davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1899-06-25

@P HE pledges taken by the Mayor
and Supervisors demand that
the amount of money which
shall be raised to support the
municipal government for the
next fiscal year shall not exceed a sum
that a tax of 81 on a valuation of
$3.50, 100000 will produce. The trainers
of the pledge certainly sought to pre-
vent the raising Of an excessive sum
through expansion Of the assessment
Ioll, hence the insertion of clause
touching the valuation.
Certain provisions of the new charter
must be considered by the Supervisors
in adjusting the estimates for the f1s-
cal year beginning July 1. The charter
provision requiring that the levy shall
not exceed 81 on the aSSesSable valua-
ton may be deemed inf1exible, or, in
other words, a command to fix the levy
at 81. From the best information now
attainable the conclusion is drawn that
Assessor Dodge will present an assess
ment roll of $4OO, ,OOO,o 600. 1t is suggested,
therefore, that the Supervisors, in ap-
proXimating the amount of money to
be raised by taxes, may figure what a
tax of 81 on $3.50, 900, 900 will produce for
half the fiscal year, and also figure the
amount to be derived from an equal
tax on $4O0, 900, 900 for the last half
Of the fiscal year The new charter
takes effect January l, 1900, so one
half of the next fiscal year will be un-
der the old consolidation act, and the
other half under the new charter
The Supervisors must do some close
figuring to keep within the bounds OF
the pledge and also provide the money
necessary for proper administration OF
local affairs. The last levy was
81 312O on a valuation of $35O,0OO,
600, and the various departments
did not receive as much money, respec-
lively, as they are now demanding. Fol
example, the School Department last
year obtained s1,241, $40. This year the
sum of 81, 800, $50 is demanded. Here is
an increase of APO. The Street De-
partment last year secured S514,65O. The
department now asks for S7S6, 7S0. Ar
increase of $212,130 is here requested
Last year Golden Gate Park received
$780, The amount estimated for the
next year is $685., 900. or an increase OF
S102, 900.
In the estimate for election expenses
there is q marked decrease as COM
pared with the outlay last year of $685.
100. The amount required for the next
fiscal year, there being but one cleo
ton to provide for aside from the pri-
mary, is but $50 900. Along the line in
other branches of the local government
there is a steady upward tendency. The
for a ~
last year was $79,2S0, an increase OF
$97, ,72O The City and County Hospital
last year received $95, 900. This time ar
allowance of $4,000 is requested. Ii
other branches of the Health Depart
ment increased allowances are sought
The fire alarm telegraph, a subdivision
of the Fire Department. last year OBJ
tained S5S, 100. The estimate now in
calls for Sill, ,450, an increase of $50, $50
The County Clerk last year received
The San Francisco call., 1899-06-25
Dollar Limit Demands Heroic Meas
ureS OF RetrenChment.
Heads Of Departments Request More Coin Than Was
Allowed Last Year No Margin Under the Plat
form Pledges for Public improvements.

