The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-12-19
FROM THE PEOPLE.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ROAD
LAW.

Christopher, Dec. 49, 1900.
To the Editor: have read today
In your publication of my version OF
the county side of the above SUBJ
on. In which he still seems to believe we
county people are under 'misappre-
hension"
At the Chamber of Commerce meeting
at Seattle last Wednesday the above
question was handled by two separate
gentlemen. Mr.. elise and Mr.. Knox, the
former specially advocating the ''unani-
nous" rule and the expending OF the city
proportion OF the road and bridge tax
the latter advocating a redistribution OF
and an addition to the board OF county
commissioners, giving the city majority
and special days for business, payment
II any. per day. etc. and a few other
missionary matters that convinced me the
gentlemen had not had very much ex-
perience In dealing with county matters.
/ Will now address myself to the re-
marks OF Mr.. elise as they appear in to-
days report.
Why are you dissatisfied WIN the prin-
ciple that the majority rules In any mat
ter affecting the board?
Why do you claim a power of veto for
your city member over the votes OF the
two county members? For that is Just
what you want. Try TO disguise and
conceal all YOU can. after all that IL your
distinct object and the very reason that
YOU desire to insert the word ''unani-
nous In the proposed new law. So that
by the chairman voting may" no funds
for repairs or new roads in the county
can be granted
Now, Mr. elise, II II Is not intended to
interfere with expenditures exactly as I
have stated. say what II Ia.
Next, II you have no county roads in
the jurisdiction OF your member, why are
you anxious to assume the responsibility
Of stating what shall be done In some
other members district. where your city
member would know nothi~s OF the facts
from personal knowledge?
II not the entire road and bridge fund
and its disposal under the control OF the
boarde
IL II Is not intended To have the city
member say what shall be expended, why
are you beating the air? II not that just
as II In now7
We appreciate the motives that prompt
the desire for the change. insomuch thnt
we don't propose to give up the seat
in the saddle" and exchange 1t for walk
That i- Just what you want us to do
towit. exchange places. A repetition Of
the old fable of the porcuplne who was
permitted TO enter the snakes den as
a favor, and then told them afterwards
he was comfortable enough.
We are equally anxious with you. 10
have better roads and even more OF them.
and are willing and would he glad 10 act
In concert with view 20 putting our
repairs. renewals and construction under
the control OF some competent authority
We are sick Of the present methods OF
waste. We have to endure II daily; the
city people seldom. Personally. con-
cede the entire system of petition for
viewing Of locating, construction. cleo
ton Of supervisors and manner of repair
are about the worst THAI could be In
operation, but l suppose city representa-
tive votes in the legislature are as much
entitled 10 any credit for that which we
have as anybody else.
shall be pleased to zee you and any
other members OF the Chamber 81 Com
meree, together with all represent ttves
and state senators ana others who VIII
come 20 Kent next Saturday You shall
have fair play and every opportunity az.
foraed OF explaining away our -nisun-
derstandiag;" bat don't please try I'd IN
iuee US 70 take a dose OF syrup that con-
tains poison. We SHAH reject st.
Any proposition that will benefit se-
attic and not inJure the county will meet
with no opposition. II rendered Ia good
faith and shows some benefits TO our cotin-
~ roads and people. will be heartily sup
ported. JAMES HART