The searchlight. [volume] (Culbertson, Mont.) 1902-current, 1909-02-26
Thanks responded the alderman,

dryly: many thanks."
As to the other feature Of the
case" went on his counsel, why the
fact remains that this property owner
has been no more negligent than thou.
sands Of others here in Monroe. II
there had been an ordinance, Its viola
ton would have made out for you .
prfma facie case, and then. II you'd
been killed. why You could get to the
jury. and the jury would render you .
frst-class verdict. But as It is"
Alderman Barnes rose. "There1l be
an ordnance" he Numbered. and
don't you forget It."
He WAS right. Alderman Barnes was
not alderman for Just nothing. He, .
property owner. would take the init.
alive. At three meetings he hammered
away at the common council, and
when at the fourth meeting. in his en-
thusiasm. he disrobed in part and ex.
hibited his bruises. and dwelt nnon his
pain and suffering, the common coun.
ell smiled behind their hands, but
caved in.
The ordinance was passed. BY ita
terms II was to take effect immediate
ly. By its terms. no matter how
severe q snowfall. the owner Of prop
erty. occupied. vacant or unimproved,
must clean his sidewalk. By its terms
the owner who disregarded its injunc-
ton was sibject to q fine OF SO
for the first onense. SIS for the Sec
ond offense. and 500 for the third
offense.
And now. we'll see," said Alderman
Barnes. And from that moment he
went up and down the city Of Mon.
roe like a roaring. raging lion. seek.
ing whom he might fall upon and de-
YOUR. 'I'll make this overgrown town
an upto-date city before get through"
he said.
Then the alderman procured blank
and filed It out against the
unknown owner Of the property where
his mishap had befallen him, an In
famous person Of the name and fame
Of Doe. He swore to II.
when you ind him." he told . po-
lice: I'm appear against him. Sect"
One day an onlcer was shown up !
into his room. The Officer touched |
his cap.
You're wanted at the Fourth pre-
rinct. sorr." he announced. He was
going to say more. but the alderman
hushed him up.
I'll CO." yelled the alderman. In
feverish haste he prepared for the
In feverish haste he got In
20 cab that he had ordered for the
rip.
60 on" he cried to the cabby. the
sooner We get there the better. Now
lie whispered to himself. I'm get even
With the owner Of that property"
He could hardly walt for the cab to
top at the station. SO anxious was he
O get out He rushed into the pres
nee Of the sergeant. who glanced at
lin cmriously.
Mr.. Barnes?" he queried. The al
lerman nodded.
"Mr. Barnes" went on the sergeant,
nd there seemed to be malevolent
one In his voice, you are brought
ere upon a charge"
ITO make charge" corrected tho
lderman.
Upon a charge" repeated the ser.
cant. "of a serious nature. You ara
harged with violating the sidewalk
rdinance. What have you to say?
low do you plead?"
"W-what?" roared Alderman
'arnes. me? Why, you idiot. I came
ere to make charge. That's what
on sent for me for"
The sergeant smiled and his smile
'as baleful. Il sent for you to take
on into custody" he answered, you
re arrested, Mr.. Barnes"
Alderman Barnes took fresh hold
n himself. He was not only disap-
ointed that they had not found tho
ian he was after. but he was also
hagrined that anybody should sus.
ect him OF the violation Of the law
hich was his own creation.
"Ali right. Mr.. Sergeant" he said,
it'll fine sarcasm oozing from every
ore. fire ahead. Who 10 the COM
ainant against me?"
Here is the complaint" went on
le sergeant. you have a right to read
II you will"
Alderman Barnes read it-once-
'ice-thrice. He pinched himself TO
AXE sure he was not dreaming. He
anced at the members OF the force
be sure that they were not insane.
Sergeant" he said. you must
ink I'm fool. This is my com.
amt. that swore to myself"
The sergeant nodded indifRerently.
noticed" he said. that the com.
ainant's name was Barnes. But that
mt cut any ice with US. There are
0 harnesses In Monroe. The point 10
at you're Alderman Barnes. and that
derman Barnes Is the owner Of lot
Division avenue. and the owner Of
Is lot violated the sidewalk ordi.