The Portland daily press., 1900-11-13

gave assurances that the street would be
built.
4 The order had passage.
Alderman MIlliken read oommunica-
tion from the Portland Gas Light compa
nv which offered 10 renew its contract
to the city for q term OF i've, three or
one year, at SIS 50 q light, instead OF
$50. The communication was placed
on file.
THE FLOODED CELLARS.
The Mayor read letter from the Thom-
az LaughIin Co., complaining OF insufiio-
lent sewer service on account ofkthe re-
cent severe storm. Great damage was
caused and q bill Of $500 is asked for.
This was referred.
A letter was received from the Consoii-
dated Electric Light company stating
that it would furnish enclosed arc lights
for $50 year for each light, and for 70
candle power lights for $50, the contract
being for three years. This letter was
placed ON file.
THE VALUATION COMMISSION.
Alderman Milliken read letter from
City Solicitor Strout giving his opinion
regarding a commission on the city val
uation. The city solicitor was OF the
opinion that it would be legal 20 have
suoh commission.
Alderman Milliken spoke at consider
able length on this proposition that COM
missioners should be appointed. He re-
viewed the history of the city, showing
that such commissioners had served at
the beginning of every decade since
1910.
Alderman Moulton thought there had
never been any reason for such oom-
mission. len years ago when this COM
mission was passed, the report OF tnose
| commissioners had simply been placed
away with the dusty papers In the
archives. 1t Is absurd to create this
commission. A valuation, the law states,
shall be taken every ten years. But 1t
should be taken by the assistant asses
sors.
4 Alderman Milliken doubted that the
commissioners OF ten years ago had made
a report which was simply placed away
In the archives. The city assessors,
few Of whom pay more than regular
poll tax, would not have the same good
Judgment as men of means.
Alderman Thomas said one Of the as
SCISSORS had told him the assessors could
do this ork the best of any body.
Alderman Frye thought it would be
needless disgrace to the city.
Alderman DrisoolI wanted the matter
tabled, but it was lost. Then the vote
was taken and there were three
yeas and six nays. The order, therefore,
failed OF a passage.
Alderman Milliken asked II the board
would entertain statement from the
board Of assessors. Permission was not
given.
A recess was then taken by the Mayor
and Aldermen.
The committee on lights was autho-
rized to renew its contract SO that 800
Welsbach lights shall continue to be used
by the city.
The mayor appointed Edwin II. Brown
as regular member of the police force.
There are now six vacancies on the
force, three in Deering and two by.deaths
and one by resignation. MIR. Brown is
to be on the Deering force.
The Mayor desired that tbs appoint
ment lay over for one week in order that
a full investigation be made. The board
voted to thus postpone 1t.
! The aldermanic board adjourned to the
next regular meeting. the trst Monday
OF December, not caring to discuss the
proposed new city charter until that
time. The lower board suggested an ad-
journment for only one week, but the
aldermen olung to next month and then
dispersed.
The common council with all Its mem
bers present proceeded TO discuss the re-
port of the special committee on the new
city charter, having gone into a commit
tee OF the whole for this purpose with
MIR. Comedian in the chair.
The first section of the proposed charter
which is exactly like that OF the old char
| ter4Was aco9pted without debate.