The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-06-29

However-Total of Forty-two Ad-
dresses Delivered on Question.
In the Book of Wise Sayings IL is
written that Discretion is the Better
Part of Valor," and in the rules of
the councils of the city of Scranton 1t
Is written that mo member shall
speak more than twice on any one sub
Ject.' Certain common councilmen
paid heed to the first but not to the
second of these quotations last night,
and as a result scene of dire con-
fusion was the finale of the meeting
of the lower branch of councils.
The Arlington Turnpike question was
the cause of all the trouble and exact
~ forty-two separate and distinct
speeches were made on 1t, Mr.. Grier
alone being credited with eleven.
Some few weeks ago NJ. V. Morris
Introduced an ordinance appropriating
$500 for team hire for work on the
Arlington turnpike. The measure was
referred to the streets and bridges
committee, but no action was taken
Last night Chairman Keller, of the
committee, having failed to secure o
majority of the committees signatures,
moved that the matter be taken ont
OF the hands of the committee.
MET WITH OPPOSITION.
This met with violent opposition
from Messrs. Grier and Calpin, the
two members who refused to sign the
n
$4,000 had already beensexpended on
the road by the city and that the
proper course now was to have it con-
demned. At this point q communica-
tion was read from the street COM
missioner asking that the streets and
bridges committee inspect the road and
report as to whether or not 1t was
necessary to expend more than the $500
already expended or not.
Mr.. Zizelman said that the street
commissioner should be made to do his
duty and tell councils how much he
wanted to repair the road. I've been
wanting him to do something for me
for a long time" said he, but he
hasn't done it yet. Men earning big
salaries should do their duty"
Mr. Grier also jumped onto the street
commissioner. After the hours debate,
Mr.. Keller moved that the report of
the committee be accepted, and then
the fun began. Mr.. Grier, realizing
that he couldn't vote down this motion,
and that discretion is the better part
of valor," called upon his cohorts to
break the quorum.
An exciting scene resulted, every
,IA,, Ii,
Mr.. Keller's side trying to prevent the
others from leaving the room. The
latter forced their way through, how
ever. Mr.. Coleman didn't go fast
enough and was yanked into the hall
by the coat collar Mr.. Keller, in the
meantime, was calling for the police
to prevent the members from going
out.
COUNCIL ADJOURNED.
The question was put and, as nobody
called for a roll-call, was carried
through, only eight members being
present. T. F. Morris then came in
and upon demanding a roll-call, coun-
ell was declared adjourned. The dis
cussion after the meeting was of too
sulphurous a nature to be printed.
The resignation of C. NJ. Tewksbury,
as councilman of the Ninth ward, was
read and accepted, and a special elec-
tion ordered for July 10. The following
new resolutions were adopted:
BY Mr.. Grier-Providing for eight
electric lights, money to come from
unexpended balances in this account
from last year.
By Mr.. misunderstanding City So
licitor to withdraw appeal in case of
Philip CARRIER against the city.
BY Mr. v. Morris-Providing for
transfer of 5000 for rent for a new
station house in North Scranton.
Mr.. Zizeman introduced an ordi-
nance providing for the installation
of the Gamewell auxiliary fire alarm
system. A similar ordinance was al
lowed to die in committee last year.
CONTROLLER REPORT.
The following communication from
City Controller Howell was sent to
council last night;
Scranton, Pa, June 90, 1900
To the Honorable the Select and Common Coun'
cil
Gentlemen: Herwith please find my fiscal year
report. IL will be seen from the financial state
ment, Table ID. that, taking the assessed valu-
alton of taxable property exclusive OF occupa'
ton the city is within the per cent limit
OF debt
Your attention is drawn to the special ae.
counts of the city contained in Table +. BY
comparing the balance in sewers, grades and
other accounts with the balances in the treas
urer's statement there will appear differences
which date back years prior to my incum.
bency in office.
With the limited help at my disposal, l am
unable to discharge the current duties of my
office and go back over years OF ledger posting
to reconcile these differences. A proper analy.
sis or comparison Of accounts should have been
made at the end of each fiscal year With the
limited time at their disposal, my clerks have
adjusted a number OF these special accounts
where differences existed, but il would seem
that thorough audit Of all the accounts should
be made and your honorable bodies are re.
specially urged to appropriate a sum which in
your judgment would be sufficient to defray the
expense OF a clerk for this work.
i have settled number of these special ac.
counts where | found the interest growing
against the city and there appears sundry cred.
its which should properly be applied to such
other accounts in special city as may show a
deficit.
A portion of overdrawn accounts (see treas.
urer's report last shee) should disappear with
the adjustment of these accounts | trust your
honorable bodies will give this matter an early
consideration. Very respectfully,
T., Howell, City Controller.
Office OF the City Controller.
Scranton, Pa.
Statement Of the indebtedness and resources OF
the city Of Scranton, Pa, at the close OF the
fiscal year ending April l, 1900:
BONDED DEBT.
City Improvement Loan, 1856, 4 per cent
4 M 4 4.