16 S.D. 25 | S.D. | 1902
This is an appeal from a judgment. The action was brought by the plaintiff to enjoin the city of Water-town from constructing a system of sewerage. A demurrer to the complaint was sustained. The only question to be determined is, are the provisions of chapter 150 of the Session Laws of 1893 in force in the city of Watertown? that city being organized under a special charter, and not having become reorganized under the laws for the incorporation of cities enacted in 1890. The appellant contends that, as the city of Watertown is a city existing under a special charter, the provisions of the law of 1893 are not in force in that city. Respondent on the other hand, contends that the act of 1893 is general, and that it includes the city of Watertown, as well as other cities of the state. The act of 1893 referred to is entitled “An act to provide for constructing systems of sewerage in cities, and for the assessment and collection of the costs thereof. ” The first section, provides, “Any city shall have full power to construct systems of sewerage m such’ manner and under such regulations as the city council shall deem expedient.” The act proceeds, in its - various sections, to define the proceedings necessary, and declares that the expense of any sewers constructed under the provisions of the act shall be paid by special assessment on the several lots or parts of lots or parcels of land benefited thereby. By the charter of the said city under which
The appellant has cited a number of cases in which courts have held that certain provisions of their general law did not apply to cities, the court’s conclusion being that the legislature did not intend to make the law applicable to cities. But in the case at bar it is quite clear that the legislature did intend to make the law of 1893 applicable to all cities. Our conclusion is therefore that the law of 1893 is in force in the city of Watertown. The court was clearly right, therefore, in sustaining the defendant’s demurrer to the complaint, and the judgment of the court below is affirmed.