Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-30
AFFAIRS At SOUTH OMAHA
Fire and POLICE Board Asks City Council
Tor Equipment.
NO MONEY ON HAND TO PAY FOR THIS
Depleted Condition of City Funds May
Result in New Board Being De-
Iayed in Securing sup-
plies II wants.

Wednesday nights meeting Of the city
council was not long one, but considera-
BILE business was transacted. In the fret
place the council practically ignored the
request Of the Fire and Police commission
In regard to supplying 1t with printed
blanks. About 5000 blanks Of various kinds
were esked for. When the communication
was read even the mayor smiled, and the
members OF the council laughed. The re-
quest was referred to the city attorney. No
instructions were given as to when he
should report on the matter. AS there is
no money in any of the city funds now, It
may be some little time before the commits
sioners get the blanks they want.
petition signed by 10 persons. asking
for a special election to vote on an issue
OF bonds for $4,000 for the purpose OF
buying the present high school, was read
and sert to the judiciary committee.
Repairs to the Twenty-fourth street pave
ment are to be made at once. Welsh re-
ported that the money had been borrowed
and contract will be entered into with the
Barber Asphalt company at once. This
company will be paid $3.50 per cubic yard
for repairing the pavement 1t is estimated
that the cost will be near $500.
About fifty applications were read and
referred to the license committee. Four
remonstrances are on Ale and these will be
heard by the council at a special meeting
to be held on Thursday evening, May Z.
Dan Harmon was awarded the contract for
grading @ street from Twenty-sixth to
Twenty seventh streets, his bid being the
lowest -.. ..,
At the suggestion OF Councilman o'Con-
nor the city clerk waB directed to notify
the Union Stock Yards company to at once
repair the Q street viaduct. O'Connor
stated that the flooring Of the bridge was in
bad shape and that something would hcve
to be done at once to prevent accidents.
The next meeting of the council will be
held on Monday night.
Filing surety Bonds.
Taking a hint from a line in the papers
the other day, many of the prominent
liquor dealers are Ming surety bonds with
their applications for a license. As It has
been definitely decided that the city coun-
ell will act on the licenses this year and
not the Fire and Police board. petitions
came In rapidly to the city clerk yesterday
afternoon. In the past a personal bond
has been given. but, while no order, has
been issued by the council. the suggestion
was made that II would be better to pro-
cure surety bonds, and this Is being done.
So far only two druggists have made ap-
plIcation for license. but Clerk Shrlgley ex-
poets more to come in before long. All
liquor licenses expire on May l.
Draya and PeddIers.
All those doing a draying business in
South Omaha must secure new licenses on
Friday of this week. The same is true
with peddlers. Dray licenses cost from IS
to $40. while psddler's licenses cost $50 a
year. Mayor Koutsky and the council pro-
pose to see to It that this source of rev.
enue is kept up this year. Especially at
this time the city is in need of funds and
policemen and inspectors will be on the
lookout for those who are violating the
existing ordinances.
Chief Garrett.
David Garrett. who was named as CHIEF
of the nre department by the Fire and Po-
lice board at its meeting Tuesday night
received official notice OF the action of the
board through Secretary Bergquist Wednes-
day. Garrett Immediately assumed charge
OF the department. relieving George Curtis
who had been acting chief for a few weeks
Garrett has been a member OF the Soutl
Omaha fre department for about ten years
He Is considered a frst-class fireman ant
is recognized as a man OF ability In the are.
lighting line. All day yesterday Chief Gar.
rett was being called up by friends, whC
congratulated him on his appointment.
II is presumed that about the next NOV,
Of the board will be to appoint an assistant
chief. Following this will come the actor
on applications for positions in the depart
ment.
Police board Meets Tonight.
An adjourned meeting OF the Fire an,
Police board lie TO be held tonight at tn
council chamber The public is speculatiui
on the possible changes to be made in boil
the hre and police departments Some o
the members Of both departments are pre-
pared to resign, but these are being re
strained In order to show the public hoV
the board will act toward the present mem
bers Of both departments.
May Musicale at Methodist Church
May musicale under the auspices OF tn
Young Mems Christian association will b