The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-07-17
BOARD OF ALDERMEN
The Salary Appropriation Bill
Referred.
FLAGMEN AT THE CROSSINGS.
Another Lively Discussion Over the Re-
trenchment Bil1-Two Streets
On Payment by Bond.

Judge Jacobs last night sent in an opinion on
the subject of the salary retrenchment ordi-
naneeto the board of aldermen. The corpora
ton counsel recites the now weIl-known facts.
He says the only way TO change salaries fixed by
charter is by popular amendment, but as to
those fixed by ordinance he advises the board
that If the ineumbents do not assent. the powers
OF the council are exhausted. The council has
the power, however, to consolidate Offices
Mr.. Wilcox moved that every item which
called for wrongful reduction OF salaries be
stricken from the bill
Mr.. Korn said he had not changed his opinion
that the bill would be invalid after it was passed
but he should vote for it and let the respon-
slbiiity rest where il belongs.
Mr.. Miller thought there was not provision
In the charter that was not invalid
son. exclaimed Mr.. Korn, "not all; there is
much that is good in it,
''No,'' replied Mr.. Miller "there isn't line
valid in il. / am in favor of retrenchment;
would be in favor of cutting down the newspa-
per bills The newspapers publish the notices
and are paid for it, They stand idly by aud cry
thief," and pocket thousands of dollars.
would be in favor oftaking the contracts away
from the PosT-INTELLIG ENCER and Press Times
and give them TO those papers who keep quiet
Mr.. Miller said the papers were now picking
upon paltry bill of Fl. W. Miller for groceries
man was poor ne should not have ham, canned
fruit and such other things, but if they should
only be enjoyed by the rich. He called stten-
ton to the proposition to consolidate offices,
which Was clearly in violatio of the provision
that no man could hold two officers. He quoted
figures to show that the total amount to be
saved by the bill would be absurdy small, not
more than $50 a month. He hoped every man
would vote against the bill.
Mr.. Wilcox reminded Mr. Miller that the
council could consolidate Offices if it chose. He
proposed to bring the bill into harmony with
the charter by leaving out those Offices which
could not be legally reached.
Mr.. Pontius thought they could make saving
in every department. The only item in this bill
that contrayenes the charter is that to
the mayor.
Mr.. Miller said he was in favor of retrench-
ment and moved that the bill be referred to q
joint committee. This bill was in violation Of
the charter from beginning to end.
Mr. Korn thought Mr.. Miller was justified
in his condemnation of the press He did not
desire to restrict the liberty of the press, but if
the daily press intended to abuse individuals 1t
couldn't expect its course to be approved. He
defied anybody to point to one single case where
the advice of the press was in harmony with the
charter.
Mr. Sweeney preferred that the bill should go
to the finance committee.
Mr. Hall said the chairman was absent and
would not be back in time.
TWAS resolved to refer the bill to joint COM
mittee of three from each house. The chair
named Pontius, Miller and Korn, the joint COM
mittee to elect its own chairman.
Mr.. Miller introduced blind man who said
that Mayor White had been very good and kind
to him but ii was necessary for him to earn his
living and he asked permission to play amusical
instrument.
Mr.wilcox moved that he be given transporta-
ton to wherever he could get work.
The blind man said he had wife here, and
wansed to stay.
Mr.. Korn thought that things had been done
in violation of the charter; he didn't know why
they shouldnt let this blind man play in some
place.
Mr. Miller asked what harm it would do to
give this man permission to play wherever he
can. Suppose he gave him order to get $40
worth of groceries there would be fault found.
The man wanted to do something to earn u
livelihood.
Mr. Hall said permit for him to play meant
alicense to a saloon. The city council had no
power to give this man employment.
Wilcox moved that the mayor be instructed to
give him ticket wherever he can get employ
ment, but it was lost; Mr.. Hall explaining that
there was nothing TO prevent any saloon en-
ploying him without permit
Mr. Wilcox moved that the chief of police be
directed to arrest the president and every grip
man of any street car line which did not place
flag men at crossings
Mr. Pontfus said the presidents had asked for
a conference with committee of the council,
and were expecting it. He objected to this per-
emptory order.
Mr. Wilcox replied that the roads should con-
form to the law first and the council would dc.
ternine afterward whether to modify it, .zss
Mr.. Sweeney did not think il was the province
OF the board of alderman to issue orders to the
chief of police. If he did not do his duty there
was way TO reach him.
Mr.. Wilcox said that was the point they could
issue order. and ii the chief did not attend to
it then they could fix him.
Mr.. Miller had no sympathy with these rail
roads; he wanted the ordinance enforced before
any other lives were lost. They had killed one
man since it was passed. He instanced San
Francisco, where cars were brought TO dead
stop NJ crossings.
Mr. Wilcox put motion in writing to the
effect that the heads of street car lines be noti-
fed to enforce the ordinance as to placing flag
men at crossings and instrueting the chief of
police to arrest all companies refusing 10 com
ply. II was passed.
The mayors veto of the bin appropriating $50
for Fourth OF July celebration was sustained.
The joint resolution postponing approval of
assessment roll for local improvement districts
and until July 20 was passed.
petition was received for the passage of an
ordinance against the sale of swilI milk
Bills establishing grade of Eighth, Twelfth.
Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth at Uni
versity were passed.
Joint resolution reyoking certain building
permits for the use of sidewalks was passed.
Ordinances were read providing for the issue
of bonds for grading MeClaire and Decatur
streets and referred TO judiciary committee
An ordinance Tor approval of assessment roll
of Joy and Black streets
The board adjourned until Monday night