$4,000. This year the sum Of $4,000 Is
requested. or an increase of ST, 900.
In view Of limitations embodied in
the new charter, the task Of preparing
estimates for the next fiscal year re-
qufres special study. Several sources
of revenue now available will be closed
when the charter takes effect. For in
stance, the license tax on merchants,
or on certain lines of merchandise, Is
abolished. This will diminish the rev.
enue from the License Department. To
make good the deficiency the direct tax
on real estate and personal property
may be increased.
In round figures the cost Of govern
ment in San Francisco is s6,000,000 a
year. It is staggering amount when
one considers that the taxpayer gets
neither light, water nor transportation
free. The right to breathe and walk
home unmoleSted is about all that the
citizen gets in return for the $4,000, 900
per year.
The cost of State government is
slightly in excess of s6,000O00 per an
mum, and San Francisco pays one-third
of this sum. For this outlay the citi-
Zens get the privilege of contemplating
the existence of the Governor and the
Legislature. The people of San Fran
cisco are therefore taxed to the tune
of $4,000, 900 annually for local and State
government.
Taxpayers generally commend the
special efforts of the Assessor to en-
large the assessment roll, yet seldom
pause to consider that the State Board
r~..k
never diminishes, the valuation of San
Francisco property for purposes of tax
alton. The local Assessor cannot put
the valuation too high for the State AS
SCISSORS. If Assessor Dodge expands the
San Francisco assessment roll from
| $3.50, 900, 900 to $40O 900, 900, the additional
State revenue represented by the in
| crease of $50, ,000 900 must also be paid
by our taxpayers.
A special study of local estimates Is
being made by the Merchants Associ-
alton and the expert of the Finance
Committee of the Board of Supervisors.
! The Auditor is also making perfunctory
estimates and possibly shading down
some of the extravagant acquisitions
from heads of departments.
The Auditor is a new man in official
| life, and, being new to the business, re-
CARDS the estimates Of his office as too
sacred for inspection outside of the
! Board of Supervisors. The Merchants
Association is giving the important
subject the intelligent and systematic
investigation required.
From the data supplied by the ex-
pert of the Finance Committee and
the bureau of the Merchants Associa-
ton the Supervisors will proceed to
make the allowance for the next fiscal
year. The truth will soon be made
clear that the dollar limit, which must
be observed, will not permit excessive
expenditure in any branch. IT. is
doubtful if any margin will remain for
projecting new Improvements or car
rying forward enterprises already pro-
jected.
The San Francisco call., 1899-06-25
BELLS HEIRS
WILL FIGHT TO
SAVE ESTATE
Six Children Hold a
Consultation.

The children of Thomas Bell, the de-
ceased millionaire broker, whose late
home has long been known as the House
of Mystery" have determined to make a
battle In the courts to save sufficient for
their reeds from the wreck of the dead
capitalists, estate. Yesterday afternoon
al, of the children, accompanied by coun-
sci assembled in Judge Coffeys court to
discuss the situation and formulate plans
of procedure The children, Robina, Mu-
riei Eustace, Reginald, Marie and FREQ
Bell, ii is said, are but following llnes ia1d
down by their mother Mrs. Theresa Bell,
who will enter the various actions 10 be
instigated to preserve at least a portion
of the vast properties.
Although the children and counsel car
ried on their conversation in undertones,
and Judge Coffey did not care to make
public the plans agreed upon IN the Sc
nounced by interested persons that the
first move will be made by Mrs. Bell. She
as guardian of her children proposes to
step down and out and in her stead either
Miss Marie Bell, who is now of age and
legally qualified to assume that position
toward her younger brother and sisters,
or some other competent person, VIII be be
appointed Then the new guardian will
Institute an action against George
Staacke, executor Of the will. for an ac-
counting During the trial of the action
for The accounting the children and Mrs.
BelI hope to be able to find way by
which a fortune may yet. be dragged
from the wrecked estate. The announce
ment made by Mr.. Staacke in court a few
davs ago that in his opinion the estate
could rot pay it's debts has frightened
them. and even Mrs Bell, whom young
Fred Bell says is largely responsible for
the present condition of the estate
through her refusal to pursue the proper
course TO keep it intact. has decided that
the time has arrived for quick and vigor-
Gus action.
None of the heirs, 1t is said. are of the
opinion that the executor is personally in
debted to the estate, but all are of the
opinion that he has been guilty of negli-
gence in his handling of it. They say that
his own business, into which he stepped
after the death of Mr.. Bell, has occupied
his entire attention to the ruin of the es-
tate he was charged to protect. They say
that he does not even know the location
of a third of the estate holdings, their
nature their value nor their present con-
dition. They say that when Bell died one
piece of property, the Providence mine,
situated in Mexico, was worth million
of dollars For this mine Bell paid over
$500. .000 they say, and in the appraisement
of the estate it's value was placed at $780,
900. Since the death of Millionaire Bell,
and even during the last few months,
Mrs. Bell has received dividends from this
property, it is further claimed, and If it
were properly handled 1t would assist in
putting the estate again on sound finan-
cial basis. The New Idria quicksilver
mine is another valuable piece of prop
erty, the control of which Is owned by the
estate, they say, but through neglect it
The San Francisco call., 1899-06-25


ohengrn The Indgrave Tarhhauser" Mephs
Becher
attic
of Belchers
win n lis ofession
a n. s.
Joined Halen
TONS, in a o
Believing that there higher possibilities in his he decided to
English recognition of his talents
GO bee @99@@e
The San Francisco call., 1899-06-25

