The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-01-24
INCORPORATION or CITIES.
Debate In Committee Of the whole ON
Details.

Debate In Committee Of the Whole ON
Details.
OLYMPIA, Jan. 2. The larger part of the
session Of the Senate was taken up in
discussion Of Whalley's bill for the incor-
poration of cities and towns of less than
5000 inhabitants. and the reorganization
Of existing municipalities. II came up a.
4 special order. with amendments pro-
posed by the committee. The first Of these
provided that no additions shall be made
TO such cities. including existing additions,
unless = majority Of the resident land
owners OF the territory proposed 10 be
made . new addition petition therefor.
The bill provides for such petitions being
made to the superior court. which is given
authority to issue On order allowing incor.
poration OF towns or additions thereto.
Houghton questioned the legal soundness
Of this. lie doubted the validity and ex-
pediency Of clothing judges with this sort
OF power.
Rinehart explained that the object Of the
amendment was TO deprive city councils Of
the power TO annex property outside its
limits against the wish OF the owners.
Drum thought that cities should have
the power in certain cases to bring within
their boundaries territory necessary to
their progress and needs.
Lawrence thought there was good deal
of weight In Houghson's objection. There
should be = general incorporation law,
about the legality Of which there will be no
doubt.
The section and amendment were passed
over to allow Houghton time to examine
the legal question and propose an amend
msnt il he thought proper.
The reading of the bill was proceeded
with. Section 2 provides that the council
shall consist OF seven members, to he
elected every year. 1t was proposed by the
committee To strike cut this section.
Long thought that II councillors satisfied
the people they wonld be reelected. The
section gave an opportunity to get rid OF
old fogses and unsatisfactory officers. The
amendment Vas adopted.
Another amendment proposed that the
marshal or chief OF police be appointed by
the city conncil and he liable 70 removal
by them. ana IN, be elected BY the people.
Rinehart Advocated this. The amend
men; was adopted.
Another amendment authorised the cleo
ton by the council of an existing Justice 81
the peace a. the police magistrate. or may
themselves elect or provide for the election
by the people OF police judge to be paid
either by salary or fees. The amendment
Was adopted.
Another amendment changed the time
OF electine officers TO December. so that
they may begin their service at the begin
ming OF the year; adopted.
Another amendment provides for the ar-
roinsmens OF special police by the mayor
by and with the advice and co nsens OF
the council
Drum thought the chief OF police should
have the power of appointment
Rinehars said the object OF the committee
Is IA have chief oil police who shall not he
At all independent of the council. He
wanted 20 avoid any conflict Of authority.
Drum insisted that the CHIEF Of police ard
ROT the mayor should appoint his assist
Ants, Amendments proposed BY The com.
rnittce were completed aud the committee
OF the Whole arose and reported progress.
II Is understood that many other amend
snsnts wih I've proposed by individual
members.