Jasper County Democrat, Volume 10, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 January 1908 — $1,200 DAMAGES [ARTICLE]

$1,200 DAMAGES

Wanted By Two Fair Oaks Parties For Injuries IN FALLIN6 ON CITY SIDEWALK. Line Stretched Across Walk Caused Them To Fall—Other Flatters Before City Council.

The regnlar meeting of the 00mmon oounoil of the City of Rensselaer was held Monday evening with all members present. Following is a report of the proceedings: Mrs. Sarah E. Burns, aged 67, and Elizabeth Jane Thompson, aged 12, both of Fair Oaks, presented a claim for SI,OOO and S2OO,

respectively, for alleged injuries sustained by falling on the sidewalk near the old Foster House on Sept 17 iast, while walking up town from the depot on said date. The former says that as a result of said fall she dislocated her left wrist, injured her right wrist and her knees, while the latter, who was with Mrs. Burns at the same time, also fell and was injured about the knees. It seems that while making the cement curb at this point jxhalk-line was stretched across the side-walk and was about an inch above the walk. These parties failed to see the line and it oaught their feet and j threw them violently to the cement walk, they declare, injuring them quite badly and from which they have not yet fully recovered, especially the elder. Foltz & Spitler are their attorneys and they indicate that they would pke to compromise the matter dn an equitable basis. The street contractors are probably liable for any each damages, under their and hh they had sub-let the cement curb work to Conrad Kellner, perhaps he is liable to them. The matter was referred to the oity attorney for investigation. A new ordinance —a previous one on the same line having been withdrawn —intended to prevent ‘intinerant doctors” from practicing medicine, surgery or optometry in the city of Rensselaer without first having procured a license from the city olerk, and fixing s&id license at $lO per day, $25 per week or SSO per month, was presented by Dr. M. D. Gwin, who made a talk to the council urging its passage. The council did not seem to look with much favor on the ordinance and did not take any action whatever. Under its provisions, it is claimed, a family moving here from an adjoining county could not have their old family doctor come to see them when they were sick without his taking out a license. If Monticello passed such an ordinance Dr. Turfler of Rensselaer, who now visits Monticello two or three days each week, would have to take out a license or stay away. We do not know whether “it” would "catch” veterinaries or not, but Rensselaer’s horse doctor has as much right to seek “protection” as others, and of oourse Dr. Hansen, the Monon veterinary, who makes regular trips here, would be shut out by such an ordinance, Most people seem to think it ought not be passed, and believe the majority of the council have too much good sense to give it even a serious thought. The city treasurer’s report for the month ending Jan. Ist showing balances on hand as follows: Electric light fund ..$2,098 44 Water fund 1,649 73 Corporation fund 2,032 44 Road fund 41 77 Bleotrio Light Improvement fund.... BSI 36 Sinking fund - 4 8,902 63 The above report is misleading as regards the corporation fund, the December draw not being sufficient to pay the protested orders in said fund only to about the middle of the past summer, and those issued sinoe then must wait until the June draw to get them paid.' These orotested city orders of oourse draw 6 per cent interest. Rt nsselaer stands badly in need of a complete democratic administration to put the oity on its feet in a financial and business way. Superintendent of light plant was instructed to take steps to settle with the General Electrio Co, regarding unsatisfactory mer-

cury rectifier purchased of said company. The treasurer was authorized to pay freight and express bills against city when presented by agent for supplies for said city. The clerk was directed to notify all parties who are in arrears on water rentals that unless the same is paid by Fob. Ist the water will be shut off. The claim of E. L. Hollingsworth for rebate on lights was referred to the light committee. The following olaims were allowed: OOBPOHATXON FUKD W. S, Parka, marshall, salary S3O 00 AM. Thomas, nlghtwatoh, same 25 00 W. Bissenden, stamps city treasurer. 140 A F. Fendlg, mdse fire company 3 06 John O'Connor, boarding prisoners 9 20 BOAD FUND Branch & Hamilton, feed city team 46 85 Chester Zea, labor with city team, 25 03 John Albertson, shoveling coal 15 75 UiCCTHIC UOHT FUKD. Moses Leopold.freight..... 86 40 C. 8 Chamberlin, salary 50 00 Mell Abbott, same 30 00 Dave Haste, same 30 00 Standard Oil Co., oil 15 86 Shirley Hill Coal Co., coal ....354 90 General Electric Co., supplies 5994 Electric Applianeo Co., same 41 19 G. B. Porter, mdse 97 B. K. Fendlg, same 30 WATKB FUKD. Brit Marion, work on main 6 25 Boy Thomas, 5ame......... 9 25 Lem Huston, same 2 25 Ed Hopkins, salary 30 00 James B. Clow, A Sons, supplies 18 Platt Iron Works Co., repairs for pump 3 15 Moses Leopold, int paid water bonds.. .288 72