The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-12-18
MAYOR MELDRIM AT HOME.
HAS TAKEN UP THE REINS OF CITY
GOVERNMENT AGAIN.

He Considers the legislature Ac-
cOmpIished Much Good ut Its Re-
cent SessiOn-SOme OF the Things
1t Did-Acting Mayor Hamilton
COmpIimented on His AdminiStra-
tiOn-Mayor MeIdrim VIII Send
His Nominations for the Commits
siOns to Council at Its Next Meet
ing.
Mayor p. w. Meldrim returned to the
city yesterday morning from Atlanta,
where he has been for the last two months
in attendance on the legislative session.
Hon. J. J. McDonough one Of his col
leagues, went down to Brunswick for
in Atlanta yesterday, win probably arrive
in the city to-day
Mayor Meldrim said the session of the
legislature had been an interesting one and
much good had been accomplished. lie
spoke particularly of the settlement of the
convict question, saying when the meas
ure came up for its final consideration in
the house, out of l75 members, only eleven
did not vote. He commended also the APP
preparations made for the new textile
school in connection with the Technology
cal school in Atlanta, and for the new
building at the state university, the latter
amounting to $2l 600.
There is another measure of much inter
est to which Mayor Meldrim referred That
is an act which makes radical change in
the laws with reference to titles for land.
Heretofore If a flaw in title was estab-
lished, the occupant has had to give up
not only the property itself, but all the inn
proVements he has made upon It, even
though he was an innocent purchaser. and
bona tide purchaser for value The new
law changes this so as to protect the inno-
cent purchaser in his title to the improve
ments he makes on the property, and gives
the owner who establishes his right to the
land, the annual rental OF the land itself
only.
Mayor Meldrim considers that the leg
lslature did some good work in killing
the undesirable legislation which was the
result of the Investigations made by the
Blalock committee These measures
among other things, contemplated the re-
auction of salaries of certain officials, and
the taking away of the agricultural col
lege from the state university
lie attributes the defeat of the countys
local bills, with reference to the commits,
sions and other matters. to senatorial
courtesy. as has been stated before, Sena-
tor Geiger opposing the measures and Sc
curing the votes of his colleagues against
them. The Chatham delegation, however
did its work in so far as it was possible
for 1t to do it, All of these measures
We're put through the House without any
difhculty, but were stopped and defeated
in the Senate. The Objectionable amend
ment to the police commission bill, which
proposed to amend the act creating the
police commission Mayor Meldrim said
did not go before the Senate. The amend.
ment was proposed, but afterward
dropped.
Mayor Meldrim resumed the reins of
city government at once Alderman s. p.
Hamilton, chairman of council and acting
mayor in the absence of the mayor. has
been the official head of the municipal
government for the last fifty DAYS. be-
sides having acted in this capacity at vari-
GUS times previously during the year In
TINS capacity he has given careful, con-
scientious and efficient service. Il have
simply taken an ordinary interest in the
affairs of the city during my term of ser
vice with the legislature" said Mayor
Meldrim, land have not ondSavored to in
huence or direct the action of council or
the acting mayor in any manner during
my absence It was my desire thai Mr.
Hamilton should be mayor In fact as well
as in name during the time which he full
filed the duties of the position and that
he should be left entirely free to act as his
Judgment might direct in all matters that
might come before him."
Mayor Meldrim said that his intentions
now are to perform the duties of his Of
flee himself, and he sees nothing TO pre-
vent him from doing so for some time TO
come. and probably for the balance Of
his term.
Mayor MeldrIm presided at the meeting
of the committee of the whole last night
and familarzed himself with the work
of council upon the tax ordinance and the
budget for 1898. When seen after the meet
ing he said that council had not yet COM
pleted its work upon the budget.
There are some matters yet to be con-
sidered in connection with the tax ordi-
nance" he said. THE budget has been
tentatively arranged, but not finally decid-
ed upon. The total amount
the same as for the present
year, and the budget as a whole will
not differ materially from the one now in
effect. Some of the departments will be
cut down and others will be increased. The
changes have not been finally decided up
on, however"
Mayor Meldrim was asked when he
would make his nominations to council to
fill the vacancies which will occur in the
several commissions on Jan. !.
1.-The appointments will be announced at
the next meeting of council, Wednesday
night, Dec 49, and not until then" he re-
piled. you can just announce that win
not appoint the people who worry me
about this matter or their friends. There
seems to be more interest in the vacancy
on the board of tax assessors than any
other. / believe l have had a dozen APP
plications for that position"
Court of Ordinary Cases,