The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-08-16

There is nothing in the ordinances
approved bearing on the subject of APP
preparation for building bridges and Sc
curing approaches. which. in my opin-
ion. will prevent your honorable bodies
from authorizing me to certify to a con-
tract. which is now In my hands. for
building approach to Roaring Brook
bridge which you have awarded to
Peter Stipp in the sum OF $134 As the
money derived from the sale Of bonds
has already been appropriated by an
ordinance, ! would deem q resolution
authorizing me to certify the aforesaid
contract on the entire premium OBJ
tained from the sale Of the bonds and
interest account now In banks ample
warrant for that purpose.
"This will enable us to complete one
bridge at least.
VERY respectfully,
Fred J. Widmayer. City Controller"
Accompanying the communication
was statement Of the disbursements
showing where the appropriation has
been spent. After a deep silence Of
some moments Mr.. Zeidler arose and
said 1t looked to him as II there was a
scheme afoot to use up all OF the re-
mainder Of the appropriation on the
Linden street bridge to go uncompleted.
MIR. kclIer'S Motion.
Mr.. Keller moved to refer the matter
to the judiciary committee with in
structiOns to report at the next meet
ing. Mr.. Sweeney wanted to have the
committee report forthwith, accom-
panying his motion by long speech.
In which he argued that the Roaring
Brook bridge should be completed at
once and that the people Of the West
Side should be satisfied to make the
sacrifice, and If the needed money was
not forthcoming when they were ready
to fix up their approaches they could
draw on the $4,000 appropriated for q
viaduct and which has been lying idle
without drawing interest for six or
seven years.
Mr.. Oliver called attention to a Sec
tion of the bridge ordinance which spe-
ctfically states that the $250,000 raised
by bonds for the bridges. together with
the $4,000 premiums and 5000 inter-
est for the first year should be equally
divided between the two bridges, and
that no part Of the appropriation for
one can be applied to the other until
the one Is entirely completed and paid
for
Mr.. Zeidler said he agreed with the
city controller that one Of the bridges
at least should be completed at once.
whereat there was much surprise mani
tested, Mr.. Zeidler having always been
great shOuter for the Linden street
bridge. But when he added that 1t
was the Linden street bridge that
ought to be finished Immediately. there
was a sigh Of relief from the Linden
street men and a corresponding groan
Of anguish from the Roaring Brook
men.
Linden street bridge Is completed"
said Mr.. Zeidler, land the piers Of the
Roaring Brook bridge are not all yet
begun"
dale?" Indignantly querried the dis
gusted Mr.. Hickey. The communica-
ton was finally referred to the judic-
larry committee to report at the next
meeting.
MIR. Swecney's Resolution.
When new business was reached Mr..
Sweeney introduced resolution trans
ferring the unexpended appropriation
to complete the Roaring Brook APP
proaches. He accompanied the resolu-
tion with an argument to the effect
that the Linden street bridge ap-
proaches will be completed when the
bridge will be made accessible from
Sixth street, as the ordinance does not
intend that the whole Of Swetland
street shall be considered an approach
to the Linden street bridge.
Mr.. Nealls combated this assertion
by calling Mr.. Sweeney's attention to
the fact that $32, 900 Of the bridges ap-
preparation had already been expended
for the right Of way from Sixth street
to the Swetlan nd street bridge, SO 1t
must follow that the ordinance included
that much Of Swetland street at any
ra te fin the apDrOaches,
mfr. Sweeney tried to have his resolu-
ton approved but a majority OF council
was against II and II was sent to COM
mittee, which virtually means a grave.
Bids for heating Franklin Engine
house were received from two bidders,
w. p. Connell & Son. $6SS: Hunt &
Connell, $5S9.50. They were referred to
the fire department committee.
On motion of Mr.. oliver the city
assessors were empowered to make the
occupation assessment Of railway con-
ductors IS, instead Of 800.
Chief win Investigate.
Mr.. Hickey introduced a resolution
directing the chief Of the fire depart
ment to investigate the extent Of the
Injuries sustained by the Century Hose
company's members who were In the
recent accident, and to report whether
or not he would recommend that the
Injured men should be compensated for
loss Of time and surgical and medical
attendance. The resolution passed.
An ordinance providing for the lay
ing OF fiagstone sidewalks on both sides
OF Lafayette street. from Main ave-
nue to Fillmore avenue. was introduced
by Mr., Thomas, Of the Fourth, and re-
ferred for printing.
The ordinance for licensing auc-
tioneers and compelling them to pay
SIS year was passed on second read
ing against the vigorous protest Of Mr..
Regan. who saw in this measure a
scheme to shut out foreign horse deal
ers, and to monopolixe the business
for our two local horse traders.
A resolution providing for opening
to It's full width that portion of Wyo-
ming avenue extending southwest of
Elm street was approved.
The ordinance for paving Webster
avenue, which was amended at the last
meeting by striking out the section
narrowing the roadway. was reconsid-
cred IN cofnmittee Of the whole. and the
obnoxious amendment killed. Other
amendments suggested by the city So
licitor were made and the ordinance
was referred for printing.
Had Dusinsss Elsewhere.
For some reason Q nasmber Of mem.
bers Of select council withdrew from the
city hall last niGht and Q meeting Of