The herald., 1897-01-06

coed and he he did not propose to stand
1t. He pointed out how certain property
benefited had been left out of the as
sessment, whereas, other property which
was not benefited in the slightest de-
gree had been included. He asked that
the council at once abandon these pro-
ceedings. He tlatly refused to contrib
ute one cent toward paying the expenses
incurred up to this time, saying that he
preferred paying his money for attor-
neys to fight what he believed to be an
injustice.
same vein. He vigorously protested
against the injustice which had been
done these property owners. He also
protested against what he called the
outrageous charges of the COM
missioners, which had brought up the
costs to something over $500. Notwith-
standing this, he believed that if
the council would fix the charges at q
proper figure the money could be raised
to pay them, providing the proceedings
are abandoned.
Martin Marsh also spoke briefly sug-
gesting that to prevent further mis-
takes of this kind, the clerk of the COM
missioners should be instructed to noti-
fy by postal card every interested prop
erty owner.
City Attorney Dunn briefly explained
proceedings necessary for an abandon
ment.
Mr.. Stratton, a Second ward property
owner, next addressed the council in
favor of the proposed improvement. He
gave In detail the course of the proceed
iEgs from their inception, and denied
that there had been any secrecy or any
frregularity. The Northwest Improve
ment association, of which he was pres
ident. did not inaugurate these improve
ments, but when they were proposed by
the property owners they did what they
could to help them along. Mr.. Stratton
denied that this proposed Improvement
was In the interest of the railroad COM
pany. The railroad people, as 1t was,
had all they wanted for their tracks,
but the people did not have enough
street, since there are now two tracks in
sixty feet.
Mr. Slaughter, who assisted in getting
up the petition for the improvement,
followed, explaining how 1t had been
gotten up, and the reasons for it. He
showed that they had a majority of the
frontage. and he regarded the improve
ment as a public necessity. For years
the people in that portion Of the city had
been asleep and doing nothing. The
people further up the hill had made
many improvements, and spent a great
deal of money which had greatly benefit
ed the people lower down, and he now
thought that they should do their part.
II abandoned the matter would again be
brought up and the expenses would be
greatly increased. He had contributed
TO the improvement of Bellevue avenue,
and he thought that the people up the
street had right now to ask that the
people at the lower end do something
for themselves.
In answer to questions, MIR. Slaughter
explained in detail the reasons for lay
ing out the assessment district as had
been done, and pointing out the benefits
that each section would receive. He
asked that the council defer action until
they could post themselves, rather than
abandon proceedings.
Mr.. Hughes. another property owner,
also entered his protest, saying that the
proposed Improvement was detriment
to his property.
Councilman Baker moved that the mat
ter be referred to committee Of three,
to make an investigation, and report to
the council Friday afternoon at o'clock
The motion prevailed and the president
appointed Councimen Baker Hutchi-
son and Grider as such committee.
1t was decided that when the council
adjourn it be to Friday afternoon at 2
o'clock.
On motion of Councilman Nickel the
city engineer was instructed to prepare
plans for caring for the storm water on
New Main street east Of the Kuhrts
street bridge.
Adjourned tos Friday afternoon at 2
o'clock.