Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-01-06
CITY OFFICERS.
No Election Last NIght-A Surprise
S that Created a Sensation.


The interest that was felt In the election
oil city officers for the ensuing year by Coun-
ell last evening, attracted to the Council
chamber an unusually large crowd, includ-
ing most Of the anxious applicants. 1t was
known that there was opposition to the
present incumbents in several important
offices, and that both the 'ins'' and the
"outs" had been working hard to gain the re-
quisite number of votes. Additional interest
was given the matter yesterday, when it
was known that one Of the Aldermen had
been suddenly called away on business, and i,
as every vote counted, 1t was evident that
the contest would be close.
The hour of meeting OF Council Is half
past seven, and by that time the lobby
began to fill up, and shortly after eight was
crowded and every available seat inside the
enclosure was occupied.
The crowd were called upon to exercise
the quality Of patience to the fullest, as the
consultation of the members of the board,
held in the Mayors office, was prolonged far
beyond the usual time, and the audience
were fain to content themselves with specu-
latiDg as to the result OF this lengthy eau
Gus. The general opinion was that the
delay was oecasioned by failure to adjust
AAGS0OAo III consequence Vi JuE
dlsarraDgement of previously formed COM
binations by the forced and unexpected alb
sence of the member referred to.
About 9 O'Clock, the board not making
their appearance, and there being no indi-
cation OF the door of the Mayors private
office being thrown open soon, the crowd
became impatient and there was an attempt
at applause, which was, however, speedily
checked. Having come, however, to OBJ
tho raanlf Of ha ala ho
determined to stand 1t out, and the ranks
remained unbroken.
at quarter past nine o'clock their patience
was rewarded by the sudden opening of the
doors and the appearance of the Mayor fol-
lowed by some of the Aldermen.
As the members took their seats it was OBJ
served that several Aldermen were absent,
but we doubt ii there was one in the crowd
of spectators who was prepared for
the surpise that awaited them. As
soon as the Mayor and Aldermen took
their seats the Clerk was directed to call
the roll, when 1t was ascertained that there
was not quorum present and, consequent
ly, 70 meeting could be had, and the cleo
ton so eagerly anticipated had to be post
poned, the presentincumbents holding over.
This announcement by the Mayor created
quite sensation in the crowd, and for a
moment they could scarcely comprehend
the situation. A little thought, however,
soon explained the matter. It was, of
course, apparent that the absence of five
Aldermen, who were in the city, was not
attributable to ordinary causes and that
there was some object in it. That object
was believed by the assemblage to be the
postponement OF the election of officers.
The result of this move on the part of
the minority is prOblematical. The law de-
clares that the city officers shall be elected
at the first regular meeting of the board in
January, but there being no quorum pres
ent last night there was no meeting.
The present board, however, have another
meeting on the 10Th, which win be the last
OF their present term, and If there be a
quorum then 1t will be their first regular
meeting In January, and 1t is presumed they
will proceed with the election of city OIL
GERS.
The election for Mayor and Aldermen
takes place on Tuesday, the 18Th, the day
preceding this meeting, aud the question
arises, can the present board elect the Off
GERS Tor the ensuing term after their success
sors have already been elected?
Ii, however, there is no quorum at the
meeting on the 18th of January, the cleo
ton OF city officers will be held by the new
board, which will be qualified and sworn into
office on the Monday following their election
which will be the oath inst, and in that
event will be the first regular meeting OF
Council in January.
Thus the matter stands. What the result
will be remains to be seen.
Alderman Well, who was called to Ca
milsa on business, is what has become
known as the majority in the Council, and
had he been present the result would have
been quorum and the election of officers
could have taken place.