Great Falls tribune., 1889-12-21
CITY COUNCIL.
THE PARSONS ELECTRIC LIGHT
FRANCHISE RANTED.
The Ordinance of the Great Fall,
Electric Light Company Read
The Morrow Gas Light Or
dinance Rejected.

Aldermen Albrecht, Bridges, Germ
Clinton, Hotchkiss and Johnson wert
present at the regular meeting of the city
council Wednesday. Alderman Webstel
presided. The president referred to The
need of repairs on some city streets.
Alderman Clinton said that there were
some rough places where water ditchc.
had been made.
Alderman johnson observed that gray
el was needed for such openings, as ella,
was readily blown away.
The president spoke of the council ex
tending the fire limits on the north side.
City Attorney Leslie said that it coulG
be done by amending the present ordin
ance in the usual way. lie read a Ion
application from Major Pointer for thu
position Of street scavenger and then took
up the ordinances. He read the Grea1
Falls Electric Light company's applica.
tiOn.
On motion, Mr.. King was heard. He
said that many people were desirous tc
have arc lights before the holidays. Ac-
cordingly the company sought permits
sion to erect poles.
Alderman johnson said that the poles
should be available for other wires
Wires may hereafter be put underground
Alderman Gerln-There would be no
harm done by letting the company erect
poles at their own risk, pending the con-
sideration of the subject
Alderman Clinton said he would object
to suspending the rules to pass the ordln-
ance.
Alderman johnson said something
should be done by the company for the
city.
Here there was lull on electric light
matters, during which motion was pass
ed to make the cattle pound secure.
A letter was read from Chief Ringwald
saying he had appointed James Burns to
take charge of the hose house. Referred
George Buddington reported that the
total assessment of the city is S2,14S,421: i:
rate of city taxation, 44 mills, tax due
city $1O,2O5.52. The total tax list has
been turned over to the county treasurer
Alderman Clinton from the ordinance
committee reported favorably on the cleo
trio light ordinance, giving Chas. O. Par
sons general powers to supply the city
with electric lights. Alderman Albrecht
moved that final action be taken on the
proposed ordinance. Carried. The roll
was called and the ordinance was passed
unanimously.
The liability OF The Rainbow club to
pay liquor license came up again for dis
cusslon and several opinions were ex-
pressed. 1t was finally left to the city
attorney, Leslie. to report thereon
The Dyas telephone ordinance was
tten considered. Judge Dyas and Mr..
Annett were heard on the matter. Judge
Dyas said he had some talk with Ernest
A. Ringwald relative to consolidation,
but the subject was still open for settle
ment. He would have to modify his
own plan relative to starting local com
pany but he would engage to provide the
city with an efficient exchange if he were
granted the charter.
Mr.. Annett gave some explanations rel.
ative to the working Of telephones in Salt
Lake city where he has charge of an ex-
change.
Mr.. Parsons spoke Interestingly on the
precautions that should be taken to keep
telephone and electric light wires apart.
He said that the Boston fire which de-
stroyed property worth $5,OOO,OOO was
caused by the contact of wires. Mr.. Par
sons simply spoke on the subject from a
scientific point of view. His remarks
were terse and clear.
On motion, the Morrell gas ordinance
was rejected by vote of 4 to 3. The
vote was as follows:
Aye-Gerin, Clinton and Albrecht.
Nay-Johnson, Hotchkiss, Bridges and
Webster.
Alderman Webster spoke disapprov-
ingly of the ordinance because no one
seemed to know about the applicant
for it.
The council then adjourned.