
A report was presented by the special commit
tee appointed to investigate the claims of the
Stems for services as architects of the City Hall
and market-house building. The members of
the committee were unable to agree upon any
basis of settlement, but they were
of the opinion that "2 10 per cent.
on the estimated cost OF the building would be
perfectly safe" This would make the amount
to be allowed 50. 835. less the amount already
paid, 81, 900, leaving $935 yet due. The commit
tee the payment of this sum if the
architects would accept it in full Of all claims
against the city. Action on the report was
postponed until the next meeting of the Council.
A resolution was introduced by Mr.. Spahr
directing the city civil engineer to prepare plans
and advertise for bids for the extension of the
Ray street sewer, by an eighteen inch pipe, to
White river. The resolution was referred to the
committee on sewers and drainage.
In a report on the sanitary work during the
present year, the city Board of Health stated
that Indianapolis is now in a clean, healthy
condition.. fully as well prepared to withstand
an epidemic AS any city in the Union"
An ordinance was introduced providing that
1t shall be unlawful for any person to deposit
garbage in any street or alley within the city
limits. The penalty for a violation of the
ordinance is made $50, and the tenant living
shall be found guilty of having deposited 1t
there.
THE QUESTION OF BRIBERY.
1t was after II o'clock. when it seemed that the
| proceedings had settled down to the usual
monotony of 'chuck- hole" motions. that the city
clerk read the following, in sonorous tones, with
telling effect upon the visitors who were linger-
ing about the chamber, about half despairing, in
the expectation that something unusual would
harpen:
Whereas, It has been reported and stated in the
daily newspapers of this city that a member of this
body has openly and publicly stated that he bribed
certain members of a former Council to vote for a par
ticular measure; now, therefore. it is hereby moved
that a committee of five be appointed to make in quiry
into such matter, and report as to the truth of such
charges, at the next meeting of this Council.
Mr.. Bowling, who was expecting something of
this kind, and had, in consequence, been acting
the part, during the evenings of the gentleman
placed in somewhat embarrassing circumstances.
who was saying nothing, came into the Council
chamber and took his seat as the clerk concluded
reading the resolution. He was a little redder
in the face than usual, but his expression of
countenance and his bearing was about equally
defiant and indifferent, although apparently
affected.
Mr.. Edenharter was the first to speak. He
said that he hoped the Council would not sane
ton this investigation. unless backed by an
affidavit. The Council did not know whether the
statements in a certain newspaper We're true or
not. What Mr. Bowling had done to the mem
bers of a former Council could not concern the
present Council. There is no room for investi-
CATION. Mr. Bowling has made no charge against
US, nor has MIR. bowling IN Implicated himself. 1t
is not right to take the statements of a news
paper to be true. The statements should not be
credited. Papers have made many mistakes
heretofore in their reports of the Council pro-
c%eedings, and are not infallible in other matters.
Let the men back their statements by affidavit,
and then an investigation would be in order.
Mr.. Pearson, who introduced the resolution,
said that he presented the matter 10 the consid
GRAFTON OF the Council in the miidest form posi-
BILE. He thought it best for the Council and all
concerned that the resolution should be passed.
1t did not order an Investigation, but simr.y an
inquiry. He thought that some notice OF the
matter was due the body.
Mr.. Edenharter-NVhy is it due this body?
Mr.. Pearson-Becaus Mr.. bowling is a mem
Der of this body. 1t ls reported that he has
boosted of having bought couucilmen. If he has
been guilty of such conduct, it is a matter which
demands our attention. | can't see for the life
of me how we can refuse to proceed with this in
quiry.
Mr.. Cowies-I think it would be proper to ask