The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-03-24

night 20 prosecute the work Of economy.
They were Mossrs. Allen (chairman).
Noble. Zimmerman. Harrelson. John !.
King. and Ebcl. The abscntocs were
Mcssrs. starkc, jones and Rountrce. the
latter being absent from the city on bus
mess. AIr. starke was unable TO attend
on account of the sickness Of his wife.
Tho committee at once took W the
work Of formulating a report to the city
Council. and began by re-aiilrming us
action reducing the commission CT t7e
CITY Collector from rs to 5-S Of l per
cent.
THE SINKING FUND.
In regard TO the Sinking Fund Com
mission. which had been thoroughly IN
vestlgated by the committed, but no re-
commentators made it was decided on
motion cf Mr.. Noble, after Captain carl
ton Mccarthy had fully explained the
charter provisions bearing on the qucs-
tion. TO recommend to the Council that
the commissioners. not having complied
with the law requiring them to- make an
annual report To- the Council since hh,
they be required 10 do so in the iutuIe'
and that the City Attorney be requested 10
prepare such amendments TO the city
charter. for presentation TO the next lesis-
laturc. as will require the Sinking fund
Commissioners TO report TO the 1ouhcl
semi-aunually.
The question next taken up was tho
Offices of City Clerk and Clerk to the
Board CT Aldermen. and Mr. Ebel moved
that the salary be allowed 10 remain
as at present The motion was adopted
Mr. Allen voting "NO" for the reason that
ne wished to reserve the right 10 vote
for a pro-rata reduction Of all salaries.
Mr.. Ebel then moved that the resolution
bo roccnsidored whereby Mr. McDoweii
was designated as assistant 10 the Oly
Clerl for the reason. he said. that VIII
Jr Mcdowell would not have time 10
norfcrm any of the duties OF tho Cii.
Clorl, the pilblic would consider that two
mon were doing the work hitherto done
by one.
The motion cf Mr.. Ebol was carried. Ho
tbon moved that the Clerk to committees
be roouired TO perform the duties of the
CITY clerk during his absence on account
Of sickness or otherwise. The notion
was adopted
THE POLICE COURT.
The Police Court was next considered
and Mr.. Harrclson moved that no cha"He
be made I'm that department.
Mr.. King opposed the melton. Incre
were too many men in the court room, ne
said
There is no need for the bailiff,' said
Mr.. King. Il don't see what he has 10
do"
Mr.. Noble said that he had looked INTO
+bo matter. and fonud that the bailiu had
"a number # duties TO perform. such as
cleaning up the Office of the justice ana
tho courtroom. and 10 preserve ofdei o"I-
ing the sessions of the court.
"Thcre are half dozen policemen there
every morning" said Captain King. 'and
one is especially detailed TO be there
don't see why there should be a baliiI
To- preserve order. 10 seems TO me thit
here is the place for us TO save Syp. Inc
room could be cleaned up by the Jahltor
Of that part Of the City Hall 1 move
therefore. that the office Of bailiif be done
away with
Mr.. Ebel did not think that any change
was advisable. and Mr. Zimmerman was
under the impression that the Police JUS
tlce had stated that he could not Lel
along without the baiiiii
Mr.. Ebcl moved as a substitute for Mr..
Kings motion that the question OF tho
baiIif be passed by, and that Mr. Glib
bons De allowed to appear before the
committee.
"Mr Chairman said Captain King
rising. eve have been meeting here Tor
seven or eight months. and if we are go
ing 10 listen 20 what everybody says
hope we will adjourn tonight and never
meet again
Mr.. Kings motion was then put ana
was lost on q tie vote. Mcssrs. King Al
len and Ilarrclson voting in the affirm
atiyc.
Nlr Harrclson's motion t0 retire the
baiiff was then pat and carried.
The action of the committee In reducing
the salary Of the secretary 60 the Board
Il Sinking Fund Ccmmissinoers To 500
was re-affirmed. as was .lso tho resolu-
ton recurring tie clerk to the Auditor
to perform the duties Of transfer clerN
without additional compensation.
Tho committee rcconsidcred It's action
reducing the salary Of The assistfnt clerk
to the Auditor 10 sl0Oq. and decided TO
allow # 10 remain at 500 rs at present
The Recommendation of the committee
that the Scrccant-at-arms in addition %
lis present duties. perform those OF SUI
Ierintendent Of the Hall, and That the
services OF Mr. Calder. who hlis the
latter position at salary Of S2oo. bo
dispensed with, WAS rc-afiirmed. Cn tho
motion Of Mr.. Noble.
THE CITY ATTORNEY.
The question Cf the city Attorneys
salary came next. and created some dis
cussion. Mr.. King moved that the pay
Of this official be allowed 10 remain as
at present.
Il move 10 amend that by fixing the
City Attorneys Office hours at from TO
g." said Mr. Noble.
Mr.. Zimmerman said that II this motion |
should become a law Mr.. Meredith would |
refuse 10 remain in the office unless Ms
salary were increased, which the city
was hardly prepared 10 do.
Mr.. Noble reioined that the city had |
now reached a point where she should |
have the constant services OF a legal ad-
wiser.
Mr.. Harrolson said it would impossible |
10 find a man Of Mr. Merediths ability. |
who would depote his whole time 10 the
city for the salary paid at present.
Mr.. Allen said that the time would come
when the city would be compelled TO |
have the whole time OF an efficient attor-
ney. but she could not AFFORD to pay for |
them n present.
The motion OF Mr.. King 10 allow the |
salary 10 remain as at present, was |
adopted.
The committee decided 10 allow the |
salary OF the Special Accountant 10 re- |
main at $3.50 per annum.
As 10 the HarbOr Master. whose salary |
the committee had decided TO reduce 10 !