The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-04-26
A COUNCIL COT|LL|ON.
The Aldermen Hold a Lively Session
to Consider the Mayors
Appointments.
They Reject T. j. Cronin and Pat.
rick Calvin for the City
Marshalship.
H. X. Reedcr Appointed as City Engineer
and L. T. Berry Will be Police
Sergeant.


ing was full of life and interest for both
aldermen and spectators. The proceedings
from roll-call to adjournment were a series
of attacks, defenses, rejections, confrma-
tions and exciting discussions. The under
standing that the mayor would name sew
eral appointees brought forth goodly au-
dience of spectators. The lobby was filed
with local politicians and friends of vari-
Gus candidates.
All of the aldermen were present, though
several came in late. After the minutes had
been read and approved, the mayor said
that as the meeting had been called for spe-
cial business the regular order of proceed
ings would not be observed.
Alderman Connolly, as chairman, re-
ported that the judiciary committee had
failed to endorse the bill of damages pre-
scented by George Williams and tho report
was adopted.
Alderman Gallagher's report from the
water committee was adopted petition
for the nomination of w. s. McCauley as
building commissioner was referred TO the
building committee.
Alderman THOMPSON moved that the
printing committee be authorized to CO.
operate with the city treasurer for the pur-
chase of supplies, ETC., for his office. The
mott n was carried.
mayor said that several appointments would
be made. He asked if the council would go
into executive session.
Aldermen Dunn and Lissner objected to
executive sessions. The latter gentleman
said that he was neither ashamed nor
afraid to have it known how he voted. He
followed this remark with motions to have
business done in open session and that the
voting be done by secret ballots. These
motions were carried and Aldermen Lissner
mayor then said that he had the honor to
appoint L. j. Cronin city marshal. The
appontee was not discussed, but when the
ballots were counted it was found to the
apparent surprise of everyone that Mr..
Cronin was rejected by vote of eight to
five.
The mayor said: 81 cannot understand
the continued rejection of my appoint
ments. 1t is my purpose to have good men
around me for assistance III the admlnlstra-
ton of city affairs. Mr.. Cronin has the
whole town for his friends. He has the
ability and integrity to take care of the Of
fee. ! want another vote. l think you
may reconsider the matter"
Alderman Thompson said: "Mr. Brad
ford was elected mayor by the people. OF
self with good me,.. If this administration
is a success he should have the credit. |
want to have thu responsibility placed
squarely on his shoulders"
After some discussion a second vote was
taken, which resulted as before.
The mayor then said: II cannot $50 how
Mr.. Cronin can get through, as there seems
to be a decided sentiment against him.
now nominate Patrick Calvin for city mar
shall"
The Mayo then referred to the fact that
dark horse sometimes wins.
Mr.. Connolly announced that he
stood there honestly and openly on the
question of the appointment. He asked
what services Mr.. Calvin had rendered to
the democratic party.
The mayor said he was not appointing
men for party services. He wanted a man
to fill the bill.
Alderman Lssner said that Calvin did
not pay taxes and that he had been a resi-
dent of the city but short time. refer
ence to the old-timers provoked the re-
mark from Alderman Dunn that tho last
election showed that the day of the old
timers had passed in this town. He wanted
Mr.. Calvin to have fair shake and he did
not wan to antagonize the mayors ap-
Alderman Thompson said that the
PASSED in Helena. The e time had com ae
when it was not necessary for u man to
have several inches of moss on his back to
entitle him to consideration. vote was
then taken, which resulted in the rejection
of Mr.. Galvin's name by vote of eight to
six.
The mayor said: 81 am going to be mayor
of this town and have been dalled with as
Messrs Cronin and Calvin are fully capa-
BILE of filling the office and are good men.
l propose to stand by Mr.. Galvin's name.
! will now pass this over and nominate Mr..
l.. B. Berry for police sergeant"
Alderman Wilmer asked who Berry was.
The mavor: "a good many people asked
who Donald Bradford was, but they voted
for him.
Cries from the council, "We know now"
After a good deal of discussion. in the
Berry is an ex-soldier and shrewd and
honest business man, a vote was taken and
Mr.. Berry was confirmed by Il vote of
eleven to three. The mayor then nomi-
mated II. X. Reeder for city engineer. Al
derman Lissner Immediately arose with a
protest, the point of which was his claim
that Reeder was not Il sanitary engineer
Alderman Spencer brought Engineer Mil
ler's name before the council. though that
gentleman had not beei, nominated for the
Office. Alderman Theme said thai. he was
one of the aldermen who would not dictate
to the mayor, though he regretted that the
valuable services of Mr.. Miller could
not be rewarded by reap.
pointment The mayor said that
the cand dacy of Mr.. Reeder has been en-
dorsed by the leading real estate men of the
city, and by leading citizens. Among them
were Messrs. Broadwater. Knight. Neill,
Murphy. Chessman and A. j. Davidson.
After a prolonged discussion vote was
taken, which resulted i'll a tie. The mayor S
vote for confirmation brought an enquiry
from Alderman Lissner concerning the
mayors right to vote on a tie. Colonel
Botkin answered that the mayor had GER
tainly exercised his right.
The following trustees of the free public
library We're appointed and confirmed with
but one dissenting vote: L. p. Fuller, G. L.
Dahler and Il. S. Wade.
The mayor named the following board OF
health: DR.. J. j. Lesser John L. Murph,
and Dr. Carmichael. The were confirmed
by vote of twelve to two.
long discussion followed over the affairs
of the city. Alderman Richards Introduce
an alleged humorous resolution in tenderins
his resignation as chairman of tn,
library committee. 1t produced n,
visible effects on the countenances of tn
aldermen or spectators. The council tn,
adjourned.
10.