Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1896-11-14

LA1Ii u ID. heaTlUbb, civil euStH0ef,
we examined the stakes driven show
ing the grade for the curb at the
Government building. and we find
same correct, and in accordance with
the grade given by the Councils
The report of the Water Board
was then offered, as follows:
eve have examined into the mat
ter of the water rate for the B. & @.
R. Co., and would beg to say that
we have decided to let the rate re-
main the same as set by Water
Board, $40. We have instructed
the chairman to have the creek
grouted and have large stone put in
SO that the same will not wash out.
the work done by Martin and Dunn
not being satisfactory. The cost of
putting it back in accordance with
specifications, to be deducted from
the amount due Martin and Dunn,
the cost of putting in large stone to
be paid for by the Council"
The report was adopted. The Uni
form Committee submitted lis report
showing the bids submitted of var
ious clothiers for uniforms and over
coats for the policemen. They re-
ported having given the contract to
James F. Thompson & Bro, they
being the lowest bidders. viz: Uni.
1 forms $3.50; Overcoats $3.50.
Mayor Henshaw informed h e
| Council that number ofpersons re-
siding near Bakers lime kiln have
been making considerable complaint
about the heavy blasting by lime
kiln employees. 1t was stated that
many windows had been broken out.
No action was taken.
The necessity of q gutter at the
corner of Race street and Maple ave-
nue. was brought before the Council.
1t was discussed at length, and the
condition of a sewer at that place
spoken of. 1t was said that the
Council had some work to do at that
place before any cutters could be
laid. The matter was referred to
the Street Committee with power to
act.
1t was ordered that the Street
Committee take the necessary &C.
tion towards laying street crossings,
especially on Queen street, where the
crossings have been taken up. The
material to be used to be decided
upon by the committee.
The most important discussion oil
the session took place when petit,
tion was rendered by Capt. Mann
member from the Fifth Ward, pray.
ing the Council to transfer to Mr..
VIM. I. Stewart the vacant lot al
the corner of North Queen street and
Pennsylvania avenue, and not to al
low the erection thereon by the fire.
men of hose house, which the peti
tioners considered would be nui-
sance. The petition was strenuous
ly opposed by Councilman Kline,
who is Chief Marshal of the Fire
Department, on the grounds that
the action would be unjust to the
firemen, and that the Council had
previously given the lot to the fire.
men. Councilman Mann replied pro
testing against giving the lot to the
firemen, and stated with his own OBJ.
lection that of property owners at
and near the place. A motion was
made that the lot be given TO Mr.,
| Stewart, in accordance with the re-
port of the Real Estate Committee
and carried by 5 to A. The legality
of this action was brought into ques.
ton and Corporation Attorney John
son was sent for. He declined to
give an opinion before investigation,
and the Mayor stated that as soon
as Mr.. johnson was ready to report
special session of the Council
would be called. There is much
feeling on the part of the fremen,
and 1t is claimed that they will dis
band if the Council insists on giving
the lot to Mr.. Stewart. What the
outcome will be is purely a matter
of conjecture.
The Street Committee was in
structed to look after the bad condi-
tion of two streets in the Fourth
Ward, and the placing of rails along
the bridge on Maple avenue.
! The Council took no action rela-
tive to new pumps at the Water
Works.
Mr.. Benjamin Bushnell was re-
lieved of the dog tax of 1895.
Mr.. j. W. Teter was relieved Of
erroneous assessment for the year
1898.
The Street Committee was given
power to act upon the question oil
widening Boyd street in the Fourth
Ward. Councilman Kline stated
that some time ago it was decided to
condemn sufficient real estate on the
west side of the str st to make il
the desired width. Siaee that time
however, the owners ave agreed to
sell the land to the corporation.
A motion vas MADE to place two
arc lights on John street; one at the
corner of Maple avenue, and the 9th
er at the corner of Raleigh street
There was objection, but the motion
was carried 10y vote of I to 2.
It was stated that there was an in
candescent light on Water street
between King and John, that should
be removed. 1t was considered un-
necessary as there are arc lights al
the corners of both John and King
street. No action Was taken.
1 Councilman E. Y. Little was rec
ognized, and said that since the Of
fee of the Improvement, Loan ani
Building Association has been locat
ed in the Market House, they have
been paying for all the gas used ii
the building. This he thought was
unfair, and he moved that separate
meters be put in. 1t was carried.
It was suggested that electric
lights be placed in the City Building
provided they were cheaper than gas
This matter was referred to tht
Light Committee.
After the reading of number o.