The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-01-31
PARK BOARD SCORED
MIR. AUSTIN, OF WORKS BOARD,
TALKS TO EAsT-END CITIZENS.
Accuses Park Commissioners Of Hnv-
Concerning Telegraph Charges.

This dam project OF ours must be pushed
Dam Pogue's run and We have solved a
great question. This dam question must be
brought TO the attention OF the Board of
Works at once"
Had a person been in the basement OF the
courthouse last evening and heard these ex-
pressions and many similar ones the infer
ence would have been that rough sort of
men were meeting in the Board of Public
Works office. but the affair simply a
committee meeting of the citizens OF the
east end concerning the proposition to dam
Pogue's run and make a reservoir in the
northeastern part OF the city. The meeting
was a spirited one. and. although no strong
language was used with intent. some very
emphatic opinions were offered. and. to use
a common expression. the Board of Park
Commissioners were roasted"
The meeting was composed of a commit
tee appointed by the mass meeting OF east
enders. The specific purpose OF the confer
ence was to consider ways and means of
having Pogue's run dam constructed. The
first expressions favored a prayer TO the
park board. but the committee drifted away
from the park board until at the close the
sentiment was .'let the Park Commissioners
drift: they will do nothing for the east
end"
Mr.. Austin. of the Board of Public Works
started the turn in the opinion when he
said:
The trouble with the Park Commissioners
Is that they have got the Fail creek hobby
In their heads. Along the banks of Fall
creek rest their IDEALS of park system,
and you Will find that the east end has lit
tie to hope for"
There was evidence of approval of the
words of Mr.. Austin. The park board con-
tinued TO be the subject matter for the dis
cussions. and General Fred Knefer. who
was chairman of the meeting. declared:
Il can't see, gentlemen. what have to
hope from the park board. As l said in the
beginning. leave the park board alone. If
wanted a park Improvement made out
north the Park Commissioners would make
II. The North side can get anything
The fact that the Park Commissioners
have the munficent sum of $4,000 appro-
priated for the coming year was recalled.
One man suggested that the citizens of the
east end demand that a portion of this be
Some one laughngly suggested that the
east end secede from the city. Another
offered the venture that 80 per cent. of the
make park along Fall creek, where
banks have to be built TO keep the water
washing the improvements away" The
cost OF the projected Pogue's run dam was
considered City Engineer Jeup had rough
ly estimated that such can be constructed
for $4,000 or $4,000 An Interview was re-
cited with Superintendent of Parks Pow
ers, in which that official estimated the cost
at from $4,000 TO $4,000. In the minds OF
some the estimate of Mr.. Powers threw a
damp blanket on the whole scheme, but
Mr.. Powers was cast aside in the discussion
as being in league with the commissioners.
William Langstaf, ex-member OF the
Legislature, and a Democrat made a
speech. He arose to deliver 1t. The need
OF Pogues run dam was urged, and in
closing Mr.. Langstaff said.
I'VE can build that dam. That man Pow
ers is talking to hear his head roar"
The result of the argument was that the
decision was reached to leave the Park Com
missioners alone. The committee will visit
the Board of Works this afternoon and urge
that q dam be built. 1t is claimed the city
has to pay many thousands OF dollars a
year as damages caused by the overfiows of
the stream. and dam, 50 Ii is urged, will
end all overflows. After the dam is built
there will remain time I'm which TO consult
the Park Commissioners concerning park
There was some speculation regarding the
number OF years the present Park Commits
sioners will be in office. and the time 1t VIII
take TO complete the Fall creek project