The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1897-01-09


ecutive as well as legislative, is the
city council. The eighteen wards are
each represented by four members, one
having the title of alderman, and three
that of councillor, all meeting in SIN
gle body. One is elected annually for
each ward. so that two-thirds OF the
councillors. and all the aldermen, have
had experie. &C. They are chosen by
burgesses, who are male or female oc-
cupiers of any dwelling house, shop, or
mandatory, or of any land or tene-
ment of the annual value of $40. The
difference between burgesses and par
liamentary electors is that women are
admitted to the former.
The parliamentary electors number
S1,037, and burgesses and school board
electors 80, 7Gs, the difference represent
Ing with fair accuracy women voters.
Members of parliament are elected by
districts, councillors from wards, and
the school board on a general ticket.
No two classes are voted for at the
same electi' I, though practically the
same machinery is employed. The ex-
penditure permitted TO municipal can
didates is about $50 each. Vacancies
in the council are filed by special cleo
ton. One alderman from each ward
is elected by the council for six years,
half the terms ending every three
years. As rule they are reelected in
definitely, party or factional considera-
lions having l5ttie influence.
The council is reorganized on the 9th
of November of each year, when the
general purposes committee. comprised
OF the mayor as chairman. and the
chairman of each of the working COM
mittees, nominates the committees for
the ensuing year. Outside persons are
appointed as additional members of the
Museum and School of Art. Free Ii
braries. and Technical Schools Commit
tees, who in practice control the techni-
cal work, the council members retain
ing financial management.
Each member of a committee pro-
posed is voted for separately. The
wishes of individuals are rarely con-
suited until their names are presented,
when they may decline and be excused.
None may serve on more than two COM
mittees. nor be chairman of more than
one. Every effort is made 10 secure
the very best results. No precedents
require the appointment of old men,
bers even to important committees, and
a new member known to be capable and
interested in some special work has no
difficulty in obtaining an assignment
that may enable him to do his best.
But in practice the experienced men
are reappointed without question. Each
committee selects its own chairman.
The council is a thoroughly repre-
sentative body. OF the seventy-two
of the present council. twen-
ty-three are manufacturers, six are
classified as gentlemen (men retired
from business), six are provision mer-
chants. Eve are brass and iron found
ers, solicitors, jewelers., and medical
men respectively. three are merchants,
there are two each of auetioneers, chem
lists, and diapers, while printers. teach
ers, butchers. bakers, glassworkers,
tin-plate workers, and newspaper man
ayers each have one So far as l can
find out, but one publican has ever
been in the council, although this class
lad much influence prior to 1871.
No member has any privileges on a
railway or public conveyance of any
,ort, even on the tramways belonging
o the city, or admission to a theater
n entertainment, and no one is per-
nifed TO vote on question when he