The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-02-24
POLICE BILL KILLED.
The Aldermen Refuse to Ap-
point Fifteen More Men.
ELECTRIC WIRES UNDERGROUND.
Sweeney's Bill Laid Over for Further
misunderstanding Franchise
Stfll Suspended.

SWCCoey Dial A3tO OV06 1O6 U1tuSI
MISUNDERSTANDING Hsanehise
stfll Suspended.
The Sander franchise extension, which
has been pending 30 long before the city
council, came up again last night before
the board Of aldermen as special order of
business. Il was announced that the cor
poration counsel had been too busy to
prepare an opinion as to the legality of ex-
tending the life Of the franchise without
fresh bid. Mr.. Daulton said he was tired
OF this dilatory business; they had brought
the railroad men to their meetings night
after night. LET u.s." he said, 'get down
to business" After some discussion as to
q postponemenr until the next night, it
was resolved that the sergeant-at-arms be
sent in search Of Mr.. Donworth. The in
tention was to ask him. if convenient, to
attend so that the matter might not be de-
layed, but Officer Brooks was directed.
with mock solemnity, to ''bring him in,
dead or alive" It was learned that Mr..
Donworth was engaged in the trial Of
case in the superior court. The board de-
cided to adjourn until Monday night for
special consideration of the franchise.
The proposition to increase the police
force BY fifteen men was taken up and Al
derman Stocks, as chairman of the police
committee, reported unfavorably. The
ordinance was then rejected by unani-
nous vote.
President Sweeney's ordinance provid-
ing that electric wires be placed in con-
Quits underground was called up and the
author, summoning Alderman Daulton to
the chair. explained its provisions. He
said it did not require that the wires
should be taken down now, but only that
the companies should be required to do 30
when SO ordered. He read from paper TO
show that Rochester had recently sent out
y special committee which reported that
in all cities where the system was adopted
it had been a success. The companies at
first objected, but they had found that the
saving in cost of maintenance fully repaid
the outlay. He also exhibited number
of diagrams and illustrations of the sys-
TENS used elsewhere. The ordinance
might not 60 into effect for year or two,
but he wanted it placed on record. 1t
would give the city = power it should
have. There were no members of the
present council who could be controlled
by the corporations, but in the future they
might not be SO fortunate.
Mr.. d. T. Denny, who was in the lobby.
was asked to give his views. He said it
did not affect railroads, but he thought
one objection to passing the bill now was
the omission to give the telegraph. tele-
phone and light companies . chance to be
heard. He understood there was great
objection to putting electric light wires
underground. It had also been found i'm
practicable in Boston, after an expenditure
of $1OO, 900. to use the underground system
for street railways.
DR.. Sweeney replied that he had con-
suited the managers of several Of the COM
panies, and they all expressed . willing
ness TO have conduits in the future.
Mr.. Denny said in one case the added
cost OF maintaining electric light wires
underground had added 331z per cont. to
the charge made consumers.
Dr.. Sweeney replied that, a. to the cost,
companies consolidated to save expense,
yet the cost to consumers was increased.
Alderman Brewer said it was an I'M
portant matter, but there was no great
hurry. and he thought those interested
should be heard.
DR.. Sweeney continued that if nothing
was done the people would rise in arms.
At the next election the members would
be reminded that they had done nothing
In the matter. The average cost of a
conduit was s.. 500 mile. In New York it
cost s., OOO, but that included considerable
litigation.
Alderman Brewer expressed himself in
favor of the principles of the bill. but pre-.
forrAN RI cider IL furfhDv
The bill was accordingly laid on the
table.
A Joint resolution was introduced, call
bound copies Of the annual reports of off,
GERS, and 500 each Of the department re-
ports; referred to the finance committee,
and subsequently passed.
On the proposition to build sidewalk
from Green Lake school to the car line.
Mr.. Stocks spoke In its support. Carrie,
Ingram and Jordan thought the school
board should do it; it was q dangerous
precedent. Mr.. Miller thought it was a
small favor to grant taxpayers out there;
and Cram and Daulton also supported it,
the latter saying he disliked to
refuse so modest a request-the first from
the district. Mr.. Brewer regarded it as
benefit. not to the street, but to an entire
district. 1t was. however. refused by a
vote OF 5 noes to 4 ayes. Mr.. Miller offered
to start subscription with $40.
Alderman Daulton, of the finance COM
mittee. reported in favor of cancelling the
assessment for 1892 on the Scandinavian
American bank, and it was adopted.
Alderman Miller reported in favor of
vacating an alley in Wittenmyer's addi-
ton and the south portion of Orange ave-
nue., and the bill was passed.
c. l.. Hollis petition for rebate Of taxes
was allowed: also that of H. A. Sears; but
that of Amelia Alden was rejected for in
formality.
Mr.. Meacham appeared in advocacy of
the improvement of Chestnut and Cedar
streets, and the bill was passed.
A protest was received from property
owners on Lewis street against the pro-
posed grade which will include cut of
ten fee, and a fill of four feet. Alderman
Jordan said the people want the street inn
proved but they object to this expense
and inconvenience which they regard as
solely for the purpose of keeping the
James street car line at its present grade
Alderman Brewer said he understood the
cut would only be seven feet. There was
q high point and very low point, and it
would be necessary to have some uni
iormity. The matter had better be care
fully considered. 1t was referred.