., good roads.
8‘ If yeti want the best
' goods fort-he least'money
read the advertisements _"
in the Gazette.
_’,_,‘L ":1” ",1 ‘ ;
r . . .J
a“ (Recognized: . ,
; family paper‘the Gale-til _
.aolvnertisihg columns wil
. " provefiits value/to you.
i
- voL. VIII. 'NO.1775.
NORWALK, court, TUESDA’Y‘ EVENING, JANUAnvl. 1898. _ PRIOEONE CENT;
v
mew COUNCILS MEET.
.M‘EYGBS GLOVER AND BOIIMNMI OF THE, TWIN GITIES
BEAB THEIR MESSAGES.
can orncmLs For: ’98 ELECTED.
l
COUNCILMAN BURR CREATES A SENS'ATION
BY
OFFERING, A RESOLUTION TO ABOLISH THE
OFFICE OF CHIEF OF POLICE.
u
The first meeting of the Norwalk
‘city council, elected to office for the
year 1898, was called to order last even-
ing by Mayor Charles L. Glover short-
ly after 8 o’clock.
Considerable delay was occasioned
by the non-arrival of city clerk Lock-
wood, who upon reaching the Council
chamber, administered the oath of of-
fice to the members elect.
They each, as if to the manor born,
immediately assumed the chairs in
which they will be called upon to act
as their oaths require in and for the
city’s best interests, and were called to
order by Mayor Glover.
The lobby was well filled and it might
be said of some that their faces were
clothed with an anxious look,
And right here it may be well to say
that during the entire meeting the
Mayor presided with a grace that was
befitting not only his office but, with
the skill and self poise-of'his predeceSs
sor, Mayor Wheeler.
Every member of the board also ap-
peared-at his best and were ever alert
as to the business presented for their,
conmderation.
Naturally there was considerable
anxiety among the lobby contingent
as to certain appointments of commit-
tees and election of city officers. .
. The Mayor read the following mes-
sage which seemed to be in accord with
the feelings of the members of the
board and ,was attentively listened to:
‘GENTLEMEN or THE COUNCIL:—
Following the custom of former May-
ors, I beg leave to call your attention
to a few matters regarding the City’s
business.
'In the first place it is my wish, and
I know it is yours,.that the city shall
be governed with efficiency and econo-
my.
Taxes bear heavily upon the people
at all times, and more especially in
times of financial depression, and the
prom perity of our tax payers is not as
great as many would have us believe
and consequently it should be our aim
and object to avoid all extravagance.
Good roads and sidewalks are neces-
sary not only for the comfort. and con-
venience of our citizens, but also for
the good appearance of our city, There
is no one thing that impresses the
stranger so favorably, or adds so much
to the beauty and value of a city‘ as
I think it will not be nec-
essary to build any macadam roads or
do any more paving this year, but there
are many roads that would be greatly
improved by removing the stones and
giving them a good coat of gravel and,
by cleaning the gutters and give them
proper attention thereafter.
It requires no words from me to tell
you that in our Volunteer Fire Depart—
ment we have one of the best in 'the
state. We have had no large fires for
several years owing to the efficiency of
our firemen, but one may break out at
any time that would prove destructive
if we had not the men and means to
fight it.
The services of our firemen are en-
tirely voluntary and I think their will-
ingness to serve us as faithfully as they
have done should be recognized by lib-
eral treatment, for whatever you do
for them will be appreciated, not in
words, but, by greater vigilance and
harder work.
'For sometime past theifire alarm.
system has not worked well, and I
would recommend that it be overhaul-
ed and put in perfect order, and placed
under the direction of the chief of the
"Fire Department. . ,
While the water works are not under
I
your care yet as citizens 'you have an
interest in them. To my mind the ~
time is not far distant when We shall
do as has been done in other cities,
abolish the office of Water Commission-
er, with its separate management and
separate accounts and place the con-
trol of the wlfole in the hands of the
Council. . .
The so called water bonds are as
'much of a charge u pen the whole city
as any part of its debt, and as the water
works are profitable the city treasury
ought to have the benefit of the profits
or else the rates should not be above a
self supporting level.
The large sum paid annually for
electric lights is quite a drain upon
the treasury and it would be well before
placing any new ones to always first
find out if the present lights could be
re-located so as to answer.
The City Library has proven to be
more of an expense than was antici-
pated, and while is it not under your
control, yet as you lay the tax for its
support and stand all the censure of
the taxpayers, it would be. wellto try
and have an understanding with the
Library Directors, that the expenses
may be, kept within reasonable limits.
