The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-02-29

They REGRET ITS death
Councilmcn Say the Treasury Ordi-
nance Was Unfairly Dealt With.
SAY 50 WITHOUT HESITATION
Cry That Thcrc Was Politics Behind the
Measure Shown TO he Untrue.
What {. 4. Chittcndcn Has to
Say About the Matter.
Jay 50 WITHOUT HESITATION

The assertion of those who were in
strumental in killing the ordinance
regulating the depositing of city funds.
that politics was behind the measure
is shown to be- very lame excuse for
causing the death of this most excellent
ordinance, for an examination OF the
minutes OF councils yesterday revealed
the fact that the originator of the idea
was Democrat. Victor Lauer. select
man from the Twenty first ward. If
the mere fact that the ordinance was
introduced long before it was known
even who the candidates would be, is
not sufficient 10 still the cry of poll
ties" now raised in self-defense by the
ruthless slayers, this later development
should certainly silence that excuse and
compel the foes of the ordinance to ad-
nit the true reason of their opposition.
1t was way back in November that
the idea of doing something to throw
additional safeguards around the city
treasury first occurred to Mr. Lauer.
He gave the matter some consideration,
and after laying his views before coun-
ell. introduced resolution directing
the finance committee to frame and
present an ordinance covering the
ground reviewed by him. This was
done, and i'm December the ordinance
was presented and in due time passed
with a few slight amendments without
any objection being raised by the Dem
OcratS.
MATTER OF CONGRATULATION
While the ordinance was on its way
through select council Mr.. Chittenden
took an especial interest in the meas
ure and frequently spoke in its favor.
In one of these speeches he took occa-
sion to remark that it was a matter or
congratulatiGn that the ordinance was
,t.l,n M
have any grounds for saying that IL
had any political connection. At an
other time when the measure was
threatened with delay by some over
jealous supporters who wanted to make
certain unnecessary amendments TO II,
Mr.. Chittenden and Others argued
against it. saying that If the ordinance
was allowed to hang fire until election
time it would be in danger OF death AT
the hands of the politicians.
Mr. Chittenden buildcd better than
he knew. The ordinance was destined
for death in case of Democratic victory.
That was decided upon many days be-
fore election. 1t will be remembered
that the last scheduled meeting or COM
mon council. which should have oc-
Cured on Feb. 10, five days before elec-
ton, did not take place OWING 10 'he
"A absence of q quorum.
"Where are all your Democratic
brothern. tonight, Mr.. President?' is Il
remark one of the Republican members
made to President Grier on that eve
ming. The absence of the Democratic
members on that night had no special
significance to the uninitiated but now
the why and wherefore is plainly ap-
parent. The city treasurer ordnance
was to have come over from select
council that night.
,f ,Iil MOI n
those of the select branch, who have
spent so much time and gone to no
end of trouble in forming and engineer
ing this ordinance We're thoroughly dis
gusted men yesterday when they
| learned of the action of the light
| weights of common council. Mr.. emit
| tenden was one OF these.
MIR. CHITTENDEN'S REMARK.
81 regret exceedingly" said he. THAT
they did not look at that matter in the
proper light, and they may regret II
| themselves. 1t is only a question of
time before there will be big scandal
over this thing" In referring to the
| excuse which the Democrats put for
ward for killing the measure, Mr.. Chit
| tendcn said
! 1T has only been during the last few
wears that there has been any balances
of any amount held by the city treas
l,rer. This remedial legislation could
| not in fairness be introduced while one
party or the other was in power as 1t
would be said that it was an attemDt
! to deprive one side of something that
the other was allowed to enjoy unmo-
Tested. We therefore seized upon the
excellent opportunity offered this win
ter to have this much needed reform
instituted, and hoped to have it adopt
ed without any political intervention.
But the thing must come and mark me
| ii Will.'
The remarks made yesterday about
the city concerning the Democratic
leaders and future office holders who
worked to have the ordinance killed
were Of anything but ilattering ma
| turp.