St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1896-01-10
THE ASsEMBLYMEN SUSTAIN THE
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE On
ALMOST EVERY ITEM.
ACTION OF THE ALDERMEN
TURNED DOWN FROM BEGINyrxr-
TO THE END or THE
CHAPTER.
GENERAL CUT ALONG THE LINE.
Animated Debate Over n ResoIuti,,n
ohered by AssembIyma Van
siyIe-A Busy Meet
Ing.

The assembly last night took action
directly the opposite of that taken by
the board of aldermen the night before
on the tax budget, voting to sustain
the report of the conference commit
tee practically on every item, with
the exception of a slight increase in
the estimate for the salary fund
The only lengthy debate occurred
over a resolution offered by Assem-
blyman Van Slyke at the outset This
resolution provided for the appoint-
ment of a conference committee of
two from each body, half Democrats
and half Republicans. two from the
labor organizations and two from the
Jobbers' union, with a view to effect.
ing compromise on the estimate.
Mr. Johnson moved to strike out all
reference TO Democrats and Republi.
cans, as this was not a party ques.
ton, and politics had no place whatev-
er in it,
Mr.. Van Slyke objected to this on
the ground that party lines were be,
ing drawn tightly. But Mr.. Johnson
insisted that it was not in good taste,
so Mr.. Van Slyke consented to the
striking out Of that part of the reso-
luton
The resolution was defeated by
vote Of to 4, johnson, Robb. Van
Slyke and Strouse voting for it, and
Arosin, copeland, Lewis, Reardon and
Parker against it, The announcement
of the result was applauded by several
taxpayers who were present.
In explaining his vote, Mr. Parker
said no good could come from such
conference. The heads of the vari-
Gus departments that composed the
conference committee submitting the
estimate were as nearly in touch
with all interest as it was possible
for any body of men to be- The re-
trenchment committee was very mod
crate in its recommendations, and the
conference committee had been very
moderate in its attempt to carry them
out, and no good could be gained by
another conference committee
Mr.. Strouse explained that he voted
in the affirmative for the very reason
that Mr.. Parker voted in the negative.
He felt that, while he agreed in the
main with the report of the confer
ence committee, that report was of no
O. GIL oiiiCSo Oil SLlOll was IilttNic "
HARMONIZE DIFFERENCES
Of opinion. The report of the confer
ence committee and the action of the
board of aldermen thereon were then
taken up. Mr.. Johnson wanted to
know whether a majority vote was
sufficient to PASS each item. The chair
ruled that it would take two-thirds
but On the advice of Assistant Cor
poration Attorney Phillips the major
ity rule was followed
The first items, interest and sinking
fund, and certificates of Indebtedness,
were allowed without discussion. But
when it came to the fourth item, the
fire department, there was not such
unanimity.
Mr. Robb moved to concur in the ac-
tion of the board of aldermen, and
called on Comptroller McCardy to ex-
plain regarding the surplus on hand
from last year.
Mr.. McCardy said that during the
past year the receipts of the fund
were larger in proportion to the esti-
mate than for number of years be-
fore, and the surplus on Jan. / was
$4,000, less some $1,000 that was owing
in bills outstanding. The maximum es-
innate had been reduced $4,000.
Mr.. Parker moved to substitute the
figures of the conference committee for
those of the aldermen.
James Morrow, representing the
Trades and Labor assembly was then
given permission to address the as
sembly, and said that while the con-.
ference committee had only cut the sal
aries of those officials submitting vol
UNFAIRLY to such a reduction, it was
proposed to force a reduction In the.
salaries of the lower paid clerks. police
men and firemen. All interests bua
labor had been represented in the re-
trenchment committee, whereas the in
terests of labor We're equally important.
The high priced officials should be cut
down to a level with those engaged in
private occupations in which the work
is of similar character.
A representative of the Commercial
club submitted the resolution adopted
at the mass meeting held at the club
rooms yesterday, and said there were
class of Workingmen who were not
represented, and their wishes should
be considered as well as those who
were represented.
Mr.. McCardy said he believed the
board of aldermen was really willing
to carry out the wishes of the people
of the city as soon as these wishes
could be determined, but the trouble
was they did not seem to know just
what they were. He thought now.
however, that if the assembly would
adopt the report of the conference
committee the aldermen would fall in
line.
Mr.. Lewis wanted to know If the
real laboring man, the mechanics and
men who worked at common labor.
earning from 50 cents to $I.10 per day,
would come in and favor paying police
men and firemen S75 a month. He was
in harmony with those who were op-
posed to cutting the subordinates with
out also cutting the salaries of the
heads of departments, but he begged
to differ from those who held that the
council could not reach these superiors.
Within few months there would have
to be chosen man to fill the position
of city engineer. members of the board
of public works and heads OF various
other departments. If the men to be
chosen were not satisfied with the sal
aries fixed for them, select those who
would be satisfied
Il shall vote on this and every other
proposition that comes before this
body tonight" said Mr.. Johnson, be-
cause according to all rules of cour-