davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02

urgently Fecommend, therefore. that hereafter
no branch sewers be built AZ the public expense
and no street paving be paid for out Of the gen
erat iund. We have taken the liberty OF urging
these suggestions upon your attention by virtue
Of the charter provision which makes X the
duty of this board 70 report to the council upon
matters OF this nature, which in their opinion
demand attention :"
In these views most heartily concur 1t has
seemed 70 me 70 be my duty when member OF
your honorable body, as well as in previous
councils, TO express much the same opinion
The north tunnel should be pushed with all
speed, and the south tgnnel begun SIS soon as
the necessary money can be provided. The san
itary condition OF the city demands that no
tine should be lost in perfecting the entire sys-
tenn The only equitable way 10 defray the cost
OF main arteries is by the issue OF bonds 10 be
redeemed by general taxation.
1t may seem unjust, after so many local
sewers have been constructed at public expense,
to change the system and apportion the cost 70
benefited property, but the sudden development
OF the city requires abandonment OF policy
which was applicable only TO e small town.
In some cities a special sewer tax is levied,
but the objection to taat method is that for
years householders are compelled TO pay for
sewers elsewhere while deprived of the advant-
age themselves through the slow accretion OF
funds, and are prevented from obtaining re-
lief for which they would gladly pay. The
cost OF sewerage per lot is not heavy when ii be-
comes part OF q symmetrical system.
1 believe there viii b. more general con-
currence in the opinion that streets should be
Improved at the expense of adjacent property.
This is especially the case as TO the residence
districts. but there has been a very decided
difference Of opinion as to whether abutting
property should bear the entire expense of
keeping In good repair main avenues OF travel
whose use IS not restricted to local traffic, bat
which are subject to exhaustive wear and tear
by travel in which the commercial prosperity OF
the entire city is concerned.
This is matter which viii need almost
Judicial penetration and broad-minded judg-
ment. However it may be decided, one thing
Is certain, and that is that lumber must be
abandoned in the principal thoroughfares when
the present planking is worn out Whether it
shah be replaced by basaltic pavement by
mseadamized stone or by other approved
method OF modern road-building ia question
which should not be lost sight of. although the
necessity for decision may not be imminent
The cost of widening the principal streets
looks Ii ke burden today, but il will be only q
very few years before the courageous wisdom OF
assuming that responsibility will be acknowl-
edged.
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
HARDLY ANY FIRE LOSS.
Fifteen Alarms During January, With
Only $1,000 Damage.

Chief Kellogg's report for January shows
that the department answered fifteen calls.
The total loss by fire dur the month was
l,030. Following is the detailed report:
January ALARM from box AZ, at l:25 p. M:
fire in Morses lodging house, los Main street.
caused by smoking cigarettes in bed; damage to
furniture, $40.
January ALARM from box 81, at 2:5s p. m,
three-story lodging house, at King and Sixth
streets; damage, s25: insurance unknown.
January 2-Still alarm for kerosene lamp ex-
pIosion in three-story frame on Columbia, be-
tween Seventh and Eighth; damage, $40
January Alarm from box 81 AT 10 a. M
for fire in one-and-a-halfstory frame on Third
street, between Blanchard and Bell; ineendiary;
loss on house, 5000; on furniture, 5000.
January l1-Alarm from box 81 at $50 D. m,
in printing room of Pop & Van Brocklin, Squire
Latimer building; damage to stock, SIS; to
building, $40.
January 15-Telephone alarm at 1918 a. m.
from residence of II. G. strive; damage
January 16-Alarm from box SO at $50 p. m.
on Eleventh, near Jackson; 70 loss.
January l7-AlarIn from box q at 410 a. m,
FIRE in Northwestern hotel, Main and CONNER
cial streets: ineendiary; damage So
While at this fire, fire broke out in three
story brick, owned by Mr.. Kenyon, and the two
upper stories occupied by Mrs. Fray as lodging
house. Fire incendiary; was set in rear rooms
OF second ana thlrd Stories insurance on the
building, $4,000; on stock, $4,000. Loss on
building. $40; on furniture, SIS; not insured.
January l7.-Alarm from box Il at Il 30 D. m
for fire in rear of st. James hotel, caused by
lamp explosion. Loss on building $40; on fur
niture $40.
January 2l.-Alarm from box % for slight
blaze in the basement of Dietz & Elliots saloon
on Cherry street; no damage
January 23-Alarn from box IL at 1l:l0 D. m
fire in Wah Chonr's brick. on South Third no.
tween Yesler and Washington streets; damage
to building, $50. to stock, $50.
January 2G-Alarm at 9:S5 O'Clock p m from
auxilidry 20 box rs for fire in two-story frame on
Cherry street, owned By Amos Brown; damage
TO furniture. IS, TO building, s..
January 29-Alarm from box II at o'clock a.
m, for fire III lodging house, near Turner hall
Damage. s.; no insurance.
January 30-False alarm from box l6 at $40
O'clock a m
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
The Work of the Year

