The herald., 1894-06-26

testimony. and both gentlemen were put
under oath.
Thomas Brooks testified that he con-
sidered the work was done as we'll as
possible. Mrs. Brooks gave testimony
Of similar character.
O. +. Miner testified that he had been
the inspector on the work and had found
it up to specifications. He said that he
was familiar with cement work, but had
never done the actual labor. He had q
good theoretical knowledge OF the buAi-
ness.
'Do you think your knowledge by
theory 10 ae good as practical know
ledge, or that you can learn as much by
theory as practice ?" asked Mr.. Nickel.
well, yes," replied Mr.. Milner. "I
consider that cement knowledge is her
editary, and that | understand the busi-
ness, although am not chemist or q
practical cement worker. l have been q
drug clerk"
Mr.. O'Gars testified to the general
good character of the work. The matter
was then referred to the board of public
works.
The protest of Joseph Bartlett against
the confirmation of the assessment war
rant for the improvement of Carroll ave-
nue., on the ground that he had done 500
worth of work, which had been accepted
by the street superintendent. On motion
OF DIR. Pessell the protest was denied.
THE OIL ISSUE AGAIN.
The oil well ordinance was then taken
up and Aasemblyman Bulla was heard
on behalf OF the property owners. He
raised the question that if a we'll was
sunk next to a mans house and the
same WAS operated by gasoline or oil
engine it would jeopardize the insurance
on the house. At the present time the
amount OF oil now being turned out was
not of sufficient Importance to justify
the destruction OF the houses of citi-
zens, who had claim on the council to
protect them in the interests of their
vested rights. As the industry was now
being developed it was great danger to
the community from a tremendous con-
hagration in the city. The oil develop
ment in that section just after the peo-
pie on the hills had secured water,
would materially vitiste every insurance
policy. Another point, there was no
telling how soon wells would be sunk on
Adams or Figueroa street, and for that
reason every owner of home was in
terested in the matter.
Z. E. Galbraith stated that he lived
in the hill districts, and that no one
would feel at liberty to buy property in
that district for home purposes. 1t was
death to any district in the city where
an oil we'll was sunk and oil discovered.
This WAS a city of homes. and the devel-
opment of oil wells here would have
fatal influence in the east in deterring
eastern people from coming out here
and erecting homes while dozens OF oil
derricks are being erected.
M. w. Turner stated that he was a
new conner, and came to Los Angeles for
business. He had found few manu-
featuring interests, and the reason for
this fact was the lack of cheap fuel. II
the people wanted a city OF orange
groves and howers then it WAS right to
kill the oil industry. but if they wanted
q manufacturing city they must develop
cheap fuel in the shape of the natural
product, oil. There was no gas in the
oil, and for that reason there was no
risk OF great confagration.
Mr.. Buila--Would you rather see
city OF orange trees and flowers, as we
have it now, or o city OF oil wells and
manufactures?
Mr.. Turner--Give me a city of oil
wells and manufactures every time, for
it will have future and not become
hermitage for invslids.
Mr. Bailey-I have bought lot and
lived in that district for nine years.
The oil development is increasing the
value OF our property 100 per cent. Not
only this, we are making an income
from the royalties on the oil. We have
chance to get cheap fuel and for Gods
sake let us get it. I'll take all the
chances OF the smoke and smell go we
get oil on our laud. The council has
no right to take away from the people
their right to develop the mineral
wealth OF their own land.
The matter was laid over until Friday
with the understanding that the board
OF public works make report.
THE MERCHANTS LICENSE TAX.
A committee of the Merchants asso-
citation then appeared before the council
to ask for a repeal of the merchants Ii
cense tax. Mr.. Emil Graft spoke first
on the subject, and said that the asso-
citation had taken steps to begin legal
proceedings to free themselves from an
onerous and illegal tax, but before going
into the courts they wanted to confer
with the council and endeavor to come
to amicable arrangement. He said that
the tax was unjust, unequal and unfair.
and a discrimination against the mer-
chants. For this reason the tax should
be abolished. and if this course was not
taken the merchants would be compelled
to resist its collection by legal process.
Messrs. Jevne, Steward and others
spoke on the subject and, on motion.
the matter was referred to the finance
com mittee to prepare a license ordi-
nance.
Mr.. Jevne wanted to know II the
committee would take the license off,
and the chairman did not know. Mr..
Steward said he had paid the last license
tax he would pay, and that he would go
to Jail before paying it again. as it was a
tax on his energy. He thought that q
saving might be made by cutting down
expenses.
MIR. Munson thought that $4,000
could be cut out OF the park appropria-
ton by simply maintaining them with
out further extensions unless made by
issuing bonds.
The matter was referred to the finance
committee, with instructions to prepare
an ordinance sbolishing the license tax.
An ordinance was passed for the grad
ing OF San Benito street. between Michi-
gan and Pennsylvania avenues.
CITY ATTORNEYS REPORT.
The report of the city attorney was
submitted as follows:
As directed have prepared and here