Semi=weekly graphic., 1898-02-09
ID APPLY THE AX!.
CITY COUNCIL PROPOSES TO
 CUT DOWN SALARIES.
An Ordinance for That Purpose Introduced Last Night
 Other Proceedings.

all the COuneilmen present.
 The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
 The regular monthly accounts were allowed and ordered paid.
 The JanuaIy water bill was re- ferred to the Finance Committee.
 The Light and Water Company was allowed $513.95 in fullsettlement Tor December, which the Mayor stated he would take the usual three days to consider.
 Alderman Owen, from Cemetery Committee, reported that he had been unable to make the necessary street Improvements at the Cemetery, on account of inability to procure street gang and teams; that the late rains had made the streets almost impossible, which was causing great deal of harsh criticism, and asked that the Board of Public Af- fairs take the.matter up at earliest opportunity: he also reported con ference with a committee from the Jewish Cemetery, relative to remov- ing the dividing fence and making q public highway instead, and recom- mended that the Board take the matter up. The Mayor responded that if possible, the work will be done next week.
 Alderman Meyer reported the ar rival of patrol wagon, and now recommends the construction of a substantial calaboose.
 Alderman Boy ce reported condition of water about as usual; that he would make no report on the light question except that complaints were constantly reaching him about the non-lighting of certain streets, which he tried to explain was on ac- count of the expiration of the city s light contract. He believed. however, that the citizens would soon call the Conncil to account for the non-light- ing of the streets.
 Alderman Hightower reported do- nestle water pressure for pastmonth 1t h to 30 pounds, and at fire alarms about GO pounds: at one or two alarms no response was made, and that the recording guage showed no flushing had been done since Nov. 2S.
 Alderman Owen inquired if Board of Public Affairs had advertised for contract for public printing. The Mayor responded that on account of his absence from the city, the matter had been neglected, but the adver- tisement would appear in the Press Eagle tomorrow.
 On motion of Alderman Owen the Mayor was directed to have the alley through block 14, P. B. Land Com pany's addition, opened.
 An ordinance appropriating $500 to be used by the Board of Public Affairs on street Improvements, was passed.
 Alderman Boyce introduced an or dinance to fix the salaries Of City Clerk and Police Judge. which, on his motion, under suspension of the rules, was read the second time, and amended on his motion to read:
 sThat City Attorneys salary be made $500 instead of $500 per annum, and Aldermen from $3 to $2 per meeting"
 The Mayor stated that by way of explanation of the above ordinance, he had, with several Aldermen, given the matter considerable thought, and he was of the .opinion that the City Clerk S salary was exhorbitant in view of the work to be done, and thought the city could get eompe- 1 tent man for less salary, and that $600 would be ample compensation, and hoped that the matter would not be delayed, as there were quite a number of would-be candidates waiting the action of the Council in this matter; that while our present Clerk, by virtue of his long experience and exceptional clerical ability, had made sthe Council an exceptionally good Clerk, yet he was sure there were plenty of young men who would take the place at q much smaller salary, as the work would not interfere with his holding an- other position and thereby obtain a double salary.
 Aldermen Johnson, Owen and Bridges desired time co consider the matter, and upon motion of Alder man Johnson the ordinance and amendments were laid over until next meeting.
 The police report shows cash col lection $555.G5; committed, $25S 40 remitted $12.50; appealed, $4.
 Mayor Bell spoke of the needs oi street lighting and of his trip to St Louis with that end in view. and from what he learned there he wat satisfied it was within the power O the city to build light and watei plant, by payment therefor in city