The first administration under the new sys-
tem has been subjected at times to criticism
which deprecste as unjust. Ny predecessor
Ia Office, the city council, and the several eo-ad
iutory boards. we're intrusted with very seri-
ous responsibility, due not only TO an entire
change in the machinery of the government,
but 10 the necessity of providing payment for
extraordinary expenditures neeessitsted by
trials, and may add by a succeeding prosperity
and development which has no parallel in mu-
nicipai history refer TO this with difidence,
as u was my honor to be associated with you IN
endeavoTing 20 at once overcome great difficult
ties, meet pressing Liabilities, and at the same
time adjust the burden that it should not
weigh too heavily upon the income OF year
already attengated by the recession from
period Of fcverish activity.
arn proud to say that through sll the per
riexities OF mot trying period while errors OF
judgment may have been committed, / never
saw single instance OF official turpitude or
wiiiul disregard OF the public interests
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
THE CITY COUNCIL.
Unlooked-for Delay in the Bond
ing Ordinance.
1T WILL BE CONSIDERED TO-DAY
Election Ordinance Also Delayed-Cur.
rent Expenses to Be Paid Ont
of Current Revenues.

The two houses of the city council met
in regular session last night. 1t was ex-
pected that the ordinance proposing to
submit to vote OF the people the question
of issuing additional bonds for the pay
ment of the city's indebtedness would
come up for discussion and action, but ow-
ing to the fact that Mr. Shepard had not
completed them, the matter had to go
over As the time is very near 10 the
thirty days preceding the election, it is
necessary that the ordinance be speedily
passed. and for that reason both houses OF
the council will meet today, the aldermen
at 2: go in the afternoon and the delegates
at 1880 in the evening.
The election ordinance will also be taken
up ct the meetings today.
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02

The people Of Seattle have expressed a desire
10 anticipate the time when IL shall be a great
metropolis, b. purchasing land suitable for
parks while the cost is com parativeIy low. The
charter sets aside 10 per cent OF licenses fines
and fees for the maintenance OF lis parks, but
the board OF park commi ssioners have been pre-
vented both BY the restrictions imposed upon
them by the charter sud by the iuauspcous
financial conditions from entering upon the
wider scope OF duties deyolvlng upon them. At
present the city has three small parks. two OF
which, known by their donors names, were the
gil. OF distinguished citizens, D. r. Denny and
George Kinnear The park board IS using such
means as II controls u beautify these, and
prom ses, ia its report which is herewith trans
mittei % yon, to faithfully carry out the wishes
OF the people
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
Board of Public Works.

