Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1886-05-26
City Council.

The city council met last night in the u.s.
ual place with the fifth ward councilmen
absent and his honor, the mayor, presided.
Al q result Of the fact that some important
business Was expected TO be transacted the
hall was visited BY quite number Of spec
tators. The constant noise that is SO COM
mon was commenced at the opening of the
meeting and his honor the mayor gave the
crowd to understand that silence must reign
supreme hereafter at the expense Of confus-
ion. His mention of the matter was sufic-
lent to enable the council to transact bust
ness more rapidly and moro At ease.
Mr.. Healy moved that the city clerk under
the direction of the fire committee be en-
powered to purchase sewer pipe not less than
twenty-seven hundred feet nor more than
three thousand and not less than eighteen
inches in diameter. His motion carried.
An ordinance was passed imposing tax
on all persons delivering coal and lime in
the city similar to the tax imposed on dray-
men.
Another ordinance was admitted to record
taking into the city limits tract Of land in
the northern part ss the city belonging to
J. +. Stafford and Fl G. Toler.
The difficulty between fire company No.
and the council was sprung and discussed
at considerable length. The council finally
accepted the resignation of the company
and proceeded to take measures for the ap-
pointment of another, The fire committee
assisted by the mayor, were empowered to
appoint another. In view of the fact that
the council considered the rules regulating
the fire department in the city very defect
i've, the city attorney was directed to draw
an ordinance for the appointment
of 3 fire marshal, and designating
bis duties. The object is to
give the marshal full control and manage
ment of the fire department.
A vote of thanks was rendered hose COM
pany No. for their efficient services.
Up to this time in the councils proceed
ings nothing exceedings attractive or inter-
esting happened to make the wall flowers
and spectators lean forward with both hands
curved around their ears. trying to assist
their oracular appendags to catch the sound.
1t was reserved for the electric light ques-
ton to wake up the sleepy and arouse an
interest.
The ball was opened by the
reading of an offer from Judge j. d. Hill,
who proposed 10 furnish the city twelve
lights for $1,000 per year, and burn eight
hours consecutively from dark. This, it
will be observed, is proposition similar to
the one accepted by the council from the
Schuyler company some time ago.
After the reading of Mr.. HilPs PROPOSE
ton, the clerk read second offer from the
Schuyler company. They proposed 10 fur
nish twelve lights for $40 per year. and
burn from dusk until early dawn.
Following the reading of the two prOpo-
sitions, the attorneys for the two companies
participated in some speeches directed to
the council, each showing the merits Of bis
own company and giving reasons why the
council should accept his offer.
Mr.. Hatton represented the Schuyler
company and Mr. Ruggies represented Mr..
Hill. The somewhat cut and dried efforts
of the attorneys was interpreted by
speech,s from different members of the
council.
Mr.. Csrey thought it WIS cheaper to pay
$40 for the same light than $1,000.
By way of parenthesis the Schuyler COM
pany cut from $40 to 500 soon after the
discussion commenced.
Mr.. Allen and other members thought
it would be cheaper in the long run to give
Mr. Hill the same for his twelve lights, in
order to foster competition, and preserve
the two companies. Some thought that
after the twelve lights from each company
were secured, it would be proper to let the
two companies compete with each other on
prices, but it was not best to allow one the
profits of IA good bargain with which to
crowd the other TO the wall. 1t seemed to
be the opinion OF some, If the twelve lights
had not been secured from the Schuyler, it
would be perfectly proper to allow the cut
ting on lights to commence at the beginning.
During the discussion between the attor.
neys and the counciimen it was stated BY q
close observing spectator that by some
more spirit was manifested that argument
produced.
Finally the vote on accepting Mr.. Hills
offer was taken, aad all councilmen present
voted in the affirmative except Mr.. Carey,
who said he wished his name to go on rec
ord "a voting in the negative.
After this the crowd dismissed itself and
The council was left almost alone to attend
10 routine business.
A committee was appointed TO
locate the electric lamps. 1t
consisted of FIVE members and the mayor
chairman. One WAS selected from each
ward, as follows:
First ward, Mr.. HeAly.
Second ward, Mr.. Richey.
Third ward, Mr.. d. X. Brown.
Fourth ward, Mr.. Allen.
Fifth ward, Mr.. Kenyon.
The city attorney was instructed 70 draw
up an ordinance extending the fire limits |
rom William street TO Waterman.
An ordinance was also passed prohi biting |
he erection of any building of anything but
material, with fre-proof roof,
IN Market street, between William and Wa
erman streets.