The Cairo bulletin., 1904-10-23
STREET AND SIDEWALK Oh.
STRucTIONS.

Apparently 1t has remained for the
insurance men and not the local un-
derwriters al that, to discover that
city ordinances are and have been VIC
lated openly in regard to obstruc.ing
The public streets and side walks. In
the news columns of this issue the in
formation is given that a considerable
advance in rates is to be applied to
certain section of the city compris-
ing two blocks on Railroad street
where the street is so obstructed by
fuel lumber, hardware and other ma.
terial in such way as to practically
unite .he two blocks so far as what
Is termed the confiagration hazard of
that particular district is concerned
Ii does not reflect any too favorably |
on us as city to have to learn facts |
OF this kind from strangers and to I
have attention called to the violation
Of city ordinances by non-residents OF
the city. I. indicates lack of inter
est in the rights of others on the part
Of those at fault and an indifference
ON the par. of the authorities to thu
maintenance of their own laws that is
complimentary to no one The ques-
ton OF the obstruction of streets and
sidewalks is no new one in Cairo but
the ineonveniences, especially of the
latter, have been tolerated with more
or less good grace In the satisfaction
felt in such evidences of increasing
ntr6 Al Z
however, that such feeling was ac
panied by the thought that the an
noyance was temporary and that the
prosperous and successful merchant
was just the one TO make permanent
for handling his sur
plus stock as soon as possible. The
Bulletin has 20 admit that II is be-
ginning to become little shaky In
his last belief 1t looks as If a pub.
lc blessing has become a public nui.
'ance and the indications are that as
ong as the city tolerates a violation
'f its regulations the offenders who
profit by ii will not hesitate to take
advantage of the situation.
AS regards the particular objection
o the condition of Railroad street.
here seems to be sufficient grounds
or complaint in the matter There
S no doubt but that obstructing the
ity streets and especially with such
ighly inflammable material as lum.
'er, coal and coke besides being
reat inconvenience. is attendant
nth grave risk. This is probably
lore true of the two blocks between
'enth and Twelfth streets .han in
ny other part Of the city as many of
ne buildings are of frame. large In
lze and filled with woodworking ma.
srial and other light stocks. 1t is be
theory in fires good under all ord- CO
ary circumstances, that a conflagra. re
on may be confined to the block in II
hich II originates; when two blocks an
re practically Joined the conaagra. te
on hazard certainly doubles. II
But, aside from these facts, import ar
At enough in themselves. .here Is tn
ie question of the city ordinances. fe
he latter speak In no uncertain da
rms and state that 1T shall not be a
wfuT % so Obstruct the thorough. de
res and impose a fine Of not exceed.
& one hundred dollars for each of Q
nse. Aside from the question OF
vance In every insurance rate In
10 blocks for which no one may be DO
sponsible there is the question of co
g law OF the municipality with the OF
ielihood of its being enforced as er,
on as the transgression Is known. ito
would seem as If II would be not 10,
Ily the square thing to ones neigh. ar,
II but much the better policy 10 re- sol
owe the obstruction and keep the
rect clear. 70,