Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-18

pointed out to the council that while
these conditions are known to the cleo
trical department of the police and fire
department, the officials OF neither de-
partment are vested with specific au.
thority, and do not feel inclined to as
sumo the duties and the authority
necessary TO remedy the conditions
outlined. Mr.. Hill explained that with
an ordinance along the lines of the
electrical inspection ordinance, vesting
general authority in relation to cleo
trical matters in some officer now en-
ployed by the city, the difficultits out
lined might be remedied He explain
ed his own position as that of PATROL
man, with no greater authority than
has any other member of the depart
ment. He pointed out that his motives
in urging such action on the part of the
council are not selfish ones, as he
would be benefited but slightly should
the council adopt the ordinance and
assign the place TO him. The increase
in his pay would not be 500 a wear.
at the proposed rate of 1,000 a year.
Mr.. Hill in the course of his remarks
explained the situation relative to the
police and fire alarm boxes being add
ed 70 the city system He stated that
the Union Electric. Telephone & Tele-
graph company excuses its failure to
deliver the 80 phones. which accord,
ing to its ordinance are to be furnish
ed the city, by Stating that the city has
not specified just what Instruments il
desires. The matter was referred to
the police and fire and light commit
tees
To BniId Mains.
The council INDUCED in several
lengthy discussions, precipitated in
the main by Alderman Ellinwood who
presented nicely staged play to the
gallery of Seventh ward voters who
were on hand. The alderman to most
appearances. is playing politics over
time. He has the economy mania and
has it bad. Everything not connected
with the Waterworks committees
work is all wrong and costs too much
He was greatly excited over the First
ward Waterman system ordinance.
which was considered and adopted
The city engineers estimate is for
S1G.7S5, and Alderman Ellinwood
thought this much too high. The or
dinance was passed unanimously how
ever, sitter an explanation by the city
engineer.
The bill of the Mccarthy Improve
ment company for $1,000 for the sec
ton of the Seventh ward sewer al
ready laid was the subject of another
complaint by Alderman Ellinwood. but
the amount was allowed.
| Cost of Litigation.
The bill of J. T. and S. R. Kenwor-
| thy. attorneys in the Central Union
Telephone company cases. was pre-
sented in itemized form. The balance
claimed is S2,075. The original bill
was for $3.50, but the council in the
course of the litigation has paid part
of the account.
| A delegation of property owners
was on handS with a request TO have
the grade of Eighth street between
Fifth and Seventh avenues lowered.
The council adopted a resolution in
structing the city attorney and ordi-
nance committee to prepare an ordi
nance lowering the grade a foot.
| For Labor Day.
The council accepted an invitation
10 participate in the Labor day eXer
cises and parade. Mayor Schaffer has
been invited to deliver an address al
Suburban island in the afternoon The
council voted 10 adjourn to the day
following Labor day. and not 10 meet
the evening of the holiday.