The morning call., 1894-03-28
ESTATE.

minutes before the matter came up in
court. AttorneY-Gener Hart filed r
| formal answer t. the petition of the
Public Administrator, in which 1t was
| alleged that the court had no jurisdiction
to make the order asked for. 1t was stated
that the utmost the court could do would
be to repair the damage done. but not to
go TO the expense and speculation of an
entire reconstruction. Moreover. it was
asserted that in case the estate should
ultimately go to Florence Hinckley. it was
her intention to erect one large building to
cover the entire block.
1t was evident from the first that tbs
whole proposition could not be thraShed
cut then and there. Hart wanted con-
tiDuance. and so did the other attorneys
engaged. In the meantime Jeremiah Ma
honey, the contractor employed as adjuster
OF the damage done On behalf of the
Blythe estate, was placed on the witness
stand and Questioned regarding the esti-
mated cost of ordinary repairs.
Not much In the way of a conclusion
was come 10 by this, however, as il turned
out that the estimate of Mr.. MahoDev
differed from taat of the adjuster en-
plOyed by the Insurance companies in the
sum of S2095. An itemzed lis of pro-
tested estimates was produced and read in
court On the conclusion of MahOney'S
testimony Judge Coffey invited expressions
of opinion from ali present.
Attorney Joseph Naphtaly. represent
ing Davis Bros. of the Golden Rule Bazaar,
referred TO the proposition of his clients,
namely, 10 erect building OF the value of
$4,000, and by way of interest on tho
money to be allowed certain reduction
10 rent. MIR. NaDhtaly was of the opinion
that IN its present condition the applica-
tioD of the Public Administrator should
not be granted.
). W. Holiday said that as far as he
could see this was not question of re-
pairs. but OF reconstruction. In view of
all the circumstances the applicat ton should
not be granted. The main Issues in the
Blythe contest would be speedily decided.
"Oh. you think they will be decided
soon. do youP" said Judge Coffey. with
smile. Very well, sir"
h. X. Taylor opposed the PROPOSITIONS
both of Naphtalv and Freese. His idea
was that the property, if improved at all,
sbould be improved as a whole.
William Savage protested against being
left out in the cold. Notice OF these meet
ings had been sent to most of the inter-
falr that any preference should he shown.
j. ID. Sullivan said he had sent notice to
all. In ncluding Mr.. Savage
Judge Coffey said there was one inter-
ested party that was not represen ted, and
that was the State of California. Ii Mr..
EstcS WFIc ODiy bUeTe TO speak ne WOuIQ
at once say that the Blythe block on Mar
Ket street was the best site in town for a
Stale building. II think so, toe, gen tie
men," said the Judge, sand perhaps il
might inclOse the Supreme Court and give
sll of you, gentlemen. chance to be heard.
What pity MIR. Estee is not here. He
ought TO have had notice; Mr. Savage
didn't need it, as he's here. He's always
here.
Now, the court has only the power to
restore these premises TO their original
condition-the condition they were in be-
fore the fire. Reconstruction seems to be
out of the question a. present, and. in fact,
there are certain portions of the block
which it ia not desirable to rebuild. |
might authorize lease or something of
that kind. But such speculation as the
erection of an expensive building should
not be entered into before tho end OF the
administration, which some people say will
be at the end of the world.
"Mr. Holiday made good suggestion
He suggested q free conference without
the restraining dignity Of a courtroom. l
think the plan is good one and l suggest
that you gentlemen meet together between
now and Thursday and ia < the matter
over among yourselves. Let the matter
be continued until Thursday at 2 p NJ"
The plan was agreed TO and the confer.
ence will probably be held this morning at
the Public Administrators office. To-
morrow afternoon the parties will again
come before Judge Coffey.