Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1874-07-10
A D1SGgACEFUL SCENE.
How They Settle n Question Of EIigi-
bility I'm the Memphis City Council.

Memphis Avalanche, July Z.
rHf EIGHTH WARD COUNCILMAN.
When the roll was called the Chair
stated that he had been informed tihd one
Of the Councilmen had rendered himself
ineligible by becoming q candidate for pub
lle office. The gentleman referred to was
Mr.. j. p. Hughes, Of the eighth ward.
Councilman ROush called upon Mr..
Hughes for a statement.
HADN'T ANNOUNCED HIMSELF.
| Councilman Hughes announced that he
proposed to be candidate for County
Register, but that he had not announced
himself as yet. There we've gentlemen in
the Council who held contracts with the
city which would render them ineligible.
Councilman ROush had called upon Mr..
Hughes for statement out Of pure good
feeling. II the gentleman was a candidate
that rendered him ineligible.
ARE CONTRACTORS ELIGIBLE?
Councilman Hughes called on the Chair
and asked whether gentlemen who had
contracts with the city were eligible to the
Office Of Councilman. There were men in
the Council then who held contracts with
the city.
The Chair answered that gentlemen who
held contracts with the city were ineligible
10 the ONCE OF Councilman.
After more argument the City AttOr-.
ney was called upon for his opinion He
said that when a gentleman announced
himself for public office he was ineligible
10 the position.
Councilman ROush asked if When a gem
tlemaD declared himself to his friends as a
candidate whether or not that was equiya-
lent to an announcement.
The City Attorney replied in the af-
tirmatiye.
IN THE FIELD.
Councilman Carpenter said that Mr.. |
Hughes had repeatedly announced himself |
as a candidate, and did it publicly.
The chair said that it was simply ques- |
ton Of fact.
In order 20 bring the question fair before ]
the Board, Councilman luther moved that
the seat of Mr.. Hughes be declared va
cant.
Councilman Chase wanted to hear from
Mr.. Hughes again on the question, was he
or was he not a candidate?
Councilman Hughes answered that he
was running for the Office Of Register, but
had not announced himself as vet. If that
was what they wanted they could have it.
Alderman Hillsman, chairman of the
Finance committee, that had recommended
at a previous meeting that the City Treas
urer, pro tenn, be required to give a bond,
which resolution in connection with Al
derman Dents resolution referring the
matter TO a committee, and which had been
severely reflected upon by Mr.. Hughes at
the time, had come in the council chamber |
and was talking TO Mr. Hughes.
A COUNCILMAN WHO Is BAD.
ltr II -, |
an excited manner. was heard TO say to Mr. |
Hllsman: "YOu can't bluff me, and YOU
mustn't try il. | am just as good man as
you, and all you have got to 90 is to step
out on the floor and we will settle this mat
ter. have heard enough talk out Of YOU.
| say that resolution offered by YOU was /
intended for that man because he is an
lrishman, and now that he is not here, l
will stand up for him, for am as good a
man as you ever were
The Chair-"Mr. Athy. arrest that man."
Chief Athy walked up to Mr.. Hughes, who
continued TO argue the case with Mr.. Hills
man, who was al this time seated.
MEANING BUSINESS.
Councilman Hughes still say what
have said, and any man who says diff
erent is a God damned liar. That's
business.
The Chair-MT. DrOeScher, as Ser
geant-at-Arms I order you to arrest that
nan.
Mr.. Droescher took hold Of Mr.. Hughes,
who sat down quietly.
Councilman ROuSh-I would again ask
the gentleman 10 answer Mr.. ChaSe'S
question, whether or not he is a candidate.
and whether or not he considers himself |
eligible TO the seat Of Councilman from
The Eighth ward. Let him answer.
HANDSOME JACK TAXES 4 HAND.
Councilman WalSh-N on have GOT no
right TO do that, to make him criminate
himself. It's not right
The Chair-AIr. Walsh, yOu will come
10 order, Mr.. ROUsh has the floor. trapping
with his gavel)
Councilman Walsh saw its not right
The Chair-COme to order Mr.. Walsh.
on must take your seat.
Councilman WalSh-I'll not de it until
get ready, and YOU are not the man to
make me do il.
The Chair-Mr. Walsh. you must take
yOur seat or III impose a fine on You.
Councilman Walsh-ImpOse it then; l
lOnt care
The Chair-Nr. Walsh, fine you s..
ANOTHER GOOD MAN.
Councilman Walsh care nothing for ,
7Ou, nOhOw. Since you have been chair
nan Of this Board You have never treated
ne right. You have slighfed me in every
way, and am just as good a man everyway 7
IS you and Shan't stand it. That's
The Chair-Sergeant-at- arrest Mr..
Walsh.
II AM IN DUTY BOUND"
ergeant-at-Arms-Mr. Walsh, you must
,ome with me; you are under arrest.
The two left the hcamber together, going J
INTO the Mayors Office.
Councilman Camp moved to postpone
he matter. concerning Sir. Hughes eligi- 2
,ility until the next regular meeting. Car =