The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-01-08
The Harbor Commissioners Will
Allow 1t to Remain for
a Time.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD.
Fruit and Cigar Stands and the Bal.
last Men Will Be Moved Off
the Water Front.

1t took P. T. Dundon over half an hour
to explain to the Harbor Commissioners
yesterday matters in connection with his
tramWay on the seaWall. At one time it
looked as though the track would be
ordered torn up, but finally permission
was given for it to remain for time to
see how it would work. This permission
was only given on the understanding that
NJ. Dundon is to place warning light
near the derrick and give bond to in
demnify the commission against any loss
and to defend any damage suits that NAV
happen III consequence of the tracks
being on the City front
Chief Engineer Howard c. Holmes re-
ported that the track is dangerous to all
who have to do business on the seawar.
In this opinion he was supported by Chief
Wharfinger Root.
Mr.. Dundon was called in and cross
questioned. He apologized for his APP
parent discourtesy to the board and SAID it
was all through rush of business. He
admitted having failed to ask for permits
sion at the proper time and offered to
m axe all the reparation in his power.
A prolonged discussion ensued, in which
Mr.. Dundon made plea for his track and
derrick. President Colnon said:
It just amounts to this-its the opening OF
the door. Ii we grant this privilege others will
want similar one. 1t wouldn't surprise me
in the least to see P B. Cornwall here at the
next meeting asking permission to run tracks
from his lum her-yard to the wharf
Commissioner Cole-Oh, the cases are not
similar. Where Cornwall is there is a great
deal of traffic and would never agree to his
laying tracks across the seawall. In Dundon,s
case, however, there are not more than a
dozen buggies and wagons pass in a day.
Commissioner Chadbourne-I am in favor of
allowing the tracks to remain for the time
being 10 see whether they are an obstruction
or not on condition that Mr.. Dundon file
bond, as has been suggested.
This the ex-Supervisor agreed to do and
went away only half satisfied.
The question CT the new ferry depot came
up again, and President Taylor of the
Risdon Iron Works said he wanted to
come to an understanding with the board.
He said
My attorney has told me that in view of the
conflict between the attorneys for the board
and the AttOrney-General it would not be safe
to go OH with the contract. The chances are
that the matter will be carried to the Supreme
Court and while decision is being reached
frelghts may go up and we would lose heavily
on the contract. don't want to say that we
Will not take the contract, but cannot control
the future.
free 10 accept or decline the contract?
Captain Taylor nodded his head and
said, That's just it"
President Colnon-Well, it seems to me that
the best thing that can be done is to let the
matter stand that way
Commissioner Chadbourne-If the board has
TO advertise have the right to reject your
bid, and if freights go up you can repudiate
your contract.
With that understanding Captain Taylor
went away satisfied.
About week ago an engine on the belt
ron &c p O.. 80
wagons and damaged it to the extent of
$67 70. The bill was sent to the board but
1t was rejected on the testimony of Yard
master Goodrich, who said the driver was
| to blame.
President Colnon moved that all the
| buildings on the water front not absolutely
! necessary for the convenience of commerce
! be removed. This will include all the
cigar booths and fruitstands, the ballast
and brick MEN and number of others.
Commissioner Cole-I am much opposed to
! ,such order unless the ballast men are al
/ owed TO remain, or else that everybody, in
/ Guiding the boetmen, be removed
Commissioner Chadbourna-East street is not
yet built up, and if was the owner of prop
/ erty on the west side would certainly object
/ TO having an opposition that pays no rent
working against me on State property. If these
| people want to do business let them move
across the street.
Commissioner Cole-If the boatmen are al
| lowed to stay think the ballast men should
| also stay. Both OF them are connected with
! the shipping interests OF the port.
Commissioner Chadbourne-Well Pll second
| the presidents motion. l think It's good
| move. 1t is in the direction of removing OBJ
structions and advertising devices from the
| water front and am in favor of it.
| The motion was carried unanimously.
Mr.. Cole reserving the right to object to
the moving of the ballast-men when the
matter comes UP again.
About month ago the Union Trans
portation Company's Dauntless ran into
Clay-street wharf and damaged it to the
extent OF 500. This was only an estimate,
and a bill on that basis was sent to the
company. An itemized account was de-
manded, which Secretary Keegan was in
structed to furnish. 1t transpires that the
! transportation company would have been
better off if it had paid the 500, as it cost
considerable amount more than that to
repair the wharf.
Bids for the removal of 260 feet from the
outer end of Powell-street wharf and the
repairing of the inner end of Howard No.
2were opened and read, as follows:
Darby, Leydon & Co.......... s4o77
racine Bridge Company. $500
San Francisco Bridge Company ........... 4647
Thompson Bridge Company. $500
james a. hcM anon. 1925
SoItoH BIOS. 1884
he daI -