The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-07-29

SPECIAL MEETING OF SELECT CoUNcm-No
QUORUM REsPONDING.-A call by the required
number OF Select COuncilmen tor a special meet
ing on Saturday having been made President
Sperlng was in the chair punctually at o'clock
The meeting was called "for the purpose OF pro-
tecting the interests of the city, and to take
action upon tho communications of the Chief
Engineer of the Fire Department and the Pre-
sident OF the Hope Engine Company"
1t will be remembered that at the last meet
ing of Councils Common Council passed reso-
luton providing for the appointment of Spe-
clal Committee TO inquire into the cause of the
disturbance between the Moyamensing Hose
and the Hope Engine Company. This resolution
was messaged into Select Council, but failed TO
pass, owing to the absence OF quorum at the
time it was brought up. This failure to have a
quorum resulted from the fact that certain
upon the call for the yeas and nays when the
resolution of Common Council was put upon
its passage.
When the roll was called at P. NJ. on Satur-
day, and again at quarter to 4, but thirteen gem
tlemen responded. A quorum required four
teen. Those answering to their names were as
tollows:-Messrs, Barlow, Fox, Gillingham,
Jones Manuel, Ritchie, Shallcross, Shermer,
smith, stokley, Wagner and Spering (Presl-
dent)-12.
The Chair announced that there was no
quorum present.
Mr.. Fox now said it was very important to
the interests of the city that the City Solicitor
should at once take proceedings to restrain the
Callowhill Street Passenger Railroad Company
from tearing up that street. He stated that it
is understood that the Callowhill Street Passen-
ger Railway has been merged into the Race and
Vine. For several days past workmen have
been tearing up the track and removing the
rails and stringers to extend the Race and Vine
street road, and to patch out its dilapidated
portions. Removing the rails, they have sim
ply thrown back the paving stones, without
relaying, and are thus putting a full stopper
upon travel. Mr. Fox protested against this as
a gh.handed outrage, and desired that his
resolution might pass at once.
The Chair decided that, no quorum being pre-
sent, nothing could be done.
Mr.. Hodgdon now arrived, making thirteen
members present, but still no quorum.
Mr.. Fox lamented the absence OF one more
member.
Mr.. Stokley said that if the railroad company
is allowed to proceed, the city will be required
afterwards to repair the street.
Colonel Jones said the Commissioner of High
ways has full power to interfere in this matter
if the railroad company is iniuring the street.
MIR. Spering pointed out the fact that even IL
this resolution was passed here 1t would be of
no avail, as Common Council is not in session
to concur.
Mr.. Smth-If I understand this difficulty,
the railroad company has taken up the
''sleepers" and "stringers,n and then left un-
paved that portion thus disturbed.
Mr.. Gillingham vehemently denounced the
course OF certain absentees, who were known to
be under the same roof, and who would not be
present. He concluded:-'I don't feel satisfied
to leave the room without filing my humble
protest against the conduct of members of this
Chamber. Here we are told that railroad COM
paDy is destroying one of the principal high
ways OF the city, and yet members refuse to
| appear and form quorum. 1 want it distinctly
understood that all the gentlemen present
belong TO the dominant party. who are respon-
sible for the management of the city, and the
people should know that there are three mem
bers of the minority hanging around the doors,
refusing TO come in and assist US. ask the
reporters here present, through you, sir, to
inform the public just where their censure
| should be placed.n
At this point President spering declared the
| Chamber adjourned.