The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1896-02-20
NAMED THEIR MEN.
The Democratic Municipal Convention
Puts Out a Ticket That Ought to
Win-The PrOcee dings HUr.
mnniouS Ond EuthusiuStIo
mOniOus and Enthusiastic.

Nh-The Proceedings HUr.
mOniOus aud Enthusiastic.
Pursuant to a call of the chairman
the democrats Of Johnson City met in
mass convention at the court house
Monday night at Z o'clock. Col. T, E.
Matson called the meeting to order and
was elected chairman. Cy H. Lyle
was elected secretary and the conven-
ton opened for business.
On motion of Robert Burrow, a com
mittee of five was appointed on plat
form as follows Robert Burrow, W.
W. Faw, E. G. Reeves, W. A. Kite and
G. B. Hamilton.
One majority report and two minori-
ty reports were brought in. After con-
siderable discussion, minority report
No. 2 was laid upon the table. The
majority report and first minority re-
port were adopted as the platform of
the Democratic party. 1t is as follows:
Whereas, the town OF Johnson City is con-
fronted with an overdue Indebtedness to an
appalling amount, which is being yearly in
| increased, Notwithstanding our people are now
heavily taxed, many of them beyond their abil-
ity to pay and
Whereas, there lisa large amount Of overdue
interest on bonds held by attorneys, who will
soon call upon the courts to compel our town
to levy and collect an additional tax to meet
said interest, and
| Whereas, retrenchment and reform are abso-
lutely necessary in the management of the af-
fairs Of our town to prevent bankruptcy and
ruin and
Whereas, the expenses Of our city govern
ment per year for salaries is near the sum Of
50, 100000 which may be reduced to about 10000
per snnum il the mayor and aldermen, city at
torney and city physician will serve without
compensation and the recorder will serve for
10000 per annum and the police force be re-
duced to one and serve for reduced compensa-
ton; and with o street boss with police powers,
and
Whereas. we are assured that mayor and
aldermen from among the best men Of our town
can be found who will serve without compensa-
tion, and attorneys agree to serve without fee,
and physicians without salary
Therefore, Resolved, That we pledge our
selves and onr candidates to carry out the fore
going reforms. K. G. REEVES,
RoBT. BURRow,
G. B. HAMILTON.
We pledge ourselves to reduce expenditures
by doing without at least one-half of the cleo
trio lights and one-half of the fire plugs now
being paid for by the city, If no legal barrier
prevents.
The convention then went into the
nomination of mayor. Geo. H. Berry
was nominated unanimously.
J. Sanford Crouch and s. j. Scott
were nominated for constable and Mr..
Crouch getting the most votes was de-
clsred thss nominee. 1t was made
unanimous.
The proposition of the republicans to
divide the offices without bitter con-
test was rejected over the protest of
some of the most experienced cam
palgners.
Thad. Cox was elected as chairman
of the executive committee instead Of
Col. Matson, whose term had expired.
The nominees of the convention were
called up and they made patriotic and
enthusiastic speeches accepting tie
nominations.
The meeting was full of enthusiasm
and was harmonious. When the meet
ing adjourned there was feeling that
good work had been done and sure
winners put out.