Union gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1899-1900, 1899-09-15
THE DIE is CAST.
Bicyc1ists Must Take the Road or Walk
But Not the Sidewalk.

The city fathers have been more thar
usually active of late in enacting or
dinances and rafting the dry bones 0
those lying dormaut on the
statute books. Where in the
past few knew or cared much when
council met, now scarcely citizen
but looks anxiously to the second Mon
day evening of each succeeding month
When roll was called last Monday even
| ing nine councilmen answered Here, ,
and the venerable mayor completed the
list.
| The much discussed law tor excluding
bicyclists from all sidewalks of Corvallis
during the months of June, July, August,
September and October, which had been
passed by the council and vetoed by the
mayor, was given consideration. No
speeches were made by the fathers and
no irate wheelman was there to demand
protection of his vested rights. Silence,
beftting the occasion, reigned while the
vote was being cast, and the result an
noanced was eight in favor of the ordi-
nance to one, S. l.. Hays, against. The
only word spoken on the matter was by
the mayor, when he took occasion when
putting the question to explain his posi-
tion He had availed himself of legal
advice, he said, and the attitude taken
by him was a legal one. He thought
that, so far as wheelmen were concerned,
little objection would be offered to the
ordinance if the word October" was
stricken out.
The recent charter provides that a
city attorney shall be elected the first
meeting ia June of each year, or as
soon thereafter as practicable. This
matter received the attention of the
council, and w. E. Yates was chosen the
city's legal advisor.
By vote of five to four, that portion
of the license law which imposes tax
Of IS per quarter for Wagons delivering
merchandise for local stores or factories,
was repealed. The drays run by the
city delivery or any one else may now
engage in business without paying the
tax.
The ordinance providing for the i'm
proving of sidewalks received the unani-
nous vote of the council. The ordi-
nance covers fourteen pages Of type
written matter and provides that upon
the report OF the chief of police as to the
condition of the streets, the council, if
it DESIRES can order the walk repaired.
Ten days are allowed for the owner to
file objections. The city may repair the
walks and make the expense lien on
the property.
The limit for the time of the compile
ton of the proposed sewers was extend.
ed from 80 days to 135 days from the
signing of the contract. Bidders stated
that the amount charged for doing the
work would depend upon the time limit
for completion. and an increase of thirty
days would mean saving to the city of
at least $500. In the light of these facts
the council extended the time.
A committee consisting OF P. Avery,
James Taylor, S, L. Hays, R. Z. Glib
son and Jas. Smith. was appointed to
the city's interest in the settlement of
ito claim against Reuton county for
taxes due the former. The committee
is authorized to sue on the account.
The city claims that the amount due her
is 1874, but the county believes that the
sum is exaggerated and is willing to re.
fund only $40O, and County Judge
Woodward is authorized to settle in
sum not to exceed that amount.
Bills amounting to $414 on the general,
and 500 on the street fund were allowed.
Prof Shelton was paid $100 on account
for services as engineer of the sewer sys-
tenn.
Council adjourned to meet this evening,
at which time bids for the building of the
sewer will be opened.