Wichita eagle., 1889-08-13

cIudes his remarks as follows: 1T would
appear that cities which owns her plant
are able to effect large savings in the ex-
pense of lighting: that the letting Of
to electric nr nSas COMPANIES ef
corruption. There are two objections to
the city owning lighting plant. One Is
the sentimental theory that government
must be reduced to minimum. The
other is that dishonesty is likely to creep
into city boards. Without stopping to an
swer the first objection, 1t may be said in
reply to the second that dishonesty is more
apt to occur in letting contracts than
In board MANAGEMENT, and that in most
cities, as in Detroit, the boards of water,
park, police commissioners and the like,
are both honest and capable. Alter all Is
said, the fact remains that the problem or
municipal government Is TO provide the
maximum of comfort to all citizens at the
minimum expense. In the matter of pub
lie lighting it would appear that this is
attainable only by the city owning its own
electric light plant"
In view of the foregoing facts and of the
opinions of several emlnet gas manufac-
turers, not here quoted for lack of space,
your committee feel warranted In coming
to the conclusion that the best form of
management of the gas and electric light
question is the public one, and that if for
any reason it is not reSOrted to. the COM
munity is constantly suffering serious,
loss and that, too,no matter now successful
the business may seem to be in private
hands 1--WE therefore recommend that
the city, at the earliest possible time, take
such steps as are necessary to own and OPP
crate its lighting plantS) Respectfully,
submitted CHAS. 7. COFFIN,
Chairman.
When the report had been read Down.
ing moved to place on file and it was so
disposed of; silently and effectually, and
this. because it did not ask 50 per month
per light, and suggested that 1T could be
done much cheaper.
Carson stated that while the city scales
were being repaired some of the private
scales did the citys work and got the
money.
Coffin referred to an ordinance on the
question.
Downing reported favorable to parking
University avenue. On motion OF Colin,
adopted.
A resolution was submitted to curb and
gutter the south side OF First street from
Main to Market-prevailed,
A resolution was submitted to require"
telephone company to remove poles from
Waco avenue to first alley west and Coffin
suggested they be allowed to do so, and
city engineer interrupted by saying there
was no alley there.
Downing moved to adopt the resolution
and being asked the object said it was de-
sired to get the poles off the avenue
Coffin said it was hardly fair to move
from any street to another street for there
would be as big kick from one street as
another.
1t was amended to move to IAN alley"
according to direction of city engineer and
passed.
The city engineer reported that some
poles on the east side of Main near Will
liams street had not been moved according
to request, being in the way of curb and
gutteriDg.
On motion of Johnson the matter was
referred to the street commissioner with
power to act.
johnson asked further time to secure
additional location of fire department
buildings.
Coffin of the committee to get papers
from the ''old'' city engineer reported
progress nnder promise and was given
more time.
johnson reported the city enjoying a
'big jam" cattle luxury costing 81 per day
and thought something ought to be done.
The city attorney said it might cost less
to kill them as damages would be slight.
Herrig thought no one would claim them
and no no use of paying 81 per day.
The city engineer suggested selling them
to some rendering establishment and Keep
ing the money for the owner, should he
call for it.
Carson, of the special committee on
securing fire engine, submitted letters
received on cost of engines. which seemed
to average from s., 600 to s., 600 for the size
adjudged best for Wichita. He reported
that his information favored the 'Aarons"
engine.
Glaze seemed to think that the ''Silsby"
engine was recognized as the best, admit
ting, however, that the Aaron" engine
was good one. He suggested that rep
resentatives of each company be asked to
come here, and the city seek competition
bids.
Carson-I, as chairman of that commit
tee, would recommend the Aaron" en-
CINE.
Glaze said he understood that If the
province of the committee to report on the
advisability of getting an engine.
Carson-Now, your honor. we have been
discussing this matter for months and
should have made the purchase some time
ago
johnson thought it would be well to
have paved streets first.
Glaze thought further time" should be
granted, and on motion of Johnson, it was
allowed.
The light committee reported four cleo
trio lights and twenty-five "blinkers,"
mostly in the Fifth ward. The reading Of
the report created considerable merrinent,
and johnson moved all others but "blink-
ers" be cut out and lights ordered.
Carson.moved amendment electric lights
he ordered and "blinkers" cut out.
Herrig said, some time ago johnson said
"blinkers' ordered in wholesale manner
over there and kicked and nov" something
happened and he wants nothing but
blinkers."
Glaze moved as substitute that the en-
tire report be adopted.
The insurance company license question
was brought up again and Johnson moved
1.-The whole business be dumped on the
table and dumped" it was.
At this moment there was considerable
disturbance at Second ward table and
Schnitzler was trying to get in a left up
per cut on big bug. He fell short.
The county commissioners sent in a COM
munication demonstrating against the use
OF any kind of stone for pavement around
the county building. Placed on file.
Appraiser on widening Sherman avenue
n PJVer cost