Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-05-14
CITIZENS MEETING.
Report OF the Committee ON Con-
stftutfOn.

lHe Taxpayers met az ShS non VI INC
Chamber Of Commerce yesterday after
noon 10 such force, in fact, that many
could not get inside. Speeches were
made by Major Busby, late foreman Of
the Grand Jury, VIM. r. Moore, S. M.
Gates and other prominent merchants
and cotton men, and also by County At
torney Mcdowell and Representative
Harris. The Speeches of the latter two
gentlemen were frequently interrupted
by cheers and Kisses, mingled with cries
of go on" put him out" order"
etc. Altogether the meeting was not
what one would call strictly harmonious,
but was rather tprbplent all the way
through, the fight in one corner creating
hardly more excitement than the stormy
debate. Major Busby called the meet
ing to order, and Mr.. II. II. Higbee was
elected temporary chairman, and mem
bers of the press temporary secretaries.
A motion was carried for the appoint
ment of oommittee of five on consti-
tuition for the government Of the meet
ing. The chair appointed s. M. lobe,
W. J. P. Doyle and r. A. Parker.
The following is the committees re-
port: a.... s,..,
Whereas, We, the undersigned, be-
lieving that the increase of taxation is
rapidly proving the ruin of our city and
county, by insuring reputation at an
early day, and that the time has arrived
when the united action of the taxpayers
and all who, in the capacity of good
citizens, have the welfare and the pros
perity of the city and county at heart,
and desire the just execution of the
laws, is virtually necessary, hereby unit
ing under the constitution hereunto APP
pended, agree to be governed by its pro-
visions for the following aims and pur-
poses: tirlta
First, To secure the rigid enforce
ment of all laws relating to the distribu-
ton of public moneys. rs SIS
Second, To secure the passage of
such laws, or such amendments to exist
ing laws, as will tend to reduce the num-
bers of sinecure offices, equalize to a
Just basis the salaries, emoluments and
fees of Office, and generally to reduce
taxation.
Third, By eschewing all personal, po-
ltical or sectional creeds, to obtain by
every legal and equitable means in our
power the speediest amelioration of our
condition as an over-taxed people, and
relief from the onerous burdens imposed
upon us by the non-performance of duty
on the part of public officials.
NAME.
This organization shall be known as
the Citizens Reform Association.
aa OFFICERS.
The officers of the Citizens Reform
Association" shall consist of Presi-
dent, two Vice-Presidents, and Treas
urer who shall be elected by the Asso-
citation; of Board of seven trustees, to
be known as the Executive Committee,
who shall be appointed by the President,
and Secretary, who shall be elected by
the Board constituted by the President,
Vice-P Presidents and Executive Commit
tee, and which officers shall constitute a
permanent Board, to meet monthly, or
at such called meetings as the good OF
the Association shall be deemed neces-
sary.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS.
1t shall be the duty Of the President to
preside at all meetings, and in business
like manner to perform the functions
incumbent on a presiding officer, and in
general manner to supervise the &C
tons of the Secretary and Executive
Committee.
1t shall be the duty of the Vice Presi-
dents, in the absence of the President,
to occupy his position and perform his
duty. ...r..
1t shall be the duty of the Treasurer
to receive and disburse all moneys be-
longing to the Association, as in manner
hereafter to be determined, and he shall
further be compelled to give good and
sufficient bond in the sum of twenty
thousand dollars.
1t shall be the duty of the Secretary to
keep record of all meetings and to
carry out to the letter the instructions of
the Board of Officials. ifa
1t shall be the duty Of the Executive
Committee to furnish sufficient funds for
the Association by such ways and means
as may be decided upon, and to attend
to all other duties that may be necessary
to further the interests of the Associa-
ton.
ELIGIBILITY TO MEMBERSHIP.
Every man who pays taxes, or who
has the welfare of the community at
heart, and who values the name and
reputation of good citizen, shall be
eligible to membership in this Associa-
ton. rIfa EU HT huFla
Mr.. Parker said that they we're merely
outlines Of constitution, suggestions
that might be elaborated and matured
at leisure.
On motion of Mr.. Estes, the report
was referred to a new committee of
fifteen, who should report at another
meeting to be held in the Greenlaw
Opera House next Thursday afternoon
at 3 o'clock. The Chair appointed the
following gentlemen such committee;
Messrs. B. NJ. Estes, E. M. Apperson, S.
M. Gates, W. A. Goodwin, N. Hill, l.
NJ. Hill, H. Dow, D. p MADDEN, W. L.
Vance, E. E. Clark, James Elder, Enoch
Ensley, W. B. Galbreath, W. R. Moore
and NJ. Magevney, ST.