The herald., 1898-12-24
why II WAS CHANGED
MAJOR BELL WANTS GEORGIA
STREET RECHRIsTENED
A SLIGHT TO HIS WIFE
CITY Engineers Annual Report Gives
Some Interesting Figures-What
It Costs to Run the City

petition to the council from thirty
seven prominent citizens, asking to have
the name of Georgia street changed to
Georgia Bell street. was the first matter
brought before the board Of public works
at Yesterdays session Major Horace Bell
was on hand to represent the petition. lie
went over the history OF the street, oeclar-
inc that he had given the street to the city;
that it had been named Georgia Bell street
in honor of his wife. The street names
throughout the city were then gone over
by committee appointed by the council
'The committee" said Major Bell, through
the spite of one of its members-Charles
Formau--changed the name OF Georgia Bell
street to Georgia street. That's the whole
matter. The petitioner then went on to
declare that he and his family We're resent
full at the action taken and considered the
change a reflection On his wife and on his
family name. Il could forgive man who
shot me in the back, but | cannot forgive
such reflection on my good name, SAID
Major Bell. ''and | never will forgive it.,
however unpleasant it may be TO bear re-
sentiment.
Thomas Haverty took vigorous stand
against Bell. Il should call this most
nervy attempt to saddle another name on
our street by lot of people, not one Of
whom lives on the street. | do hive there,
and ought to have something to say about
the proposed change of its name. | will say
right now that | don't believe you could
get up petition among the residents on
the street for a change Of name. They are
sick and tired of changes, and are satisfied
with the name Georgia street, but they
don't want handle to it.
''Now. those who have signed this petit
ton, or some of them, have told me that
they did 50 at the solicitation of an old ac-
uuaintance and because they We're not in
teNsted one way or the other But the
property owners are interested. | cannot
see the propriety OF Major Bells demand
for change of the name OF street on
which he does not own foot OF property.
Major Bell retorted warmly that he dio
not ask change OF name; he wanted that
restored to him that had been stolen.
Besides, he urged the board to consider a
petition filed about eighteen months ago,
asking to have the name OF Georgia Bell
street retained
Il still own one street down III that sec
ton said the attorney. that have not
conveyed TO the city. | named It Virginia
street, after one OF my daughters. That
was changed 10y Mr.. Forman, who had
himself placed on the street name revis-
ion committee 10 De Long street. The
street was named after one of Forman's :
political chums back in Nevada-a man
totally unknown here As that is the
0irtiest, narrowest, meane>t street in Los
Angeles, | will give the city a title deed to
- i 4
street"
The matter was taken under advisement
The balance Of the meeting Of the board
was peaceful, and the following recommend
atiors were adopted for submission to the
council at next Tuesdays session.
We recommend that the petition from
William II. Summers ct al. be referred to
the city engineer, with Instructions that he
present ordinance of intention to sidewalk
the west side of Grand avenue between
Fourth and Fifth streets.
That the city engineer be instructed to
present ordinance OF intention to grade,
gravel, curb and sidewalk Turner street
between Nignes and Center streets. in ac-
cordance with the petition from Frank Bou-
chard ct al.
That the petition from d. NJ. McGarry.
asking that McGarry street between Eighth
and Ninth streets be abandoned, be referred
to the city engineer for investigation.
That the petition from \. b. Nash ct al,
for the grading with the natural gravel OF
the street and the curbing Of Thirtieth
place. be referred to the street supsrintend
ent for investigation.
That the application Of L. Berque,t for
position as janitor in the city hall be filed.
That the petition from Mrs NJ. y. Wis
well, with reference to the opening of Sev-
enteenth street and the Improvement OF
Vermont avenue, be filed. as no proceedings
have been instituted for opening Seven
teenth street.
That the ordinance authorizing and di-
recting the sale of lot 3S Sisters of Charity
tract, be placed on its passage
In the matter OF the petition Of Lucy !.
Harvey, we are Of the opinion that if all
litigation can be terminated, it will be to
the interest Of the city to pay the petition
OF $500 in full for all damages Yom. board
would therefore recommend that such action
be taken, without admitting any legal lia-
blhty on the part of the city, and only by
way OF compromise and to terminate litiga-
ton.