Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1890-08-13


conducted.
Mr.. Armstrong spoke at some length on
the question of closing the theaters.
was in some doubt as to the harm or
benefits of such institutions. He was IL
favor of standing pat on the mayor IS
veto, quit legislatIng on the business aud
force the officers to apply the law we
now have.
City Attorney Powell said that he had
no power to stop variety theaters as
such, but he could draft an ordinance
preventing the sale of liquors in such
places. But the officers will not execute
the legal process when drawn up by the
city attorney.
MIR. Fraser thought that the city mar
shall should be brought to time.
Mr.. Furman thought that under
the chatter the council had
power TO close up the variety
theaters. As theaters the council coulG
not interfere, but when the liquor Is
brought in then the law can enter. Mr..
Furman spoke eloquently of the evils OF
the theaters, saying that the houses that
were the most orderly were the most
harmful as being most seductive to guile
less young men. But you cannot legis-
late lust and intemperance out OF exist
ence, and there must be vent Tor
them. But we want to prevent variety
theaters. believe we can do it by hav-
ing the ordinances observed that are on
our books. When you shut out the
liquor their trade is gone. If we have
not the necessary laws now, let US make
them. Let us instruct the marshal TO
arrest all who are violating the ordi-
nanees in this regard, and If he do not
In az HIM
Mr.. Martin had never been inside va
riety theater, but he was heartily OPP
posed to them. But he does not think
the variety theaters can be closed,
though we can prevent the sale of liquors
in them.
"That's the same thing said Mr..
Furman and Mr.. Clements.
Mayor Smith suggested that the city
attorney be instructed to draft an ordi-
nance that he was sure ne could enforce.
Mr.. Nicks spoke in explanation of his
veto. He did not want the city to do an
illegal thing. But he is not one of those
who think variety theaters such awful
things. He had never seen live town
where they did not exist. They might
be banished from the principal streets
MIR. Armstrong thought that If the va
riety theaters were going TO be legislated
out of the business part of the city the
entire half-acre with all its appurte-
uances and appendages should be moved
out. The variety theater is not so bad
as the regular bawdy house. He thought
the council should stand pat and make
the officers en- force the law as it is.
No action was taken by the council.
Acceptance by A. j. Hayes CT the
Preuitt street contract to grade was sub
mitted. Approved, and penalty clause
| will be attached.
Acceptance of the Sixth avenue grad
| ing contract by 4. f. W-lker. APP
| proved, with penalty clause.
Auditors report on Hugh T. Wilson 8
report for July; same on Q. T. Askew IS
report, the latter referred to the city
attorney Q Z. Askew's report re-
| ceived and filed.
John Coleman asked for $500 for
| piece of land appropriated by the city for
street purposes. Street and alley COM
mlttee and city attorney.
A. Crews wanted 500 for same &C
| count. Same disposition.
| A letter from a Steubensville, Ohio },
| lawyer regarding check was referred
to the city engineer.
request from the school board that
the Swedish church be rented for school
| purposes. Public schools committee with
| power to act.
Petition from ]. D. Andrews, asking q
| permit to conduct a variety show for
three months, the same accompanied by
! tax receipt and consent of two-thirds OF
the residents in the block in which the
place is located.
Mr.. Armstrong moved that the petit
ton be granted; seconded by Mr.. Nicks.
Petition from Creelan s. Kelly for per-
NIT to do similar business, accompanied
by tax receipt and consent of two-thirds
property owners in the block, the de-
sired location being Eleventh and Main
streets.
Mr.. James Davis was heard in behalf
of both-appIcations. They are in keep
ing with the ordinances, he said. In
granting the permit the council does not
conflict with the state law.
Motion to grant the Andrews permit
was carried 8 to 4. To grant the Cree
Ian, vote was taken by yeas and nays
resulting thus: Yeas-Ryan. Nicks
Rail, Fraser. Armstrong, Day, smith
z; nays-Martin, Furman, Mes, Cle-
ments, Guertler, 5. Granted.
A resolution offered by Mr.. Armstrong
pertaining to the allotment of funds de-
rived from the Seventh ward went to thu
finance committee.
A communication from A. B. Smitl
requesting repair of alley in the rear o.
his premises went to the street and ale,
committee.
The city attorney presented the follow
ing report:
To the Mayor and City Council:
GENTLEMEN-In reference to the Yves
Seventh street contract referred to tn
street and alley committee, the city en-
gineer and the city attorney, I beg leav
TO report as follows:
There is no such thing as extra work II
the contract. This was distinctly under
stood at the time 1t was drawn up. TIL
contractor must be paid for all worl
done under the supervision of the ont
engineer, provided it Is done in accord
ance with profile and specifications g
prices mentioned in the contract. Thi
is all there is to the whole matter. Re
speotfuIly, 7. j. POWELL,
City Attorney.
The opinion went to the street and ale
committee.
The city attorney rendered opinio
that the city had the right if it desired t
, allow Tom Coppage's claim of ST 70
street car fare. The claim was not al
| lowed.
l I.