The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1868-08-11
LOCAL MATTERS.
Other Local Matters ON Second Page.

4 OEnGT EOCRE HIaGffFS on SeCOnu rage,
MEETING OF THE CITY CoUNcIL.-The
regular monthly meeting of the City Coun-
Gil was held at the City Hall yesterday
afternoon. Present Messrs. mcfarland
(presiding), August, Saunders, Crutchfeld,
Smith, Taylor, Clopton, Sharp, Clinton,
Yale, Miller, Pelouze, Van Lew, Washburn,
and Humphreys.
Humphreys and the Constitutional Ame7d-
ntent.
Humphreys asked leave to read the
following resolution as question of privi-
lege:
Whereas serious objections have
been made, giving rise to grave doubts in
the minds of many that certain persons now
holding positions as members of the Council
of Richmond are ineligible, being disqual-
i6ed from holding such position by section
4 of act of July 18th, 1867, of the recon
struction acts, are now, specially by the
recent adoption of the 14th article of the
Constitution of the United States, thus rails
ing serious question as to the validity of
all the acts of this body. Now, therefore, to
prevent trouble and litigation,
I" Resolved, That this question be re-
ferred to the appropriate committee, and
that this matter be determined before any
other action is taken by this Council
Mr.. Crutchfeld moved that this be laid
on the table.
Humphreys spoke against this, and said
something about the people, whose interests
were at stake, demanding that action should
be taken in this matter.
Mr.. August said that the rights of the
members who occupied their seats in the
first instance by virtue of election by the
people of Richmond were questioned by
one who held his place by military ap-
pointment. The same power that existed
for his appointment existed to retain those
elected by the people of Richmond. The
resolution assumed that the military had,
in violation Of law, continued in office those
not entitled to remain there, and the mill
tary was the proper power to which to
leave the matter. He moved, therefore,
its indefinite postponement.
Humphreys rejoined in some foolish
mutterings, bringing in the case of the re-
doubtable Wigand. He knew why Mr.. Au-
gust was opposed to the rcsolution--simply
because it would unseat him.
Here he was called to order. Mr.. August
did not object to the remarks. The Chair
did, and Humphreys had to shut up. :,
, Mr. Maofopland hornd thot the Council
would express itself in this matter in u
most decided manner. The resolution pre-
sumed to question the legality Of a
body recognized by the military au-
thorities, not with dissatisfaction, but,
on the contrary, with confidence,
if he could judge by the number and
quality of notes that had passed between
him and the commanding General. Mr..
mcfarland continued in argument against
humphreys vapid murmurings as to litiga-
ton and trouble, and proved them to be ut
terly groundless. He questioned the mo-
tive of resolution of this kind, offered by
q military appointee, calculated to create
dissension and difference. He hoped that
the Council would express itself promptly
and decisively.
Humphreys, by leave, again let himself
loose on the constitutional amendment, and
showed that he was arguing upon points
that he knew but little about.
Mr.. mcfarland rejoined, and wiped
Humphreys out by his clear and forcible
reasoning.
Mr.. August said that should this ques-
ton be opened it would lead to endless dis
cussion. 1t would bring forward the many
questions arising as to Virginia's relation
towards the United States. He thought
these, however, too grave. questions for a
body like this. He had yet to learn that
he was in the Council against the wishes OF
the people. As regarded his wishing to
keep his seat, he had only to say that when
the order of march was given to the old
members they would gladly obey it, and
leave at double-quick. Here some ap,
plause from the bystanders was checked by
the Chair.]
Messrs. Pelouze and Yale briefly opposed
the resolution.
The vote on its indefinite postponement
resulted Ayes August, Clinton, Clopton,
Crutchfeld, Miller, Pelouze, Sharp, Saun-
ders, Smith, Taylor, Yale, Mr.. President
IL. Noes : Humphreys, Van Lew, Wash
burn-3.
Mr.. August, from the Committee on the
Poor, offered report recommending the re,
lection of the proposed amendments to sec
tions lst and Sd, 47th chapter City Ordl-
nances.
Considerable discussion ensued, during
which popinjay Humphreys, as usual, bored
the Council by his foolish squabbGng. He
heightened the session about three.quar'
tiers of an hour thereby. Finally, the re-
port of the committee was agreed to.
City Jail.
Upon the recommendation of the Commit
tee on Public Buildings, the sum OF saw
was appropriated for repairs to the city
jail.
Streets.
On petition of Thomas W. McCance, Pre-
gident of the City Railway, the Commis
sioner of Streets for Madison Ward submit
ted resolution appropriating sl,3go fol
paving Eighth street from Main TO ur'ce
Adopted.
The Commissioners generally recommend
ed the appropriation Of 81 200 Tor paVlnl
Franklin street in Clay Ward the same u
be charged to Clay Ward. Adopted.
ss. City Tares.
Mr.. Smith offered a resolution providing
4 for an extension of the time for the coilec
! ton of the city taxes to the 10Th instant
Adopted.
/ An appropriation of $500 was made TO
the completion Of the map Of the city 0
Richmond.
T Wigand's account.
i Mr.. Van Lew offered m account iron
Wiaand for S4.O3, being the difference be
i a o;fv bv him nut