/ AN gross l'1lisn5S 6lundep hurt5ui 'ul+1fSG to
the interests of San Fran
cisco. This peculiar mistake will cost
the people Of the city tens of thousands
OF dollars annually and will net TO the
san Francisco Gas and Electric Com
pany an enormous and unexpected
profit. The resolution Of the Board of
Supervisors, fixing the rate Of gas at
81 10 a thousand feet, has been declared
illegal by Superior Judge ]. NJ. Seawell,
and the responsibility for the illegality
Of the ordinance is indisputably at the
door of Mayor Phelan.
It was in the office and under the d.
rection Of Mayor Phelan that the ordi-
nance was prepared. The resolution
was drafted by Mayor Phelan's attor-
neys, who are employed because they
are shrewd enough and able enough TO
advise his Honor wisely. Yet the docu-
ment which they prepared contains a
fatal flaw that a novice in the law can
see. The ordinance as Mayor Phelan
prepared it contains a glaring discrimi-
nation against certain classes in the
community and is consequently Illegal.
The mistake is so palpable that an un-
friendly critic might say that it was
committed with a sinister purpose.
Yet Mayor Phelan, who arrogates an
intimate knowledge Of public affairs
and Of the responsibilities of his office,
did not see the error. The attorneys
who We're in the service Of the Mayor
and who drafted the resolution would
plead guilty to an ignorance Of the pri-
mary principles of the law if they ad-
mitted their blunder. But the evil has
been done and the gas consumers of
the city viii begin TO pay next month
the rate the San Francisco Gas and
Electric Company was willing to ac-
cept last March
In giving his opinion Judge SeaweIl
did not even deem it material to the
issue to discuss the constitutionality of
the right of the Board of Supervisors
TO fix gas rates. The initial mistake
of unjust discrimination. committed
under the direction of Mayor Phelan
was so plain that it was necessary tc
go no further to throw the resolution
discredited out of court. And in doing
so, Judge Seawell warned the Super
visors to follow the letter, as well as
the spirit, of the law hereafter in their
legislation. Judge SeaweH probably did
not know that the learned Mayor was
the responsible author of the resolu-
ton.
The incidents leading up to this far
cical conclusion Of the gas controversy
are interesting. Early in March the
Supervisors discussed a rate of 81 60 a
thousand feet. This was considered ex-
orbitant and even the San Francisco
Gas and Electric Company was willing
TO accept a rate of 81 80. Supervisor
Aigeltinger urged the acceptance of
this as a compromise between a rate
Of 81 so and 81 35, which had been pro-
posed. The Mayor refused the compro-
mise for reasons that probably recon-
mended themselves TO him as adequate.
He assumed, if he did not profess, the
position OF a defender of the public well
fare.
1t was then that Supervisor Perrault
suggested the rate of 81 10 a thousand
feet. The Mayor, faithful in his role
OF municipal guardian, declared that he
The San Francisco call., 1899-06-25
Phelan's Blunder Destroyed the
Legality Of the Ordinance.
The April Resolution Which Was Drafted in the Office
Of the Mayor Declared to Be Fatally Defective
by Superior Judge SeawelI.