The report of the commissioners of public
woFEs, with those of the several departments
give very thorough information upon the work
done during the pas, year, the present condition
OF the water system sewers, streets bui dings
ana wharyes. AMI street lighting and their i'm
mediate necessities. The creation OF this de-
partment is one of the best results OF the city
Charter, aud its thorough system OF
checking and inspection is OF in
caieulable value to the city. The
board has completely covered every branch of
its work. but would like TO supplement it by
bringing once more TO your attention the valu-
able report with suggestions made TO your hon
orabie body a few months ago by the present
chairman of the board On the improvements
which might be made in the system Of street
lighting.
The city obtained control of the water supply
sFstem little over year ago. yet it has been
extended BY the laying OF over thirty-three
miles of pipe. including very considerable
length OF thirty-inch mains
Important improvements have been made in
the other departments, streets have been
planked and sewers laid, and in all cases the
most rigid economy has been exercised.
do not hesitate 70 say that the system of con-
troi exercised by this board results in a saving
10 the city compared with which the cost is in
significant. In fact, the necessity of some such
organization had become absolutely necessary.
The city has hitherto been relying upon an I'M
paid committee oil the council to transact all its
business, and that business had increased to
such an extent that IL was only provoking con-
fusion and unchecked extravaganza TO continue
the old method.
In this, ss i'll other branches of the city work,
1t must be remembered that the change has not
been made too soon; the only fault was il, delay
ing il so long.
Reviewing the report of the water department
and taking the net profit for the fret fourteen
months, So 1920, which even burdened with
four months OF interest and discount prior TO re-
ceipt of revenue therefrom, and adding pro-
poFt.onate profit for said four months, we arrive
at an annual net profit over all expenses and in
terest OF $50 90554, for the first year OF the citys
management. Capitalizing this $50 ,e05.5i at
per cent, represents an amount of s5l50S4, or, in
other words, IL would have paid per cent. on
s5lI,0s4 In addition TO the interestgI aid on the
$4,000 present bonded indebtedness
Or, again. as plant is worth its interest or
dividend paying capacity, the city water depart
ment can be conservatively valued at 81 So, 600
From the reports it viii be seen that the city
has acquired very considerable property to show
Tor the Liabilities IL has incurred. The value of
1t property is about rs follows;
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
January Statistic. i'm RIFT

The county auditor issued Afty-six marriage
licenses during the month OF January
superintendent Complons report for January
shows las days work done by the employees in
his department at a cost Of $3.50.
There were dled with the clerk OF the superior
court during the month Of January 235 new
suits. The prosecuting attorney also fled thir-
teen criminal complaints
The monthly report OF the two justice courts
Tor seattle precinct show the following figures
Tor January: Won Tobel--Collccte1 in fines and
fees $40; constable, fees, sI00 Neagle-Fiues
ard fees, Sc; constable, fees, $s4
Tie city engineers report for January. a.
audited By the board OF public works YESTERDAY
shows an expenditure Of si.35S y on general
work. On the sewer tuaneI iorty-threa men
were employed at a cost of s2g5573
=, Don't become eoastipated. Take BEEcHAx's
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02

Bonds. dent include in this the proposition
Tor rereiy current expenses which viii be pro-
Wed Tor by proposed amendment 70 the char
ter which am sure the good sense OF the people
viii approve
an sorry the proposed changes in the charter
do not include provision that each depart
Ue1s should psy its own salaries, especially
would this bs desirable in the water and sewer
work, where 8 distinction should be clearly
made between the expenditure OF money
derived from the sale Of bonds for construction
and that spent in the course OF operation This
cannot be done now, but before the accounts
become too complicated, the books, appropri-
alton ordinances, etc, should begin aud keep
strict line between the two classes of disburse-
ment
There has been q marked falling Of in the
revenue of the city from Licenses, fines and fees.
II ives estimated las. January that the amount
thus derived would be $1,000. whereas it has
not exceeded $4,000 This unexpected falling
of hiss seriously affected results, and accounts
in great measure for the seeming excess of
expenses.
The decrease Is accounted for By the abolition
Of vicious practice OF imposing a monthly
fine. ss matter OF form, of $40 on women who
make business al immortality. and also fine
upon gamblers. Il is very difficult problem
which sll cities have IN contend VITA, but do
not consider that the city government should
derive direct revenue from vice. There is q
broad moral difference between reluctantly toll
Grating a. ofiense which cannot altogether be
obviated and being participation in the profits
Of immortality and crime
another eause OF the falling of IS the depar-
tnre from the city OF great horde of vicious
characters who always hover IN the rear OF pros
pefity. The great activity OF 1889 and 1880. with
a consequent pientifulness of money, attracted
q swarm Of men who 1--we by their wits, and by
their frequent arrest contributed to the city
treasury in fines
The loss OF this expected 10000 has thrown
the government little out of its calculations,
but i Is q loss which no reputable citizen viii
regret
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
The Board of Public Works,

