The herald., 1893-11-21
were interested in keeping the street
open. While interested az an owner of

were interested in keeping the street
open. While interested as an owner OF
property on the street, he felt it would
be proper for him to call attention to
the right OF the people to have the
street opened. Unless it is opened
much property will remain without any
proper opening to the heart of the city.
II it was opened from Seventh street
north there would be as good grade as
Broadway. 1t would be easy to connect
streets with it eastward at very little
expense and trouble.
He thought the proper course would
be for the council to direct the city at
torney to abate the nuisance of any OBJ
etructions in the street. II Figueroa
street is public street no one has any
legal OF moral right to obstruct it.
Mr.. Gould and his fellow petitioners,
he said, had asked the council to estab.
lish good grade on Figueroa street
north from Seventh street. grade, gravel
and curb 1t.
Mr.. George B. Gebhart thought the
question was very important one, and
should be investigated pro and con. The
whole question lie before the council.
The city council had made q straight
forward report. But Mr.. Gebhart did
not think as he did. He took the ground
that the land in question is not public
street, and that the evidence is conflict
ing as to the claim that 1t was dedicated
for that purpose. After 33 years to say,
even if there is an irregulsrity, that his
and others property shall be confiscated,
would be wrong. He contended that
contended that the opening OF the street
ia not a public necessity
Mr.. Sheldon Borden spoke in favor OF
the opening of the street. He said Mr..
Gebhart and his friends had shied their
castors into the ring first, by a petition
asking the abandonment of the street.
That was tacit admission that there
was something to be abandoned. He
argued that IL was a necessity, and the
opening should be carried out, and it
would not be an injustice as contended
by Mr.. Gebhart.
Mr.. James b. Mitchell thought the
street should be opened, and the un-
authorized distractions removed. The
matter had beenrlong agitated, and it
was matter OF fact that people who had
bought had secured it at less rate on
account of the chances they had to take.
Mr.. Walter Haase, representing some
property owners, thought that eouth of
Seventh street it did not need to be
opened.
Mr.. E. G. Bosbyshell thought the
upper end ought to be opened, but was
willing that the south part of the street
might be abandoned.
Mr.. Grow held that there is no Fig
ueroa street at the points sought to be
opened. ~
Mr.. Galpin said that his abstracts all
show that the street was never dedi-
Gated as claimed by the City attorney.
Mr.. McKoon believed that there is
really no need OF opening Figueroa
street south OF Seventh. From Seventh
north it is an actual necessity for the
city and people to have an opening
there.
Mr.. Munson moved that the board of
public works be requested to report
upon the advisability of opening Fig
ueroa street from Seventh to Orange
streets.
Mr. Rhodes moved as substitute
that the city attorney prepare an ordi-
nance abandoning Figueroa street be-
tween Sixth and Pico streets.
Mr.. Campbell thought the whole
thing should be referred to the board of
public works.
Mr.. Munson's motion Of reference was
adopted.
COST OF CHAIN GANG.
The street superintendent reported