The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1904-02-18

Hansen are in charge of the affairs OF
the city Without that street valua-
tions can not be increased. and It fol-
lows that, II the present policy Is car
ried out. we will never have street
there. The stand taken by the gem
tlemen opposing the Improvement is
ridiculous,
Means Much to Astoria.
1.-The east end is no small portion of
the city, We have there three large
saw mills, the only brewery in the city
and numerous canneries and cold stor-
age plants. These concerns require
much hauling. yet there Is but one
street to that portion OF the city. An
other street is an absolute necessity
and In depriving us of the opportunity
to get 1t the council Is making direct
thrust at the interests OF Astoria,
"The proposed Improvement Of
Franklin avenue would have opened up
to settlement the property necessary
for 800 families. Since Cedar street
was repaired 10 new buildings have
been erected along that thoroughfare,
and that, too. in the dead OF winter,
when building is little engaged in, This
spring and summer 80 or 10 new build
ings will 20 up along the new street.
So It would be with Franklin avenue.
Astoria needs more buildings OF all
kinds, and the council IL standing in |
the way of their erection by thus re-
fusing to treat us fairly All we ever
asked was a fair deal, and we have
been denied it. The mayors veto was
a slap in the face which | did not ex-
pect.
Political Phase of the Matter.
"Of course. there is reason for all
this. / understand thoroughly that the
mayor owes a political debt to his
friends. the democrats, but / scarcely
expected that we Of the Third ward
would be called upon to liquidate the
entire obligation. This thing OF paying
political debts at our expense Is new
to us and not at all agreeable, assure
you.
1T is not difficult to account for
Councilman Lebeck's attitude II viii
be recalled that he once wanted to be
a police commissioner and his appoint
ment was made by Mayor Bergman.
AT that time the Third ward kept him
out of office. and he is now getting
even This Is one sort Of statesman
ship. l suppose but 1t will not favor
ably impress Astorians. who want to
see their city built up, in the Third
ward as we'll as in the Second and {
First wards. | have learned since the
last meeting of the council that Mr..
Lebeck had previously been promised
by the mayor that our Franklin avenue
ordinance would be vetoed. Just why
We of the Third ward were not ac- .
luainted with the mayors determlna-
ion is unexplainable.
Il blame City Attorney Smith largely
or this muddle He has assisted the ef- +
'ort to place obstacles in our way and s
s to blame for the present situation.
have an idea he wants to drag the
natter along until June and then make
political issue out Of 1t. II the OPP I
posing members were actuated by an
lonest desire to subserve the interests
Il the city, would not complain; but,
they are prompted by unfair
motives, can not be too vigorous in
ny denunciation of their course.
Kind words for mr. burns
"For Councilman Burns have but
he kindliest feelings. He has acted
in an entirely proper man
Ter, has at all times been fair to us
md to the city and believe him to
,e honest and conscientious. For his I"
manly stand at all times he Is to be
commended. Mr.. Burns can not be
blamed in any way for this injustice"
Councilman Nordstrom added that
he people Of the Third ward would
make no further effort to get
he street. Personally, he is disgusted
With the whole matter, and has init
mated to friends that perhaps he may
esign from the council.
SALMON PRICES IN THE EAST