In the employment of labor and the
purchase of supplies, I trust you will
give, as far as possible, the preference
to taxpayers and voters of the city.
While I advocate economy in every-
thing, I think it is good policy to pay
fair wages to employes of the city, and
employ only those who are able and
willing to give a fair return for the
wages received. ‘ I
I think the tax-payers ought to know
how their money is spent and who re-
ceives it. I therefore recommend that ar—
rangements be made for publishingaftcr
each meeting, the name of each person
receivingtmoney from the treasury and '
the amount paid to each. The expense
of giving the public better information
than they now get from the newspaper
reports would be small, if anything,
and I have no doubt .that our wide
awake and public spirited newspaper
managers would meet you more than
half way as to the expense.
_ As far as my experience and observa-
tion goes, running the business of a
modern city is no more political than
conducting a private business. It is
simply a matter of getting the most
for the least money. 1 can see no rea-
son why a dollar of public money should
not purchase as much either in labor or
supplies, as a dollar of private invest-
ment. ’ -
I do not expect we shall escape fault-'
finding and criticism,and have no doubt
that we shall often be obliged to refuse
requests that would increase expenses.
I believe we can keep the tax rate as
low as it has been, and I hope. reduce
it. At any rate, try and keep expenses
within the appropriations and give the
public our best efforts. To this they
are entitled and this we should give
them. ‘
Err-city, or City clerk pro'tem. E.
M. Lockwood, read the minutes of the
last meeting and occupied his chair un-
til the election of his successor.
A question arose as to payment of
bills but was explained? by the clerk,
and after that the council floated along
into business as nicely as would a yacht
with a fair wind.
A ballot was taken for thepresidency
oi the board with the. result that P. W.
Bateswas elected as such and he occu-
pies a chair at the left oftheimayor
and in close juxtoposition' to the clerk’s
desk.
A vote was taken for theappointment
of a city clerk ,with. the result that H.
Whitinore Gregory was. elected by a. _p
, . of the reappointment of Mfr-Hoyt and
vote of 4 to 2 over Samuel L. Weed-
, I
1'
‘y(
The Mayor announced the following
committees: I ‘
A. Burr and J. Cotter. .
Highway—Philo W. Bates, C.-' A.
Burr, and George B. Gregory.
Lights — John Cotter, George. B.
Gregory and P. W. Bates]
and W. R. Bates.
Meeker and W. R. Bates.
- j . GeorggI-I. ‘Allen was re-elected fire; ,
inspectOr.
Charles N. “food was re-elected city
engineer.
ing those of F. A- Honnecker and VVil-'
as follows: _
. FIRST BALLOT:
N. Martin,
J. S. Bates,
G. VVardwell,
M. Kellogg.
HNNH
SECOND BALLOT:
Martin, 3
Bates, 2
Wardwell. 1
THIRD BALLOT;
Martin, 3
Bates, 2 ,
VVardwell. 1
FOURTH BALLOT;'
Martin, 3
Bates, 2
War-dwell. 1
FIFTH BALLOT:
Martin, 1
Bates, 3
Wardwell, 2
. SIXTH Bi! LLOT; '
Bates, . - I. . . -3. -5,
CO
Wardwell.
The Mayor brOKe the tie by voting
for Mr. VVardwell and the latter was
declared elected as street commis-
sioner.
The election of a sewer inspector was
deferred until the next meeting of ,the
board. . V'
The following gentlemen were nomin-
ated and elected as the board 'of relief:
John F. Bennett, H. E. Dann and O.»E.
— \Vilson.
i The balloting of members of the
' board of health resulted in the election
of the following gentlemen: Dr. L. N’.
Phinney, Dr. J. G. Gregory, Dr. W. J.
Tracey, H. ‘N. Kemp and James Suth-i
erland.
Attorney John J. Walsh was elected
corporation counsel, {here being but
one vote cast against him and that for
J. Belden Hurlbutt.
Etc-city clerk Lockwood
several matters pertaining
explained
to the do-
ings of the previous council, and pre-
sented the various books that came un—
der his supervision as clerk of that"
board and asked to have the same care-
fully scrutinized. He gave figures to
the new board inreference to what was
due the city from different sources, all
of which he further explained would
be found charged on the city ledger.
He even went further and suggested
the immediate collection of the same.
At this juncture he turned over the
different keys to his desk and safe to.
further official work by the arrival of
the clerk-elect who was sworn in and
assumed the duties of his office.
Mr. Lockwood, however, remained
in readiness to answer any question
that might arise during the progress
of the meeting as might effect the do-
ings of theprevious council.
On motion of Council-man Cotter a
unanimous vote was tendered Mr. Lock-
wood for his courtesy and kindness.
