davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
MAY LOWERRATES
City Attorney Bird Digs Up a
Statute
Enabling City Councils to Find
Out the Profits
ON PUBLIC UTILITIES.
Private Gas, Electric and Water
Corporations
Compelled to Make Annual Re-
ports to City Councils,
ON PUBLIC UTILITIES.
And the City Can Adjust Their
Rates Accordingly.

The legislature of 1897 passed a law
compelling gas, electric, water, heating
and other private corporations con-
trolling public utilities to make annual
reports to the council of the city in
which the corporation operated showing
the amount of capital invested, the cost
of operation in detail, and the income,
as well as other information which the
council might want.
At the council meeting last night City
Attorney Bird called attention to this
law, stating that thus far no corpora
ton in Topeka. had complied with it.
The matter came up when Councilman
Skinner called attention to the fact that
several months back a resolution had
been introduced looking to a reduction
in the rates charged by the gas COM
pany to Topeka consumers. Mr.. Skin
ner said that the resolution, together
with all the information pertaining to
it, had been referred to the committee
on ways and means with instructions
to report, but when the gas company
had represented to the council that it
expected to make extensive improve
made at present, the matter was dropped
without any report from the committee.
He moved that the committee be called
upon to make some kind of a report
on the matter. and the motion carried.
In connection with the passage of the
motion CftyAttorney Bird took occasion
CO call dllGHllOn 10 the law Oh 1881.
Il think it was the intention of the
legislature he said, ito give city coun-
ellis the power to find out just how much
these corporations were making off the
people and to regulate the rates accord
ingly. By having these reports from
these various corporations the city
council could determine whether the
companies were doubling their money
or only making a fair per cent. If the
state can regulate railroad rates and
stock yard charges, there is no reason
why a city council can not regulate the
rates of the corporations controlling it's
public utilities. If the people are be-
ing robbed the council ought to find it
out, and they can do it by enforcing this
law. Then if the net profit is more than
a fair per cent on the investment the
rates ought to be adjusted accordingly
am not positive, but I think the coun-
ell can get at the telephone rates under
that law. If any company refuses to
make the report it's officers or agents
can be fined or imprisoned
Does the law apply to street car
companies?" asked one of the council
men.
Mo- replied Mr.. Bird, ct do not think
street cars can be touched by the law
as they do not come under the classes
named in the law
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
"F1RsT WARD ARE BEGGARs,"
Said Councilman Elliott, and Then a
War of Words Ensued.

The council chamber was the scene of
miniature war of words last night
when Councilman Skinner introduced d
resolution to macadamize Laurent street
from Jackson to Harrison street, pro-
vided the resident property owners
whose property abutted on the street to
be paved paid for hauling the rock,
and providing that it be done under the
direction of the city engineer.
Mr.. Skinner explained that he intro
duced the resolution at the request of
Congressman Charles Curtis and Archie
NJ. Baird, who had said that the prop
erty owners were willing to pay for the
work and that the county would furnish
the stone.
The resolution would naturally go to
the street and walks committee for con-
sideratfOn, but Councilman Elliott OBJ
jected to it's consideration at all.
why don't those people over on the
north side pay for what they get the
way we do on this side?" he demanded
I'VE don't get down on our knees and
beg to be given something. We pay
for what we get and they ought to do
the same. Mr.. Skinner comes over here
and introduces resolutions tOpave alleys
that we have to pay for and then they
beg US to give them something
This brought Councilman Blossom to
the defense of his ward.
The First ward people are not bee-
gars,' he said. 1--WE want to pay for
all we get. This rock does not peIo.g
to the city, it belongs to the county,
and the county commissioners have
8TdHleQ IL 10 us LOT II away. All
we ask of the city is the right to put it
down."
We'll" said Mr. Elliott again, there
are other parts of the city that need
the rock worse than that place over
there, but they are not down on their
knees begging for it,
1.-The city of Topeka pays so per cent
of all the taxes of Shawnee county"
said Mr.. Skinner, land the men who
have asked for this are especially heavy
tax payers. We are entitled to this
and we don't like to have 1t thrown in
our faces that we are beggars.''
Mayor Fellows then shut off the de-
bate and the resolution was referred to
the street and walk committee.
Shunganunga Railroad Bridge.
City Attorney Bird reported that the
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04

