The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1910-08-06

The great work accomplished by the
Civic league recently and during the
last four years is worthy of special
note.
The Civic league was organized
shortly after the fire OF April. 1906,
when improvements were in chaotic
condition. The purpose of the league
was primarily To get the streets in
order. The league raised by private
subscription $4,000 and applied this
toward reconstructing the streets of the
city al time when the avenues of
the city were heavily taxed. Market
street from the ferry up to Eleventh
was put in repair by the Civic league.
SO were other important downtown
streets.
The first meetings of the league were
held in the branch office of the Cali
fornia safe deposit and trust company
in Devisadero street. A. W Scott Jr.
was the first president DR.. Julius
Rosenstirn was elected chairman of the
executive committee, which position he
has held ever since. George Renner
was selected as chairman of the street
committee and continues in that posi-
ton.
GREAT WORK IN REPAIRING
The league organized a street repair
committee. which later developed into
the Street Repair association. This
association employed P. Broderick and
4 score of competent engineers and
craftsmen 10 cooperate with the board
Of public works. For the first six
months after the fire the association
devoted itself to constructing streets
After that time the finances of the
city were rehabilitated and the city
l. so.l l.
than heretofore.
Then the league organized its bu-
reau OF inspection to keep q watch upon
the expenditure of public moneys. Plans
and specifications of proposed city work
were secured from the city architect.
city engineer and the board of public
works. Engineers, inspectors and &C
countants were employed. A perfect
check was kept upon quality of ma
terials, manner of installation and cost.
For carrying on this work the league
raised S22. 600 the first year. 1t would
be interesting to relate the numerous
attempts upon the part of some con-
tractors to avoid the requirements of
their contracts.
LARGE SAVING TO CITY
It is sufficient to say that the work
on streets and sewers during the first
year was done at $4,000, less than
the estimates of the city engineer and
within $1,000 of the estimates furnished
by the league. There was. a surplus
in the street repair fund of 800.
The association opposed the proposal
to issue $1,000. 600 street repair bonds.
which would have meant an interest
charge Of $4,000 per year The an
nual cost of street repair work only
amounts TO about s35O000
OFFICERS OF THE LEAGUE
After year the bureau of inspec-
ton was turned over to the Merchants
association and is now under its juris-
diction. The president of the Civic
league. the chairman Of its executive
committee ard its financial secretary
are still members of this bureau and
are very active in its behalf.
The bureau OF inspection now en-
plovs two engineers, two inspectors and
stenogra phic help. and keeps a careful
watch upon the construction of all
public buildings and sewers and els
terms authorized under the bond issue.
A report is issued monthly. The bond
issues Of 1903. 1909 and 1910. which it
has undertaken to supervise, amount to
s6s.42O.OOO The bureau has generally
received the cooperation of the city
of5cials. They say il is a help and
protection 10 them
The league is at present composed
movement clubs and associations of San
FRA ncisco. George ". Merritt is presi-
dent Robert Roos is first vice presi-
don't George Renner is second vice
Tresident- A. D. L. Hamilton is secre-
+sr.- u A Hagens is financial secre-
+srv and Julius Rosenstirn is chairman
Of the executive committee
one of the requirements of the by
1aue is that no delegate or member
LII he a candidate for or hold any
citv state or federal position. The
association has lost many valuable
MEMBERS through the rigid enforce
nent Of their rule another rule OF
the organization is that politics or re-
lirfor shall not be discussed at any
Of the meetings.
The league declares its purpose to be
for civic Improvement only All
t,,1siness must originate through the
Ibis that have accredited delegates.
re nefition is first considered by the
e.-ecnfive committee and reported to
re general meeting The executive
I'm 7ittee meets on the second Thurs
dsv IF each month and the general
meeting is held on the Aoui Ii
dav of each month.
.--t,+ 70 secure for the various i'm
s.rot2ement clubs composing its mem
iDa~sb3r, needed improvements and es-
lsasslI1, street sewer and light I'M
lH~o1renents 1t has been very success
f,l in this respect ~.
-rbe Industrial congress at which Os-
strauss. then secretary Of labor
81, commerce; Adolph Miller, professor
- economies at the University OF Cali
So-nia. former Mayor James u. Pneiah,
Thor Commissioners Stafford. waiter