Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1914-01-28
D|SAPPO|NT CROWD
OF 'PLUM-SEEKERS'
BelIeville Town Council Again
Fails to Distribute
Patronage.

Contrary to expectation and to the
disappointment of a eeord-breaking
crowd. the Belleville Town Council
last night failed to distribute any of
the "plums" at it's disposal That
the council intended doing so was adj
mitted by two members of that body,
but a five-minute recess, presumably
called by Mayor John c. La Fau-
cherie to allow the citizens time to
smoke, gave the councilmen ample
time to get together and defer the APP
pointments The reason given by
the councilmen was that all contract
work in the town at present is being
held up and inspectors are not need
ed.
A half hours wrangle, however, be-
tween Councilmen L. o. Cyphers and
Frank J. Carragher enlivened the In
terest of the spectators. The tilt
was occasioned by DIR. Cyphers TAX
ing objection TO motion on the part
OF Mr.. Carragher that the council
recommend 10 the Essex County
Board of Freeholders that Washing
ton avenue be widened five feet on
either side. The motion was the re-
suit of a communication from County
Engineer Frederick Reimer, request
ing the council to make ITS decision
in this respect, so that the contract
for the same might be awarded.
Mr.. Carragher said the majority of
the property owners along the thor
oughfare desired the widening. He
moved that the freeholders be so
notified and the change be made,
provided, as stated by Freeholders
John H. Waters and Seymour p. Gill
bert, Belleville's proportionate ex-
pense would be but 10 per cent. of the
total cost.
Objection to this procedure was
taken by DR.. Cyphers, who said a pc
tition circulated last year among the
property owners in an effort to gain
their sentiment in this respect,
proved that two-thirds of the prop
erty owners objected to the widening
of the street
Mr.. Carragher was Immediately on
his feet stating that at that time the
person circulating the petition had
been wrongly instructed and uninten-
tionally misrepresented the facts. The
people at that time Mr.. Carragher
contended. were informed that the
owners would be compelled to bear
the expense, but, having been advised
differently were now in favor Of the
improvement.
Councilman Cyphers, who is a resi-
dent and property owner of the ave-
nue. said he had not been advised of
the change on the part Of the resi-
dents, and asked if any resident prop
erty holders of the avenue were in
the room. He asked Francis Gibson
if he had not signed against the pro-
posed widening Of the street. Mr..
Gibson admitted that he had, but the
circumstances were as Councilman
Carragher stated.
Former Councilman Emil c. Mertz
protested the councils action on the
grounds that the freeholders were
not officially authorized to state that
the State and county would defray 80
per cent. of the total cost. He ad-
vised that the freeholders be consult
ed in this respect, and official state
ment received.
Council finally decided to recon-
mend to the freeholders that the ave
nue. be widened with the proviso at
tached Councilman Cyphers alone
voted in the negative.
Former Town Counsel Andrew L.
Boylan requested advise as to the
councils intent regarding the letter
received from the heirs of the Aaron
Lloyd estate, deciding to the town
property on the Hornblower avenue
tract for q continuation of streets.
Mr.. Boylan said that a committee
from the Board of Education and
Board of Trade intended purchasing
the property for a public playground
He was advised that DubIiC meeting
of the committee would be held next
Friday night to consider the matter.
The council decided to advertise for
bids for $50 600 thirty-year 8 per cent
bonds to defray the expenses of the
Town Hall. To avoid legal posibii-
ties. Councilman Cyphers proposed
that the Town Hall be furnished
piecemeal and not in bulk. Council
concurred in the proposal