The morning call., 1893-05-25

had frequently been robbed by sn-called
street commi missons; that it was a matter
Of the utmost Importance to the city, and
that the board would in consequence scru-
tinize each claim carefully. He further
wanted iiemized accounts of all expendi-
lures, 81 that the board could judge right
fully OF the justice ut their claims.
Mr.. Spots then carefully reviewed the
history If the commission, and it was
ELECTED that the same hnd been created
December %. 1890. but had been abolished
again in February. 1891. by the Board of
Supervisors by mistake.
That bndy had, on account of pressure
wrought by many property-0wners, inti-
mated that they would be obliged 10 aboi-
ish certain commissions. hut the New
street Commission was not among them.
On reading the daily papeis next morning
they learned with painful surprise that
their commission also had been abolished
EX-Superyisor Taber, the then chairman
of the Street Committee of the Board of
Supervisors, had said it was mistake.
however, Bnd told them to continue the
work, that 1t would he all right in the end
7. c. Brakeman. an attorney. had
been appointed counsel OF the commits
sion and carried the matter into the Su-
perior Court, and the commission had
won the suit and continued with their
work, setting aside the action of the Board
of Supervisors.
Mr.. SPOTS considered the claim of the
commission very reasonable, and offered
the commission two huge packages nf
iiemizad bills for consideration. G. III.
McCourtHey, the chief clark and secretary
of the commission, was next examined by
the financial inqusition. Mr.. McConrtney
valued his services at $500. He admitted
that he had worked an average OF about
four hours a day. The work was hard
and particular, etc, but Mayor Ebert
looked as if he did not agree with him.
Little information OF value was ELECTED
from the witness.
c. H. Haswel Jr. assistant clerk, also
wanted a whack at the bill. He watched
the office ano sometimes indexed the books.
His testimony was unimportant.
Charles +. Soule. a surveyor in the en-
ploy of the commission, also had a good
sized finger in the general pie. As he was
paid by The day tbs board did nOUQunstio n
him closely. although his rate of charges
was high.
John E. Millar of Millar & Simpson.
searchers of records, also wanted a slice
OF the money. Attorney Cresswel
| amount Of work he had done for the CON-
mission, which he did, and was soon
excused, rs he gave no new facts.
T. G. Brakeman. the attorney of the
| comm mfsSiun. was more closely examined.
! Hs valued his services at S2500 He had
had also contested several suits for the
commission. He thought his charges rea.
| sonabe.
Mayor EIlert wanted to know how MANY
| times Attorney Brakeman had appeared
in court and how much he charged fol
zach visit.
Brakeman carefully pvaded giving any
direct answer. but in q rambling way told
of his services generally. He had bear
obliged 10 secure the services of anothe
attorney to assist him at times, but could
| not give an ilemiZed account when pressed
| by Mr.. Block.
Witness said in explanation he never
kept an account and that the other attor.
ney would be paid by himself for his serv
court three times on one case and innu
merable times In others. He would charg,
$500 for making the abstract presented Il
| the board. That was one item, the other.
being in proportion.
Mayor Ellrrt refused TO he appeased
He wanted Brakeman to itemiZe his bill
| 1t was an important matter Ia the city, h,
asserted, and the board wanted things il
black and white so they could tell whert
| they stood.
Blakeman's memory proved slight,
| faulty as o items, bnt he said that hi
services on three occasions alone woult
amount TO the total of his claim, ant
raised a laugh when he said he NIGH
ra Sc the bill II he itemized it.
The attorney next carroborated SPOTS
| testimony rs to the aholishment If Til
commission by the Board of SUPERVISORS
and told now he had fought the case in tn
courts. He thought the position taken b.
city officials hostile TO any Street Commis
| sinners anyway.
Tbs board then adjourned to meet thi
evening, when several other witnesse
will be examined