The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-03-12
FRONT STREET HILL.
Another Attempt to Secure Its
Removal by the City.
MEETING OF PROPERTY OWNERS.
Discussion Upon the Means to Be
Adopted-A Feeling That the Ex-
penso Should Be Borne at Large.

The proposition to cut down the hill on
Front street, north of Pike. which has
been agitated for two or three years, was
revived last night by an exceedingly well
attended and representative gathering at
Bellevue hall. It is situated in the Sixth
ward, which has the rare honor of being
represented in the city government by the
president of the board of aldermen, and
now the acting mayor, and by the presi-
dent of the house Of delegates, DR.. J. r.
Sweeney, and DR.. J. 8. Kloeber.
DR.. KIoeber owed his great majority to
his persistent endeavors to have the bill
removed, and he promoted last nights
meeting for the purpose of ascertaining
the wishes of his constituents. Mayor
Sweeney was especially invited and was
called upon to preside. Ex-City Treasurer
w. L. Ames was chosen secretary. DR..
Kloeber explained that the state legisla-
ture has just passed an act vesting the
city with the power of eminent domain
and now was the time to take action if the
property owners still desired it. He re-
cited the history of past efforts and very
clearly explained the operation of the law.
G. b. Bagley proposed that the local
property owners form themselves into the
CIOuL CLIcct improvement OAuD lOE LILO
purpose of fostering the movement and
watching the interests of those whose
property would be damaged by the lower
ing of the grade; and also to control as
far as possible the means sought to be
used by the council in providing for pay
ment.
William Weight objected to creating a
small assessment district, as the benefits
would extend far beyond the immediate
neighborhood of the hill. He thought the
whole city should bear the burden.
c. B. Bagley said he had no property on
Front street, but the salvation of the north
end of the town depended upon the re-
moval of this obstruction. He defended
his proposition as the most direct way to
attain their object.
The discussion was continued by Messrs.
D. T. Denny. Alonzo Hull and w. Weight,
all except the last named being in favor of
the club.
Mr.. Weight moved that no person own
ing property on Front street be eligible to
membership. Laughter.
The question was put by the chair. but
objection was made that among those vot-
ing were many who owned no property.
The motion was carried by Is to 6. q large
number not voting. They seemed to be
the persons objected to.
Mr.. Hull moved that the membership be
restricted to property owners on Front
street. between Union and Depot. w. G.
Latimer suggested that no person be in
vited to join except q taxpayer on real
property.
The motion was carried without dissent.
W. H. T. Barnes moved that the chair
appoint q committee to organize the club,
but it was resolved that this meeting
should be allowed to die, and that the
property owners directly interested form
their own organization.
Mr. Denny suggested that the outsiders
withdraw and that the organization be
started forthwith.
Mr.. Bagley said there was a strong feel
ing at the north end of town, and he
thought the organization should not be
limited to those who fear they may have
to pay the cost.
Mr.. Weight replied that if that spirit had
prevailed in the past the hill would have
been down long ago. What he objected to
was being dubbed into payment OF the
cost by few property-owners.
The thanks OF the meeting were extended
to Acting Mayor Sweeney and to their
delegate in the council, DR.. J. s. Kloeber.
The meeting then resolved itself into
one of property owners on Front street,
all others Withdrawing. w. G. Latimer
was chairman and w. r. Brawley acted
as secretary. MIR. Hull moved that they
do no more than constitute those present
a committee to notify others to meet next
Wednesday evening in the Bellevue hall.
This was agreed to and the proceedings