Omaha daily bee., 1903-03-07
AFFAIRS AT SOUTH OMAHA
Mass Meeting to Consider Annexation
Project to Be Held Today.
SENTIMENT ON THE MATTER IS DIVIDED
Some Taxpayers Believe Public serv-
ice would he Improved by Con-
soIIdation with Omaha
Magic City Gossip.

From the talk on the streets yesterday 1t
IA predicted that the mass meeting called
for this afternoon at the council chamber
to protest against the supposed annexation
bill pending in the legislature viii be well
attended. Sentiment is divided in regard
to the matter and II a meeting Is held there
is likely to be some lively talk on both
sides. Some Of the heavy taxpayers appear
to favor annexation low, as they consider
that II will come before long anyway. ON
the other hand a certain clique Of polite
ians are opposed to the measure.
In speaking Of this matter last night a
we'll known democrat said that the city
would be better of II II was annexed TO
Omaha than II is now. The money. he said,
now paid to city ~oficlals could be used for
improvements and the rate Of taxation de-
creased. This decrease in taxes is what
those who favor annexation want. AS 1t is
now the city has no money to pay its street
lighting bills, neither has 1t money to pay
for the extension OF water mains. With
annexation 1t is asserted that the city will
be we'll taken care of in this respect and
at the same time the amount Of taxes will
be reduced. Some who are interested seem
to think that the council chamber viii not
be large enough to hold the crowd and last
night there was talk of securing other quar-
tiers. Should a change in the arrangements
be made notice will be given In the papers
this afternoon.
Friends Solicit Aid.
Mrs. Kate Velzel, who is stopping at
Twenty-hfth and N streets with a friend, is
reported to be quite sick and a subscription
paper was being passed around among the
employees in the city Offices yesterday. This
is the case where the woman insisted that
Velzel marry her. This ceremony was per-
formed by the police judge and then Velzel
deserted his wife, leaving her in a delicate
condition and in destitute circumstances
No one here seems to know where Velzel
Ia now living. Enough money was secured
around the city building to tide the woman
over for a time.
Meetings Close sunday.
The gospel meetings at the United Pres
byterlan church held all this week by Rev.
Peter swan of North Bend will close on
Sunday. BY special request Rev. Swan will
remain over Sunday and will preach both
morning and evening. He will also o~ficiate
at the communion service. The meetings
at this church have been we'll attended and
Pastor Renwick has been congratulated on
securing such an able speaker for his spe-
Cldl mctllubbs ETOmpI ODbut6uC6 was
the topic of Rev. Swans talk last night.
This afternoon he will speak to children al
3 O'Clock.
Muster Monday Night.
Notices were sent out yesterday to mem
bers OF Phil Kearney post No. 2, Grand
Army of the Republic, for an importan,
meeting to b. held Monday night at Work
man hall. Two recruits are to be mustered
In and every member of the post is urged
to attend the ceremony.
Streets Are Flushed.
In order to improve the condition OF the
paved streets in the business portion of the
city Mayor Koutsky yesterday called upor
Chief Etter of the fire department to husi
tho streets. Work was commenced at
street and by night several blocks had beef
cleaned. Should the temperature remain
as 1t has been for a few days the work will
continue today. 'g'
Ryan Goes West.
John ]. Ryan left last night for Portland
Ore, where he intends taking up a timber
claim. Several South Omaha people hav,
Invested in western timber lands and IL
case Ryan returns with favorable reports
II is expected that several we'll known bus
mess mel will go west with this object IL
view. Mr.. Ryan said yesterday Afternoon
that he expected to be gone about thre,
weeks. While away he will visit Seattle
Spokane and most likely San Francisco.
Heavy Blasting Yesterday.
All yesterday afternoon the Mcshan,
crew grading for the Burlington and tn,
Stock Yards company. was blasting in or
der to loosen dirt for the steam shovels
The blasting was in the regular line o
work done by the grading contractors
but a great many people did not under
stand. About three weeks more of tn
machine work will be needed before tn,
contractors can receive a final estimate
When the grading Is completed on Aprl
/, tracks will be laid into the yards b.
the Burlington and other improvement
will be made In order to facilitate tn,
handling OF stock.
Building Permits Issued.
Three building permits were issued yes
terday. ]. Gabalutor, Twenty fourth an,