Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1894-12-13

The proceedings of City Council we're
marked by interesting discussion Thursday
evening. Long toward the end of the ses-
sion when about all OF the routine bust
ness was disposed of Councilman Smith
arose and asked what had become of the
movement TO erect an overhead bridge at
Fourth street, and whether or not it had
been lost in the shuttle. He said that
committee had been appointed to act in
CONJUNCTION with the Board of Street and
Sewer Department but no report had been
made of the matter.
Mr.. Dannenberg said as chairman of
the committee he had written to the
Superintendent of the railroad several
times to meet him but Mr.. Brooks had
never put in all appearance, although he
did send representative to See the COM
mittce on one occasion. The company
seemed to be dealing with the Street and
sewer Department and not with City
Council.
Mr.. Donohoa expressed the opinion that
the street and Sewer Directors seemed
indifferent and had paid little heed to City
Councils position in the matter. He said
that Council surely had some rights and
definite action should be taken.
Mr.. Smith said that the crossing was a
dangerous one and that it needed imme.
diate attention, lie said that if any one
else attempted to blockade the streets at
grade they would be arrested, and IA cor
poration had no more right to obstrnct the
streets than any individual. Council
should look out for the safety and welfare
of the citizens.
Colonel Wainwright said Council agreed
that something should be done. but he
would like to ask the gentleman from the
Eleventh ward what he thought Council
ought to do?
Mr.. Ratledse stated that if he under
stood the matter right the Street and
Sewer Department had exclusive iuris.
dction over the streets OF the city and he
did not see how Council could very vel
take any definite action i'll the matter
Mr.. Staats said that he was a member OF
the Joint committee appointed to confer
with the railroad authorities. The COM
mittee had waited on the Board of Street
and Sewer Directors and when the council
men went to see them in regard to the
! matter, the directors treated them with
silent contempt He us IL member Of the
| committee sat around the room for tim.
but the directors barely noticed that he
was present. The street and sewer De-
| partment expended $4,000 in improving
street and then granted the privileges of
! the street TO corporation. He thought il
| strange that the railroad company did not
erect fence at Fourth street and charge
| toll. He thought that the Legislature
| should be called upon TO give City Council
some power in the premises.
Mr.; Ratledge asked the clerk to read the
law defining the powers OF the Street and
4 sewer Department and said that under
the section as read the directors had ex-
| elusive jurisdiction He said that City
| Council might enforce the law governing
| the speed of railroad trains. however, and
that might bring the railroad company to
a sense of its duty.
Mr.; O'Niell said that the General AS
sembly never meant to invest the Street
and Sewer Department with such power.
Mr., Meaney Thought that Council had
been treated with silent contempt and that
they should eAercise their rights in the
matter.
Mr.. Dannenberg expressed the opinion
| that the railroad company never intended
TO build the bridge Us they would have to
pay damages TO the abuttng property and
that would not be to their liking. No
definite action was taken in regard to the
controversy over the bridge,
- =. 2 IL