Los Angeles daily herald., 1888-07-25
THE FREEHOLDERS.
The Trades Unions Desire a
Section Inserted.
SALARY OF THE COUNCILMEN
The Charter as Adopted Now Before
the Committee on Revision to
Be Finished.

Kurtz present.
The Chairman of the Committee or
Claims and Demands presented report
after which Major Bonebrake, General
Mansfield and Mayor Workman were
added to the Committee on Revision.
Mr.. Dodge appeared oE behalf of the
workingmen, who desired some provision
inserted in the charter. The workmen
had resolved to have just taxation and
a careful expenditure of the city funds
He then read the following petition
We the undersigned citizens of Los An.
geles, California, seeing necessity fol-
some action to prevent corruption and
fraud in our city government, do respect
fully request that the following principles
be embodied in the provisions of the
proposed new charter, to wit:
First-That as statute of the State
of California has made eight hours a
legal days work on all public work in this
State, we demand that the said eight
hour law be enforced in all public works
in this city.
Second-That as the contract system
is a prolific source of corruption, by
which the city is defrauded of large sums
of money in the performance OF dishonest
work, we request that letting OF contracts
by the City Council be forbidden, and
that all public works in this city be done
in the future by days work, and that the
laborers employed on such public works
be paid in cash on Saturday
of each week for their week s
work, and not in scrip as heretofore, to
be shaved or discounted.
Third-That as taxation of personal
property is unjust, an unmerited burden
on labor, discouraging to industry, an in
suit to common sense, cause of dis
honesty, it giving premium on per-
jury and as fair assessment is an
impossibilty, and as land values are cre-
ated by community, they are
therefore the only property of
all people collectively, which can
be justly taken for public revenue, we
request that all personal property be ex-
empt from taxation and a single tax
on land values be levied, the assessments
to be made at full selling prices.
Fourth-That as water, light, street
railway and other franchises belonging
to the city should not be granted to COM
panies or corporations without compen-
sation, We request that in the future the
City Council be requested to sell such
franchises to the highest bidders, or to
limit the profits of such corporations to
not more than per cent. upon the
amounts actually invested by them, and
that all net gains above such limitation
be paid into the city treasury as public
revenue, and that the books of such COM
panies or corporations be subject at all
times to inspection by proper officials.
Fifth-That the false economy of some,
cause the erection of buildings in this
o,t, hot 70 ,,,ko 0f
the people demands that the Inspector OF
Buildings shall be practical, thorough
mechanic and builder.
Sixth-That in view of the imperfect
and unsanitary manner in which the
plumbing and drainage of buildings is
now being done in this city, we ask that
provision be made for sanitary laws in
this city and and Plumbing and Sani-
tary Inspector be appointed who shall
be practical plumber of experience
qualified to fill the position, acting under
and by appointment of the Board OF
Seventh-That as the employment of
an armed force by individuals, firms or
corporations, other than the regular
authorized police force is unrepublican,
a menace to public order and en-
dangers the lives of worthy citi-
zens by giving undue power to
irresponsible persons, we request
that individuals, firms and corporations
be forbidden the employment of such pri-
vate police in this city.
Eighth-That, as saloons, gambling
houses and houses of i'll fame are a det-
riment, scandal and curse to our city,
we ask that the owners of houses rented
for such disreputable purposes be made
jointly responsible for all losses or dam
age to persons who patronize such places,
recoverable by an action at law.
Believing that the adoption of the
above principles will promote the gen.
eral good by their embodiment in the
provisions of the new charter, we, the
representatives Of the Trades Unions,
labor organizations and the Trades Coun.
Gil OF Los Angeles, most respectfully sub
init the same for your wise considera'
ton.
General Mansfield moved that the com.
munication be received and placed on
file, to be taken up when the subjects to
which it refers are reached.
Mr.. Book moved to amend so as to re-
fer it to General Mansfield and Mr.
Brown to report as to- how much of the
communication related to Charter pro
visions, and how much could be covered
by ordinance. Carried.
The report of the Committee upo1
Claims and Demands was then read anG
adopted.
General Mansfield moved that the
office of City Scaler of Weights an(
Measures be created, such office to bt
filed by the Council. Carried.
Mr.. Day said that he had observed
that no provision had been made TO
Park Commissioners.
General Mansfield moved that the Re
vision Committee be empowered to inser
provisions in the Charter relating to thil
matter.
A section setting aside the parks a
public property for pleasure purposes fol
all time, and prohibiting their use for
anything else, was read and adopted.
The question OF the pay of Coucilmer
was brought up by Mr.. Scott who though
that 81, 300 per year would make Coun
ell composed of ward strikers and not tax
payers. Taxpayers did not need sala
ry to induce them to run for the position
Messrs. Day, Book, Mansfield and DIR
Kurtz thought that $3.50 per month wa
not too much.
General Mansfield held that if men
served without salary they would ge
DR.. Kurtz said that three-fourths fifth,
4.boodle."
Councilmen in the past had obtained
"boodle" and if they were not paid q