Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-01-19
READY FOR COUNCILS.
Allegheny's Appropriation Ordinance
Has Been Approved.
JOHN DAVIS QUEER PETITION.
Asks for Remission of Fine Imposed fol
Habitual Drunkenness.
INCREASE IN STREET CAR TAX FLOOREI

Allegheny's appropriation ordinance for
the next fiscal year was favorably acted on
and sent to the printer by the Finance
Committee last night. There was no dis
cussion and it was agreed to unanimously,
Mr. Nesbit, who wanted it increased to
allow for fire engine house in the Tenth
ward, not being present.
The committee was called upon to con-
slider petition of rather unusual character
presented by John Davis, who represented
that about two months ago he had been ar
said he was too poor to pay the fine and
wanted it rernitted by Councils. Such de-
mand had never been made before, and,
bearing in mind the general criticism to
which Mayor Wyman had been subjected in
the past for remitting fines, the committee
hardly knew what to do.
Mr.. Henderson argued that if the Chief
Magistrate of the city could not remit fine,
he could not understand how Councils could
doit. Mr. Gerwig explained that the fine had
been imposed under the belief that Davis had
been frequent offender. Mayor Wyman
afterward learned he had been misinformed,
but refused TO remit any part of the fine.
Mr.. Gerwig thought the fine was a little
heavy for such an offense and favored re-
mittance.
Would be Bad Precedent.
Mr.Dahlinger said if the committee would
undertake to grant such request once there
would be so similar petitions filed within
week Some one suggested that Davis
might recover by suing the Mayor for e1-
tortion. Mr.. Henderson insisted that the
petitioners only redress would be in the
courts. Chairman Wertheimer was about
to rule the paper out of order when a
motion was passed to negatively report it
to Councils.
Another discussion arose over petition
from the Delphi Club, asking exoneration
from the payment of $75 for the use of
Carnegie Music Hall for concert. They
represented that the club was organized for
the purpose of 'elevating the musical taste'
in Allegheny, and 10 this end they had
brought an expensive attraction from the
East The enterprise proved failure
financially and the club desired to be re-
ieved of the hall rent.
Mr.. Kennedy favored the granting of the
request, but this was opposed by all the
other members of the committee, who re-
called the fact that resolution has been
passed by Councils prohibiting the free use
of Music Hall for any purpose where an ad-
mission is to be charged
The report of the subcommittee on a
change in the Observatory Hill Passenger
Railway ordinance was received 1t pro-
vides for a change in the annual
toll, from $50 to S1OO a car. Mr..
Kennedy said he conld not understand
why so great an increase was proposed, nor
why such a small company was selected,
unless the member presenting it was inter
ested in real estate out Perrysville avenue
Objections to Determination.
The concensus of opinion was that the
city was not receiving enough money from
any of the companies, but that it was un-
fair to make such demand from a COM
pany like the Observatory Hill road. The
matter was referred again to the committee
The board of assessors was voted 500,
money for additional clerk hire. A COM
munication from the Herr's Island Stock
Yard Company, asking to use its own
weigh scales and pay the city bonus of
$500 year, was reported affirmatively.
Messrs Ober and Henderson were added to
the salary committee. The report of the
subcommittee appointed to effect a compro-
mise of the claim of Thomas Shaw in refer
ence to certain patents was received. 1t
showed that compromise had been made
for $500.