The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-02-21
MISCHIEF In THE AIR.
Democrats Seeking to Cripple
Public Works.
THE DELEGATES TAKE A HAND.
Proposal to Keep the Board OF Public
Works In Turmoil Police Com
missioner Not Confirmed.

The house of delegates met last night
and called upon Thomas F. Drew to pre-
side, in the absence of DR.. J. S. kioeber.
By general consent the question of con-
firming ]. G.. Niggle as police commits
sioner was deferred until next meeting.
The chair appointed a committee con-
sisting Of Brace. Carlisle and Creighton to
act with the railroad committee of the
board Of aldermen on the right-os-way on
Railroad avenue. Ali property owners in
terested are invited to meet the joint COM
mittee in the chamber of the board of
aldermen today at 3 O'Clock.
Delegate Goddard advocated passage of
a bill to lay water pipe to Fremont, so
that the thickly settled district conld be
better protected from fire, and the bill was
passed.
A petition for an arc light between Free
mont and Ross was referred to the appro-
pirate committee.
When the bill for fire engine house at
Taylor street was called up Delegate Brace
said il might be a good plan ITO wait for
the settlement of the board of works men,
bership.
Delegate Cook replied that the house was
badly needed, and they should not let "a
little misunderstanding" laughter stopit
DIR. Crichton wanted TO know ii this
building was included in the estimates
upon which the taxes were levied. Mr.
Cook replied that il was but Mr.. Lyon
said Chief Hunt agreed that temporary
house to cost $500 would do. but the work
could probably be done cheaply now.
Delegate Carlisle said the Third ward
was without any fire station. but the one
on Taylor street would be an advantage TO
n vide territory.
The bill was passed.
An ordinance was introduced providing
for putting up signs within large area at
cost OF is cents each, the work to be done
by men in the employ of the city. Dr..
Crlchton and Mr.. Cook thought the entire
residence district should be included. Mr..
Brace considered it would be wise to begin
with the district proposed. Mr.. Drew said
the council had been condemned for diIa-
toriness IN this matter. The bill was
passed
Mr.. Drew. calling Mr. Brace 10 the
chair. said II was evident To everyhod
that there was disturbed condition in
one OF the branches of the city govern
Inent. There is question as to who con-
stitute the board Of works Two men,
beEs have been removed and the two NOM
inees CT the mayor have not been con-
nrmed. y great deal of public work has
been projected by the council, but there IS
great disturbance. ami he himself saw a
scene Of violence in the board rooms.
whether the executive is right or wrong
he would not discuss. but, owing to the
condition, IL behooves the city govern
ment 10 stand between the people aud pos
sloe errors. lie believed the council vas
clothed with power 10 step an and, through
committee, assume res possibility AMI
take action. He indicated that no money
could be paid out without the con-
sent Of the council, and he advised
that the council take the mat
ter into its own hands. He argued
that II had the right almost TO supervise
the work. he moved that committee OF
three tie appointed to take steps TO ''ahro-
gate" some Offices, admitting. however.
that he was not sure whether tins was the
rlght course 10 pursue. The COMMITTEES
could soon determine TO what extent lis
po gers would go.
Mr. Goddard said il seemed to him that
the functions OF the council! were purely
legislative. There must be some point
where the legislative leaves off and the
executive beglns. Such step as pro-
posed would be fragrant violation OF the
spirit OF the charter. IL seemed 10 him
THAI the council could no; afford TO inter-
iere except where exceptionally justified,
and he saw no justification for such .
course st this time
Mr.. Cook saw nothing out Of place in
she resolution. He lad spent all the time
he could looking up the WORK OF the
sewers. He did not think there were
three members who would take more in.
'eTest He should object TO being pat on
such a committee
Mr.. Goddard suggested that there might
have been good reason for such an inquiry
three weeks ago. He Was very well salts.
aec With the present prospect
Mr.. Lyon also thought thar with the
passage Of laws the power Of the council
vas exhausted. He should vote for the
resolution 10 show his sympathy, bat he
believed the council had TO business 10
supervise work
The eAass appointed Drew. Cook and
Lyon
IAe following ordinances were also read;
Providing Tor The eSsabfss Mani - IL.