The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1878-12-14
MUNICIPAL.
THE RECORDERS CONFERENCES.

The conference which the recorders were In
vited to attend by Mayor Patton occurred on
Thursday evening In the Mayors parlor. Re-
corders Sheehan and Mltenberger. Admins
traitor Meallie and Chief of Police Boylan we're
present. The city was represented by Ed. Far
rar ED, and the recorders by Lionel Adams,
Esq.
The meeting was private one but we are
enabled TO give the conclusions reached. 1t
was marked by the utmost harmony, and re-
suited, as It was proposed. In the amlcable set
Element OF the two questions presented.
The main one-that regarding the status of
the recorders court officers-was decided In ia
yor OF the city the construction given to the
law being that the officers were detailed men
from the Crescent City Police force after selec-
tion by the recorders, and that although they
could not be removed from the special duty to
which they were assigned without the consent
of the recorders. should the recorders wish to
the latter returned to the ranks of the force
whence they came.
But. In order to obviate the undue increase OF
the force by the possible frequent renewal of
these court officers from their special duties
back to the regular force, 1t was agreed that
hereafter the detail led men would receive from
the Mayor commissions az supernumerarips
so that In case Of removal from the courts their
names would not have to be carried on the
regular monthly police rolls.
THE OTHER QUESTION.
as to who had the right to release prisoners
after arrest and prior to arraignment before
the recorder, was decided in favor OF the re-
eorders. document OF. opinion previously
drawn no. at tho request OF Recorder Sheehan,
by Mr.. Adams, and approved by John Finney.
ESD. district attorney. and Chas. Nuremberg.
Esq, one Of our leading criminal lawyers, was
produced. and 1t was upon this document that
the matter was settled. AS far as we under
stand 1t. 1t argues that whereas the act creating
the recorders provides for the manner OF re-
leasing prisoners. and that there is no provi-
sion in Inv pYteuifpp the puth0rity
to tho police, then, In law. the recorders are the
sole judges in the matter,
BUT THEY MAY DELEGATE
this authority to the chief of police. II WIS.
therefore, agreed that such was the construc-
ton Of the law by the conference, with the I'M
derstanding besides that tho chief of police rs
matter Of courtesy, should be empowered to
exercise his discretion In cases of balahla
offenseE, the recorders reservng to themselves
the right Of reyoking the privilege whenever, in
their Judgment, abuse should be made of it.
MORE AFFIDAvITs.
Administrator Houston yesterday caused
affidavits to be made against ten moro of our
prominent merchants doing business on Maga-
zine Tcboupioulas. Peters and neighboring
streets for ohsfructing the sidewalks. The ar
rests previously made were examined before
the recorders on Wednesday morning but Of
the request Of counsel for the prisoners. and
his Offering promise that they would hereafter
comply with the city ordinances relating to ob-
structions on the sidewalks the cases were dis
missed, with the couse Of Administrator
Houston.
THE DRAINAG QUESTION
It is understood that at most important of
all questions to the city he drainage question,
viii receive tho seriot attention of our city
gurate q system which those who may come
alter them will be enobed to carry out.
INFORMATION WANTED
Miss Libbe G. Fountain of New York writes
TO Mayor Patton TO ask the whereabouts Of her
brothnr stephen Fountain. who is supposed to
have been in this city last summer