The Morning herald., 1876-04-08
LOCAL NEWS.

LOCAL NEWS.
THE CITY COUNCIL ALBUM
Pictures Therein and Something of First
and Second Impresstons-Jh PresS-
dent, Clerk, BatltT and the Mensbsrs.
Some people are governed in the formation
ofcontrolling ideas and leading opinions by
first impressions. The responsibility of such
source Of information is dependent entirely
upon the keenness of the perceptive facul-
:ies-the ability to read large sights by pan.
oramic glances:that familiarity with human
ity, that finds an index to the mind and soul
in the character of the face and the general
tone of make up, as 1t might be expressed,
plicable to bodies of men, can only be an
swered by the simple sentence: at is not re-
liable" Men grouped together, in legis-
iative, or other sessions where debate is re-
auired are far different in temperament to
when encountered singly without the har-
raising, feverish excitements that opposi-
tion produces.
This was the idea that impressed reIre-
sentative OF The HERALD, at q meeting
of the City Council not long since. Every
member in his seat, free from the restric-
tions of the laws governing the body, the
gavel having not yet given its ominous call
for order, an opportunity was given for
running glance. The old and the young
were grouped together, in as strange con-
trast as sprig of evergreen cropping out
from bed of snow. The grey and black
heads were the signs Of indication, though
sometimes untruthful in their suggestions,
the physiognomy gave the obrerver oppor-
tunity to judge whether any impressions he
had made from the "silver threads among
the gold and black" were confirmed or
not.
All wore the gravity of countenance be-
coming those delegated with the fathership
of q city containing over tbirty-five thous
and people, and City Hall, embossed with
dome unsurpassed by any save that upon
St. Peters al Rome, wherein watchman
sits, and q stove-pipe insinuates itself
! through the back, and he tells himself only
"what of the night"
But to get back again to the subject, a
glance over this assemblage could give the
observer no hint in personnel. The first,
thought would be "passive, sedative and
beyond the turmoil of excitability;" but
come when the debate is the most feverish;
every man is acting against opposing ele-
ments to his ideas, and they are sticking
| for them whether crotchety or evenly tenn
pered, and you will find that an impression
Of the City Council, when lashed by the
fury of an excited debate, is far different
from that which would be formed upon
looking over it when the feathers are not
ruffied. As general thing our Council
does not become worked up to that pitch,
where the president uses his gavel with
such freedoms that It sounds in the clerk g
Office as though some one was putting down
tacks in the Council Chamber. There is
considera BILE of the determined spirit in the
members; what is often expressed as "every
man for himself, and devil take the hind
most;" a standing by the record.
| The president is fresh in the duties of Of
flee, parliamentary laws are delicate thirgs
for him to handle, but he has evidently
given them patient consideration. and iii
the administration of executive powers he
has thus far performed his office satisfac-
torily to all appearances. The clerk enun-
ciates clearly, is patient and obliging, quail
tiles highly essential to one in his position,
and the balif moves with an alacrity that
facilitates the working of the machinery Of
the body. Mr.. Febiger, of the Ninth ward,
is the Nestor Of the body; he is an extensive
debater, has an answer for everything, and
talks with freedom and federation. The
Youngest member is Mr.. Robert Taylor, OF
the Second ward, he is an earnest worker,
enters only into debate when the urgency OF
the question demands it, and is what peo-
pie generally express as "a man trying to
do what is right"
Mr.. McIntire of the Second ward is pun
gent in debate, inclined to excitability,
caustic and courageous, and said to be the
best parliamentarian in the body. Mr.
Thomas johnson, of the First ward, is one
of the oldest Councilmen in the service, he
enters but seldom into debate-speakine
only to the point--but is quiet, patient
worker. Mr.. Irelan, of the First ward,
gained his seat by the last election, and
like new members generally prefers at first
rather to be seen than heard. He looks
after the Committee on Navigation, as its
Chairman. Mr.. Bickta is practical bu-
siness man, AMI does things in the body in
a business like way. He throws light on
matters as Chairman of the Committee or
Lamps. Mr. McGlinchey first tested the
cushion 'of his chair after the last election
was held, and is therefore quite new to the
business. MIR. James P. Hays, is stern and
cautious, little inclined to crotchety ways
but wakefu' watchman of the finances. o.
the Finance Committee, he Ii
Chairman, as he is also oft Water Com
mittee. Mr.. Louis Paynter, is prudent
, never taking rash steps. He guards close
ly the trusts that the Craftsmanship Of thu
Committee on Public Buildings reposes ir
., him, and is regarded as very reliable. Mr.
Samuel Murphy, watches and waits unit
he becomes older in the business. Mr.
VIM. Candy, is very passive, and speaks In
soothing, easy way, that almost has the