The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-06-17
CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
A Lengthy Session at Which Many Mat
ters Were Discussed.
Council Chamber, Sumter, S. c.,

Council Chamber, Sumter. S. c.,
June 10th, 1903.
Council held regular meeting at 6
O'Clock D. m. Present-Mayor A. B.
Stuckey, Aldermen W. B. Boyle, D.
J. Chandler, G. ". Dick, ". h. Ep-
person, G. F. Epperson, E. W. Hurst.
J. A. Schwerin. Absent-Alderman
P. P. Finn.
MI. F. E. Davis appeared before
council and requested reduction of
Peddler's License for himself and an
assistant. On Mr.. Chandler's motion
the request was refused as Mr.. Davis
is selling goods in competition with
local merchants. Council directed
that no concessions be made at any
time to transient dealers or peddlers
offering goods that are sold by mer-
chants Of the city.
Minutes of May 29th and June 9Th
We're read and approved. -
Mr.. Hurst stated that he meant no
reflection on St. Supt. White when he
complained at the last regular council
meeting of idling among street hands.
He merely meant to impress upon
| Council that Mr.. White cannot super
intend all the work going on at the
same time in different parts Of the
city.
A second letter from the Sumter In
surnace Agency was read in reference
| to appointment of a hue inspector, and
was referred to the committee in
charge Of the matter which was grant
ed further time.
Notice of 25 per cent increase Of in
surance rates from Sumter Insurance
Agency was received as information.
On motion of Alderman Dick the
Clerk was directed to renew all city
insurance for five years as present poll
cies expire.
On motion of Alderman Dick one
copy of the Municipal Journal was Or
dered taken and kept on file in City
Clerks Office.
Letters were received from Fire De-
partment Chiefs Of Jackson, Miss, and
Chillicothe, O., highly recommending
the seagraye's combination Hook and
Ladder Truck and chemical engine as
valuable fire fighting machine. A
sealed proposal for sale of combina-
tion truck and chemical engine was
presented from Chas. T. Holloway &
Co., Baltimore, Md. Mr.. Schwerin
objected to opening the Holloway
proposal for the reason that it had
been made ith-knowledge of the.Sea-
graves offer and was therefore unfair
competition. On motion of Alderman
Dick the Clerk was directed to return
the Holloway proposal unopened.
Mr.. 6. F. Epperson moved to
countermand the order to the Sea
graves Co. Seconded by Mr.. Boyle.
Mr.. Chandler expressed the belief that
the Seagraves machine is the best,
but thinks no machine should be pur-
chased at this time-that can wait
while: improvement of streets is a
more urgent necessity. Mr.. Boyle
didn't think the matter had been con-
sidered carefully. The machine could
not be accommodated in one of the
Hose Co.'S, buildings. Some prelimin-
ary arrangements ought to be made
first, and Council should take more
time for arrangements. He is a friend
of the FIRE department. and willing to
do all that is necessary. Mr.. Hurst
declared the machine ought not to be
bought new. The purchase price is
but the beginning of expense. An
additional building will be needed.
Mr.. Schwerin said that all these
things had been duly considered al
ready, and the purchase of the
machine would not add to running ex-
penses of the department. People out
Of reach of the fire hydrants are en-
titled to protection. The purchase Of
this machine is for the protection of
life and property-more important in
his Judgment than improvement of
streets. Alderman Dick wants the
machine for convenience and safety of
the fremen, who are compelled to take
many hazardous risks for lack of lad
ders. The city can afford this addi-
tion to its fire apparatus-needs it bad
ly and should buy Immediately.
The Mayor suggested that a COM
1nitttee of Council should go to some
other city, make inquiries and test
different machines and then buy from
the lowest bidder. Call was made for
a vote on Mr.. G. F. Epperson's motion
to cancel the order to the Seagrayes
Go. Mr.. Schwerin moved to amend
by adding that during the remainder
of its term of Office this Council will
not again consider the question of buy
ing this apparatus for the fire depart
ment. MIR. Hurst seconded the amend
ment. The substitute was lost as fol-
lows:
Yeas: Dick, schwerin and W. H.
Nays: Boyle, Chandler, G. F. Ep-
person, Hurst and the Mayor.
The motion to countermand prevail
ed.
Yeas: Boyle, Chandler, G. F. Ep-
person, Hurst and the Mayor.
Nays, Dick, Schwerin and W. II.
Epperson.
On motion of Alderman Dick the
Clerk was instructed to return the
Seagraves proposal with the statement
that the purchase will not be made
at this time.
Mr.. Hurst explained that on the
impulse of the moment he had second
ed Mr.. -Schwerin's motion not to con-
slider again the purchase of a Hook
and Ladder Truck and Chemical
L i