At the session of the board of public
works yesterday the following petitions
were referred:
avenue and Rainier street and Yesler avenue
aud Baker street; referred to the council.
For sewer on Bradley street: referred.
George J. Milton et al, authorizing the city
to construct a sewer through their property and
waving all claims for damages
Superintendent Comptons report for the
week ending January 20 showed twenty
eight permits issued; aggregate cost of
buildings, 1855.
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02

To this may be added the West Seattle line as
asuburban road running directly from the city
and Tor the accommodation OF its residents
although IT is outside the city limits; its whole
length is 1850 feet
This makes seattles car line system extend
over ioriy-three miles by electricity and
twenty-five niles by cable, altogether seventy
miles, record unparalleled by any other city
IN the United States; of this total stxty-fye
miles have been entirely built, and FIVE miles
have been changed from horse car 10 electric
power within the past four years Two other
lines arc under Continuation
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
TRAGIC DEATHS OF A MONTH.
Coroner Called to Investigate Six Cases
During January,

Coroner Horton was called in six cases
during the month of January. but found
1t necessary TO hold an inquest in one
only.
Jan. 6.-Skeleton of unknown man found in
kinnaar park.
Jan. 9.-George Shoomaun, a shoemaker, fell
dead in the Queen City shirt factory from heart
disease.
Jan. 9.-John Erickson, a land clearer killed
by falling tree, six miles north of Ballard
Jan. l5.-Mary Buch died suddenly from heart
disease.
Jan. l9-W. II. Schell, conductor. killed in a
collision on Madison street railway. Inquest
held.
Jan. Civilian, son OF Nicholas Jackman
killed by falling stump at Maydenbauer bay.
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02

he steady and enterpFising extension of our
street car system is one OF the best assurances
that increased traffic will find adequate faci i.
ties Prior to lSSs, there existed hardly five
miles OF horse car line in Seattle. Todsy nearly
every portion Of the city is accessible by one car
line, and Ia many parts by two. Even those
who are familiar with the system hardly realize
what exceptional advantages the city possesses.
The electric lines are as follows:
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
FINANCES OF THE CRY.
Collections From Taxes and Licens
During January.

City Treasurer Ames collected in taxes
during the month of January $. siS.I9.
In aI about $685. has been collected.
The treasurer also took in $l6,gI3.s7 in
licenses, fines, etc, which will be appor
toned 10 the different funds as follows:
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
The Cttx,s Einanon.

reive your earnest attention. The statement he
presents fully informs you a. 90 the csty'a
financial condition, ana the accom- pan ing sl..
gessiens merit consideration.
DO not think any man who hSs devoted the
most euFsory attention 70 city affairs viii fail 20
concur in the Recommendation that al as early
Gate ~ practicable the floating indebtedness az
fhs city should be funded by 1hs issuance Of
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
OFFICE or TIE xAYoR.