AYOR PHELAN is again
responsible for what may
be charitably termed a
gross hlunder hurtful to
The San Francisco call., 1899-06-25

has become a charge upon the estate in
stead of remaining, as it was. paying
property. Like charges are made as to
every piece of property owned by the es-
tate. and in consequence a conclusion has
been reached that 1t is time to act if a
dollar is to be saved 20 the heirs.
That the Bell family has awakened from
its lethargy is manifest in the fact that
the old mansion, 1.-The house of mystery
in the roof are being plugged and the
weeds of half a decade are being torn
from their beds. Mrs. Bell will soon ap-
pear before Judge Coffey to show cause
why her family allowance should not be
stopped altogether in the near future.
and doubtless at that time she will try to
show good cause why 1t should not be
Then henceforth until the estate has re-
covered its old-time vigor to a certain de-
gree the courts will doubtless ring with
the charges of the heirs of Bell.
The San Francisco call., 1899-06-25

~ HE pledges taken by the Mayor
H and Supervisors demand that
H the amount of money which
II shall be raised to support the
The San Francisco call., 1899-06-25
Nc Paw for Jurors.

The Justices of the Supreme Court have
decided that a trial juror is not entitled
to be paid for his services as such. This
decision was handed down in the man
damus case of William Birch against
Mayor Phelan and the Board of Super
visors. IN his petition Mr.. Birch recites
that he is a citizen of fair education and
acknowledged common sense and that he
was accepted and served as a trial juror
in the Superior Court of this city. For
this service he demanded a fee at the rate
of 81 per day, basing his demand upon
some old law on the statute books.
Birch's bill. as presented. amounted to
800 Not meeting with success in the
lower court, he carried the matter TO the
higher court on a petition for a writ of
mandate, which the Justices denied.
The San Francisco call., 1899-06-25

Come feelings of joy to my heart.
Come peace and content unalloy'd.
I've reached the highest in arr,
On my bath I've used "Pegamoid.'
The San Francisco call., 1899-06-25

Advances made on furniture and pianos. with
or without removal ]. Noonan. 1017-1023 Mission.
The San Francisco call., 1899-06-25

A brand new walnut upright piano, with
stool and cover, guaranteed for five years,
for s150 cash at Mauvais'. 769 Market ST.
Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1899-12-24
NEWS IN BRIEF.

William Robinson. merchandise
broker aud cotton buyer Of Forest City
Ark is missing AMI foul play Is sus
pectrd.
The cruiser New Orleans has arrived
At Manila.
state Ranger T. l. Fuller who il
charged with the murder Of Oscar Poole
at Orange, Tex. was denied bail
Jack Stelzner Of St Louis, and Ell
Dunkhost Of Cleveland fought ~ rounds
10 a draw at Hot Springs. Ark
The Peoples Party state executive
committee will hold a conference AZ
Dallas, Tex, on Dec 80
Postal Clerk Thomas d. Hathaway
suicidOd in his car near Luling. Tex.
No cause known Had been In the ser.
vice 70 years
The safe Of the Gulf and Interstate
railroad was blown by burglars At Beau.
mont, Tex, and tsL75 realized
Safe blowers:.robbsd the pOstoffices at
Fort Mcpherson and Eat Paint. Ca,
securing about si5OO
Ths Galveston City railroad has been
ordered 10 b ressld on Feb g. PToyis-
ions Of the fret sale were not complied
with.
J. Guy Smith, newspaper man, wa,
acquitted ct San Antonio. Ter, on shs
charge Of numbering Henry s.-AAy Of
Coiuiia
Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1899-12-24

