The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-01-29
GETTING READY TO STEP OUT.
MAYOR MYERS PUTTING THE MU-
NICIPAL ROUSE N ORDER.

TO nave Every thing IN Heh0AneSS
For the Incoming of the MeIdrim
Council-Talk of designations
Among the commandments
McIdrim Says That Is Not Neces-
sary ii They viii Work in HarmO-
ny with the Administration.
The city council viii hold a special
meeting tomorrow afternoon for the pur-
pose of clearing up all unfinished business
and putting everything in shpshape to
turn over to the succeeding administra-
ton on Monday. Mayor Myers has nou-
fed all the officials that an unfinished
that the new administration will find
everything in first-class condition when
it takes hold on Feb. !.
Mayor Myers and ne members Of the
retiring administration will be at the city
exchange at noon Monday to receive the
members of the incoming administration.
Every courtesy will be extended by the
members of the retiring board to Their
Successors, and all matters of the city's
business on which information is desired
will be fully explained
Two years ago the incoming council was
sworn in by Judge Falllgant of the supc-
rior court. The latter viii probably be
called upon TO perform this duty again
Monday. The new council win organize
at once. If the old custom Is followed
of electing the member chairman who re-
ceived the highest number of votes and
the one who received the next highest
number vice chairman. Mir, S. =. Hamil-
ton viii be chairman Of council and DR.,
w. W. Owens vice chairman. II This
custom is not followed, Mr.. w G. Charl-
ton will most likely be the next chair
man of council. Mr.. Charlton is cmi-
nently fitted for this position by reason
Of his past experience and his familiarity
with the citys business, in addition to
his eminent legal ability.
Monday night the council will, meet for
the election of officers. The placing of
number of city departments under the
commissions, together with the fact that
nearly all the important offices now elect
ed by council are filed by men, who have
demonstrated their thorough fitness for
the positions which they occupy, and have
at the same time held aloof from partisan
politics, thus practically assuring their
reelection, leaves the new administration
but small patronage to dispense, and that
chiefly minor offices. There is considera-
bic interest in the disposition of these Of
fees, however, and Maj, Meldrim and
the aldermen-elect are already learning
the penalty of success in politics.
Mai. Meldrim said yesterday that he
wished there was no patronage to dis
pose of. He has been besieged ever since
the election by applicants for the petty
positions at the disposition of the mayor
and council AS there are many more APP
plicants than there are positions to be dis
posed of, there are certain TO be many dis
appointments. There is besides a large
hungry horde literally as well
as hguratively who confidently
believe that the commissions
win soon be showed TO one side
and the many positions now controlled
by these bodies placed at the disposal of
the new administration. There will be
sore disappointment if such is not the
case.
There is some talk that the members of
the commissions may tender their resig-
nations to Mayor Meldrim. after his inau-
guration, on the ground that the commits
sions should be in sympathy with the adj
ministration, and thus leave the field clear
TO the new administration to conduct the
departments on its own lines. 1t is certain
that this hope is entertained by some of
the Liberals and that il has been discuss
ed to some extent among the Citizens. one
well known official stated that he was very
much inclined to resign. His own inclina-
ton is in that direction though his friends
insist that he should remain where he is
With a few designations among the com
missioners and appointments to fill the va
cancies by the new administration the
commissions would soon become what they
should have been in the first place, non
partisan With the expiration OF the terms
of the short term appointees next Jan
uary and appointment of their successors
the commissions would then become prac-
tically in full sympathy with the adminis-
tration.
Mai. Meldrim when spoken TO on this
subject said: Il do not think any member
of the commission who feels that he can
work in harmony with the new adminis-
tration should tender his resignation If
the commissions will work in harmony
with the administration all will be we'll"
Maj Nedrim said that he had not fully
informed himself as TO what powers for
the regulations of the commissions are
possessed by council or whether offensive
partisanship by them or their employees
was an impeachable offense.
This much / am satisfied of, said he.
Il know from my own observation that
some OF these city officials under control
of the commissions have been engaged in
active political work. / saw them in At
lanta during the recent session of the Leg
islature. where they remained away from
their offices for days at time. / do not
say that their departments suffered by
their absence. The work of the several
departments We're doubtless in progress as
usual, but their absence on such mis-
sion was in itself a neglect of duty"
Maj Meldrim was asked If he thought
that these officials could be held RESPONSE
bic for such conduct, occurring previous
10 his administration by his admnistra-
ton. He was not positive on this point,
but he thought they could The dealings
of the rev administration with the com
missions is evidently going TO be the most
interesting feature of its career for a
time at least.
Mr.. T. +. Thomson says he is not cam
didate for the position of clerk of council
This leaves Mr.. W. p. Bailey the only
candidate, so far as known, as the present
incumbent, Mr.. A. N. Manucy, will not
apply for reelection. Mr. Manucy viii
have the pleasure of officiating at his own
funeral, so to speak. as il will be his duty
10 preside at the first session Of the new
council when his successor VIII be chosen.
The report that Harbormaster James ].
Graham would not be a candidate for re-
election on account Of III health Is incor-
rect Mr.. Graham said yesterday that be