Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-04-06
TIE NEW CITY

This long expected, much talked of
document has at length been officially
promulgated. 1t is included in an act
entitled IAN act to regulate and orgaz-
ize municipal corporations and for the
increase and diminution of their powers. y
The act comprises e~ighty.two sections,
but no reference is made to cities Of
more than IS, 900 inhabitants accordingto
the Federal census of 1870 in the first
t~hirtytwo sections. The remainder of
the act is applicable to Memphis only.
For the convenience of those who may
not wish to read the charter in full we
present a synopsis Of its leading provi-
sions: Section 34-The legislative
powers of such cities shall be vested in
a Mayor, Board Of Aldermen and a
Board Of Common Couneilmen, who
shall be styled the General Council and
elected by the people. The Mayor holds
two years and must have been q resident
of the city Eve years previously. Sec
tion 35-An ordinance vetoed by the
Mayor Ear only be passed by the Gen.
eral Council in joint session by a two
thirds vote of the members elect. The
powers and duties of the Mayor are de-
fined. BE is empowered to exercise the
functions of a justice of the peace, with
Jurisdiction all over the city. Sec
ton 36-His salary shall be fixed by
ordinance before bis election, and he
shall give bond in the sum Of not less
than $4,000. Section 37-Provides 70.
filling vacancies in the Office Of Mayor.
Section 38-Tbe city shall issue no
bonds for any purpose whatever. The
Mayor may be removed for a INSIDE
meapor in Office, after q regular trial, by
a two thirds vote of the members elect
. of the General Council. Section 39-
The next elected General Council shall
lay off the city in such a number Of wards
as the interest Of the city may require,
not to exceed ten. Each ward shall
thereafter elect two Conncilmen and
one Alderman, but subsequent Councils
~ change the wards. Section 40
vides for long and short terms Of
~rmen and Councilmen; that is, for
ID two years. Section 4l-Proyides
le organization of the Boards and a
,a~nt.at.arms. Section 42-Provides
al regulations: The members shall
2 no compensation. The present
ices Of the city are unaffected by
Tter. Section 43--In addition to
Dr. and General Council there
psueh other officers and agents as
provided by ordinance, to hold
years, and their salaries are to
III before their election by the
Council. The same may be re-
" any time, but not increased
cir term Of Office. Section A.
IN er keeps the city seal. Sec
5on,equires bonds Of city officers.
VvIItEE;-City officers may be re-
isviIl, two-thirds vote Of the Gen
OnAcil for misdemeanor and
=, moral conduct. Section A.
R.Bor and City Tax Collector shall
power to administer oaths. Section
The police powers Of the city are
vested in the General Council, who shall
fix the grade and pay Of officers, 6remen
and policemen. Section 49-The Gen.
eral Council shall elect FIVE citizens as
police and FIRE commissioners to serve
without compensation for terms of from
n to FIVE years. They shall appoint
all officers and have full control Of said
departments. The police force is limited
to forty men, besides the chief; no more
fEemen shall be appointed than is abso.
lutely necessary. Section 5O-Giyes all
necessary civil and criminal jurisdic.
ton to the Recorder, who shall be ex-
oficio a justice Of the peace, but re.
ceive no compensation, except as fixed
by ordinance. Section 5l-No cause
shall be removed from the Recorders
Court to a higher court, unless the tes-
timouy for the prosecution shall be
reduced to writing upon demand Of
the defendant, nor for any cause
except the refusal of the Recorder to
take down such testimony. Section
52-Cireuit Courts may try cases from
the Recorders Court and collect the
costs of the latter, to be paid into the
city treasury, Section 53--The General
Council shall declare how claims against
the city shall be audited. Section 81
The General Council shall have power
TO establish a work-house, punish various
offenses, regulate gambling, etc. Sec.
tion 55-The General Council shall have
power to establish a Board Of Health, to
license and regulate various privileges.
Section 56-Shall have power to desig-
nate Ere limits, etc. Section 57-Shall