Little Lena Banks, the three year.
old daughter Of Mr.. and Mrs. A.
l.. Banks, died at their home at
College Station, about 6 O'Clock
yesterday morning from the ef'
fects Of burns she received from
her clothing catching fire while
she was at play Thursday. 1t APP
pears she was at play upstairs ct
the family home with other chill
dren, who were playing grown
folks" and had on long dress,
which caught fire. With great
presence Of mind her 9.year-old
sister, Anna, threw a quilt over
her and smothered The flames, but
not until the frail little body was
fatally burned, although up TO the
time Of her death it was believed
she would recover, and her death
was a great shock TO the commu
nifty. Little Lena lacked only two
days Of reaching her third birth
day, which would have been cele-
brated by happy famil,
tomorrow-Christmas day. Words
fail to express the pain the dear
little one suffered, or the anguish
that fills the hearts of her parents
and other loved ones. In the sea
son Of universal gladness, when
families are reunited and JOY beam.
in every smiling face, or speaks in
every ripple Of laughter, the
shadow Of a deep and tragic grief
rests upon this devoted home. An
almost rayless, hopeless night Of
gloom II seems, but there in the
east a star CLEANS, is brightness
piercing the darkness Of centuries.
It shines with all the brightness
that led the wise men to Him who
later said, "SuiIer little children Ia
come unto me" The pain ha.
gone from the sting Of the crueI
flame, the little heart is forever
stilled, and the angel spirit ha'
winged it, way TO the portals O.
light Who that loved her ha,l
no, comfort in the words, "of sucl
is the kindom ofheaven."
The funeral will take place a
! 2:30 this afternoon from the resi-
dence Of Mr. and Mrs. Jno. 7
Hanway.
Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1899-12-24

X. Is. MeGregor, who has been a..
tending the Holiness university at
Greenville, mas returned for the hoIi.
day-
d. T.. Smith Of Alexander, VINO has
been attending the Dnughon bushes.
college al Galveston, las returned for
Christmas.
ChAs Ednburs- restaurant in The
Z.unati block b. now open day and
night. Regular meal. 30 cents. Short
order lunches a. al. hours. II
Miss Dove Pouads arrived yesterday
irom Tynneha, Texas, 10 visit her
brother, Prof L. l.. Pounds.
Mrs. Emma Thomi. aud Miss II IS
Lou Thomas Of Nayas,ta, are visiting
Mr. aud Mr.. ". 4. Johnston.
Ni-s AirIa Tabor returned from
Waco Yesterday, accompanied by little
Nii.- Aielia Rhg,and.
Mrs. y seelIs left yesterday for
Helena, Ark. after visiting Mr.. and
Mrs. Samuel Levy.
Frank Conrad aud wife arrived yest,r.
day from Houston 70 visit Antoine Con.
raj and other relatives.
j.. 2. Wilson is here to spend Christ.
mas with relatives lie has just re-.
turned fom Montana.
There will be q shoot at Frank
Clatke'- pasture Jan. /. All sporlsmen
invited 70 attend.
II YOU wart To rent a good farm
call ON or address Clarence Pearson
Bryan Texas.
Call for Scuppernong wine At Taylor
/ & Cox and you will sst the best. H.,
R-o y.a.l q
Miss Elizabeth Nelson II Sweet
Springs, Mo Is the guest OF Miss Donl
| Coulter.
Mics Miitie Harper Of Abilene, il
visiting her sister, Mrs. d. T. william
son.
Miss May Belle HOFFMAN is at hon,
for the holidays from Huntsville.
Capt. John q. Tabor and family ~
rived from San Antonio yesterday.
i Premium hams and fresh shipment o
crackers at Cole Bros. Il
Mrs. sobe Smith Of whitney. is visit
ing her sister. Mrs. W. T. Ford.
Ollie Carlton, Of Centerville, is vie
iting Mr.. and Mrs. J. X, Carleton.
Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1899-12-24

