The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-06-21
Svmptoms of Resurrection.


AT the meeting of Councils yesterday the legis-
lative grave the Committee on Law-opened,
but nothing came forth. The Chairman of
that Committee, Mr.. Charles M. Wagner,
stated in Select Council that he had in his pos
session two reports of the Committee on the
case of Frederick A. Van Cleve, each signed
by six members, and as seven was necessary
to constitute a quorum, neither was techni-
cally the report of the Committee. He stated
that several gentlemen had left the chamber,
and that they had requested him not to
call up the matter until they returned.
Colonel Page wanted the reports printed,
and so did DR.. Kamerley, but Mr.. Wagner
stated that he presented no report; so the mat
ter went over until next week. From the
speech of the Chairman, as reported, it does
not seem to be very clear whether the two
reports agreed with each other, or whether
one favored and the other opposed the
assumed right of Mr.. Van Cleve to his posi-
ton. But in either case the duty of Councils
at their next session is very clear. If the Com
mittee be equally divided on the ques-
tion, it is useless to allow the mat
ter to remain longer in its hands. If it can
get in three weeks only six signatures, then
it is evident that the remaining six do not
intend to sign and hence the wisest course is
to discharge the Committee. In the event of
either theory being right, the longer considera-
ton of the issue by it is totally useless, and
Councils must take the matter into their own
hands. There is nothing to be gained by de-
laying the report. The people are determined
not to let this fragrant outrage pass, and the
evil might as well be corrected first as
last. 1t must come eventually, and the sooner
the better for all parties save Van Cleve, who
by continuance is enabled to pocket the salary
of post of which he has possessed himself
unlawfully.
A much wiser course has been adopted by
Mr.. George J. Hetzell, of the Sixteenth Ward,
in Common Council. Mr.. Hetzell offered
preamble and resolution which puts the mat
ter in the proper Light
Whereas, BY the act of February 9, 1854. con-
soidating the City of Philadelphia it is pro-
vided that no member of Councils, during the
term for which he shall be elected, shall 'hold
any Office or employment herein created or pro-
vioed for OF municipal character and by the
act Of March Is. 1868, it Is further provided
that no member of Councils of said City shall
be eligible to any Office, employment, or
agency, directly or indirectly, chosen by Uoun-
ellis, or either branch of them, during the term
for which they shall have been elected to Coun-
cilS;" and
whereas 1t is manifestly the intention of said
acts to prevent members of Councils from using
| their positions such to the obtaining upon
resignation therefIom of any such Office EN-.
ployment, or agency mentioned in said acts
inasmuch as section 48 of the Consolidation
act already expressly forbids salaried officer
d under Councils from being member thereof;
| Whereos. r. A. Van Cleve, Esq, has recently
| been appointed Assistant Solicitor OF the city,
an office created by these Councils, uuder
authority of the act of consolidation (Sectlon
l5), during the term for which he had been
elected member OF Select Council, said APP
pointmenJ having been procured and made
upon the recommendation of number of his
colleagues. while another appointment to the
influences and for the same purpose prior to
the resignation OF the said +. A. Van Cleve,
ResolUed. Blythe Select and Common Councils
OF the city of Philadelphia, that in the opinion
of these Councils +. A. Van Cleve, Esq, is not
eligible to the position OF Assistant City Solci.
tor, to which he has been recently appointed.
This is direct method of hitting the nail
on the head. 1t brings the matter at once to
an issue; and as Mr.. Hetzell is a member of
the Committee on Law, we are heartily glad
that he has had the'good sense and firmness
to do all in his power to remove the case from
its dilatory consideration. The actions of this
gentleman have been favorably noticed by the
public His manly speech in favor of acting
like city of gentlemen, and extending our
hospitalties to the President of the United
States, has proved that he at least is fitted for
his position. The question on his resolution
was not reached, by reason of an extended
debate, but as it was postponed it comes up
the first thing next Thursday, when the mem
bers will be called upon to put themselves on
the record either for or against illegal posses
sion of office. We will then give the vote to
our readers.
&c.,, = Ca.....a.. |S.----, -.