zone. can not always do what one
wants.
She shrugged her shoulders beneath the
billowy lace and muslin of her demi-tol-
lette. and there was another pause.
''How strange it will seem when you
have gone-I shall feel quite lost by my
self She spoke softly. in a tone almost or
sOliloquoy, watching him closely to see the
effect of her words. He made no reply,
friends, it is hard to lose them-the places
are so hard to fill" He WINGED at that,
and a momentary CLEAN flashed in her
eyes. 1T will seem strange" she repeat
ed; y wonder if you will ever think or
Il hope not he replied; Il want to for
get you"
That was all she wanted; the simple di-
rectnesS of the answer conveyed more to
her than any Outburst of passion could
have done. The rest was easy.
After awhile he rose to his feet. She rose
too. and stood before him, looking into his
A wild desire to crush her in his arms took
possession of him, and the finger-naflS bit
into the palms of his clenched hands.
Must you go?' she answered, drawing
nearer to him.
Il have no choice" he said, again.
You want money" she continued;
swell, I am rich"
He did not reply.
Would you do something for me?"
Yes" he said; simply; Il would give
Her eyes dropped. and a delicious color
crept into her cheeks
Marry me"
He did.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
WHITE HOUSE AT PRES ENT
rFrom the Washington Start

TFrom the Washington Start
1.-The erection of the new palace of
justice for the United States supreme
court and department of justice will do
more toward the enlargement of the
White House than anything that has
ever happened" remarked q well known
architect to a Star reporter. 1T may
also bring about a new executive man
sion for a residence mansion, though the
present White House will probably al
ways be used for the official residence
of the president and for all state func-
tons. 1t will, in the end, however, be
enlarged. I have conversed with several
senators who are members of the COM
mittee on public buildings and grounds,
and find that they are thoroughly con-
WINGED that such a separation should
take place, as it would tend to make the
family life of the president much more
agreeable. The difficulty in the case is
that, with the single exception of Pres
ident Grant, no president has ever Off
cially written single word in favor of
a new executive mansion, and even
Grant was not as enthusiastic on the
subject as was desired. Gen. Garfield
would have strongly endorsed the prop
osition officially had he lived long
but lukewarm on the subject. He ia
vored the separation of the official resi-
dence from the private residence, pre-
ferring that the latter should be some
where in the suburbs but he never put
his ideas into writing. President Ar
thur never made any expression on the
matter, while President Cleveland open
ly opposed the plan and settled the
question as far he was concerned
by purchasing a private residence one
of his terms and leasing one the last
term. Mrs. Harrison was, on the other
hand, enthuSia stically in favor of an
enlargement of the White House, though
she did not concur in the plan of sep
arating the official from the private res
idence, except SO far as separating them
in the building. Gen. Harrison how
ever, did not go as far as she did, though
he did not make any expression against
her ideas. President Mckinley, 1 am
told, thinks Mrs. Harrison did, that
the building should be enlarged, and as
progress is made upon the new depart
ment of justice building his impressions
are likely to grow, SO that he will in the
end officially recommend the enlarge
ment. Should he do so, that will bring
up the entire question, and 1 would not
be surprised if some time in the near
future, speaking in a general way, not
only the enlargement will be made, but
in addition there will be a separate pri-
vate residence provided for. The only
thing that can defeat the latter prop
osition is that there may be a wrangle
about where the private residence shall
be located, for, of course the various
interests that will be affected Will have
considerable influence one way and an
other. The first thing that will be done,
though, will be the enlargement. That
is sure as can be, and, as 1 have said
before, the new palace of justice will
emphasize the advantages and absolute
necessity Of it"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
EXCLUSIVE CHINAMEN,