To the Honorable, the City Counel4--ue8iseo-
mon: The close OF the first term OF an admins
tra;ion under the operation of the freeholders
charter affords favorable opportunity for re-
viewing the causes which led TO the adoption OF
. more expanded form OF municipal govern
xaent for Seattle, and the results attending IL.
The restricted limits Of authority prsscrioed oy
the charter OF 1856. which formed the local law
until 1890. had become serious detrlment to
the c;fy's interests. Tho demand for enlarged
powers and the need OF increased expenditure
had come with such unexpected force thst the
provisaons of the charter had to be exceeded;
and NJ rapidly "a prudent elaboration war-
ranted now system was conceived ana AFTER
careful confederation by commission OF repre-
sentative citizens, embracing every class and
political party, was adopted By the people. X
has now been tried for year. and confidently
declare II in the main TO be eninently
satisfactory. The only objection urged
against IL now will in year or
two more be found its chief recommendation,
namely, that il Is designed not only TO meet
present necessities, bat TO adapt issef 70 the
progressive wants Of rapidly growing city.
There IL . difference Of opinion as 70 the policy
which should be followed In the administration
Of local government On the one hand power
1ui arguments and ripened experience may be
cited IN favor OF imposing full responsibility
upon the chief executive and holding him 10
strict accountability: another view Is that the
responsibility should be diffused over number
of coordinate and subordinate boards or con-
missions, all directly chosen by popular vote
aud independent OF each other The govern
ussnt of Seattle is composite; some OF the OIL
ears snd boards are elective, others eppointive.
don't think sufficiently complete trial has
been made OF the charter provisions TO afford
decisive verdict as 20 its merits All the officers
serving during the irst term we're confronted by
IN entirely new system: it was not possible 10
wait until II could be ssertainea which step
would be wisest The business OF the city had
20 be transacted without delay, aud it has some
times happened that In times of urgency meas
ures were taken which In the light of later
experience had to DC retEacied. II is to the
great credit Of the city council that il has cour
ageously and conscientiously admitted en- error
when seen and persisted in its course when ii
felt It's judgment TO be right, in spite OF very Sc
we're and generally very unmerited condemna-
Eon.
Residents OF long established cities who have
made Seattle their home Can hardly estimate
the difference between the gradual upbuilding
OF town through successive stages and the
astounding rapiaity with which a mere remote
village leaped into ell the troubles, require
uenfs and consequent expenditures OF a large
city
The conditions hare been such as would have
made heavy drafts upon the most ripened states
manship
The growth Of the population affords the best
kesfs for ef,k,aT.sr4aons
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
The Puhlic Iihrarx.

1t is very gratifying to be able to announce
the completion of the long sustained efforts OF
Seattle citizens TO establish g library. Il is
luxury which was always eagerly looked for
ward to, but for many years the struggling city
had to content itself with securing necessaries.
The report OF the board OF commissioners is no
less complete than that OF other DEPARTMENTS:
and am sure may say that the management
OF this part OF the eity's affairs will always be
remembered 10 the honor OF those upon whom
Tell the burden OF putting the project into effect.
The library begins the first full year of its ex-
lstenee with 1909 books, a reading-room upon
whose tables may be found 142 periodicals, and
with balance OF s7S1-04. Its revenue is derived
from 10 per cent. of all licenses, fines and fees,
hence this department has felt the diminution
IN that sort of the city's income yet il has been
so well managed that the expenses have always
been kept within the amount of money availa-
bic.
In conclusion desire to acknowledge with
gratitude the uniform courtesy and kindness
extended to me while member OF your honora-
bic body and for the support and confidence ex-
pressed during my short ineumbency of this Of
fee.
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
STREETS AND SEWERS.

Work Done by superintendent Alex
ander's Force During January.
The total expenditures under direction
of Street Commissioner Alexander for work
in January on sewers was s.. 222 p, and
represents 8, 1876 days work. 1t is divided
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
Building Permits for Ia,uar

The report of Building Inspector Comp
ton for January shows the following per-
mits TO have been issued:
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
Most respectfully submitted.
GEORGE w. HALL, Nav

UEUEUE W. IiAIsLs tIdFOI.
With his message were filed annual re-
ports from park commissioners, the health
officer, the post warden. the city comp
troller, city clerk, superintendent of water
department, city engineer. library CON-
mission, chief of police, license collector.
chief of fire department, street commits
sioner, superintendent of sewers, superin-
tendent of buildings and the chairmen of
the finance committees of the two houses
OF the city council. Summaries of these
reports have heretofore been published.
The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-02-02
The Port of seattle.

The port warden has compiled statement OF
the maritime activity. which cannot but be re-
garded as very satisfactory.
call your attention to the excellent report
OF Health Officer George II. Sparkling, which
was received too late 10 make special mention.