The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-01-11
THE CITY'S AFFAIRS.
First Meeting of Charter Adj
visory Committee.
THE BOARD or PUBLIC WORKS.
Water Payable I'm Coin, But Electric
Lights in Scrip-Library Commits
sioners in Session.

The first meeting of the charter advisory
committee took place yesterday. 1t was
attended by Messrs. NJ Korn, w. A. Sny-
der. s. NJ. Shipley, Frank Hanford, +. c..
EeufeIder, II. III. Goldie, Thomas Proseh
and Il. J. McCorry. The absentees we're j..
r. Ronald and Alexander Walls.
After the resolution had been read by
Deputy Clerk Townsley, Alderman Korn,
as the mover of the resolution. gave his
reasons for introducing it. He said that
the charter gave considerable dissatisfac-
ton. It made provision for a system of
government suitable for a city of 100000,
and It was altogether too expensive. He
related how legislation was delayed by the
system.
A discussion took place as to the time at
which meetings should be held. 1t was
resolved to make the first meeting Thurs
day at 80 p. m.
Mr. Neufclder deprecated haste; he
thought no recommendation should be
made without careful elaboration.
Alderman Snyder was of opinion that
the people would find reason to change
their views upon the charter. He had
faith in the general provisions of the
charter.
Mr.. Neufelder said the men who framed
ability, and he should want to be very
sure 81 to the effect of any changes.
Mr.. Korn admitted that, but presented
the possibility that some changes might
need legislative action.
Mr.. Snyder said that no two members
Of the present city council had ever served
together before, and it was no wonder that
there was little friction. He maintained
that there had been great saving under
the new charter The leaks stopped more
than paid for the additional cost
Mr.. Korn thought the people would
never have voted for the charter had they
not been heartily sick Of the old council,
especially during the last year.
Mr.. Hanford considered that the city
should have a charter suited to the chang
ing conditions and Improvements in the
city.
Mr. Shipley said there was no unity in
the government, but he thought the tegis-
lative body probably effected saving.
Under the old system one ordinance was
run through in one night for street lnl-
provements that cost $4,000
Mr.. Snyder instanccd also the fire hose,
n which saving of 5000 had been eff
fected for the city. Another old ordinance
bad rushed through an order for purchase
Of 300 shydrants. which would not be
needed for a year He warmly defended
tho new charter; the difference in cost
would only be about 10 per cent.
Mr.. Hsnford said there was no doubt it
made great improvements on the system
of public work it might take longer TO
start It, but the work would be done
cheaper.
Mr.. Snyder mentioned that it was i'm
possible for the old council to do justice to
the city. They were overworked and got
no pay for it,
Mr.. Prosch did not think the old council
was so much to blame. They were work
ing under the old charter, which was quite
inadequate to the great emergency in
which the council found itself. They were
compelled to spend money lavishly, but
the city generally benefited by it.
After further exchange of views upon
the general question, it was resolved to
meet ON Thursday evening at 1880 o'clock.