The daily morning journal and courier., 1895-08-07
TOWN MEETING IS CALLED
TO DECIDE UPON THE QUESTION OF
 IMPROVING THE ROADS.


 IMPROVING THE ROADS. Important Meeting of electnen Last Eve- ming special Town Meeting win Be
 Held Next Monday Afternoon - Other
 Business Transacted.
 The question of better roads was the special subject of consideration at the regular weekly meeting of the board of selectmen last evening. All the mem bers of the board were present and Chairman Stahl presided. Almost im- mediately after the meeting had been called to order, Selectman Ludington, who is chairman of the road and bridge committee, reported for that commit tee recommending that a special town meeting be called for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not it was de- sired to take advantage of the new law recently enacted by the general as- sembly in reference to the roads of the state
 The new law specifics that the state will contribute $S,000 and the county $2,000 for the improvement of highways in the several towns of the state, pro- vided the towns will agree to furnish like amount. After the law had been explained Selectman Ludington moved that special town meeting be +h motion was promptly seconded by Town Agent Baldwin.
 Then developed decided opposition to the project from the democratic minority. Selectman Cunningham stated that in his opinion the work could be done by the town with more facility and less red tape than to have 1t done with the aid of the county and state. He also said that he would like tigate the provisions of the new law and moved as an amendment that the matter be laid over for a week.
 Selectman Bretzfelder objected to the motion of Selectman Ludington on the ground that if the roads were laid or improved with state and county aid, the work would be done by contract and this would prevent many needy residents of the town from securing employment on the roads of the town, as is now the custom.
 Selectman Brown at this stage of the proceedings explained that if any thing was to be done 1t must be done immediately as the returns from the several towns on the subject of high ways are required to be in the hands of the highway commissioners by Aug ust 15, and as it requires at least five days notice to call town meeting 1t would be impossible to postpone ac- ton on the matter for a week.
 In view of this statement the mo- tion of Selectman Ludington was put and unanimously prevailed, the demo- cratic members refraining from voting.
 After this matter had been disposed of it was voted to hold the special town meeting next Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock On motion of Town Agent Baldwin, A. Maxcy Hitler was decided upon for moderator, Attorney Isaac Wolfe, who was placed in nomination for the office by Selectman Cunning ham, being defeated by strictly party vote.
 The selectmen next considered the question of the repairing of a water ing trough at the Four Corners and a spicy dialogue ensued between Select men Ludington and Cunningham. The former stated that he had gone to the place in question to see about the work, but could find Selectman Cunningham nowhere around and had consequently had the repairs made, but the trough had since got out of repair again.
 Selectman Cunningham stated that he was present at the place and said he could prove his statement by three reliable witnesses, to which Selectman Ludington replied: well, I'll bet you s1O that I can prove by three witnesses that you were not there."
 Selectman Cunningham expressed surprise and indignation that any mem- Der of the board should offer to make bet at a public session, after which the committee on roads and bridges were instructed to make the necessary repairs at once.
 After 1t had been voted to put drain age pipes in the sea wall along West Front street the board adjourned.