Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-06-05
THE NEW COUNCIL.
CONFERENCE OF THOSE WHO WE'RE
ON TIE REFORM TICKET.
A Lengthy Debate on the Caucus Ques-
tion and an Adjournment
Without Action. &C., &c.

eli, who were nominated or endorsed by
the Reform ticket was held In the Councii
chamber last night. Nearly all were pre-
sent.
The meeting was called 10 order abou'
$50 O'Clock. and Mr.. John 9. Bethel, o'
Clay Ward (one of the candidates Tor
pre>ideut Of the Common Council), was
called by scclamatiOn to the chair. Mr.
Frank =. Murphy, Of Jefferson Ward, was
elected secretary. and Mr.. Jacob Lange, OF
Monroe Ward, sergeant-at-arms.
CAUCUS OR NO.
4 discussion was at once begun a. 10
whether the meeting should go into eau
Gus, and before the doors closed 1t became
apparent that a large number OF the most
prominent members were opposed TO IL.
Mr.. Frank Murphy moved that the meet
ing 20 into secret conference. The object
of this motion, as stated, was TO enable
them 10 nominate In caucus CltJ Clerk
and other city officers TO be elected by the
City Council; also 10 give each branch an
opportunity TO nominate its presiding oni-
Ger.
A colored member from Jackson Ward
oI'Dosed the caucus and secret meeting of
anv character, and said that the other menu
bers Of the ward were OF the same opinion.
ALDERMAN DfCHERSON.
Mr.. Dickerson: "Mr. Chairman, was en-
dor>ed by the Reformers and put on the
straight ticket, and nominated In the pri-
mary, and in the general election led the
ticket. and hold position different from
many others present"
He ccunselled the body 10 be cautious IN
their deliberations, because the eyes OF the
public were upon them. and the new Coun-
Gil has grave responsibilities TO contend
With. He was opposed to the caucus and
10 any action that might be done that the
public could not know Of. He spoke at
length in a coBciliatory way, and stated
that he was wOIkingman, and was proud
Of II.
During his speech he was interrupted
two or three times by Mr.. Frank Murphy,
who called for the question.
Mr.. coYNERs FOR IHE CAUCUS.
Mr.. Conners, Of Clay Ward, favored
caucus, ard wanted TO know what any party
could accomplish without one; that it had
always been the custom OF every party to
hold one. and urged such action at length.
lie was frequently applauded by the by
ISLANDERS present. He claimed that the peo-
pIe who supported the Reform ticket at the
recent election demanded that certain
things should he done by them, and hoped
that the hall would he cleared and the body
20 into a caucus at oHce.
Mr.. sNEAD FOR OPEN MEETINGS.
Mr.. Snead, Of Clay Ward, SAID; 81 am
opposed 10 a caucus. and II there Is any
gentleman present who wants TO say any
thing and does not wish II 10 20 to the pub
lie. 7 would advise him to keep it to him
seli.r
CONFERENCE, BUT No ClUCrs.. ~.
Mr.. BowdcD, OF Jefferson Ward: " am
in iavor oi a conference and opposed to q
cat Gus"
Mr. Bow6en was conservative in his ~.
marks and spoke well .'sP -
Mr. Roland Hill, Of Marshall Ward, then
took the floor, and w:s liberal in hi, re-
mmks. Which were IN opposition to a eau.
Gus. He concluded bv saying " | want II
distinctly understood that X we 90 into a
conference with closed doors il is OILY for
an interchange Of views. am opposed to
caucus"
THE OFFICES.
Mr. A. II. kaufman urged that a caucus
be held, and declared that some action
should be taken in reference to these offices,
as il was expected Of them by the Reform
parry.
sr. Murphy then called the pending
qu. .iiOn-- hethcr the body should 30 into
a conference or not.
: vote was taken, and the motion was
carried IN favor OF a conference.
THE HALL CLEARED.
The hall was then cleared Of reporters,
hystanders, office eekcTs, &c. On the pave
II cnt IN front of the engine.house number
Of Them cOugregatrd hoping 20 hear some
EXPRESSIONS Of opinion by the different
sneakers through the open windows. Fail
ing in this the crowd soon disappeared,
leaving the field to the reporters.
PRESIDING OFFICERS.
After the doors were closed Mr.. Murphy
offered resolution, which provided that
the body at once 20 into a caucus 10 nOmi.
| nate presidents Of the two branches, &c.
This caused an animated discussion,
Which was participated in by several men,
hcr>, WHO were opposed to IL. and was
warmly advocated by MessIs. Frank i.
Murphy and a. II. Kaufman, Of Jeiierson
Ward.
LAID or TIE TABLE.
The debate lasted until II O'Clock. when
a motion was made 10 lay the resolution on
| the table. A Uire-UOCe vote was tlken and
| the motion WIS carried, only q few voting
| against ii.
The conference then adjourned without
taking any action and without naming 4
| day for its next meeting.
INSPECTING THE FIRE-ALARh SYSTEM.
A large proportion Of the new members
Of the Council before they met in the COun-
| ell chamber last night visited the Central
| fire alarm Office and inspected the workings
-
| inttnd,nt Thompson sent out test alarms
! on ali the circuits, and explained in detail
the practical working Of his improved sys-
lem. They expressed themselves as highly
delighted.