El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1917-02-22
FL PAsO HERALD-EDTTORIAL ard MAGAZINE PAGE
A Blow To The Billboards
(BY H. S. H.

SEVERE blow to the billboard industry which has
~ resulted in marring the appearance OF residence
streets in all parts of the United States has been
dealt by decision of the United States supreme court
uphOlds the validity of ChcagOs billboard ordinance
1911 The ordinance prohibits bboards on residence
streets without the than half the property
owners uphOlds the right of the police to order
down bboards which affect the ctys fire. wind or health
hazards and also sustains the validity OF the frontage CON
sent provisions which apply TO the construction OF garages
livery stables and similar businesses in residence districts
This decision by the supreme court would apparently
hold good in respect to any city which might pass orol
like that of Chicago in respect to bbOaTds and
while provision requiring the consent Of more than nall
the property In given ward or other residence
district for the erection of bboards would not result In
their elimination in instances would often prevent
their erection and abate the evil to just the extent that
property opposed TO it.
ChagOs case hard fought beginning in 1914 when
Thomas Cusac company sought TO enOin the city from
enforcing the ordinance In 1912 the City club had pointed
that the billboard ordinance being violated by
long display board highclass boulevard The COM
missioner OF buildings ordered the board taken down The
Cusack company carried its to the superior court
which held the ordinance invalid The city appealed TO the
state court where the Superior courts ruling was
reversed Eventually the carried to the supreme
court of the United States and the ordinance upheld
Lorng R. Hoover former assistant corporation counsel
of Chicago represented the city Of Chicago special counsel
the supreme court litigation Having made study Of
billboard legislation IN various parts OF the country ne now
declares belief that larger cities in all parts Of the
country will follow ChcagO example in passing ordinances
restricting the erection Of bboards, asserting that sen
ment against bboards which shut off beautiful views and
afford protection iders and dsOrdery strong
from to coast.
To prohibit bbOards entirely appears that action
of that kind would only be upheld under this ruling of the
supreme court in the city attempting to eliminate bill
completely able TO make showing that such
prohibition proper exercise Of police powers.
The E1lng by the supreme court in the Chicago case
gives for belief that restrictions at least may
placed bboards FL Paso the extent that
they may be kept of residence districts where than
half the property owners are opposed to them
As for that machine gun which shoots 80 bullets second
border residents would take pleasure in seeing operate
minute two against Salazar's bandits
Viewing railroad situation from medical standpoint
there be congestion in the arteries Of trade
As nation, may yet the folly Of waiting until
the fire before taking insurance policy
The most have contributed to destitute Belgium is
expert relief organization
If necessary the United States is determined turn the
pow shares back into swords
In the matter Of the freedom Of the seas for
safety first
Britain's suggestion merchant ships: Go Halifax