[From the Philadelphia Enquirer.1
The Chinaman in Philadelphia seems
to belong to a different class from his
countryman in any other eastern city.
He is quieter, cleaner, more respectable
looking, conforms more to American
customs and habits, sand appears to take
some pride in his clothing. Yesterday
afternoon a party of nearly 20 of the
aliens from the F1owery Land were
strolling along Market street making
the air lively with their quaint sing
song language, and taking notice of ev-
erything they passed. Quite half of
them wore the costume of European
civilization, and carried their clothes
well, as if to the manner born. The
others had DOTTED the furred or oiled
silk blouses they have been wearing
through the winter and had blossomed
out in clean, new pink and blue and
gray garments. They all looked healthy
and we'll and walked with a springy
gait very different from the SLOUGH
which is so often characteristic of their
opium smoking congenerS of New York
and other eastern cities.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
three straight tickets in the field Repub-
Ecan- ROrllIist and Ilarrlnc.r h.

three straight tickets in the field, Repub-
Hcan, Populist and Democratic.
Governor Stanley has designated Thurs
day, April 90 as Arbor Day. but people
are doubtful about the weather being suit
able for tree planting even then. One
Topeka man thinks Arbor Day and the
Fourth of July might be combined this
year.
Judge Postlethwaite will now be added
to the Sunday school contingent at the
state house. Governor Stanley and Sup
erintendent Nelson have been it's leaders
so far. but the new judge will come up
with them, as he has been running a Meth
odist Sunday school out at Jewell City for
the past twenty years.
An old, pine wood bench crudely con-
struggled must serve Judge A. J. McCabe.
of the city court, for Bench" Secur-
ing recognition for the new city court
from the county commissioners is like
pulling teeth Securing anything from
them is like pulling teeth. They ought to
run things in "Arkansaw."
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
NO THREATS.
Council Votes Down a Resolution
Concerning New TeIephone 90,

While the city council believe that
the present telephone rates in Topeka
are far too high, it refused to pass COun-
Gilman SINNERS resolution last night to
compel a reduction of the rates by
threats. Although there was no dis
cussing of the resolution it was evident
that a majority of the council did not
believe that threatening resolutions
were in keeping with the dignity of a
city council. The threat was that if
the Missouri & Kansas company did not
reduce its rates within ten days a fran
chiSe would be granted to the new COM
pany which wants to do business in To-
peka. 1t was evidently the impression
that some better way could be found to
get the rates reduced, possibly by the
council itself taking hold of the matter.
The resolution as Councilman Skin
ner introduced it was as follows:
Whereas, The Phoenix Telephone
company has petitiOned this council for
a franchise and agrees to make a fair
and reasonable rate to its patrons for
telephone service, and
Whereas, The Missouri & Kansas
Telephone company saw fit to increase
its rates as soon as the Harrison COM
pany discontinued it's business, contrary
to their agreement, therefore. be it
Resolved That the city clerk be and
is hereby instructed to notify the Mis-
souri, & Kansas Telephone company
that unless it reduces it's rates, to-wit:
$24 for business and SIS for residence
service, and enter into a contract during
the existence of it's franchise, and file
with the city of Topeka a bond for the
faithful performance of this contract,
also file it's written acceptance of the
above StipulationS within ten days from
the passage of this resolution, 1T is the
sense of this council that the Phoenix
Telephone company be granted fran
chise with proper restrictions
When the resolution was introduced
last month it was referred to the ways
and means committee, and last night
Councilman. Burgess, chairman of the
committee, made a report recommend
ing the adoption of the resolution, with
the second whereas stricken out.
But the council did not see it that
way. There was no discussion, but on
a roll call Elliott, Benson, Roundtree,
Warner and Morgan voted against the
adoption of the report, while the only
ones voting for it were Blossom, Drew
and Skinner.
This does not mean that the question
of a franchise for the new company is
settled, but simply that the council does
not propose to go at it in that way.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
NEW SIDEWALKS.
Four Petitions Granted in Various
Parts of the Citv.