The bond of D. _W. Fitch as water
commissioner was receivedrand accept-
‘ed. .
‘A communication was received from
John H. Hoyt stating for what compen-
sation he would care for the city-'fire’
alarm system. The ofier seemed favor-
able. K s ' ~ g
Chief'engiti'eer Prbwitt was— in foyer,
Finance—Aurelius J.Meeker,Charles H
W" <:(r:-~«-'<~ . —...
Police—“falter R. Bates, John Cot-
. ter and P. W. Bates. ‘ _ , ‘ .
Fire—Charles A. Bprr, A. J. Meeker . .. ., ,
Sewers—George 8. Gregory, A. J.
There were several applicants _for - .
the office of street commissioner includ- '
liam Sheldon. Six ballots were taken ?:-_
- of his hands by the previous council.
tion of Mr. Hoyt was accepted by the
Mayor Glover and was relieved from '
fwhich agiippe'r prepa'redsby lane was
. .
.g :- ‘\ \ ‘
‘. . \ v.
\k -‘
Srws. .
EXT.
1.9/-
$5
1’ <§< :: S
incidentally remarked that certain
powers in that line had been taken 0 ut
After a little discussion the proposi-
council and he was reappointed super-
intendent of the fire alarm system. '
.. Councilman 1 Meeker ”said 'tthat 'he
thought it advisable before the council
did much businessthat areport be pre-
sented to the board from the several
committees. ‘
This suggestion wasthe outcome of
several hills which had been presented
for payment.
Mr. Meeker evidently did not doubt
the justness of the bills but thought it
wise that they all be properly consid-
ered before being ordered paid. ‘
Quite a grist of bills were ordered
paid, others were referred to proper
committees with power, and others
were practically tabled until the next
Among the
A. Bet-ts
meeting of the board.
bills referred was that of A.
as tax collector. s,
The bill of John O’Sullivan of $350
for damages in the cutting down of
Mill Hill was referred to the highway
committee for report at the next meet-
ing of the board.
The-report of the chief of police in
which report fourteen arrests and the
disposition of the some were cited was
accepted and ordered on file.
On motion of P. W. Bates the finance
committee was authorized to borrow
$1,000 on the credit of the city. g
Councilman Burr seemingly thought
that it was time to throw a bomb into
the camp, leastwise he did so by pro-
posing that the office of chief of police
be abolished, ' and asserted that it
would be a saving to the city of some-
thing like $1,000 a year. '
Councilman Meeker seemed to be in
accord with Mr. Burr’s proposition
and pertinent to the question thought
that a chief, a captain and a bicycle
were not-altogether necessary.
' Councilman Cotter thought it was
better to be careful in the matter and
not act hastily. . . _
Councilman Burr inclined to the be-
lief that action should be taken at once
or at least durmg the present session
ofthe meeting. - '
Mayor Glover thought it would be
advisable to defer action in the‘ matter,
and this idea prevailed to the extent
that action was deferred. .
- The council then adjourned to, meet
on M Onday evening January .17‘Kth.
The officers of» the UniOn Veteran’s
Union were installed last night, after
i
enjoyed.
,der.
f
N“ THE KLONDYKE: THE'LATEST ARRIVAL.
soum NORWALK COUNCIL.
The new city council of South Nor-
walk met Monday noon and were sworn
in by City clerk' Taylor. An adjourn-
ment was then taken until evening,
'when the new board . met at the old-
rOoms and upon being called 'to order
by Mayor Bohannan proceeded to busi-
ness. ‘ '
The election of senibrity of council-
. men resulted in the selection of Stephen
S. Hatch.
Joseph R. Taylor was elected clerk
by a unanimous vote.
The matter of an appropriation rela-
tive to the purchase of overcoats for
the police force was referred.
The usual regime in reference to as—
sessors and board of relief was tabled.
The city clerk was instructed to draw
an order for $300 for the Electric Light
commissioners. ' I
The water commissioners reported a
surplus of $1,806.01 with all bills paid.
It was voted that orders be drawn
for the payment of the police on the
15th of each month.
Several bills were presented and
Ordered paid.
The‘matter of the renting of the city
hall was referred.
It was votedthat the committee on'
printing be authorized to have 800
copies of the new city charter printed
and award the same to the lowest bid-
It was voted that the committees on
the fire andpolice departments be ap-
pointed a committee to frame ordinan-
ces for commissions in their depart—
ments. _ ' '
I The annual message of the Mayor re-
plete with ‘wise suggestions, which in
the main seemed to meet with the ap- '
probation of the board, and which sug-
gestions will no doubt be carried out to
a certain extent during the coming
year, prefaced the above proceedings
of the Council. _
Thenext meeting will ‘be held on
January 17th. -,
————————‘0.0>—-—
$|05 Given-Away by Olsen .Bros.
