The Wichita daily eagle., 1903-12-12
], f. M'CAbE READS
PAPER ON PAVEMENTS
A. l. Streets Subject The
Charter Act.'
AT LEAGUE MEETING
Mayor Bergundthal of Topeka
Elected President.

Municipal ownership of public utilities.
the preserving of our river banks and the
city franchise questions" were the lead
ing and most interesting issues discussed
at yesterdays meeting of the Kansas
League. which convened in the council
chamber at 1890 o'clock. with Mayor D.
r. Anthony, of Leavenworth, as tempo
rarv chairman. The meeting in the fore
noon was merely preliminary and only
few minor items of business were taken
nm. After Mayor Anthony called the con-
vention TO order he introduced Mayor
Mclean, who was elected president OF
the league at last years session. Mayor
Mclean acknowledged his gladness and
willingness to preside at the head OF an
organization wnich had for its aim and
purpose the PRONUNCIATION of a work when
is OF deep interest to every city in the
state of Kansas.
A. o'clock President Mclean called
the league to order and, with courteous
Introductory remarks, announced the read
ing of a paper on THE Charter Act, by
A. L. T. Street, city attorney of Fort
Scott. in which was set forth some very
pertinent and reflective propositions.
1.-The charter act is in effect, said MI
Street, "a municipal constitution, which
enters into our daily affairs in almost
as Vital degree as does the federal con-
stitution. Considering its Importance, 1t
ha act
cannot assume fixed form. requiring lit
tie or no amendment, but changing condl-
tions require alterations, and thus we
nnd our local constitutions very un-
stable ones
In speaking of the bill known as the
.'New Charter Act passed by the last
legislature, he said:
1T seems to have been the intent OF
the legislature to remove the power OF
our cities to provide their own means for
furnishing water, light. etc, for public
and private uses, and to put that power
in the hands of individuals and private
corporations. AS far as the act is con-
cerned no plants can be constructed; no
waterworks systems can be purchased
within less than ten years from the date
Of the beginning of new franchise. and
no other kind OLA plant can be purchased
prior to the expiration of a new fran
chise.''
The whole of Mr. Streets elaborate pa
per had the sanction of the entire league,
and created a wave of interest which in
turn called forth much applause.
W. S. Bird, of Topeka, lead the discus
sion of Mr.. Streets paper and in part
said:
Municipal ownership of ali public util-
ities is the only salvation of the ques-
tion of city rights and privileges
Several representatives from other cities
took part in this discussion and succeeded
In bringing out the cardinal facts of the
problem. 1t was then moved and seconded
that this paper be put on record. which
was passed, and the secretary ordered to
have same published. with the whole pro-
ceediugs Of the league in pamphlet form,
to be sent to all cities in Kansas:
j. +. McCabe's paper on kansas Pave
ments and Pavement Materials" stirred
up great deal of discussion.
Luther Nellis also read paper pre-
pared by a. Reinisch. superintendent of
was spicy with interesting suggestions.
W. S. Birds query put TO the assembly
was an eye-opener, and brought out a
heated argument. The query asked is
this: Should not cities try 10 have leSis-
lation enacted compelling the filing in Of
our river banks and township trustees
bye required TO remove from streams al
drift and other obstruetions9 The main
idea in originating this query was to in
stigate q movement TO petition the leg
islature to do something toward checking
floods. In this connection. Mayer An
thony. OF Leavenworth, said that no hls.
man being could stop foods. and that il
was the work of God. and that his people
were not bothering about the danger OF
foods.
After some further spirited talks along
these lines. the meeting was adjourned
until $50 clock p. m.
In the absence of President Mclean
Mayor Johnson, of Winfield, was chosen
chairman at the night session Of the
league. Mr.. Birds query was taken UP
and discussed. 1t was the opinion OF those
present that action in the matter of pre-
serving river beds and advising against
throwing distractions and garbage into
the river channel should be given i'm
mediate attention.
DIR. Shuts. OF the board of health OF
Wichita, addressed the league upoa the