The council adopted the report of the
committee on streets and walks rec
ommending that the following petitions
for new sidewalks be granted:
Petition of A. Ahlstrom and thirty
eight others for a new walk on Third
street from Chandler west to the alley,
and on the east side of Lake street from
Fourth north to the city limits.
Petition of A A Hurd and others for
a new walk on the east side of Topeka
avenue from Fourteenth street south to
the city limits.
Petition of T. w. Durrant and TWEEN
ty-nine others for a, new walk along
the side of lot 593 on Lincoln street and
of lot 594 on Lane street.
Petition of B. F. Williams and forty
two others for a new walk on the west
side of Prospect street from Tenth to
Eleventh.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
A PLEASANT ALTERNATIVE

NFTOIn raul 81
read the name on the pasteboard. 81 will
caIrnness land remember, please. that I
am not at home to anyone for the next
She. nestled down her settee pillow
ing the shimmering gold of her head
glad he had come. Her thoughts travelled
back to their first meeting that day day on
she recalled the gust of wind that caught
d I; l 4R TI "a
fact. and singuIarlv handsome. and he act
ually blushed as he restored the trifie
There was something frank and fresh
about him-few of her men friends ever
blushed-and her tendencies were suff-
GENTLY Bohemian to render more formal
was out he had lGnched and dined at her
hotel. Time had flown for her since then;
the upper reaches of the Thames, with
the heat OF the afternoon lazed away in
to some old-world retreat among the Sur
Tey NUS; afternoons on the lawns at Hur-
among the smartest in the land, with the
rerpieces of great German composers, in
xerspersed with melodies from the Casino.
They had been friends, nothing more, but
each day had brought fresh delight, and
she had been happy. Now 1t was to end;
he had come to say "Good-by."
TT seems almost like a dream, "she MUIR
INJURED; Il wonder what 1 shall do with
The hangings swayed aside, and the boy
advanced with outstretched hand. She
sit down. she said, land have some
coffee. unless you prefer something
"Coffee, thanks he said. dropping into
She poured some out and handed 1t to
MN, together with tiny box of tortoise
shell and silver. He laughed softly as he
opened II and saw a row of miniature Gig
oe ..A b.! so you indulge. it appears. How
oh. sometimes"'
And ! haven't known it until this mo-
Tn6nt. VIII YOU lOjn 2''-Ofering
No. NO, thank hank you; I prefer to see you
de ut one of the cigarettes and puffed
gathered about his head Then Then he looked Ii
across aero at her II am going abroad he
tronic 59mblng 66at you mean some horrible
has has ma 6d your life pleasant il the past
She Fhf iea EhY S s0G elasp,ng her hands be-
hind her head. and her sleeves, falling dis
closed arms as smooth and white as ivory.
Their glamces met and she asked again,
Because I have no choice. he answer
jolly good friends, and God only knows
how l shall get on without you; 1 will be
country Parso4. He ought never to have
his means-I often wondered how he man
nethine of do his 9e G1a D put sT re9y RneW
year. 1 found out then that he never did
have much beyond his pride, and IT an
pears that toward the end he had dabbled
IN stocks and shares. Well you know
what happens when parsons walk into
bucketshOps; there was barely enough left
to keep the young one at SandhurSt- That
is why am exchanging for the West In
dies. He looked up thoughtfully at the
smoke cloud wreathing from his cigarette
-'Of course l shall see something of life.
have seen little so far; school, Sandhurst
an outlandish depot in the west of Ire
land and-town.''
do you want to go?''
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04

Thin, pale and consunP-
tive persons should use
some constructive tonic that
will enrich the blood, in
crease the nerve force and
renew wasted tissues.
SCOTS Emulsion is based
upon scientific principles.
We digest the oil, for you
by mechanical processes,
thus strengthening your d.
gestive organs by resting
them. 1t stops wasting,
and produces energy, vigor
and warmth. The hypo-
PhosPhites in it invigorates
the nerves, and brain tissues.
SOC and $I.eo. all drugEists-
SCOTT BOVINE. Chemists. Nsw Ys<lL
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
ALLEYS CAN BE PAVED.
City Attorney Bird Reverses Himself
Upon Examination of New Law.

The alleys running from Sixth to
Seventh streets and from Eighth to
Ninth, between Kansas avenue and
Jackson streets, will probably be paved
after all. Some time ago Councilman
Skinner introduced a resolution citing
the fact that the petition for this paw
ing did not receive the requisite number
of signatures of resident property own
ers, and that the paving is necessary
for public health, and instructing City
Attorney Bird to see if there is not
some way to pave the alleys anyway
Mr.. Bird submitted a report that it
could not be DONE but last night he
said he found it necessary to reverse
himself, as he had become convinced on
further examination of the law passed
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
w. E. Swift's Damage.

