The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-05-13
FIRE ENGINE TEST.
Three Persons Selected to Ex-
anime the WaterOus.
MADISON STREET FRANCHISE.
Long Discussion Over the Terms OF the
Extension OF Franchjse-Session
Of the City Council.

The franchise Of the Madison street car line
was taken up by the city council in joint ses-
sion last night, with President Kloeber in the
chair. Messrs. Jacob Furth, A. b. Stewart and
Maurice McMickcn appeared on behalf OF the
company. Mr.. McMicken made few sugges-
lions, which were agreed to, and he then an
nounced tina: the company accepted the pro-
vision for q fifteen minute service as to which
there has been SO much controversy.
Mr.. McMicken objected to an omnibus pro-
vision requiring the company to indemnify the
city for any sort of damage that might accrue to
anybody through the operation of the road. He
instanced that if the city left an unguarded ex-
cavation and passenger leaving the line fell
into it. this provision would make the company
liable for the city's negligence. Alderman Jor-
dan thought the provision could not be too
stringent. and now was the time to nix it Dele
gate CrichtOn said the house committee had
agreed upon certain terms with the roads, and
he objected to now insisting on new conditions
Mr. McMicken assented and said tho company
had made every concession asked which was to
benefit the city. Alderman Jordan agreed that
it was skillfully-drawn provision and entitled
Thomas r. Shepard to the thanks OF the city.
Mr. Furth said the company had considered
the matter fully. and were willing to concede
all that had been asked except one sweeping
clause, which might work great injustice. The
railroad ought to be held strictly accountable
for it's own acts, but he thought 1t would be
great hardship to make this provision. Itmight
operate to prevent the sale OF the bonds, and If
it did there was nothing to be gained by the ex-
tension of the life OF the franchise.
In reply to Delegate Carlisle, Mr.. McMicken
said the law held the railroad accountable for
any wrongful act.
1t was finally agreed to accept the provision
in q modified form as to extend liability to
wrongful acts only.
The convention then took up the question OF
a committee to inspect the new fire engine, the
two houses failing to agree upon persons 10
compose il. Alderman Sweeney suggested that
the presidents of the two houses act, to which
Dr. Kloeber replied that he knew no more about
fire engine than cow about astronomy.
Delegate Carlisle proposed that the conven-
ton select three persons Delegate Cook
amended so as to retain those named in the Or
dinance (Hayter. Peterson and Campbell)
Carlisle objected to more than one member OF
the fire department. Sweeney suggested taking
one name at a time. and named the acting
mayor. Leander Miller Co.ycll named A. J.
God iard of Fremont a conscientious man and
capable machinst. Shields urged that they
have three expert engineers. Ingram named
Campbell Miller asked to be excused, as not
being an engineer Daulton named j. II. Per-
kins. The first ballot stood: Goddard s. Camp
bell T. Perkins j. The second: Campbell II,
Co!man j.
Sweeney, paulton and Jordan advocated Col.
man; Brace thought at least one fireman should
be included Mr.. Colman might be called on
for a 500 OO0 plant but not a little fire engine.
There was keen contest, and after recess bal
lot resulted as foIlows Hayter ii, Colman
Goddard Campbell and Hayter were declared
the choice OF the convention.
The new Waterous engine has arrived ana Is
being put into condition for working.