The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1891-12-04
THE REGULAR DECEMBER MEETING
AP ROTRACTED AND
BUSY one.



McSherry in his accustomed seat at the
head Of the table, and all the council
men except Mr.. Berry were present.
The business was proceeded with in the
usual manner. City Clerk Young read
the minutes, which were approved.
The Mayor called the attention Of the
Council to the fact that the water in
Tuscarora, near the dam Of Messrs.
Fitz, was in filthy condition on ac-
count Of the refuse from the Hannis-
vile Distillery. In consequence there
was liable to be scattering of disease
through the community, as the water
supply was from that source. Mayor
McSherry suggested that immediate ac-
ton was necessary, as the managers
and owners Of the Hannisville Distil-
lery seemed oblivious as to the situation
and al responsibility. The Mayor also
stated that the Street Railway Com
pany had purchased stone crnsher
and proposed to place its track in good
condition as soon as possible.
The first matter called up for con-
sideration was the lighting Of the
streets Of the city for the next year.
Propositions were submitted from both
the Edison Illuminating Company and
the Martinsburg Gas Company. The
price asked by the Gas Company was
s23.S7 per lamp, per year, for d period
lof 5 years. or So. 81 per lamp for one
year. The proposition Of the Electric
Company was to furnish are lights for
$40 per year and 80 candle-power in
candescent lights at SO per year. IL
was stated that the Electric Light
Company's proposition was Sl4S less
than that Of the Gas Company.
There was spirited discussion be-
tween the president Of the Gas Com
pany and Mr.. d. w. Shaffer Of the
Electric Light Company, as to the rela-
tive merits Of the lights furnished. The
lattefNsaid that it was the duty Of the
Council, as the representative Of the
people, who paid taxes to obtain the
street lighting as cheap as possible, the
bid Of the Electric Light Company was
lower than that furnished by the Gas
Company, and there ought to be no
hesitancy in accepting it.
| On the other hand the official Of the
Gas Company considered that as II
paid in theneighborhood Of 300 taxes
and water rental to the city, that it
ought to be recognized. The question
was recommended to the light commit
tee for additional information and
report will be submitted at an adjourn
ed meeting to be held on Tuesday
night.
Sergeant Wilen reported that he had
found it necessary to purchase 1860
feet Of bridge timber. The purchase
was approved.
Messs. D. NJ. Shaffer and !. Il.
Bender q Bro. were, on the motion Of
Councilman SchiIl, ordered 10 remove
their buildings and houses on Conn
merce street back to the surveyed line
Of the street within five months. This
action was taken after careful examina-
ton. Mr.. Shaffer's property projects
feet 3 inches. Hig fence also encloses
part Of said street from Bender's line
to his new brick house.
The question Of placing light at
the intersection Of South and Raleigh
street, was referred to the Light Com
mittee. j. 7. Rely and 4 number Of
others petitioned the Council to grade
Boyd avenue, and the matter was
placed in the hands of the Street Conn
mittee, as was also the placing OF a
crossing at West Burke and Raleigh
streets.
Councilman Schill made motion
that the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
Company be instructed to place cul-
vert and make other necessary repairs
at the Queen St. crossing. Its pres
emit condition" said Mr.. Schill, ..is a
disgrace to the city, A motion was
adopted ordering that the Company
have the work done within 80 days or
lpay fine Of 81 for every day that il