The Indianapolis journal., 1896-06-16
TO KEEP STREAMS PURE
ORDINANCE FOR THAT PURPOSE IN
TRoDUCED IN COUNCIL.
Mayor Signs Councilman Clark's
Badge Ordinance-CIerk Stuck
meyers Dilemma.

AT the twenty-minute session of the Com
mon Council last night but two or three
matters of any moment were considered.
Controller Johnson submitted a communi-
cation from the Board of Public Works
asking for the appropriation of $1,000, of
which $500 is for an electric lighting plant
in Tomlinson Hall and $500 for vapor
lights. The boards communication stated
that an electric plant in the hall would
save the city 5000 a year. Controller
Johnson recommended that the Council au-
thorize the appropriation. Mr.. Wolcott in
troduced an ordinance providing for the
appropriation. Without discussion the
ordinance was referred to the committee on
finances. Mr.. Golfer awakened fresh inter-
est in the water question by introducing an
ordinance providing for the cleansing and
publication of water and water courses
within the city of Indianapolis and within
a radius of ten miles from the corporation
lines. The ordinance provides that 1t shall
be unlawful for any person to deposit or
permit to be deposited in any water or
water course. creek. stream or river in In
dianapoiis or within ten miles thereof ANY
offal, dead animals. logs, rubbish. dirt or
impure liquids of any kind whatever, or
anything which will render such water un-
fit for use for drinking purposes" The
ordinance authorizes the Board of Public
Works to take such action as may be
necessary for the cleansing and publication
of the water and water courses, creeks,
streams and rivers within the city Of In
dianapolis and within ten miles thereof"
and to take proper steps TO keep it pure
and prevent its pollution. For the viola
tion of the ordinance it is provided that
fine of $500 may be assessed, to which may
be added Imprisonment for not TO exceed
six months. After its reading the ordi-
nance was referred to the committee on
public safety and comfort. Mr.. Golfer
says the last Legislature passed a law
sufficiently broad to permit the city to take
the ten-mile jurisdiction over all streams
for the purpose, of preserving the safety
and health of citizens.
th At the last rding meeting what Is known h, as
to the committee on pubic property and
improvements for amendments which
would permit persons TO pass through the
parks after II o'clock at night. Mr.. Cooper
reported on the amendments last night.
The ordinance was passed. This ordinance
commissioners. 1t regulates the use and
enjoyment OF parks in this city.
The report of the committee on streets
and alleys recommending the passage OF
the ordinance prohibiting any person from
digging into or removing any material from
any street or aliey In the city without per-
mission from the Board of Public Works
was concurred in. The ordinance, although
general in its terms, is directed primarily
against the Citizens Street-railroad Com
pany. Any person or corporation violating
its provisions is subject to fine or 500.
Mr.. Clark is but little nearer his coveted
badges than when, his resolution was
passed two weeks ago, although Mayor
Taggart returned it TO the Council last
night duly approved and signed. City Clerk
resolution directs him to procure the
recommend an appropriation for their pur-
chase.
Mayor Taggart also signed ordinances
providing for the transfer of certain funds,
permitting Knight & Jillson to build rail-
road switch across South Pennsylvania
street and to establish the grade OF West
street.
For a number of years residents of the
southern part of town have been trying to
get a tunnel placed under the j., Nj. d I.
railroad tracks at the Hanway-street cross
ing The Board of School Commissioners
was requested to order the tunnel. the petit
ton stating that the lives of children who
were compelled 10 cross the tracks 10 reach
school buildings were imperiled. The school
commissioners had no Jurisdiction and
recommended that the petition be referred
to the Board Of Public Works. After pass
ing through the hands of the city engineer.
who regards the plan as feasible, the petit
ton went to the Council last night and was
signed by most of the members With
this approval of the Council the board Will
probably grant the petition.