The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-01-22

10 antaronize him. Now J regret very
much. indeed. 20 say tho member who re-
ferrcd TO this matter in the Board is
ono whom I have never regarded as a
friend. and trust, for his own salvation,
Nc is not an enemy.
Why should have taken 30 upon myself
20 say the salary Of the Mayor would not
Dee touched? J am sure tho question of
the Mayors salary has never been referred
10 in your committee. besides this ] have
no personal interest iu The matter. cX-
ccpt such as one in common with the
people Of this city
When / became a member Of the Coun-
eli II was my purpose TO do my duty I'm a
manner strictly consistent with honor
The position Of councilman is not one OF
my choice. ana as "a member Of your COZ.
mttoc. except for the association with IT'S
members. an OF whom ! hold in the
highest esteem. the duties have been tho
most disagrecable and OncrOus Of my en-
tire experience IN life.
Tho subjects with which your commit
tee have 10 deal would MAXI 10 so, even if
the persons affected were not friends, but
90 me 80 has been doubly so. for each
and every officer i'm the city government
with whom ] am acquainted, are my
friends and hy my vote manX Of them
I have been selected 10 mn the ohicos they
now hold. Fully realizing this when
qualified as a member OF your committee
/ was aware first ] had a duty 10 per
form. hence as best I could. IN my
mind. 4 declared cach and every office
vacant. ] had asked some Of the officers
who were 10 be considered not TO consider
10 personal matter.
II was not my purpose simply 10 cut
salaries bat 10 properly adjust the same
I'm keeping with the ability Of the city 10
paw ] have not the desire TO cut any
mans bread. would much pr.fcr dividing
my own WITH him: therefore, the plan
suggested bv the opposition 10 your com
mittee. that all be cut alike. from the
Mayor 10 the man who works on the
streets for $50 per day would not be
equitable.
In conclusion. permit me 20 say while
I have concluded 10 sever my connection
with YOU as a member of your committee.
I assure YOU ] do so carrying away with
me % full share of sympathy with you
i'm your onerOus and disagrecable task.
i'm which l bid you GOd-speed. Had there
been the least disposition on my part 10
shirk "a duty / would have departed long
ago After my association with You
j ann satisfied as citizen Of this city
and one who has her interests AT heart.
to leave my interests in your hands.
Very respectfully
II. w ROUNTREE.
After the reading Of the report Colo
mel Jones moved that as several members
were absent, the report and the accom-
pauvng letter. be lad on the table un-
tu the next meeting.
ALL A UNDERSTANDING.
Mr. Noble said that the thing had now
simmered down until 10 was evident that
there was a misunderstanding all around
that If Mr. Rounuee ever said what WAS
alluded TO him. De had done so I'm
jocular manner An charges he said.
against any member Of the committee.
should be dismissed as not sustained,
and it should be done at once.
Mr.. Rountree said that he had no liz
will at am toward the Mayor. lie be-
lieved that Mr. Taylor was irritated by
the suggestion that scrgoant-at-arms be
sent after him. and had. therefore, said
things that De would not have said other
wise
The motion Of Colonel Jones was then
put. and The report laid on the table unth
an the members were present
Mr. Noble then moved that the con-
sidcration of further business be post
poncd until a fun meeting could ne held
Colonel Jones said he thought 10 would
be we'll 20 receive the Information which
the Special Accountant had been instruct
od TO get concerning the offices OF the
Treasurer and Commissioner of Revenue
bc laid before the committee.
Before this matter was taken up. how
ever Mr. Rountrcc said that the city Of
ncials who had appeared before the COM
mittco mt the last meeting had been hurt
because. after their departure the Ac.
countant had been requested 90 obtain
further information. These gentlemen,
said Mr. Rountree referring to the Treas
urer and Commissioner of Revenue had
felt that IL was a reflection upon them.
He had assured them. he said. that no
such reflection was intended. that they
had given the committee all information
asked for. but after their departure other
matters had risen I'M Milch information
was desired.
After Colonel Jones had expressed sur
uris. that the city officials in question
had felt hurt at the committee acuoL
and disclaimcd amy intention 10 reject
up0n them Special Accountant carton
Mccarthy was asked to make his report
which was as 10 the total compensation
from an sources received py ihe IIe"7-
SOME UNWILLlNGNEsS.
uror and Commissioner of Revenue.
Air Mccarthy said that there had been
some willingness manifested hN inc
CITY officials mentioned 90 eiNe MIN the
information desired but that he had
finally obtained them from the pubic
records iva the Auditors office. lie stated
further that the officials I'm question had
requested him 20 say 20 the committee that
while they had no objection 10 furnishing
| information regarding the finances or the
/ state to the committee for its own guid-
ance. they did not wish such iniormatl)n
/ To- be given TO the public press.
nation 10 Doe given the public press.
For that reason, ho sad, he heegcd
loaye TO file dis report instead of read
lng DO
colonel Jones said that hc was and had
always been opposed TO the consideration
off ANYTHING in committee which couid
rot bs given 10 the press. He thought
mat IL was proper TO make public ngures
obtained from the public record IN The
Auditors office.
After some further remarks ies"IolhS
the matter the reception OF The report
WAS ON motion OF Mr. ROUntrce deferred
untH the next meeting in order mat
,a.b member of the committee might visit
the special accountant, not as CONF
mitteeman. aut as citizen, ana Ac-
quaint himself with the nature OF the
report. I'm order that The committee might
act intcnieently at its next meeting.
Oa motion OF Mr. Noble. consideration
of the inlormauOn furnished by -he OI'y
collector. Treasurer. and Comii77lo"cI
was deferred until the next mtttus'
TRIBUTE TO M. EOuNIRLE.
Mr. Nobio then rose ANA addressed the
,,ro.itt,e ana moved that the com