The Morris County chronicle., 1907-09-10
BOARD OF
ALDERMEN
VIII Have to Face an Inter
esting Legal Squabble over
the Lighting Franchise
"A WRACK AT SEWER METHODS


The reading Of the minutes occupied
considerable time, for the franchise
ordinance amendments all read
at length. Alderman Owens wanted
the reading cut out. but Counsel E. X.
Mills advised that they be read.
A communication from e. G. Pit
neY, president Of the Morris Aqueduct
Company, protested against the blast
ing under water pipes at the junction
OF Speedwell avenue and Spring street
on The ground that it threatened the
water supply of residents of that sec
tion and imperiled properties in case
of fire. The letter was referred to the
street committee, who reported that
the matter had been adjusted.
The town treasurer reported bal
ance on hand of S4.S57.26.
The chief engineer reported the fire
department elections, and the officers
elected were all confirmed.
The board Of engineers recommend
ed the confirmation of the election of
Walter Guerin and w. P. Smith to
Humane Steamer Company and the
resignation of ID. M. Claghorn from
Resolute H. & l.. Go. The recommend
ations were concurred IN.
The treasurer of the board of sewer
age reported balance of 1914. % from
the $4,000 paid the board.
A communication from T. Lefurge
asked permission to place about ten
boxes on the sidewalks in different
places in town for the collection of
laundry. The street committee made
an adverse report on the request later
in the evening.
The collector reported balance at
last report of S28.0l, and collections
during the month of S1,205.2S, and a
payment of $1,000 to the town treas
urer.
A communication from the township
committee Of Hanover township form
ally forbade Morristown from locating
a sewage disposal works in that town.
ship.
A letter from the City Clerk of New
ark rendered the aldermen one of their
annual reports in bound form. which
was accepted and vote of thanks ex-
tended for it,.
On recommendation of the finance
committee a note for $1,000 was or
dered discounted in anticipation of
taxes and four notes of 5000 each
were ordered discounted at the four
local banks to provide sewer funds
The bills included a payment of 81
085.85 to Mooney & Lyons on the po-
lice building, SIS, 180.l9 to Antonio
Costa, the sewer contractor, 81, ,l96.12
to Williams, Proctor & Potts, and S4,-
588. 80 to George B. Raymond, the con-
tractor for the pipes.
A notice was read stating that Frank
Bergen, counsel for the United
Electric Company and the Public Ser
vice Corporation would apply to Chief
Justice William S. Gummere on Mon
day for writ of certiorari to review
the contract awarded to Peter v. Stry-
kersand the franchise granted to the
Morris & Somerset Electric Company
Alderman Twining introduced a res.
olution authorizing the street lighting
committee to engage special counsel
in the case If necessary.
Alderman Owens wanted to know if
any amount is specified, as the finances
are not considerable. Alderman Twin
ing said no, but it will not run into
the thousands as his colleague had in
timated might happen.
Alderman Mowery asked if the board
hadn't pretty good counsel already.
E. Mills said the town had grant
ed the franchise and entered into the
contract. The town secured good
franchise and contract so advanta-
geous that the Public Service would
not bid at all. Now they are making
every effort to prevent the town from
sec lring the advantages, for selfish
reasons to keep out the competition
and retain the business. The town
counsel is willing to work, but the ap-
plicants will have the best counsel in
the State and he did not feel that he
had enough weight to deal with them.
1t may not be necessary to have spe-
cial counsel, but the ecommittee should
have the authority to secure it, and
the town should uphold the contract
and franchise it has granted, and not
let an outside corporation say what
the town shall or shallNnot do.
Alderman Twining said it is not
weight needed, but two men are al
ways better than one in such cases.
The corporation has the advantage OF
large legal department.
The street committee reported that
they had taken counsel as to the meth
DDS Of vacating streets In the Lathrop
matter and found that meeting must
be held, advertised in two papers. The
committee thought Mr.. Lathrop
should pay for such advertisement and
it was decided to ask him to make
such payment. The committee bills
included one Of s50,77 from the Morris