Morning journal and courier., 1889-03-13
BOARD OF ALDERMEN.

The Police Pension BiII Becalmed by AIdermanic BriIliancy-Corporat Counsel TOwRsend Must be Neutral In the Consolidation Matter-He will Aet Differently in other Things. Much was anticipated of the city fathers last night and many fond hope was cher ished that that body of "most worthy, grave and reverend seignors" would finally un- ravel the monstrous snarl of consolidation and straighten out matters in such Q way that the most obtuse mind might be no longer in doubt whether or no it is best to live under government which has one pompous head or one that is Medusa-like and can coquet at all points of the compass The gentlemen took the question up ss it has been taken up hundreds of times by the chamber of commerce and other bodies and finally, after a discussion which was marked by the utter absence of that vim and passion which usually accompanies the efforts of orators who make a public appearance in this mooted matter, they decided to direct the city's legal light and adviser, Corporation Counsel William K. Townsend, to steer a neutral course and neither favor nor oppose the measure before the legislature.
 The compromise upon consolidation was eclipsed, however, by the brilliant manner
 
 After it had been explained fully by Police Commissioners Baldwin and Hart, everybody thought that the city fathers would revoke their hostile decision of week ago and act in very intelligent way upon the bill. Matters progressed finely, the ticklish man. date of the last meeting was made void by general consent and things put on 8 level footing again, just where they were before the bill was brought to the board.
 Then proceedings began which everybody looked upon as hopeful for better decision. The first section hardly fell with debate, voice broke forth with 8 motion to adjourn, which was quickly seconded and in a min- ute more the meeting was thing of the past.
 This was quick work, but it was very hard on the police pension bill.
 The noticeable preliminary matters acted upon by the board. were chiefly pertaining bills before the legislature.
 The corporation counsel was instructed to favor the bill obliging the State railroad companies to pay all expenses for removing grade crossings. He was also instructed to oppose Senate bill 116, providing for the in- crease of the powers of the mayor for dissolv- ing the different boards and nominating their members, subject to the boards confirmation. He was instructed to oppose House bill 232, but No. 35 he must not interfere with.
 When the consolidation bill came up it was uGs They thought the board had no right to act in the matter. The board had no knowledge of the bill till it was reported by the corpo- ration counsel, and had not been consulted in drafting it. AS a member of the board of education, the Mayor was one of committee to oppose the bill. To him it was queer sight to see the Mayor opposing and the cor poration counsel favoring a measure.
 Alderman Kleiner thought he was not rep- resenting his constituents if he took any de- cided stand in the matter, pro or con.
 A motion was then made by Alderman Lincoln that the corporation counsel be in structed to favor the bill before the legisla- ture.
 MT. Avis amended this by the provision that the corporation counsel be instructed not to interfere in one way or another. He afterwards offered 8 substitute directing the corporation to oppose the bill. A yea and nay vote was taken. It resulted:
 Yea-McGann, Foote, Clerkin, Gihuly, Sheenan, Avis, Blakeslee, Groark and Kent. Total g.
 Nay-Bushnell, Thompson, Kenny, Burton KIei- ner, Douglass Sheridan, Whitmore, GesSner Prince Lincoln, Hemingway. Total 12
 A motion to have the corporation counsel not to act in the matter was passed by vote of 20 to 1.
 The police pension bill was then taken up. Commissioners Hart and Baldwin were pres ent to explain the bill. After they had finished, Alderman Sheridan moved that the board reconsider it's action of last Tuesday night. This motion was passed and the board proceeded to the dissection of section 1 of the bill. Then motion to adjourn was made and carried and the whole busi- ness lay bscalmed upon the sea of labyrin- thic legislation and aldermanic brilliancy.