PAY FOR STREET IMPROVEMENTS.
On motion by Mr. JOHNSTON, of Dearborn, the bill [H. R. 401] was read the second time.
Mr HILLIGASS: This bill provides the city shall have a lien upon the property improved instead of the contractor having the lien. The contractor gets the money and the city takes the chances of collecting the money. I don't think any improvement can be made upon the present law for street improvements I hope the amendment will not be concurred in nor the bill passed.
Mr. SELLERS: I thick the report ought to be concurred in. The property owner instead of owing a contractor, who he must pay at once, by this bill would be given four years in which to pay the assessment. It if a bill in favor of the poor man who has purchased a home, for which he is indebted. The bill provides the City Council may make these improvements in this way, and the petition must be signed by a majority of property owners. The city is fully protected. Under the present law the property holder in straightened circumstances is at a disadvantage
Mr HILLIGASS: The bill provides the money shall be taken out of the taxes of the poor man to improve the streets and alleys of the tows. Then this bill repeals all former acts, and cripples the power of Common Councils to improve streets and alleys, especially those cities already bonded to the full amount of the constitutional limit.
The Senate refused to concur in the report of the committee.
