Western Carolina Democrat and French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1913-1915, 1915-08-12

held by the present board OF commas
sioners. lasting until after / o'clock
Friday morning, the city fathers in
addition to transacting numerous other
business affairs for the municipality
cut the tax rate from $1.S5 to $1.25 on
the S1O0 property valuation.
The meeting was marked by the
absence of any POLITICAL workings. me
nearest approach to such was maze III
fixing the tax rate.
Views Varied on Rate.
Commissioner Bailey had a budget
of income and expenditures and ne and
Mayor Brooks rigidly chung to the po-
sition that the city could not we'll cut
its tax rate and keep up its improve
ments without a deficiency at the end
of the year. Mayor Brooks said thaf
the civ would be in debt from $S,OOU
TO S.. 900 at the end of the year II suen
a reduction in the tax levy was MADE
and Mr.. Bailey was confident the cut
couldn't he made. Commissioner Nor
rIs moved that the rate be liked at
81 25. declaring that it would have
good effect upon prospective investors
in Hendersonville property during the
coming wear. He thought that all ex-
nenses could be met with this rate ana
that collections should be MADE TOT
sidewalks built years ago and odds ana
ends put together. commissioner
Jackson seconded the motion. COM
missioner Clarke said he would nate 10
see things take on a political colorlng
but 81. 25 loo led good to him, however
he amended - ~'aking the rate $l.SO.
Commissioners shepherd seconded.
Commissioner Forest favored $125.
The amendment for $3.50 lost and the
original motion for $1.25 carried.
In addition to this tax a levy OF 40
cents on the thousand dollar valuation
will be made for advertising purposes
in accordance with the new advertis-
ing tax in the city charter.
COlOred Dance Hall.
Other matters were taken up as fol-
lows:
Judge H. G. Ewart appeared for j.
D. Cooley, colored, saying tina; the lat
ter had closed his dance hall on Crab
Creek street at the suggestion Of the
mayor. He said that there was little
complaint about the place AMI nom:
as to it's being disorderly and that his
client should be allowed to run the
the place until it is declared nuis-
ance. Complaint had been made about
the noise occasioned upon the negroes
parting with each other after the
dance. Cooley will continue the place.
He was cautioned to keep things or
derby as possible.
AutO-Fire Trucks.
w. F. Edwards appeared with refer
ence to purchasing auto-fre-f1ghting
equipment, saying that he would like
to furnish the city with such apparat-
us. The matter was referred to Com
missioner Bailey. Morris and Shep-
herd.
Trouble With the Hackmen.
Med. Ray appeared for Mr.. Flack
and colored man by the name of
Freeman who drive public service
autos to Edneyville and Bat Cave. He
wanted more accommodations for these
men in the way of positions at the de-
pot in meeting passengers. The ques-
ton was referred to Chief Powers and
Commissioners Shepherd and Bailey
with power to arrange affairs as salts
factory as possible.
No Main Street Concerts.
Med. Ray presented a petition ask
ing for a donation for two Main street
band concerts daily. Nearly $400 had
been subscribed and the board was
asked to supplement it to the extent of
about $400 A. A. Carter had circu-
lated the petition. He stated that it
was his purpose to secure the ser
vices of 10 Durham musicians for $500
weekly. The city fathers didn't sub
scribe. declaring that the city couldn't
spare the money, though the music
would be nice thing.
Alley Between 4th and 9Th Avenues.
Lance Holmes presented a petition
signed by property owners between
Fourth and Fifth avenue, asking the
city to open the alley to the rear of the
stores and establish a grade tina:
would more satisfactorily take care of
the surface water, which occasionally
seeks an outlet in Easements of BUSH
ness houses. The petition was re.
referred to the street committee.
Sewer Connections Wanted.
A G. Thompson appeared with refer
ence to sewer connections near Crab
Greek street. The question of laying a
line of about $50 feet was referred to
the sewer committee with power to
act.
ossie Orr said that Mr.. Thompson
had closet only few feet from his
door and he wanted relief. The sftua-
ton will be looked into by the com
mitee
Nightly ORGIES of Negroes.
W. A. Keith complained of annoying
noises from negroes at about all hours
OF the night on Seventh avenue. He
said that they cursed, danced and ere
ated unnecessary noises until late in
the morning to the annoyance of resi-
aents IN that section. He said the DO
nee were not to blame, for the negroes
would congregate rapidly after beine
dispersed by the officers and he hardly
knew a remedy. W. F.. Dotson Joined
| him in the complaint Chief Povuar.