The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-03
COUNTY COURT CIRCUS.
A FEW FAITHFUL MEMBERS GO
DOWN IN THE BATTLE.
The Poll Tax Collectors VIII Soon Get
It All and Then Look out--Fancy
Riding, Lofty Tumbling, Etc.

County Court convened yesterday pur-
suant TO adjournment, ID. Q. Slaughter,
chairman, presiding. With few excep-
tons the entire body answered at roll call.
The road contest appealed from the
Fourth District, was, by consent, contin-
ued until the July term Of court.
A resolution was adopted authorizing
the destruction OF cancelled warrants.
Justice Fields-A petition nom the citi-
zens Of the environments of the pesthouso
praying for the removal OF the nuisance
occasioncd by the overlooking Of certain
cesspools. County Health Officer Will
ford explained the matter aud suggested
that il could be remedied. The matter
was referred to him.
Justice llolman-A motion to accept the
resignation OF w. J. Abston a. notary pub
lie at Caplcville, and the appointment DIR.
NJ. Bow in his stead. Carried.
Justice Coleman-A motion for the re.
appointment Of Thos. Weatheriord as a
notary. Carried.
Justices w. II. Hughey and J. b. Black
well were appointed committee 10 pro-
cure mules aud other neCessaries for the
poor.igrm aud wOrk-house authorized yes
terlay.
Justice Blackwell-A resolution 10 pay
constabcs and collectors OF poll tax for
1855 80 cents additional on each collection
up to the present date. This was the sig
nal Tor the circus.
Justice Barry maintained that the
County Court had no power or authority
10 go into the county treasury to pay for
work already performed and paid for
:. under and by the statutes. The court
yesterday had received the opinion of the
County Attorney TO the effect that no
authority existed and, following this
authority, the court had refused TO author
iZc the additional 90 cents IN the future
There was no more authority Of law for a
retroactive measure than for one 20 take
effect In the Lnture, such rs was voted
down yesterday. lie was strenuously
opposed to II.
Justice Wellborn- Constablcs have ex.
peeled the 80 cents for 1855 in the same
manner as heretofore and should receive
H. II they had not, responsible men
would not take the office and ride over the
county for the sum allowed. Hence there
would be no collection Of poll tax and II
would be a serious injustice TO the school
districts. Not one-iourth the tax would
be collected.
Justice Winiens-Thore must be some
thing wrong somewhere. These consta-
hles are making such a clamor that some
OF them must bc unable to settle with the
county-must be deiaulters aud -.
Justice Wellborn considered the lan-
guagc too severe and uncalled for.
Justice Wintcrs-Well, a Constable told
me yesterday that II the 80 cents WIS not
allowed he would have to pay in SO.
Justice kirkland-rhe Constable in my
district paid in more money than lac was
required To pay.
Justice Wintcrs-That may be. but
some seem TO have trouble making settle.
menls. Constables are bonded officer.
and responsible Tor the faithful perform.
anrc OF their duties, and collection Of the
poll.lax l. part OF that duty. The Court
has no legal authority TO make the allow
ancc. ID Is not right that lhc money
should be taken froui The school fund g
assist them. II would appear that an or
der 81 Court, allowing Consablcs what
they are not entitled to, Is necessary lo.cn
able them to settle their accounts Wen
any OF them delnultcrs2 lie hoped not
II They were, indictments would lac against
them.
Justice Barty-A motion 10 lay the res.
oluiion ON the liable. Lost; 10 nays, II
yeas.
Justice Barry offered an amendment 10
the original resolution making the amount
20 cents instead OF 80 cents.
Justice Wcllb0n moved 10 lay the
amendment on the table.
Justice Young suggested that the iablinl
Of the amendment would table also the
original, aud leave them with the big L
hold.
Justice Wcllborn withdrew his motion
10 table, aud the amendment was then de
fclied by vote Ol II TO %.
Then there was another circus!
Justice Barry fought u bitterly. II wa
overriding the authority or advice OF th
County Attorney. 1t was wrong and lille
gal.
Justice Holman dill not understand th
County Attorney 10 say positively am
p0intcdly that the act would bcillegal. III
understood that the County Court had
general supervision aud jurisdiction ia tn
premises rs well rs In all affairs Of tn
county, including power 10 adminisle
funds rs In IT, judgment the body decme
most cxpcdienL
Justice Bauy-Wo would have jpF q
gopd u right 10 say TO the Collector OF stat
and county taxes ''sir, you have co
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