The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1889-10-05
Mayor Shorwoods Ultimatum

Mayor SherwoOds Ultimatum.
There was considerable red fire and
birthstone in the council chamber Tuesday
evening. Mayor Sherwood and the full
council were present and at one time it was
thought that a row was imminent.
DThe evening led of quite pleasantly, the
Mayor returning the ordinance fixing the
grade on Courtney street unsigned.
The Mayor stated that he had been in con-
sultation with the city attorney in relation
to the issuance of anticipating warrants to
pay bills and would suggest that this matter
be considered at special meeting called for
the purpose or at an adjourned meeting.
City Attorney Madden, reporting on the
Mary Murths case, referred to him, recon.
mended tina; Mrs. Murtha be paid the two
hundred and fifty dollars claimed, As to
the liability Of owners Of sidewalks he was
positive in the opinion that sidewalk is a
public highway, and that citizens cannot be
held liable il the walks are not kept in re-
pair any more than il the streets are OBJ
structed, excepting that they may be fined
for an obstruction placed on the walks by
themselves. He cited several opinions Of
the State Supreme Court, sustaining this
position.
Mr.. Hull moved that the amount be allow
ed and that the Mayor be authorized to draw
an anticipating warrant fer the money.
The Mayor asked the city attorneys
opinion on the subject?
Mr.. Madden stated that when there was
no money in the city treasury. the proper
authorities might authorize the mayor to is.
sue warrants in anticipation Of seventy-fve
per cent of the taxes already legally levied.
Mr.. Sherwood said that the legal levy had
been placed at $22, 1000, the lioence money
not being subject to anticipatory warrants.
Only about $4,000 Of this wosld be in by
Apr. 1st., and the remainder not until June
Consequently, the amount which could::be an.
ticipsted would be only $4,000, sum
that would not reach very far. He would
insist that the matter be fixed at an adjourn
ed meeting.
MIR. Hull wanted the matter fixed at once
There was no necessity of q subsequent
meeting. Issue anticipating warrants at
once and settle all bills.
The Murray matter was then passed.
The ordering Of payment of q $3.50
claim of E. de LsChaplle, with the anticipat-
ing warrant clause attached, excited the
remark from Mayor Sherwood that no mat
ter what the council might do he would not
act in an illegal manner.
Mr.. Hull" You have already acted il
legally"
The Mayor" Not that know Of, sir!
Mr.. Hull" You have overdrawn the SAL
larry departments fund to the amount Of
over one thousand dollars by your own or
der!'
The Mayor" Well, if have III pay it!
Iguess l know what I'm doing!"
Mr.. Hull" guess know what I'm
about too! l have examined the books and
they show the orders"
Mr.. Armstrong" II we haven't spent
the $4,000 allotted to the contingent fund,
We can authorize the drawing Of anticipating
warrants until II is expended. This would
be perfectly legal"
Mr.. Taylor" II the Mayor will not
sign orders or do anything, We had better
quit"
The Msyor-"I will not sign sntioipat-
ing orders until compelled to do so by q
msndamus from the Circuit court! l will
not pay Illegal bills no matter how many
resolutions the council may adopt" The
pay roll was then passed, with the "antici-
psting clause" It is as follows:
Salaries, Ss6O.s4; Public Improvements,
$46s a6; Sewerage, s9l %; Police, 1890;
Street lights. $a72,s5; Fire, $242,75; and
Ss3.70; making the total Of
bills for the month, $2,157.83.
Mr.. Hull moved that not only the bills
for the month, but all bills unpaid be au-
dited and that the Mayor be authorized to
draw anticipstory warrants in payment
SOME PLAIN TALK.
The Mayor said that some Of these bills
we're illegal and that he absolutely refused
to sign anything Of the kind.
Mr.. Hull said that the bills had been au-
dited by the finance committe and bore the
o. K. mark Of the original committee. III
be allowed them to remain il office after
they had reported favorably on illegal bills
he would stultify himself He must either
admit himself to be wrong in judgment or
discharge the committees and appoint men
who could be trusted. (Applause.) He (Mr.
Hull) would withdraw his oral motion and
present it in writing later in the evening.
After some minor matters had been dis
cussed Mr.. Hull presented his motion on the
pay roll, including all back bills, Chestnut
street bridge bill, etc., which was adopted
BY Q unanimous vote.