The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-03-13
FIXED THE SALARIES
The Council Did 1t, But 1t Required
Time and JOckeying.
REILLY IS THE PERFORMER
Things We're So Shaped That the
Mayor and Aldermen Are Al
lowed to serve the City Free
fCharge-RespIte for Dogs.

Missoula, March 12.-The city council
had a terrible time with the salary orr
dinance tonight. There was not any
strife, but there was so much to do
and such little time in which to do 1t
and everybody in such a hurry that
the whole bushes had to be done over
three times before it was settled to the
satisfaction of all. The salary ordi-
nance, as il was recommended for pas
sage by the committee, fixed city SAL
aries as follows: Mayor, 5000; aldermen,
SO a meeting; police Judge, $500 a year;
treasurer, 500 a year; clerk and at
torney, $500 year; chief of police. SIS;
chief Of the fire department and health
marshal, 800 a month; drivers OF the
fire department and policemen, $15 a
month.
Following the reading of the ordi-
nance was a promiscuous and ramb-
ling discussion of salaries. All thought
they were too small, but when II was
found that the codes fix the above as
the maximum figures, the objections
ceased. Then an effort was made to
add the street commissioners duties TO
those of the chief of police and to add
$25 a month TO his salary. 1t was found
that new ordinance would be neces-
sary, and IL was agreed that such an
ordinance be passed later. Then the
discovery was made that the codes do
not fix the salry of policemen. and a
motion was made to make IL $S5. This
carried in a rush and the ordinance was
passed unanimously. Then Alderman
Reilly wanted to raise the salary of the
fire department drivers, but 1t was too
late. The ordinance had passed.
After the council had discussed
bridges and electric lights for half an
hour, Alderman Darbee moved to re-
consider the salary ordinance that the
drivers salaries might be raised. This
was done and the drivers will get $S5.
This was the chance Alderman Reilly
was looking for. 1t was not too late
now and he sailed In. The Standard
has always said that Mr.. Reilly was a
genuine reformer and his action to-
night demonstrated 1t. AS soon as he
could be heard, he moved that the sala-
ries of the mayor and aldermen be
stricken out. Carried. Reilly, Lom-
bard, Darbee, Volg, aye; Merrick and
Bonner, no; Stevens not voting. Once
more the ordinance was placed on its
final passage and was unanimously car
ried through. The salaries now will
be: Police judge, $500 year; treasur-
er, $500 a year; clerk and attorney, $500
a year; chief of police, SIS month
chief of the fire department and health
marshal 800 a month; drivers and
| policemen, SIS a month. Patrolmer
will receive more than the chief, unless
| the Office of street commissioner is
created and more salary given by this
| means.
The dog ordinance was defeated and
! the ours will have another months
respite. The attorney was instructed tC
prepare an amendment to the old dos
ordinance making the tax 81 and 81
/ This the aldermen promise to pass al
the next meeting. The petition of the
| electric light company to hang wires or
the bridge was granted. Adjourned till
! Monday evening.