Five cash prizes, aggregating $105
were given away at Olsen Bros. White
Shoe Store, Monday evening. Holders
of these numbers can secure the money:
$50, ticket A 1460; $25, ticket 6530; $15,
ticket A 4656: $10, ticket B 949; $5,
ticket B 4452. ’
.__._..'___<...>—_———
Dissolution.
' _Thc firm of Colby & Smith was by
' mutual consent dissolved on Monday.
Mr. Colby will continue the confection--
cry store and bakery at South N orwalk
and Mr. Smith continue the-confection-
ery store in this city. .
David. M. Fi'nch’s Barn Burned :
and Twelve Horses Perish.
in the Building.
, Horrible Spectacle of Charred Horse~flt§h
in the Ruins.
Early this. morning the attention of.
David M. Finch who lives on First ave-
nue, East N orwalk ivas attracted to the
kicking of his horse's, some seventeen
in number at the stables not far from
his homefi
This was near the hour of three
o’clock. .
Jumping from his bed he ran to a
window and. saw that his barn was
lfire. L .
He as expeditiously as possible gave
the alarm of fire, and connected a gar-
den h'ose with the hope of extinguish-
ing the flames which he saw was using
its best endeavors to eat up the build-
ing, Withinnthe confines of which were
seventeenfihorses, not to mention, the
several trucks, harnesses, etc. .
A youngEman who soon after discov-
ered the blaze, ran to the Mayflower
H. and L. company’s house and by right I
of a member without a key p11shcd in
the door, -and in short rider 3. connec-
tion was made with the hydrants and
a futile gtfempt made to save the barn.-
In the meantime efforts had been
made for the'firescue of property with
the result that five horses of the seven-"
teen within the confines of the stable
were rescued. i .
Much credit in this respect is due to .
John Finch and William Morris, who
did all in their power in an intelligent
manner to save life.
, This morning a GAZETTE 'r‘epor‘ter
visited the scene of the fire and it re.-
minded him of a charnel such as has
been written of but ought not be spoken
of.
There were twelve horses
literally
roasted to death. Scattered about on
as they had fallen in their stalls. .
The so-calledfibarn was a two-story
structure with adjacent sheds and
stalls for the high bred horses which
Mr Finch kept.
was a large amount of chairs, wagons,
Aside from this there
etc., used in the general truckingbusi-
ness. , I ‘
'During the fire'Mr. Finch’s residence
perhaps a hundred feet away from the
burningflbarn was threatened with de-
' struction. .
Prompt action on the part of the
Mayflowers who succeeded in getting
two streams on the same saved the
building beyond a scorching.
The loss is estimated at something
like $10,000 and is but partially covered
by an insurance said not to be in ex‘
cess of $4,000. I
It was evidently the work of an in.
cendiary. '
-» 7'4.-.) ....- .—
Death of John Tristram. .
John Tristram. father of Mrs. Henry
S. Rood of South Norwalk, died at the
City Hotel this morning, aged about,
75 years. Mr. Tristram was a membel‘,
of the ,Norwalk Methodist church and
formerly lived on Union Park, this city
removing to South Norwalk some four .
weeks ago. The deceased buried his
wife/just six weeks ago to-day.
His funeral will be held from his
daughter’s residence in Fairfield ave- ‘
BURNED T[l_- DEATH.’
0
nu‘e on Thursday afternoon, and the in-, ‘
terment will be in; the family plot at: b
New Canaan.
The Weather.
Increasing cloudiness and snow to- '.
night, and Wednesday warmer.
DEATHS.
zie, wife of James Boughey, aged 33
years. ~ '
DAVIS—In Danbury. Jan. 1, William . V
H. Davis, aged 39.yea.rs.
FISHINGER—In Bridgeport, Jan. 2,} [I
William A., son of Dora Fishinger.
' HAUGI-INEY—~In Bridgeport,
John Haughney.
Jan. 3,
. ('
BOUGHEY—-In Danbury. Jan. 3, ‘Lizr '
HOULIHAN—In *Danbury. Jan. 2, Mrs. . ,‘
Mary 'Houlihan, aged 87 years.
TRISTRAM.—-In South N orwalk, Jan
2, Samuel B. Tristram of Burritt ave
nue. __
TRISTRAM.-—In South Norwalk,. Jan
4th, John -Tristram, aged 75 years an
9 months. '
\
Norwalk Chronicler