East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1908-07-23

Last nights council meeting was
charged with a certain amount of ex-
citement and while no storm broke,
yet there We're occasional flashes that
show the aldermanic skies are not en-
tirely blue.
At the instance of Councilman
knight an ordinance regarding new
mercantile establishments was intro
duced. 1t provides a prohibltive L.
cense for those who would come here
to close out bankrupt stocks or other
wise engage in business temporarily.
Furthermore, the ordinance provides
that anyone wishing to go into busi-
ness permanently in this city in the
future must first give a $500 bond
to guarantee that he will continue in
business for at least three months.
Montgomery Takes Exceptions.
No sooner had the proposed ordi-
nance been read than Councilman
Montgomery landed on 1t with both
feet. He declared he opposed the
measure because 1t was not for the
good Of the people of the city but in
stead for few business men. II was
alright for those now in business here,
but 1t was intended to cut out future
competition and for that reason
should not be passed. He held that
only by allowing the freest competi-
ton could the people of the city get
the right prices on merchandise.
After a little further sparring be-
tween Messrs. Montgomery and
knight Mayor Murphy relieved the
situation by declaring that the ordi-
nance would be held for more COM
piete council. At the time there were
but five men present and though
Councilman Strain arrived shortly
afterwards the Knight ordinance was
not resurrected.
jolt for A. Hardin.
shortly after the mercantile ordi-
nance had been laid to Temporary
rest Councilman Montgomery took
the floor again for a few hot shots at
A. Hardin, street sprinkling contrac-
tor.
As chairman OF the sprinkljn1
committee" said he, II wish to report
that the work being done by the
sprinkling contractor is very unsat;s-
factory" He then detailed how poor
service was being given and much
time wasted by the water wagons
Boys were used as drivers and there
was seemingly general tendency on
the part Of the sprinkling department
TO loaf as much as possible. He had
repeatedly called Hardin's attention
70 these faults and In each instance |
he had promised to correct matters
but had failed to do so.
According to the members of the
committee they had done their utmost
10 secure good service and falling TO
get results wished to bring the mat
Ter to the councils attention with the
aim OF having drastic action taken.
Mayor Murphy also Joined in the
Of the sprinkling work and
suggested that the city might take
legal action against Hardin's bonds
men. To this end he left the subject
with the committee and the CITY at
torney.
Dairy Ordinance Ready.
Last night City Attorney Raley re-
ported that the proposed dairy Or
finance, providing for the exclusion OF
.ubercular cows, had been prepared.
However DR.. Cole had left last night
,ity and had not seen the complete or
finance so 1t was not read last night
A warrant for payment Of $1,000
ipon the city hall was ordered drawn.
A report was received fast night
rom the engineer employed to make
for crossing the gulch on
1igh street. He reported the esti-
mated cost of bridge for the gulch
o be 1890 while fill would cost
1000. No action was taken upon the
eport.