The Indianapolis journal., 1884-01-11
PETTIs, BAssETT & Go.
THE MAYORS CONVENTION.
Various Recommendations Regarding Changes
in Laws Governing municipalities.

The meeting of the Mayors and Municipal
Officers Association was continued in the Coun-
ell chamber yesterday morning, with Mayor
NcNlaster, of this city, presiding and w H.
Armstrong secretary. The roll of cities was
called for the purpose of hearing suggestions re-
garding proposed Improvements in the laws re-
garding municipal affairs. Ex Mayor Grubbs
made a few suggestions regarding the enlarge
ment of the jurisdiction of mayors in certain
Eases Of petit larceny. These were approved by
various other members of the association, and on
motion it was decided that the suggestions be
formulated and incorporated in bill, to be pre-
pared by the executive committee for submis-
sion to the Legislature.
On motion Of Mayor Pierce of Lebanon. the
committee was empowered 10 incorporate an
Rmendmont TO the existing statute, providing
that the matter OF opening streets and alleys in
nnirnportant cases be referred to the street com
missioners OF cities instead Of the city commits
6ioners.
1t was likewise decided to recommend an
amendment to section 1926, providing that may
Ors shall have the power OF Solemnizlng mar
Kages and giving them the same civil ju1isdic-
ion as justices of the peace have.
The various suggestions and recommendations
made were referred to the executive committee
for reference to the Legislature, and Mayor Nc
Master and City Attorney Denny were added to
the committee.
The following additional recommendations
were made: a. The amendment to the
law of 1891. partially eXempting tracts of land
from taxation for school purposes. (2.) That
the amendment affecting the terms of city
officers provide three instead of four years and
that the clause providing against their election
be stricken out 3D. That the bill proposed last
session to amend section 1920 of the Revised
Statutes. concerning waterwOrks, be recon-
mcndcd for passage next year.
AT the afternoon session Mayor Green moved
that the Legislature be requested TO give express
sion the subject of liability of cities for per
sonal injuries. Adopted
On motion of Mayor Bridwell. it was ordered
chat tho executive committee formulate a bill
providing for the equality of taxation rail
road property within city limits, in proportion
to the value OF the property over which they
pass.
The action of the convention in indorsing the
proposition regarding mayors solemnizing mar
riages and giving them co ordinate jurisdiction
with iIstices of the peace, was reconsidered and
discussed at length The question was divided
and it was agreed to indorse the first proposition
regarding marriages., and to non concur in the
latter.
All Of these recommendations and suggestions
which were referred to the executive committee,
are TO be considered and printed in report
which will be sent to the various cities for con
eurrence or non concurrence and. after receiv-
ing these the committee will definitely decide
what to recommend to the Legislature. 1t was
acreed that the executive committee should have
sixty days in which to receive suggestions. After
the usual votes Of thanks, the convention ad
joulned until Jan. 5, 1885
The gentlemen composing the executive com
niittee are: Mayors McMaster, of Indianapolis
Bridwell, of Evansville; Tallinger of Fort
Wayne: Green, of Warsaw; Boyle, of Hunting
0n; Pierce, of Lebanon and City Attorney
Denny Of indianapolis