The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-23
PRESIDENCY OF COUNCIL
POPOCRATIC SCULPTOR MAHcNEY
WILL PRESIDE OVER THE BODY.
Question of Whether Ferguson and
to Go-Mayor and Doctors.

John II. Mahoney, the sculptor in poll
caucus of the Democratic members of the
Council he was chosen for president of that
body and will be elected to succeed Thomas
J. Montgomery, who resigned the presiden-
cy to become member Of the Board Of
Public Works. at the next meeting. The
caucus also decided to elect 4. H. Pritch-
ard, of the Seventh ward, councilman at
large to fill the seat vacated by Mr. Mont
gomery. Mr.. Pritchards election had been
anticipated from the moment Mr. Montgom-
erys resignation was accepted. On the
other hand, the selection Of Mr.. Mahoney
came as something of a surprise to those
who knew nothing Of his ambition in this
direction and the ability he has developed
as a wirepuller in the last few days. Frank
S. Clark, of the Ninth ward, was the only
avowed candidate, although A. e. Rauch
and George r. Golfer had been mentioned.
Both were willing to accept the place, al
though they were not candidates. Their
names were not presented last night On the
first ballot Messrs. Clark and Moffet, the
latter one of the new members whose name
was not mentioned until last night, received
tie vote. On the second ballot Mr.. Ma
honey received a majority of two votes and
his nomination was made unanimous.
Beside E. Fl. Pritchard, Joseph Bauer a
representative Of the Home Brewing Com
pany. residing on the South Side, was
candidate for councilman at large There
was report that Mr.. Pritchard was not
candidate for the Council, as he wanted
to be appointed veterinary surgeon of the
city 1t seems that no assurance was given
Mr.. Pritchard that he would receive the APP
polntment to which he aspired and he de-
clded to allow his name to be used. At any
rate, it was explained to the caucus by one
or Mr.. PritchardS friends that he would ac-
c6pt the nomination and he was cOnSe-
quently chosen. Mr.. Bauer was only can
dldate on the condition that Pritchard was
TO receive something else. His friends say
that he went to the Grand Hotel yesterday
and told the mayor that he wanted the
place IN Council, providing Pritchard was
to be appointed veterinarian The report lis
that the mayor assured him Pritchard
would be taken care Of" but that he did
not promise directly 70 give him the place
he was after. The Democrats believed that
Pritchard was entitled to the seat in the
Council because of the strong fight he made
in the Seventh ward, where he was defeated
by George w. Shaffer by but eleven votes
In the recent city election. There was just
enough danger of the mayor forgetting
Pr1tchard to make his friends anxious that
ne should have the vacant seat in the Coun-
Gil That was what decided the choice
There has been report current for two
or three days that an ordinance is to be
introduced in the Council reducing the city
license fee for retail liquor dealers from
$3.50 to $l25. After the caucus last night it
was asserted that this subject had not been
discussed. Chairman Costello, of the finance
committee, and Chairman Golfer of the
committee on franchises, as we'll as other
influential members, said that they would
not vote for such an ordinance. Indeed,
some of them say that If any change is
made at all they would favor an increase
rather than decrease. Councilmen believe
that the increased number of saloons that
would spring into existence if the city Ii
cense We're reduced would not begin to off
set the reduction in revenue. Therefore they
say they will oppose such a plan on the
grounds that the city cannot afford to lose
the revenue, If on no other. At present
saloon men pay in the neighborhood of 1886
a year for licenses. $3.50 to the city, 500 to
the county, $25 to the United States govern
ment and about $40 for publications, fees,
etc. Saloon men estimate that the special
taxes they pay in the way of license fees
amounts to about slips a day. year in and
year out.