Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-05-20
VOL. X--NO. 46.
Public Meeting.

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zens," meeting of the taxpayers and busi-
ness men was held at the Court House, on
Saturday evening last, at o'clock, to consider
the steps necessary to be taken for the pro-
lection of their property against the constantly
recurring damages from floods, and also to
consider the subject of our ferry interests.
The meeting was organized by calling Col.
Charles Ncalley to the Chair, and the appoint
ment of John 0. Wilson as Secretary.
The Chairman read the "calI' which had
brought them together, and stated that any
suggestions concerning the subject would be
in order
j. Scott Richman offered the following
resolutions, viz:
WHEREAS, The property and lives of our
citizens on parts of Iowa Avenue and Second
street are in danger from floods, the effects Of
which can and ought to be avoided:
And WHEREAS, the losses of those who
have suffered from the recent flood ought in
every instance where the city is liable. to be
repaired as soon as practicable;
Therefore, be it Resolued-
l. That the City Council be requested To
take such measures for carrying off the water.
which, in times Of heavy rains, accumnlates
on Iowa Avenue, as will be effectual 10 pre.
vent, in future, the recurrence of private and
public losses from that cause.
2. That, in the opinion of this meeting II
is the duty of the City Council, and it il
hereby requested, to adjust, at once, all dam
ages attributable to floods, which come within
the principle of cases heretofore decided. and
for which the city is liable.
The following resolution was then offered
by j. Scott Richman, ESQ:
Resolred, That the recent action of the Citv
Council in regard to the ferry was uncalled
for, illegal and unjust; against the wishes of
the citizens, and injurious to their public and
private interests; and that the City Council
be requested and instructed to reconsider it's
action in the premises, and to rescind the
resolution declaring the ferry contract for.
ielted, or to give the exclusive right to the
ferry privilege to such person or persons
among our own citizens as the public will
have confidence in, and as will procure n
release to the city Of all damages which it NAV
be liable for in consequence of the action Of
the City Council
In sustaining this resolution, Mr.. Richman
reviewed the recent action Of tho Common
Council, and gave to the meeting clear
statement of the legal aspects and conse-
quences of their action. IIe stated that
Aldermen who had voted for the abolition of
the ferry franchise had pledged themselves,
before the election, not to disturb it, He
charged them, then and there, with duplicitv.
lie also gave "ful-length portrait of tho
man whose interests the Council were striving
to advance, charging that he was even now
fugitive from justice.
This speech was frequently interrupted by
shouts of applause.
The discussion was continued BY Aldermen
Funk and Freeman, Jacob Butler and Judge
Woodward. The resolution was then carried
with tremendous applause.
j. Scott Richman then offered the following
resolution, viz:
Resotced, That such members of the City
Council as will not obey the last resolution be
requested to resign.
This resolution was discussed by Alderman
Freeman, Judge Woodward and Jacob Butler,
and passed unanimously, amid shouts of
approval.
Moved, that, when we adjourn, we adjourn
to meet one week from Monday night.
Carried.
On motion of Jacob Butler, Esq, the thanks
of this meeting be voted to Alderman RoBERY
WILLIAMS, for his manly and honorable course
in the Common Council, in trying to protect
the interests of the city. Carried unani-
mously.
Adjourned to meet Monday evening, 23d
inst CHAS. NEALLEY. Chm.
J. 0. WILSON, Sec'y.