The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-08-10
LOS ANGELES HERALD. WEDNESDAY MORNING AUGUST TO- 1898
AT WORK
LIGHT ATTENDANCE AND LIT
TIE PROGRESS MADE
Much Debate on Method Of Appointing
City Attorney and Creation Of
Board Of Public Works

The board of freeholders met last even
ing in the council chamber, Major Lee
wore a colored shirt, no vest belted trous-
ers and a dinky little hat, looking the most
cool and patient man In the room; he dotted
his little chapeau and filled the chairman s
seat with the skill that comes from the
combination of brains, comfort and self
reliance.
The members present were Judge Steph-
ems, Mr.. Willard, Mr.. Crutcher, DR.. Davis
on Mr.. Newmark MIR. Morgan, Mr. Cohn.
Judge Croft and ex-Mayor Hazard.
The business of the meeting commenced
with the unfinished report of the commit
toe on executive department, the first sec
ton being that which relegated the APP
pontment of the city attorney TO the coun-
Gill;
Judge Stephens objected to this. He
held that the people should elect this officer
and so moved.
Mr. Newmark, of the original committee,
supported the report. Judge Croft offered
as a compromise that the mayor appoint
with the consent of the council.
Deputy Attorney Crutcher took the view
that better men could be secured for the
office by not combining the class of men
from which to select this officer to those
who could do politics we'll enough TO get a
nomination. He strongly favored the APP
pointment being made by the council.
Mr.. Hazard, who is opposed to the GEN.
Trailing of power In the mayor, supported
the board, argued that If that principle Is
carried out, If he is to be held responsible
for the administration. he certainly should
have the appointing of the attorney for
that office is one of the most important to
him.
On the sugges ton of Judge stephens 1t
was first voted that the city attorney be
appointed, and then 1t was moved that he
be appointed by the mayor with the advice
and consent of the council, which was
adopted.
The same question as to the council
appointing the city clerk was then consid-
cred. Mr.. Willard here spoke on the idea
that the board was getting too far away
from the people; they had voted down the
last charter because there was too much
power given to the mayor.
Mr.. Crutcher corrected Mr.. Willard by
showing that at the last charter election
the majority of votes cast were for the
charter; the trouble was that the requisite
three-fourths votes were not forthcoming.
Judge Stephens argued that there was no
principle at issue in this office, clerical
ability being only required.
This resulted in two tie votes, and Mr..
attorney being appointed by the mayor
with the consent of the council be recon-
sidered, which was carried.
through that the city attorney be elected
but this was finally postponed until a
fuller meeting.
The next section attacked was that re-
ferring to the office of auditor. defining his
qualifications his salary TO be $4,000 and
to be city assessor as well.
Judge Stephens wished the salary placed
at $1,000. Mr.. Newmark said that there
should be more information on the ques-
ton of auditor and tax collector, and re-
quested postponement of those sections.
This was assented to.
The report of the judiciary committee on
! the duties of the city clerk was adopted.
The report on the duties of the city attor.
ney was then discussed. There was much
discussion as to whether the power to
order litigation should be left entirely to
the council, or whether the mayor should
be given a say. After much debate 1t was
decided to leave the power with the cour-
ell. The report was, with some amend
ments, adopted.
The report of the judiciary committee
on police courts. leaving them to general
legislation, was adopted.
Mr.. Crutcher of the committee on public
works reported a provision for the grade
of the streets not provided by the general
law, which was adopted
A long discussion followed as 10 the for
nation of the board of public works, their
control of street work, and kindred mat
/ tiers. Mr.. Crutcher, chairman of the commit
tee on this subject, said he was opposed
to the creation of such board and there
fore wished some one who favored such a
| commission to draw up report. He made
a very strong argument, holding that the
street law and other general law provided
for all the duties II was proposed to give
TO the board.
! The discussion on this was very long,
and no conclusion was reached, the lega,
points involved being too complicated for
| the freeholderS. and the matter was re-
| ferred to the judiciary committee Cor its
opinion as to what powers can be given to
such a board not In conflict with the gen.
| eral laws.
| Secretary Nolan then read communi-
cation from the Merchants and Manufac-
turers' association asking that a sidewalk
Inspector be appointed TO look after trees
and procure their planting. This was re-
ferred to the committee on parks.
AS the chairman looked at the clock,
Judge Stephens very considerably moved
an adjournment, which was taken
TAKES NEW EXISTENCE