The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-12-06

cities OF the first class is very imper-
fectly covered in the city charter act
There is no law authorizing the ap-
pointment of board of water commits
sfoners; the only law is that the city
has the right to provide rules for the
management of it's various depart
ments.
Councilman Howe has recommended
to the council that some Legislative
authority be secured for the appoint
ment of a board of water commission
ers. as is done in most states. The
council has not yet gone into a discus
sion of this question. but will doubtless
do SO before the end of the present
month.
Create a New Job.
Councilman William Green introduced
the following resolution last night
which may have an important effect on
the future consideration of public utili-
ty franchises:
Resolved, That the committee on gas
and electric lights in connection with
the city attorney be directed to prepare
and report to this council at their ear
Hest convenience an ordinance provid-
ing for the inspection of gas, electric
ton of the Office of meter inspector and
that the plumbing inspector be made
ex-ofhcio meter inspector.
.WM. GREEN"
There never has been heretofore any
municipal supervision of the meters of
the gas, electric light and water COM
panies, and the recent consideration of
franchises has brought the question to
bable that some action as suggested in
the resolution will be taken by the
council.
Doors Shut to Paving.
The action of the streets and walks
committee in limiting the paving to be
done in 1905 to that which has already
come before the council was ratified by
the council last night in the passage of
the following resolution:
whereas. By a resolution recently
signed by all the members of this
council and passed by the council
unanimously, it was decided that it
would be for the best interests of
the city that the amount of pavement
to be constructed for the year 1905
be limited to about the amount of i'm
provement bonds which would be paid
for such year 1905, the amount of out
standing bonds being about 100000
and the amount to be paid in one
year being one-tenth, or about $780,
900; and
"Whereas, The amount of pavement
already approved by this council and
1905, is probably very close to or
equal to the amount to be paid off for
such year; therefore be it
Resolved by the mayor and council
of the city of Topeka, That from and
after this date, in the event of further
paving petitions being presented, we
that the city clerk be and
is hereby instructed to place such
petitions on file in his Office for con-
SideratiOn at such future time as the
IS. A. SwENDsoN."
More Pay Allowed.
When the question of approving the
report of the claims and accounts
reducing the pay roll of the
Judges and clerks from a total of
s292.5o to 1896 came up, Abe Stein
berg made a hot speech in which he
said he did not think the judges and
clerks would accept rs per cent. of
he general election fee as an extra
Tee for counting the pond ballots.
Councilman Rice thought it would
be difficult to get clerks and judges
20 serve unless the pay should be bet
Ter than % per cent.
Councilman Swendson said he
thought there would be no difficulty
n getting judges and clerks fully as
as those who served in the
asst election.
City Attorney Spencer stated he
thought the courts would allow judges
md clerks reasonable compensation.
I don't think the courts would try
o figure out the proportion of labor
aid Mr.. Spencer. ST think the courts
would determine what is fair pay for
serving in a special election. I think
he courts would allow more than
Councilman Ryder moved that the |
Judges and clerks be allowed so per
ent. of the regular election fee, in
tead of rs per cent. This motion |
Jerks the same basis Of pay which |
hey have received in previous bond |
Elections and will probably end all
Iifficulty about the pay for the special
lection boards.
The total which the city will pay
9 $199.92, instead or $99.96, as rec
by the claims and accounts
ommittee.
Municipal League Committee.
Mayor Bergundthal last night ap-
ointed the following as a committee to
.rrange for the entertainment of the
delegates to the Municipal League
Meeting which will be held in Topeka
eginning January g.; Councilman J. w.
,. Hughes, Councilman VIM. Green
S. r. KutZ.
This committee will have charge of
a banquet for the visitors at
ne of the leading hotels, and also for
roviding all other forms of entertain
nent which may be deemed desirable.
Entertainment, it is likely that a tax
will be levied on each of the city Off
ials.
Shows a Surplus.
For the first time in the eight months
ince the city clerk has been making
eports on the city'S receipts and ex-
enditures for current expenses, the
ity clerks report for October shows
hat in that month the city's receipts
Exceeded it's expenditures by $2,266.30.
Every other month SO far has shown
elicit.
For the whole eight months, the de-
cit now amounts to $36, 320.6S. When
he December taxes begin to come in,
owever, this deficit will be wiped out,
nd the city will for time. have
urpIlls The report in full for October
nd the eight months ending october 81
as follows:
RECEIPTS.
.areraI Revenue October S-mos.
TaXeS 4s5oo.o9 pzI,Aoo-z.l
Miscellaneous :. ........ 6,1294 24,560. SO