The morning call., 1895-02-12
Action on Two Railroad Measures
Was Postponed.
MAYOR SUTRO'S VETO OVERRULED.
The Board Will Ask the Legislature for
Power to Erect Hospital
Buildings.

terday. 1t all took place over an attempt
to displace one of Clerk Russell's assist
ants. j. G. Tomalty has charge of the
desk where all business appertaining to
acquisitions is transacted. This place re-
quires trustworthy and efficient man, as
great care has to be taken to keep check
| on extravagant demands for supplies.
| Tomalty has the full confidence of his
| chief and has given general satisfaction by
his efficiency. A week ago an attempt
was made by Supervisor Morgenstern to
place his son in the position, but the reso-
luton was not passed. An attempt was
also made to put in the position man
named Conroy from the County Clerk
Office, Morgensterns son taking Conroys
place. This also failed. Yesterday another
effort was made to displace. Tom atty, but
it called forth such an energetic protest
from Supervisor Taylor that it is not likely
to be repeated.
The trouble arose over a resolution intro
duced by Supervisor Hughes declaring
Tomalty's position vacant and appointing
Jake Steppacher to the place. Supervisor
Taylor arose in an indignant manner and
denounced what he called high-handed
proceeding, and characterized as an at.
tempt to destroy the efficiency of the
clerks Office, by commencing at the lowest
end.
Supervisor Taylor expressed considerable
surprise at the Introduction of the resolu-
ton.
''Is this to make place for some politi-
cian?" he asked. II have not been con-
suited in this matter. | think that much
was due to those who have anything TO do
with the distribution of patronage. | be-
heve this resolution was conceived more in
political zeal than public policy. This is
striking at the efficiency of the most impor-
tant portion of the city government. Is
there any reason for change in the place?
They have commenced at the bottom in the
clerks office, but l hope the resolution will
be voted down. 1 do not believe in iniur-
ing the efficiency of the clerks office to
make way for some place hunter. In this
Office, more than in any other, efficiency
and experience are required"
Supervisor Hughes sat silent while these
remarks were addressed to the board, and
had nothing to say when they were con-
cluded.
On motion of Supervisor Wagner the roll
was called on the resolution and it was de-
feated, Supervisors Hughes, Morgenstern
and bunker alone voting for it.
Mayor Sutro by very neat little move
had two important measures concerning
was a resolution modifying the franchise
claimed by the Market-street Railroad on
Point Lobos avenue, so that the company
could paw the per cent made a condition
of the order to the credit of the park i'm
provement instead of the street fund.
When the resolution was read Mayor
Sutro called attention to the franchise and
said he would like to look into the matter
before action was taken. He is of the
opinion that if the road ever had a fran
chise it has lapsed.
The second case was that of the Stanyan-
street fence. Mayor Sutro asked that
action be postponed for two weeks, as there
were several legal questions involved
which he desired to look into. His re-
rescind the order directing the Superin-
tendent of Streets to remove the obstruc-
tion went over.
A petition signed by a number of prop
erty-owners was presented on behalf of the
Market7street Railway Company, asking
for franchise to construct an electric rail-
road from Sixteenth street, along and upon
Church and Thirteenth Qate Ridley
streets, to Fillmore. This is the street
which the railroad company attempted to
grab last week.
Supervisor Benjamin introduced reso-
luton stating that, as there is an immedi-
ate necessity existing for the erection of
suitable buildings in and upon tracts Of
land belonging to the city and county for
hospital and smallpox hospital purposes,
be it resolved that the San Francisco dele
cation in the State Legislature be requested
to use its influence and secure the passage
of bill which would have the effect of
enabling the board to construct suitable
buildings for hospital purposes on a site
to be selected on public property belonging
to the city and county.
rnC Init yrac ri hn
City and County Attorney to prepare and
draft bill as soon as possible for presenta-
ton to the State Legislature providing that
power be conferred upon the Board of Su-
peryisors to erect a public buildingson the
old City Hall lot, and to acquire or con-
denim contiguous property if required there
for; also to include in said bill the power
to construct suitable buildings for hospital
purposes on a site to be selected on public
property belonging to the city and county.
The board, on motion of Supervisor Nor
genstern, unanimously passed an authori-
zation for the payment of the December
bill of the Spring Valley Water Company
notwithstanding the veto of the Mayor.
This was done in accordance with the opin-
ion of the City and County Attorney, who
held that the bill was legal one.
Supervisor Hughes presented resolu-
ton, which was adopted, directing the City
Engineer to prepare the specifications for
the WOrk 10 De performed on Cl6nlenC
street in accordance with his recommends
tions set forth in his communication, in
order that the Sutro Railroad Company
may be given every facility desired in the
construction of its railroad.
A petition signed by many business men
and residents in the district bounded by
First, Mission and Harrison streets and
the waters of the bay, was read, requesting
that the order exempting the locality
named from the provisions of the fire
order be made law.
The board laid over for two weeks the
Mayors veto of the order exempting the
locality named from the provision of the
fire order.
The Mayor sent two messages to the
board expressing disapproval of two resolu-
tions relating to outside lands, and asking
that further action be taken. One referred
to the changes of grade on Sixteenth street,
and the other to the dredging of certain
lands on Rose Lyon avenue.
An order was passed to print declaring
South Park to be an open public boulevard,
and prohibiting vehicles carrying merchan-
disc from travelling on the street, except for
purposes of delivery.
Clerk Russell was instructed to call the
attention of the Sheriff to the opinion of
City and County Attorney Creswell, which
holdc hata oil Eeepara, faas p1nSt he Maid