New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-02-26


new contract would be begun early 30 that
specifications, including necessary improve
ments Of methods, could be prepared. Then
the removal Of ashes and rubbish from the
areaways or in front of buildings spoken
Of and n. I. Flocken Superintendent of Streets.
was called in to explain the new specifications
for cleaning the streets and removing dirt
and ashes from April 1. 1896 Cor from the date
of the execution Of the contraco, to Apri l.
1899 He read the following clause
bish OF any and every kind, in barrels. boxes or
other receptscles placed In front OF any ou in o
upon the Sidewalk except rubbish resulting from
the constructon alteration OF rep rn u uDon such
days and such hours as may be rom me 20
e e barreis b5xes or other recep shall be
carefully replaced within the courtyard INES
ALL WAGONS Mrsp BE COVERED.
The representatives. OF the associations asked
few questions but finally seemed to think thar
the provision was satisfactory. Mr.. Flocken. In
reply 20 question asked by Mrs Hart as 70
perfection OF methods said. I'm afraid, Mrs
Hart that we will never reach perfection in this
world" One of the visitors said she thought the
receptacles should be placed not thrown
back within the courtyard lines by the ashman.
Her attention was called to the words care
fully replaced" in the specifications
Then Mr. Flocken explained that part OF the
new specifications which provides that the con-
tractors wagons SHALL be strong and tight. and
that the ash wagons shall be constructed in
sections, with separate covers to each section.
or with sectional covers ard without sectional
divisions, as the Commissioners nay decide.
Each cover shall close tightly. and II these ar
rengements do not entirely prevent the spilling
Of ashes and the escape Of dUsT. further COW
ering of canvas may be required or other
changes made. Mr. Willis said that these pre-
cautions would undoubtedly do away with
nuisance. The mixing OF garbage with ashes
and the rules as to filing THO ash barrels to over
flowing. and so forth. were spoken Of and 1t was
agreed that the police ought 10 enforce the law
strictly Mr.. Flocken said that practically every
house had legal areaway four feet from the
house line
Mrs. Hart then spoke earnestly to Mr.. Willis
about the way storekeepers In Fulton-st. and
other business thorough ires undid tn good
work Of the street-ceaners by sweeping rubbish
into the streets early in the morning. Mrs
Scrimgeour thought that Brooklyn ought to be
kept as clean as Boston is. The visitors thought
that storekeepers ought to be cautioned about
sweeping rubbish and dirt 50 that the thorough
fares could be kept clean for few hours, at
least. after the street-sweepers had finished their
labors.
MR. WILLIS EXPRESSES APPRECIATION.
Mrs. Scrlmgeour asked Mr.. Willis what would
be done to impress the public with the necessity
Of Observing proper rules. Mr.. Willis said:
II highly appreciate the noble and heroic work
you are doing. and shall be glad ut any time
to have you make your suggestiors | think
that when the public understands that We are
working together-that We are all on the same
side-it Will be understood that these things
must be done better" 4
After this gratifying and complimentary re-
mark. Mrs. Sorimgeour said she supposed thar
the Commissioner could not be arbitrary In ems
forcing things. Mr. Willis said thar
the Commissioner legally had a good deal OF
discretion, and he proposed to be arbitrary In
some things. He would endeavor TO have sug-
gestions as TO greater carefulness carried out.
Mr. Willis said, incidentally. that during inc
first year OF the new contract there VIII os
many more miles of streets u clean III tne Sc.
ond year. perhaps. still more. ana even inoi'
Mrs. Hart spoke OF empty carts being LETT IN
the streets She said that too many s. wdfe why
the women didn't offer a remonstrance 10 'ne
Aldermen. Mrs. Hart said they had TAXED 70
the Aldermen who tn m"ny ''e "''"N"
Goodness gracious." said Mrs Hart ~
seems TO me that we are being oppressed Just
as much the poor would pe III she ,,'a CON.
| Besides. people who own carts are 'o' se"'
orally poor. o,,rcrrD TO
Cant something be done to stop that awfui
cry OF Ga-a-r-bidge' which the garbage men
shout?" she asked. IT'S perfectly DREADFUL
These men go around In front of the carts.
calling out and 1t seems to me there's no neces-
sty for it," Mr. Willis confessed that ne
didn't know much about the strident garbage
call
Then the members Of the association spoke OF
throwing circulars on the sidewalks. and es-
pecially of the unsightly litter Of papers where
a dozen or more circulars have been thrown In
front Of one house. Mr.. Willis said he thought
this was a "wasteful habit" The women asked
Mr. Willis to see to 1t that the contractors
men used more care In removing ashes. garbage
and rubbish.
After the visitors had thanked the Commits
sioner for his attention to their suggestions
they talked to Alderman Clark. impressing him
with the fact that cleanliness Is next to godli-
ness
Mrs. Scrimgeour told Tribune reporter that
the Womens Health Protective Association will
soon issue q small book. full Of good advice tor