The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-02-08
ANTI-SEWERITES
WAIT ON THE MAYOR
Tell Him Why They Object TO the Sign.
ing of the Ordinance.
ARGUMENTS THEY PRESENTED
Say That Ninety Per Cent of the
Property Owners ofth 9 Twelfth and
Upper Part of the Nineteenth Wards
Are Opposed to the Construction of
the Proposed Sewer--Using the
Agitation for Political Purposes.

a deputation of South Siders repre-
senting the element opposed to the
Seventeenth district sewer was re-
ceved by Mayor Bailey Saturday night
at his office in the city hall. The party
presented in detail and at length argu-
ments against the building of the
sewer. They left without receiving
any hint of the mayors views, but had
the satisfaction of having made good
use of their anti-sewer ammunition.
Speeches We're made by Select Coun-
Gilman Manley, Common Councilman
Sweeney, Mr.. Kelly, who organized the
citizens opposition movement, James
O'Boyle and others. Mr.. OBoyle made
the mistake of intimating that If his
honor wanted any faVors from the
three wards affected, he should favor
the anti-sewer movement. The mayor
with some feeling replied that personal
motives would not control his consid
Grafton of the ordinance.
The burden of the arguments We're:
That 80 per cent. of the property
owners in the Twelfth and the upper
part of the Nineteenth wards were op-
posed to the sewer; that a very small
number would be able to pay assess
ments. Councilmen Manley and
Sweeney seemed positive in their opin
ion that the assessments levied against
non-abutting properties would not Re
collectable, and that the city would
be involved in great expense If the
sewer system is constructed.
Mayor Bailey remarked that the
wishes of anti-sewerites would be given
careful consideration and the delega-
ton left satisfied with the result of
their mission. Besides those men
toned there We're in the party: Mar
tin Roche, William Thiess, William
Coleman, Philip Nealon, John Nealon,
Hugh Caffrey, Patrick Weir, Henry
Jordan and Mr.. Frantz.
The opposition of the proposed sewer
is exciting Il good deal of attention be-
cause of the POLITICAL phase of the mat
ter Men who care not a fig whether
the sewer IS built or not are figuring
conspicuously in the agitation because
they hope to make political capital out
of it. The object directly sought is
the defeat of George Wirth, who is a
candidate to succeed himself as COM
mon councilman in the Nineteenth
ward. Mr. Wirth is q progressive
citizen and a true representa-
tive of the best interests of his ward
NDltu lDl Tie IltSSuEt VI lllc ScN|l VI
dinance, and thereupon the howl of a
number of Democratic politicians as
cended with a view to creating a pub
lie sentiment unfavorable to Mr.. Wirth,
which would result in the election of
Richard Sheridan, the Democratic
nominee.
1t is also hoped by these agitators
that they will be able to stir up some
political capital for themselves which
can be used a year hence, Mayor
Bailey has until next Monday to sign
or veto the ordinance, and 1t is strongly
hinted that he will take every hour al
lowed him, as the election occurs on
the day succeeding the one on which
he must act on the ordinance or allow
| it to become a law by default.