The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-11-21

About two months ago the question
of the transition of Scranton from a
third to a second-class city was
brought up in the board of trade and
was referred to the committee on leg
islation for that body to recommend
some course Of action to be pursued in
securing the passage of new legisla-
tion, which It is generally believed 1t
will be necessary to have passed II
Scranton is to enter the new class with
out being burdened with a deal of un-
necessary expense.
The committee a few days ago in
structed Secretary Atherton to write to
the secretary of the Plttsburg chamber
Of commerce, with the view of having
that body appoint a committee to con-
fer with similar committees from the
Scranton and Allegheny boards Of
trade regarding the matter Of having
a new act passed. or else amendments
to the existing act. He has as yet re-
ceived no reply.
Select council appointed a committee
a few weeks ago, consisting of Messrs.
Chittenden, Roche and Williams, who
We're instructed to consider carefully
the question of the transition of the
report to councils regarding the neces-
sary legislation which must be passed
by councils. \Messrs. Chittenden and
Williams have turned the matter over
to Mr. Roche and he is at present en-
gagged in compiling those portions Of
the local laws Of Allegheny and Pitts
burg which may be used by this city
and also all general laws relating to
second-class cities.
Speaking to Tribune man last night
regarding the advisability of having a
committee from the board Of trade con-
fer with similar committees from SINH
lar organizations in Pttsburg and Allie
gheny, he said:
"I do not favor the idea of having
simply the board Of trades committee
confer with Allegheny and Pittsburg
people. understand that in addi-
ton to this committee and tho select
council committee, of which I am a
member, there is third COMMITTEES
composed of members Of the Municipal
League, which has this second class
city matter under consideration.
II think the best plan would be to
have these three committees meet and
act in harmony in this matter. in
stead OF one COmnlttee. L Cnlllk tnat
the members OF the councilmanic com"
mittee, on account of their cXper-
fence in municipal matters. are enti-
tied to some consideration in this mat
ter, and + also believe that the opin-
ions of the business men of the city
should also receive consideration.
LET those three committees meet
and map out a course of action. That's
the proper way. There is absolutely
no question but that new legislation
is required before Scranton can enter
the second class without great added
expense and many unnecessary oifi'
GERS and departments.
"If we act quickly we will have
sufficient time to meet committees
from these other bodies and agree
upon some new law before the legis-
lature convenes in January. An ex-
ira effort could be made to get such
an act through both branches be-
fore the February elections. 1t is gen.
orally understood that an act has al
ready been prepared by Pittsburg and
Allegheny. I have made several un-
successful attempts to get hold of a
CODY of this act, but | think L am in
a very fair way of success just now"