The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-26
DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS OF
COUNTY COUNCIL BLOCK
PLAN FOR NEW BRIDGES

CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE)
BILE. They Insisted that the amount named
IN the recommendation of the commissioners
was not an unreasonable one for building
the bridges needed. and the voters of the
city, irrespective OF party. would back the
Council up In appropriating it.
In the afternoon Councilman Johnson,
leader OF the Democratic faction, proposed
a compromise measure-tO vote an appro-
prlat1on or $1,000 for each of the proposed
bridges and TO advertise for bids on three
kinds OF bridges. stone concrete and steel
g1rder on concrete piers and abutments.
When these bids should be submitted, he
proposed 70 decide on the kind best to build,
construction.
This proposition the Republican members
or the Council refused TO consider. They
held that no reputable firm or bridge con-
tractors would place bona tide bids on such
a proposition. as the $4,000 for each bridge
far as covering the cost OF the work was
concerned.
Mr. Johnson insisted that. while the sur
veyor might know his business and his es-
Inmates might be correct he preferred TO
find what price contractors would make on
the work. The Republicans urged that the
commissioners had proved their ability to
ically.
MAYORS WILL DEFIED
Upon the failure Of the compromise meas
ure to carry vote was taken, late i'm the
Aafternoon session. on the original PROPOSE
ZION, to appropriate $4,000 for the five
Aldges.-T This was voted down by the three
Democrats.
The suggestion wss then made by the
Republican members that each bridge be
voted upon separately. This was also voted
down by the Democrats. Council then ad-
Journed.
Councilman Johnson said to the Journal
that the Democrats would stand on their
1910 proposition, and that he expected
the Republicans to come over TO his side
or the question. A Republican councilman
salo tnat TINS would never carry. Commits
sioner McGaughey declared that the COM
misSioners would not advertise for bids on
the proposition made by Councilman John
son. 1t seems improbable that any agree
ment will be reached to-day when the
County Council meets again TO clear IN
minor matters considered at yesterday S
sessions.
Mayor Hoffman was an interested spec
tator at both sessions Of the Council, and
IN the morning made strong appeal for
bridges and for immediate action urging
the needs Of the city. The action of the
minority members although of the same
political party as himself, and in disregard
of his wishes, was a great disappointment
TO him, as he had expected favorable ac-
ton
The mayor said last night that he be-
heved some compromise would be effected
to-day, and the construction of bridges
would be provided for. II am an optimist. -
said he. land am still hoping"
He would not make a definite statement
OF any agreement reached between himself
and the Democratic members of the -Coun-
Gil.
The detailed estimate of County Surveyor
Harry klausniann on the five bridges is as
foilows:
River bridge at West Michigan street.
$4,000; at Emrichsville. Sl65.O00: at River
avenue. s165.000, at Morris street S165. 600;
at Delaware street, over Fail creek. $1,000:
total, $4,000.