The herald., 1896-01-14
THE OPENING GUN

The water campaign, which is 10 be the
keynote to the municipal struggle of
next winter, has begun in earnest. City
Attorney Dunn yesterday sounded to the
council the following trumpet call in the
ensuing heated skirmishing:
1.-THE case of the city of Los Angeles VS..
Pomeroy & Hooker for the condemnation
of and for head works is set for trial Feb
ruary 2Sth. This case is of the greatest
possible importance TO the city, not only
because of the issues involved, but because
it is the first great case affecting the title TO
the waters Of the river. | have spent, to-
gether with the engineer and your water
committee. very considerable portion of
time in investigating the condition of
affairs relating to the waters OF the river.
and am of the opinion that prompt and
vigorous action must be taken to preserve
to the city its right to this water. The
waters of the Los Angeles river comprise
the greatest and most valuable property
owned by this city today. The preserva-
ton of our rights in these waters is of the
greatest Importance, and L believe the
people of the city will be unanimous in the
support OF vigorous policy to protect
those rights, although it may involve the
expenditure of considerable money.
II am of the opinion that competent ex-
pert engineers should be employed 10 con-
making a thorough investigation as to the
sources of supply of the Los Angeles river,
in order that intelligent steps may be taken
to prevent these sources of supply from
being cut off. To do this, much boring and
prospecting will be necessary, and, in
short, we must obtain for the city thor
ough knowledge of the typographical and
geological conditions existing in, about and
above the head of the river. | am thor
oughly convinced that this matter cannot
be longer delayed and ask your honorable
body to make the necessary appropriation
and authorize the necessary steps requisite
to complete and thorough preparation of
the case above referred to, and others
which may follow. AS l have said, be-
lieve we have arrived at crisis with refer
ence to the water supply, and l am certain
that the public will be glad to see any
necessary expenditures in this line prompt
ly made, and for that purpose. if necessary
to materially reduce expenditures in other
quarters. 1t may be necessary under the
present financial condition to do less street
work and to put off for time some pro-
posed improvements. This would be a step
such as any prudent man would take were
he to lind his expenditures in excess of his
income, and if it be necessary to do with
out luXuries, and even without some things
that are deemed almost necessities, l think
that the people will gladly sanction your
action in doing so, if by SO doing you con-
tribute to the protection of our water
supply"
The above was referred to the water sup
ply committee.
The city attorney yesterday also reported
upon the following:
An ordinance amending the health orii-
nance and fixing fees for registration of
midwives. Adopted.
An ordinance fixing registration fees for
physicians. dentists. etc. Adopted.
In the matter of preparing an ordinance
prohibiting gatherings in public parks, /
ask one weeks further time. Granted.
In the matter of an ordinance prohibit
ing improper bills on bill boards, l do not
present an ordinance for the reason that
the matter is fully covered by section 81
OF the Penal Code, and an ordinance is
therefore unnecessary. Filed.
L have prepared a contract with John
Rebman changing the front of the central
police station from granite to sandstone.
Received.
An action has been brought by Henry
Elliott against the city to quiet title to GER
tain property in the Woodworth tract
would advise that disclaimer be filed, as
we have frequently discln lined as to ether
portions of this tract. Adopted.
Actions have been begun by the City
Brtck company and by Edward Sinons to
quiet title to certain portions of the Abila
tract. Following the precedent established
Dy your ianQ committee and sanctioned by
your honorable body in the case of Sesma
against the city. disclaimers should be filed
III these actions but with reservation eX-
cepting any rights the city may have in
Chavez Ravine road. Referred to the land
committee.
In the matter of conveyance of Mrs.
Shatto to city, herewith returned, find no
legal objection to the form of the deed.
advise that it be referred TO the engineer to
approve the description, and that you pass
upon the conditions. Referred to the city
engineer.