Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-11-24

the Island, at me6LlHS VI lie SpSoidA
committee appointed some time ago,
which was held last night IN the
Chamber of the First Branch of Coun-
ell. In addition to members OF the
committee. a number of Island citl-
zens who have taken a prominent part
in the movement, were IN the LOBBY
Provision was made for the appoint
ment of a representative committee,
to confer with the bridge companies,
for the purpose of securing PROPOSE
ton as something tangible to work up
on. If necessary, it is the plan to
then ask the next Legislature to enact
a measure giving the city the right to
rent, buy, or build a bridge.
In calling the meeting to order, the
Mayor facetiously remarked that
".there's going to be a wedding at
the Grand, and we ali want to get
there" He stated the object OF the
meeting to be to devise some method
of providing free toll for people OF the
Island, and he suggested that each be
permitted to speak his peice.'
Mr.. Fred c.. H. Schwertfeger was the
first of the Island citizens to speak,
and was followed by Mr.. E. c. Schener-
lein. Both stated the desires OF the
Island people, but neither would sug-
gest any definite plan of securing free
toll They thought the only method
was to effect some sort Of deal with
the bridge companies. No houses have
been erected on the Island for 10
months, and residents OF that section
Of the city "have put up with 1t as
long as they can stand it" MIR. Gee
took the floor, and stated that IN MS
opinion the Island people have submit
ted to a great injustice. They nave
complained, and sought relief, but have
succeeded in accomplishing nothing.
He regretted that the people Oh the
city were not present in order that
they could be talked to. lie had no
scheme to propose, but in common with
all Island citizens, he thought some
thing should be done.
Mr.. Chas. Hamilton said he had no
speech to make. He approved all that
had been said by those who preceded
him, but he realized that it was a case
of one Ward against seven. He had
heard people say that the Island citl-
zens are a peculiar set. They want
no saloons, no COWS, no pigs on the
street. Their argument is that if the
Island people want to be exclusive,
they should pay for the privilege. Mr..
Hamilton thought no other section
would tolerate the nuisances mention
ed if it could be helped
Mr.. Schenerlein said the Council
Committee had been appointed several
months ago, and had done nothing.
He favored the addition of a commit
tee of citizens, who would take an ac
tual interest in the matter, aid work
for the accomplishment OF the ends
desired by the Island citizens.
A motion was made to ask for the
appointment of members of general
committee, to embrace two citizens,
and two members from each of the
following named bodies: City Coun-
Gil, Board OF Education and Board of
CoDp4v Cop, p,;ccsiOporc
Mr.. NJ. A. Chew pointed out some of
the difficulties in the way. He thought
any agreement made between the pres
ent Council and the bridge companies
would have to be renewed by each
Council. He thought nothing would be
satisfactory to Island citizens except
permanent arrangement for free pas
sage over the bridge. He asked for an
opinion from the City Solicitor.
Mr. Nesbitt said that Mr.. Chew had
stated correctly the law bearing on the
matter. Decisions in the State courts
have established the point that city
councils cannot make contracts in
volving the expenditure of revenues
under subsequent administrations. He
thought the best plan would be con-
ference with the bridge companies in
order that the city might be enabled to
ask for certain legislation at the com
ing meeting of the State Legislature.
The question arose as to whether the
city has right to build a bridge. Mr.
Nesbitt said there are three methods
to rent, buy or build a bridge.
The motion previously offered was
adopted. The Mayor appointed Messrs.
Schwertfeger and Schenerlein to repre-
sent the citizens, and Messrs. Baird
and Chew as representatives of Coun-
Gil The county and school boards will
be asked to appoint their representa-
tives.
The next meeting will be held at the
call of the Mayor.
Egg Nog, Tom and Jerry served to-