The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-09-13
FRONT STREET HILL
It Is Not Considered Wise to
Make a Cut Now.
SEWER OUTLETS ON TIDE FLATS.
Chief Jackson and Merchant PATROL
Legal and Financial Questions
- to Front Street Cut.

AT the meeting Of the board OF aldermen
last night the subject Of cutting down the
hill on Front street. north of Pike, WAS re-
vived, but the opinion of the members
seemed to be to acquiescs in the view pre-
sented by Corporation Counsel Donworth,
that it would be unwise to attempt the
work until condemnation law for cities
has been passed by the state legislature.
Alderman Ingram reported that at .
meeting Of property owners on Front
street, within the points affected, twenty
SIX out Of thirty-nine were in favor Of it.
Corporation Counsel Donworth said
there were two questions to be consid-
cred. One was financial and that was:
Where is the money to come from to pay
the cost? A levy can only be made upon
the immediate property benefited. There
can be no other district created than to
the depth of 40 feet on either side of the
street. Another way would be to raise it
by tax levy. The city engineer has esti-
mated that next year between $50, 600 and
$4,000 would be needed for impending
work, so the speaker concluded it could
not be spared out of the present levy.
third way was to raise the money by
bonds. It was probable that an issue
would be necessary toward the end of the
year to take up outstanding warrants and
it could be provided for then.
Then there is legal question. 1t is
doubtful to what extent the power of the
city extends to cut down grade where it
is likely to damage property. There is,
moreover, no condemnation law appli-
cable to cities. The right of condemnation
is connected with the subject of grading.
If only one property owner objected he
could claim damages if the street were
materially changed in grade in front of
improved property.
Mr.. Donworth did not think, therefore,
it wonld be safe in the present state of the
law to order the improvement unless every.
affected property owner on the street as
sented
The committee was allowed further
time.
Mr.. Daulton moved resolution direct
ing the board of public works to advertise
for bids for lighting the city. Mr.. Wolfe
amended by proposing that the contract
be for six months only, and the resolution
was adopted as amended.
An invitation from the mayor and alder
men of New Westminster to the mayor
and council of Seattle to attend the indus
trial exhibition was accepted.
An ordinance was introduced regulating
the sale of fruits, beverages, sweetmeats
or other commodities in any booth or
wagon or board or basket, and establish
ing limits within which it is prescribed.
1t excepted ice and milk, to which were
added, on Mr.. Ingram's motion, bread and
newspapers. 1t was referred to the COM
mittee on health and police, of which Al
derman Jordan Is chairman.
An ordinance was introduced prescrib-
ing that every police officer shall wear a
six-pointed star, except detectives, who
shall wear inside the coat a small metal
badge with the word detective" on it.
and black felt helmet with a number in
a wreath Of white metal. 1t provides q
penalty for wearing such star or badge
without authority. A bill was also read
making 1t an ofiense to represent police
man by similar uniform or by claiming to
be one.
Chief Jackson. in reply to questions,
said the ordinance was suggested by the
necessity of preventing the merchants
patrol from uniforming its men the same
as police officers. who now wear a badge
and helmet so much alike that they cam
not be distinguished. The chief charged
that the patrols chief business now was to
watch the police and notify the gamblers
of an intended raid. They were q detri-
ment to the police force and q disadvant-
age to the city. The bills were referred to
the police committee.
The general appropriation ordinance for
August was passed as follows: Police,
$32S 20; harbor and wharf, $2,595; public
health, $685. 80; street light. $3,062.66; SAL
airy. 1928. 50; general, So, 495. %; water, &c.
32475; street, So, 93416; sewer and drain
age, 81, 734 90: fire. l,270.9A
Alderman Jordan called attention to the
desirability Of extending all sewers now
emptying on the tide fats out into deep
water. The conditions are becoming Sc
rious in view of the possibility of cholera
epidemic. 1t was referred to the commit.
tee on sewers.
The following ordinances were read:
Authorizing the board of public works 70
have all blacKsmithing for the city done by con.
tract: passed
Establishing the grade of Second street and
Lincoln street: passed.
Providing for the licensing of stationary en-.
ing to class; passed.
For the improvement OF Willard street; re-
ferred-
A joint resolution was passed providing for
an assessment roll for grading Pearl street
Petitions for the improvement of View
and Anna streets were granted. The fol-
lowing were also read:
From W. C. Hebron, for the pay msnt OF war.
rants for street improvement to the amount OF
S9la60: committee on claims.
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