The Rector Of ~. Andrews Church
announces that there Will be a special
celebration Of the Holy Communion
this Sunday morning at II o'clock for
those who will be unable 10 attend on
Christmas morning. The service on
Christmas Day will begin promptly at
10 O'Clock and will last fifty minutes.
Instead Of their usual Christmas tree
there will be party and dance given
at the Rectory On Friday night, Decem
her 10Th, at 80 o'clock, for the Sunday
School Children and the young people
Of the Church.
Cole Bros sell ~ pounds Of high
grade roasted coffee for 900, and
guarantee !, to 70 A. far as eleven
paper package. 10
Mis-. Leitie Purcell. teacher u the
Rock Prairie school, was here yester.
day en- route home 10 Tabor for Christ.
mss
Nice for Christmas presents-A quar-.
ter box OF those iine Ia Josephine CT.
gau tor 500, At Jno. Chancey Ker
nole's. is
Preaching at the Methodist church
this ,rning at II O'clock and At 1870 p.
M. sunday school o;Ijam You arr
cordially invited. T.. h. SnrrtLfs.
Pastor
A svrl prrsent-a quarter box n
those fine Ia Josephine cigar Tor one
dollar They are zine. At John
CLANCY kyrnolc's. is
Miss Emily steveuer Of Kuften. left
yesterday 10 visit relatives in Milan
county. accompanied Boy John Sabo.
The svelle.t line Of Christmas Can.
dies in town at John Chaucey Ker-
nole's. Is
Prof L. G.. Rollins Of the HolIigau
neighborhooi, was here yesterday.
Miss VI. Stella shepherd lie spending
Christmas with relative. A. Call.
Taylor & Cox have a supply Of wine.
and liquors for the holiday. IS
q. 7. McMilland was here from
Rogers Prairie Yesterday,
Everything for holiday cooking a
Cole Bros Phone Is 10
Buy hera Niye Camera. n
Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1899-12-24
NOVEL DECISION.
Case Throwa out Bsesass Of Violation
Of Trust Law.

Case Throwa Out nsesass Of violation
Of Trust Law.
Galveston. Dec. % The court Of civil
appeals First supreme judicial district,
Of Galveston. has handed down quite an
interesting opinion In the case Of Burk.
ey " the Pasteur company The Pas
teur company sued Burkey on an ac-
count Burkey reconvened for damages.
alleging the violation Of a certain con-
tract giving him the exclusive right 20
sell the Pasteur vaccine In Texas He
claimed that the contract which on it,
face had expired. had by mutual con-
sent been renewed. in accordance with
a provision Of the contract
The interesting point in the decision
Of the court Of appeals is that while
neither party raised the point that the
contract was In violation Of the anti.
trust statute Of Texas on account Of IL
exclusive feature. the appellate court
takes judicial cognizanoe OF it, Illegal
ity. II holds that Burkey cannot claim
damages for violation Of the contract
because the contract was illegal. and II
the contract was in force Al the time the
account accrued, the Pasteur company
cannot recover. for the same reason
The cause IL remanded 10 inquire int
the status OF the contract
Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1899-12-24
JUMPED THE TRACK.
switch Engine Demsiished . Bsggsgs
Room aud Oss Man KILLED.

Fl Paso. Tex. Dec. %. 90 A Southern
Pacific switch engine jumped the track
here while passing just south Of the
passenger depot Friday afternoon and
ploughed heAdlong into the baggage
ROOM utterly demolishing It,
Dozens Of persons were standing In
the immediate vicinity. One man wa,
instantly killed aud two injured
TIE dead man has not been identi.
feel lis head was crushed by the
heavy timbers 80 that he could not b.
recognized. but he wore the clothing Of
laborer. switchman J. ID Clifford
was standing on the runningboard. he
was injured about the back and legs
James Co1ney u Marshalliown. Ia
was caught 10y the falling timhers and
Sustained injuries % both hips
Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1899-12-24
LOCAL NEWS.

Buy him Niye Camera ~
Tom Dawson went 10 Waco yesterday.
r. II. Scale was here from Benchley
yesterday
Dump Battle was here nom WELDON
yesterday.
Home made ribbon cane syrup at
Cole Bros. 10
Chancey I.oWery Is here to spend the
holidays.
See the viye Cameras at Emmett
Drug stofe. ~
st. Took aud family are visiting
{ n Austin
Mr.. ani Ms o II. Cole are visiting
~ flllsbofo.
Cranbefre.. fruits and nuts u all
kinds at Cole Bros. 10
Drink Mount Vernon Pure Rye at the
Exposition saloon. 1907
Miss Sellers Il Mi.lican. was visitor
to the city Yesterday.
Fresh canned good. and ,alt aud dill
pickles az Cole Bros 10
G. A. Patterson and family left for
Waco Yesterday to visit relatives.
Prof G. 4. Fountain and Or. W. G.
Fountain lefl for Greenvile yesterday