Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1890-12-20

the people. Our Democratic party has
fought Capitalization of power for fifty
years. Tbe people can choose its officers
as we'll ss this council. This throws q
terrible responsibility upon the council.
II this suggestion is adopted do not see
why the county commissioners should
not appoint the justices of the peace.
Mr. Mes said the question of MUM
cipal government is creating IS great at
teutIon throughout the whole country as
much az any other question. 1t is not Il
question of party policies. 1t is @ qaes-
ton of good government. 1t is noto-
| rious that large amounts of money are
expended in Fort Worth to influence
elections. q being the case, it be-
hooyes US to well consider what we do.
We should stop and think before we get
into trouble.
Mr. Martin said the council had had
experience to teach that it was best TO
appoint the city engineer. We want to
go u step farther and appoint the city
marshal. The city coun ell should have
the power TO control the marshal so that
he will have direct responsibility under
the council, SO that when he is direlict to
his duty the council can chop of his
head. We canno do that now. In
parchment power Is not practical.
MIR. Nicks did not think this q move
ment to centraliZe government. 1t is q
matter of business, a practical question,
whether to appoint or to elect is best.
Mr.. Nicks thought u marshal would give
better service if he depended on the
council for his office and could be de-
posed by a simple vote of want of con-
fdence. The council is held responsible
for the marshal's shortcomin gs and
should have power to control him.
Mr.. Mes motion to table MIR. Jack
son g motion carried, and the amend
ment was adopted.
Section Z wes arranged to arranging
the term of office of the elective officers,
making the city engineer, marshal and
judge two years. The election will occur
at the first regular meeting in April on
alternate years
Section %, fixing the jurisdiction Of
the city judge, was passed over, the city
attorney stating hat it is g question
which requires more than ordinary
study. Several cities in Texas will ask
for similar powers at the next legisla-
ture, and the city attorney wished to
visit some of those other cities to %investi-
gate how they propose TO arrange this.
Sec. 81. Powers and duties OF the
treasurer was amended as set forth In
MIR. Martins resolution 1T Il previous
ouncil meeting.
Sec. 50. Powers and duties of the as
SCISSOR and collector was changed, en-
towering the officer to appoint deputies
subject to confirmation hy the city coun-
ell, the salary to be paid by the city.
Sec. &c. Powers and duties of the city
engineer. The salary limit was changed
from $1,000 20 $1,000 per year.
Section 37-Powers and duties of the
city attorney. This officer was author
lied to appoint & deputy to represent
him in the city court.
a section, 53a, was added in the way
of amendment, authorizing the licensing
of hacks, buses. baggage wagons and
other vehicles and the regulating of
hack stands.
a section authorizing the city 10 i'm
pose a tax upou particular streets where
two-thirds OF the citizens petition for
street sprinkling was presented by the
city attorney. But his honor, the mayor,
suggested that as street sprinkling is q
sanitary measure, it would be well for
the council TO have power to impose the
tax whether the property owners petition
or not; this tax levy to follow the rules
which obtain in the manner of condem-
nation for street purposes. The mayors
suggestion was adopted.
Section 5G-May close drinking houses.
An amendment was adopted authorizing
the city to appoint certain hours on Sun
day when saloons may be open or closed.
Mr.. Armstrong sprung q motion TO
adjourn, which carried. s
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