Council Meetin

The city council held a lengthy meeting last night. Considerable time was devoted to the annual question of sidewalk grade on Washenaw avenue in front of the oroperty of Mr. Coon. Professor Hinsdale appeared in behalf of those property owners who desire to have the grade changed. He presented his subject in an able raanner, but found himself confronted by a larger task evidently than hehad bargained for when he invited questions on the part of members of the council. Geo. W. Bullis appeared for those who desired the grade left as at present. The petition was finally referred to the sidewalk committee. The city engineer presented complete drawings and specifications for the construction of the lateral sewers, which plans and specifications were referred to to the sewer committee. Time prevenís our giving an outline of the plans. The engineer's salary while engaged in the construction of the sewer was fixed at one hundred dollars per m n n t Vi uiuuiu. The city clerk reported the receipt of the opinión of the railroad commissioner relating to the overhead bridge controversy between the city of Ann Arbor and Michigan Central company. This question was argued before the commissioner, on July 6th, by J. A. Bogle and E. B. Xorris, counsel for the city, and R. A. Montgomery, for the railroad company. The commissioner holds that he has no power to pass on the validity of contracts; that he can neither set aside nor enforce any contract existing between railroad companies or between railroad companies and corporations; but the statute makes it his duty to look after the general safety of the traveling public, and to require all defects in tracks, railroad bridges and crossings to be repaired when such defects, in his opinión, endanger the satety of the traveling public. In accordance with the principies above stated, the commissioner gives notice to the Michigan Central railroad company that the said bridge is unsafe for public travel and in need of repair, and the same notice to the city. A petition signed by James L. Babcock and a large number of others relating to the intense 'tion of William street by the tracks of the Toledo, Ann Arbor & Nortii Michigan railway was presented to the council. The petitioners represent that on account of tha peculiar location of the tracks and the formation of the surface of the eround about the crossinti and the approaches thereto, an overhead bridge is necessary to insure the safety of people passing there. The petitioners allege that the railroad company stands ready to build so much of said bridge as extends over their property and they thererore request the council to join the rr.ilroad company in constructing said bridge. The petition was referred to the street committee. After the transaction of some further minor business and considerable disuission of various matters the council adjourned.