Delaware State journal and statesman., 1869-09-14
MIR. DILLON's CASE.

The outrage upon the legal right of MIR
Dillon, ihe member elect OF the First Ward,
by the City Council, in denying him his seat
in that body, has created widespread indig-
nation throughout the city.
Mr.. Dillon was elected 10 represent the
First Ward in the City Council, for two
years, by u clear and decided majority OF
the legal voters of The Ward, and presented
the same authority, the same certificate of
election that the other members elect did,
and by virtue of which they were admitted to
seats in The Council. The committee
packed ommilee-appointed by the ineyi-
table Mr., Tickels himself, reported 10 the
body that Mr. Dillon had received ma
joiity of the votes and was duly elected to
represent the Ward for term Of two years,
and yet in the same report, tackled on at the
tail end, they introduced resolution stating
in substance that, inasmuch as certain
Philip Plunketl had some doubts as 10 the
Legality OF the election, they recommend
that Mr. Dillon be not sworn into office;
and tile Republican majority sustained the
recommendation, passed the resolution, and
refused TO give Mr. Dillon lis sent All this,
it will be remembered, was done before the
Council had been organized at all, and be
fore the presiding officer had taken lis scat
OF was sworn in. The committees were ap-
pointed by Mr.. Tiekels, and the motions
were all made by MIR. Piekels, seconded by
Mr.. Gallagher, aud put by tile clerk No
shadow al excuse for Ills extraordinary
procerAing has us yet been offered by the
majority, oXCelt that Mr.. Dillon II fuses to
promise that lie will not Sit 10 judgment in
Lis own case, should il!c charge Of fraud
come before CumCil.
A more elaiug outrage ulon the privileges
and rights Gf legally elected officer Or n
more wauiGn iasull TO Ihc voters las never
before been pelueiIatad in Ills or any other
community Ii is one that cannot, must not,
SHALL NOT &c untebuked.
Mr.. Dillon is entitled to lis scat, aud The
people will see that lie gets H. unawed by
threats, uNTRAMMELLED by CONDITIONS
lie presents liz credentials tho same as other
members. FIe il lhoir peer on the floor o
the Council, ina they have no right TO ind
Linn up win conditions and obligations othci
than those which attach equally to each and
every other member. II, after he takes Lii
seat as a member, Mr.. Pluukett can prove
the charge Of fraud or illegally, the charter
at the tity ptinls out the course to be pur
sued, and The iemedy also. Law, and no
force, must be resorled 10, 10 settle sucl
disputes. A reckless, tyraunical majority
cannot de- as IL plcases it must conform i'll
acts 70 the requirements of the laws of th'
State, and moi 10 tie Tickels Gallagher ccdt
of either brute or numerical force.
Mr. Dillon cannot ia justice 10 lis con
si,ueuts, remove or set aside any of biz
tights, duties or responsibilities as thti
representative. Whatever privileges othe
members enjoy, lie is entitled TO also, AM
he i light in relu,ing 10 fetter himself Wit
promises and condi ions which do not appl
10 other members. If he takes Lis seat at ii
it ma,t lie on lhe same fee and independer
basis rs the rest, equal with them in lighti
equll in obli cations, equal in responsibilities
and he will not reliuquish or promi,
away one ihla Oi either, at the b
hest Of the majority. So says Mr.. Dillo
and so say honorable mtn all And mo
God defend the light.