The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-07-02

A., l11URcDA 1 MOhlNI
Improvement Committee was referred to
the Committee on Ordinances.
OTHER BUSINESS.
By Mr.. Purcell: Petition Of NJ. Mllhiser
in relation to Improvement Of curbing, &C.,
on Fifth and Marshall streets. Ordered that
the work be done by the City Engineer.
Adjourned until PM.
Joint Session.
The two branches of the City Council met
in j,pt session at S o'clock last night in the
Council chamber, aud was called to order
aud presided over by Mr.. j. A. Meredith,
president of the Board of Aldermen. -..
49,. AN UNEXPECTED DISCUSSION.
The clerk stated that, under the city ordi-
nance, it was necessary to read the proceed
ings of the last regular meeting Of the Coun-
ell (June 22d), and that they should be
signed by the President. The proceedings
were read. The President was about to
sign the minutes when Mr.. johnson, OF
Clay Ward, rose to point Of order, and
moved to proceed to the execution of the
Joint order having for its object the election
Of certain officers.
The Chair stated that it was first necessary
to sign the proceedings.
Mr.. johnson objected. lie thought that
there was nothing in the charter which could
authorize the proceedings of meeting OF
City Council, Of which this body is not a
| successor, to be signed by the President.
Wheneverthe two bodies are in joint session
the only business which can be transacted is
the election Of certain officers.
~. T. 1-,,o
| as the Council of the city of Richmond, and
this is the successor Of the previous Coun-
Gil, and therefore the proceedings (as proyi-
ded for in the cbarter) should he signed by
the presiuent--the president OF the Board
of Aldermen, who is president OF the City
Council.
Mr.. johnson, replying to Mr.. Christian,
argued the question at considerable length.
conteuding that the president OF the Board
of Aldermen has no authority vested IN him
tn perform the act contemplated.
Mr.. Sloan thought the matter of small
consequence, and it might be well for both
presidents to sign the proceedings.
Mr.. Meredith (Mr. McCancc in the chair
argued that the presiding officer OF JOINT
session of the Board of Aldermen and Com
mon Council is president Of the City Coun-
ell for the time being. He was surprised
that his friend Mr.. johnson thought that at
q Joint session no business could be trans
acted except the election OF officers.
Mr.. Whitlock called attention TO the fol-
! lowing rule, which was read by the clerk
"All business unfinished at the expiration
of the period for which tue Council was
elected shall be considered as laid on the Ia
| ble, and may be acted on thereafter, at the
pleasure of the Council"
Mr.. Johnson, continuing his remarks, de-
MED that the two bodies could meet here.
after for any other business than the election
| of officers. He did not believe such thing
was contemplated by the city charter. sup
pose. in a Joint session, Il subject should he
brought up, upon which the body oil thirty
| desired to swallow up the body OF clgh-
| tecn-to tie their hands and control their
| votes Why, the charter never contem-
plated such thing.
Mr.. Talbot desire to know whether
the proceedings would be invalid II signed
by the present Chairman.
Mr.. johnson: No, sir; but it will decide
this matter; it will settle the fact that the
President of the Board of Aldermen is pre-
sident of the City Council, which l hold not
to he true.
Mr. Ordway: I move that the subject be
referred to the city attorney 10 Know VINO
shall sign the proceedings.
Mr.. Whitock presented the following as
an amendment, in the nature OF substitute !:
'Whercas there is some doubt as TO the
power of the joint meeting of the Board OF
Aldermen and the Common Council OF the
city of Richmond to revise or approve The
proceedings of the City Council OF I'D June
last; therefore
"Resoloed, That the said proceedings as
entered on the journal be and are hereby
approved"
MIR. johnson: accept that proposition.
Laughter.
Mr. Meredith: So my friend from Clay
Ward yields his point entirely?
Mr.. johnson: No, sir; bu. Mr.. Whit
locks resolution compromises the Whole
matter, and [ want to get it out OF the way.
Mr.. Talbot as Il substitute for the whole
matter moved that the president OF this
meeting sign the minutes which was agreed
to by large majority.
MIR. Meredith then signed the proceedings
and the matter Was droppred.
CITY CLERK AND SERGEANT ALARMS ELECTED.
Mr.. Talbot moved to proceed to the elcc-
ton of city clerk. Agreed to.
Mr. Talbot nominated Mr. Il. Z. Howard,
the present incumbent.
Several voices second the nomination.
The roll was called, and Mr.. Howard was
unanimously reelected clerk.
On motion OF Mr.. Scott the meeting pro-
cecGcd to the election Of !; sergeant-at-arms.
Mr.. Scott nominated AR. l.. L. August,
who was unanimously elected
On motion OF Mr. Straus it was ordered
that when this joint assembly adjourn it ad-
iourn 10 meet Oh Tuesday afternoon at 6
O'Clock.
Adjourned at 922N O'Clock.