The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-04-20
TOO NUcH BRICK SIDEWALK.

1t is high time that Sidewalk Inspec-
tor c. d. Brussman were called to a halt
in his career of wholesale and indiscrim-
mate condemnation of sidewalks. Since
he was appointed to Office only about a
month ago he has served 575 notices to
property owners condemning their side
walks; and Street Commissioner Naylor
expresses the belief that the total num-
Der this spring may exceed 800. Esti-
mating that each notice applied to three
lots, this il equivalent to 2,4OO lots, co.
900 feet, or nearly - miles of sidewalk
condemned. 1t will cost almost $25, QUO
TO do what Brussman has ordered done.
This is nearly. all of it to be laid of brick
In the suburbs where much of the con-
demned sidewalk is located, "perma-
nent'' walk on a technical grade which
is generally few feet higher or lower
than the sidewalk, is neither needed nor
desired. 1t would appear therefore that
the brick manufacturers and brick con-
tractors were the ones, and almost the
sole ones that will be benefited by con-
demning a dozen or so miles of walk.
1t is not the intention nor the DISPOSE
ton of the JOURNAL to injure or retard
the legitimate business of the brick in
terests in Topeka. The industry is one
thoroughly worthy of home patronage
and protection. This paper thinks how
ever, that the brick industry in Topeka
is able to stand on its merits, without the
aid of an over jealous sidewalk inspec-
tor.
The city abounds with sidewalks which
are located on a technical, imaginary
grade rather than the grade of the street
and property adjoining. They make first
rate Canals There are also many brick
walks in the suburbs that receive COM
paratively no traffic, and the street COM
missioner cites one case where brick
walk two blocks long has been built to
accommodate one family.
From the number and persistancy of
the complaints regarding Mr.. Brussman's
arbitrary rulings that are made to the
street commissioner it would appear that
many wooden walks are being con-
demned, that need only few boards and
nails to be put in good repair. This should
be guarded against. The city should
have no further interests in the side
walk proposition than guarding the life
and limb of the citizens, thus preventing
damage suits against the city for injuries
from defective walks. To do this it is
not neC6SSdE( 10 DullQ miles anu miles
of walks in the suburbs. where wild
flowers and corn grow, and chipmunks
blink at the passing milk wagons The
city would show wisdom in exercising
less zeal in repairing the sidewalks, and
little more pride in the care of the
paved streets.
In order that the work which has been
ordered may be done as cheaply as pos
sible the old form of advertising for bids
for Shawnee county brick" should be
amended to read "any brick as good as
Shawnee county brick" 1t is claimed
by those in a position to know that the
Topeka brick companies have had local
jobs entirely too much their own way.
The Topeka Industries should be able to
compete with those of Leavenworth and
other towns. Even then the locaIdealers
would have the advantage of having no
freight to pay. 1t is said that this would
save part of the $685. necessary to
carry out the Improvements which Mr..
Brussman has seen fit to order.