The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-03-11
UNIQUE BATTLE.
MAYOR HOOPER's HANDS TIED BY
THE NEW ORDINANCE.

He is Left Only the Power 10 Name
the Members of the Honorary Mu-
nicipnI Observation-Disclosures of
His Nominations Hung Up and
1,1OO Democratic HOld-Overs
Drawing SaIaries-NO Relief OBJ
tainabIe From the Legislature.
Baltimore, March 1O-A most remarka-
BILE conditions of affairs-unique, If not
unprecedented in the municipal history OF
this country-is depicted In Baltimore's
city hall The revolutionary action OF the
city council last night in taking from the
mayor practically all his power and over
turning the machinery of the city gov
ernment has caused chaos and confusion,
and excited citizens as no other move
ment has done for many years.
The ordinance passed by council last
night takes away the mayors power of
appointing all salaried officers of the city
government and leave him only the pow
er to name the members of the honorary
municipal boards.
The thought that there were eighty
four of his nomination hung up; that
possibly not one Of the men named would
get into office, and some of his best per-
there are some LOO democratic hold-overs
drawing salaries from the city treasurer,
had depressing effect on Mayor Hooper,
as he looked over the situation to-day.
Public sentiment as to the merits of the
fight between the mayor and the city
council is divided. The press Of the city
is almost unanimous in its support OF
the reform ideas Of the mayor. He jus-
titles his action by the assertion that al
though he headed the republican ticket
last fall, he was elected on a reform plat
form; that the Independent democrats
aided materially in electing the republican
ticket and defeating the democratic ring.
ana Ihat ne therefore insisted upon Sc
lectlng city officials without regard to
politics. He struck snag with his first
Datch or nominations, and has been on
the same snag ever since.
The city republican councilmen contend
that they have waited thirty years for
patronage, and now that they have abso-
lute control OF the city government they
NO relief can be expected In the legisla-
tufe. Inc Dill introduced Saturday at An
napol1s by President Bruce giving to the
mayor of Baltimore absolute power by
taking from the city council its confirma-
tlon prerogauYe, and which passed the
senate by an almost unanimous vote, was
killed IN the House to-day. Chairman
Ford of the Baltimore city delegation A.
very pronounced anti-Hooper man. was or
dered to report the bill, which he did with
motion to lay it upon the table This
was defeated by the close vote of Al to
Mr.. Ford then moved that further ac-
tion on the bill be delayed until April
3. The speaker explained that the day
was three days after the legislature would
adjourn sine die and that the motion was
equivalent to indefinite postponement.
There were some surprising changes
from the previous vote as the roll call
proceeded. 1t resulted in the adoption of
the motion by A yeas to 3S nays. OF the
negatives, IA were democrats.
Gov. Lowndes and other leaders Of the
republican party are very much worked
up over the condition of affairs. ut is
deplorable," his excellency Syxclaimed
when the vote in the House was con-
veyed to him. 1T is very unfortunate
for the people and very unfortunate for
the party. l think that all such revolu-
tionary measures by the city council
should be stopped by the legislature and
while l do not think the mayor should
have the right of absolute appointment
still think 1t should be in his hands,
subject to the power of confirmation by
the council and not in the hands of
joint convention"
Now, that It is settled the legislature
will do nothing toward supporting re-
form measures, Mayor Hooper will carry
the fight into the courts, and II will not
be concluded within two months. In the
meantime, the democratic office holders
who expected to be turned out some time
ago will receive several months more
salary than they hoped for.