The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-04
THAT STREET-PAV|NG JOB.
Mayor Sutro Desires to Be
Fully Advised in Re-
gard to 1t.
WILL LISTEN TO ARGUMENTS,
Citizens Invited to Give Their Views
on the Bituminous-Rock
Ordinance.

The people of San Francisco are not as
a rule easily surprised, but they are sur
prised that such job as that which passed
the Board of Supervisors by a vote of
eight to four on Monday should be foisted
upon them by their servants. The people are
not only surprised, but they are indignant
at the thought that any eight men could
be found who by their votes would frame
an ordinance that would turn over to the
giant monopoly, the Southern Pacific
Railroad Company, the entire street.
paving system for two years-an ordinance
that bars out competition and prevents the
greatest good to the greatest number.
The people had reason to believe that the
Supervisors would as whole work for
their interest, TO the end that there might
be material improvement and advance
ment in this, the metropolis of the Pacific
Coast, but they were surprised beyond
measure that the means by which the
streets might be improved and the
city beautiied should be turned over to a
great corporation, thus depriving the me-
chanics and taxpayers of the right to COM
pete for work which they undoubtedly are
as capable of performing as any corpora
ton.
by COnPetltlOu Inc peOple ODIdln the
best results IN public work and the people
are indignant that an attempt has been
made to shut out competition for at least
two years.
But the people have one hope and that
is that the Mayor will see the enormity of
the job that is contained in this ordinance
and that he will exercise the power with
which he is vested by placing his veto
upon it.
Mavor C,,+ro hos avnroeeod b;.o.o1f -
unwilling to act hastily in passing upon
this most important matter and he invites
all persons who are interested in the ordi-
nance to appear before him and express
their views for or against it.
This opportunity will give the people the
right to show why the Supervisors should
not deprive them of the right of COMPETE
ton.
When seen yesterday Mayor Sutro said:
81 have made up my mind not to give
any intimation at this time as to what /
may do with the so-called bituminous
pavement ordinance. Whether I shall
veto the ordinance or whether / shall APP
prove it | am not ready to say, but L am
ready to say that l shall not reach any de-
cision until | shall have heard all sides and
can determine what is for the best inter-
ests of the city"
1t was suggested that in all matters of
great importance to the people an oppor-
tunity should be given them to offer argu-
ments for or against proposition.
THAT is what l intend to do. regard
this as most important matter, and
want all the light can obtain to enable me
to reach proper determination"
Then after a moments reflection the
Mayor added: "But you know there is no
particular haste in this matter, and it is
not my desire to act hastily.
No special time will be set to hear ar
guments for or against the ordinance. /
shall be glad to hear any one who has any
knowledge on the subject at my office in
the new City Hall after 10 o'clock in the
forenoon. 1t would be a source of great
pleasure if parties representing both sides
would meet there at the same time, so that