The committe to appraise the damage
done to the property of W. Z. Swift by
the opening of the fair grounds road, re-
ported that Mr.. Swift be allowed 1923.
The damage claimed by him was $3.50.
City Attorney Bird said that the matter
should be referred to the county COM
missioners, but the council first referred
it to street and walk committee for it's
approval The appraisers were A. D.
Robbins. w. w. Phillips and w. c.
Sf6nhenSOn
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
New Chemical Engine.

A new chemical fire engine is to be
purchased for the North Topeka station.
Chief Wilmarth reported to the council
several weeks ago that one was needed,
and the fire department committee was
so, and last night reported in favor of
purchasing the new engine, and the re-
port was adOpted.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
GET SOCIETY GARB.
Gowns Worn by the Four Hundred TO
Be Sold to Stage People.

New York, April A new woman's
exchange, where gowns that have been
worn by the 400 may fall into the hands
of those whose business it is to contri-
butte to their amusement, is soon to open
its doors It is a gigantic plan to solve
the question of how modern actresses
may provide themselves with suitable
costumes without depriving themselves
and their families of the ordinary ne
cessitieS of life.
A number of society women, conVinc-
ed the race for histronic glory is ten
times easier won with a wardrobe of
handsome and becoming gowns, have
been enthusiastic about the benefits
that may accrue from this newest eX
change. Five of them already stand
pledged to give the undertaking all the
assistance in their power. The roll of
charter members will include the names
of Mrs. James Hartman, Mrs. George
De Forest, Mrs. Burke Roche, Miss Cal
lender and Miss De Forest. Leagued
with them will be the most prominent
women of the stage. Mrs. w. j. Lee
moyne, Elsie De Wolf, Minnie Madden
F'iske and Julia Marlowe are all eager
to express their enthusiasm.
The Topeka Cash Dry Goods Co. have
opened a job department on their sec
ond floor where they keep all the Soiled.
stained or otherwise damaged goods to
be found in their entire establishment.
Whenever they advertise any of this
Department heading. Remember this.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
viaduct to Be Re-Floored.

luton instructing the Topeka Railway
company to remove it's south track on
the Sixth avenue viaduct and to repair
The resolution was adopted. This will
leave the city to refioor sixteen feet of
the viaduct. Councilman Drew esti-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
RHEUMATISM

by the last legislature that such pave
ments could be laid by resolution of the
city council.
Councilman Skinner requested the
city attorney to prepare a resolution
to cover the subject, and Mr.. Bird
at which time the council again meets.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04

Santa Fe had enlarged it's bridge across
the Shunganunga in the Fifth ward to
give a clear waterway of 1.102 feet.
This, it is thought, will be sufficient to
allow the highest floods to pass
through.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-04
CHIEFS REPORT.
Four Arrests For Liquor Selling in
February and Eight in March.

Chief of Police Strauss made reports for
two months TO the city council last night,
both February and March. There were
IS arrests in February, and lbs in March,
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-10-12
(inanrial.
REORGANIZATION OF THE
Wisconsin Central System.
financial.

Notice Is hereby given that and after october An
1879 holders OF certificates representing Stocks and Sc
cures Of the Companies forming the Wisconsin central
system deposited under the Plan az Reorganization dated
April 10th 1899 Securities and cash
to which they entitled upon presentation ~ such Re
examination Certificates Office of the UNITED
STATES Trust COMPANY. No A. Wall street. New
York
Each holder mus deliver the Trus, Company the Re
organization Certificates hei by him properly scheduled
and give information for filling the Certificates
Not more than 100 schedules viii he received on any da>
business
The Bonor for 81 0NN each and the shares
Crust Certifcaesl 81 IRE Slts' each
scrip VIII not he issued for fractional amounts but hold
efs emitted 10 fractions terms . re arranged
either sell their rights thereto purchase such amounts
as may he required complete Bond share
Holders forwarding Reorganization Certificates must
furnish and addresses for registration ~ ~"
shares and state whether thew desire buy sell fac
tons They should also state whether hev desire the
new Securities nv q, their expense or ~
registered nal.
GEORGE COPPELb. Chairman Of the Rcor-
RnnixntfOn Managers.
New YORK Senenier 91fh 1902