The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1903-05-15
Citizens and Aldermen Discuss Inter-
esting Subject Last Night.
Cherry Thoroughfare Will Be Curbed,
Gutlered and BouIevarded.
c. N. Carpenter Makes a Talk Before
the Meeting on Asphalt.
Number OF Routine Matters Disposed
0f.-G. A. R. Turned Down.
From Tuesdays Daily.

From Tuesdays Daily.
The council held a special meeting
last evening to hear expressions OF
opinion from property owners in regard
= to the talkedof improvements on Cherry,
jackson and other streets. Some routine
business of minor Importance was also
disposed of and Cherry street was order
ed curbed and guttered. In spite of the
disagreeable weather, the council cham
Der was crowded with interested prop
erty owners and others, but very few of
those present could be called upon to
give their opinions, and the meeting was
not productive of any very definite re-
suits.
Mayor Taylor called the body to order,
with all members present. An application
for a sidewalk on Fifth street between
May and Ann streets was referred to the
committee on streets.
c. L. Benedict called the attention of
the council to the condition of Grace
street where it joins Bradley. The
street is largely filled ground. A spring
III the neighborhood flows down against
it. and as the water has no outlet, it is
damned up against the road, and has
caused very soft and very bad piece
OF street. The matter vas referred to
the committee on streets, etc.
Opposed to Improvements.
John n. Hall appeared in opposition to
the proposed Second street improvements.
He complained that the burden of taxa
ton was already too heavy, that bust
ness buildings on Second street were a
losing investment now, and cited a cou-
pie of holdings of his own. He complain
ed of the present system of special as
ment of such assessments in lump
sum, instead of distributing the burden
over a series of years as is done in
many other cities. He complained of
the high prices the city was paying for
sidewalks, and stated that, in his opinion,
there was a combine among the side
walk men. This statement elected a
ripple of mirth from the audience. He
also said that much of the agitation in
favor of Improvements was caused by
the newspapers being short of copy"
This statement also caused a smile or
two.
William Boode, who appeared next,
had some troubles of his own. If Sec
help him in his business more than it
would if it were paved. He made the
surprising statement that the city had
too many street lights, and told the
council, in conclusion, that they 'better
walk little first, before they rum
H. ]. Boegen, who lives on Second
street, near Plum, stated that he could
not afford paving, but that the street
aught to be curbed and guttered, as the
present drainage. is insufficient.
James Spellman spoke regarding the
proposed improvements on Cherry street.
He was opposed to any narrowing of the
street between Broad and Fifth streets,
and wanted the street graded and side
walked.
J. r. Brandrup stated that Second
street in his vicinity is good street as
it is, and that it would be wise to let
well enough alone. If the sentiment of
the majority was in favor of paving,
however, he would not oppose it.
Mr.. Brett Advocated Paving.
George E. Brett spoke of the present
miserable condition of Jackson street.
He said that he would like to see real
ly first class piece of macadam laid, as
he believed that if thoroughly and care
fully laid it would make perfectly
satisfactory street, but, unless
there was a perfect assurance that the