The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-04-28

Nll DlONlulHS IOI IIlS lIdnSltT anu ue-
feated. Another resolution was passed,
directing the city solicitor to send to
councils certified copies of any con-
tracts or alleged contracts between the
city and Barber Asphalt company that
may be in his office. Lastly, the Bar
ber Asphalt company addressed a let
ter to the mayor stating it's position
and outlining what it expects the city
| officials to do.
The petition to the mayor reads as
| follows:
WANT SOMETHING DONE.
Hon. James Moir Mayor, Scranton.
Dear Sir: We the undersigned citizens
and taxpayers of Scranton, believing that
you have taken office with the most sin
cere desire to advance the interests of
our city, and having fun confidence in
your ability to accomplish much improve
ment in existing evils and defects, would
respectfully ask your prompt attention
to what seems to be the most urgent need
| Just at this time. We refer to the con-
dition of the asphalted streets. 1t is an
open and running sore, a disgrace to our
city and its government, bringing con-
tempt upon it, and absolutely neutraliziug
| every effort to draw rev industries into
our borders.
| Concerns with capital. or with business
| that is worth securing, will not. at a will,
| locate in communities that are either
poorly governed or undesirable for resi-
| denCc. That Scranton, with it's filthy and
almost impossible thoroughfares, is very
undesirable, is being continually stated
by visitors, and the statement cannot be
denied truthfully.
| We have no interest whatever i'm the
Barber Asphalt company, and believe
that If II had done better work originally
| ha condition unIll hp =
deplorable. But the contract entered into
with them seems to promise the only
thorough and immediate relief. 1t will,
if the city officials do their duty, secure
proper cure of the streets for long term
| Of years.
| We, therefore. beg leave to urge that
YOU do everything possible to secure the
| commencement of work under the con-
tract as executed. Any legal difficulties
that may arise can certainly be disposed
| of in much less time than would be re-
quired to put in operation any other
remedy.
Asking your prompt action in this most
important matter we remain respect
| fully yours.
(Sgnedn John Jermyn. W. f. Halls
stead. James Archibald, Everett Warren,
| Simon Rice, T.. l.. Kingsbury, T.. b.
Sturges, Charles Z. Matthews J. j. Jer-
myn, Bittenbender & Co., j. l.. Connell,
John d. Sherer. Wolf e. Warren, eve
cutors Of h. IL. ThrOop estate; A. b.
Stevens, $. r. Price. c. p. Jadwin, Sam
ter Bros, Rice, Levy &, Co, Il. G. Brooks,
A. B. Blair.
The mayors letter to council. which
was doubtlessly, in part. inspired by
the petition, was as follows:
MAYOR MOIR'S LETTER.
Gentlemen of Councils: l most re-
spectfully cali your attention TO the con-
ditiOn of our asphalt streets, and as no
action has been taken by your honorable
| bodies up TO date TO proceed with re-
pairing the same, ] would most respect.
fully urge that you give this serious
matter your earliest attention.
| 1t appears to me that there are three
ways to proceed: First. carry out the
suggestion contained in II communication
| sent to councils by Street Commissioners
OBoyle, that is TO ill all holes with a
fine concrete. This method, although
patchwork. would give us streets that
could be travelled at least over with
| safety and at AN outlay of only 81 500.
| Second, this city to purchase it own plant
and proceed to do it's own repairs
which believe is the proper thing to do
| Third, to readVertise for bids to relay
and repair our asphalt streets for term
of years If necessary
The appropriation ordinance 1899 con-
tanned line. Repairs Of asphalt streets
$3.50" This line was vetoed by Mayor
Bailey and consequently thrown into the
general city fund; this sum Is entirely al
your disposal and can be used as you
think proper. Gentlemen, We are con.
| fronted by a condition demanding imme.
diate action ON your part.
Respectfully submitted,
James Mor, Mayor.
, The mayors communication was re.
CeiVed and filed.
Controller Howells letter called at.
| tention to the fact that the reduc-
ton in the cost of electric light effects
, a saving Of $4,244.9j, and suggested that
81 800 of the amount be transferred
, | TO the street commissioners depart.
ment to make temporary repairs of th(
asphalt streets.
\ resolution authorizing the trans
fer was introduced by Mr.. Zizelman
Mr.. Grier said il was a waste of money
| TO do patch work. Mr.. Zizeman con,
| tended that it was necessary TO at least
? | nil uD the holes at once, Mr.. CalDlr