Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1897-08-05
THE COUNCIL IN A DEADLOCK
Failed In an Attempt to Elect
City Officials.
SIXTEEN FRUlTLESS BALLOTS
Proceedings of Wednesday
Evenings Session.


City Council met in adjourned ses-
zion Wednesday night for the purpose Of
electing city officers which are required
by law to be chosen by that body, but
the Democrats we're unable to get
together and no selections vera made,
the election being postponed until
Thursday evening, August goth. The
present officers are to hold over until
August 3lat.
An effort was first made to elect a
clerk Of the market, and afterward clerk
of Council, but in neither case was
the deadlock broken. Thirteen ballots
were taken for clerk of the market and
three for clerk Of Council.
The Democratic members spent the
greater part Of the time between 7.30
aud 9 O'CLOCK in comforting. Prior to 8
O'Clock Mr.. O'Neill had held aloof
from his colleagues, but just as Presi-
dent Leitch was about to rap for order
the First ward councilman arose from
his seat and entered the mayors Office.
The other Democrats, who had emerged
from the Office of the clerk of Council,
in anticipation of the meeting OF ,Coun-
Gil, followed him. After they had been
closeted for half hour or so Mr..
O'Neill withdrew from the room. The
others continued in consultation until
well on to 0 O'Clock, when they re-
entered Council chamber and the meet
ing was called to order.
President Leitch announced that it
was an adjourned meeting, and called
for committee reports and reports from
wards. There were no such reports,
and Mr.. O'Neill wanted to know what
the deferred business was. Upon being
informed that the election of officers
was in order he nominated Philip j.
Murphy Of the First ward for clerk OF
the market. Mr.. Murphy was evidently
not the choice of the caucus, and the
other members proceeded to make
nominations as follows:
By Mr.. Gannon-Charles Cannon of
the Second ward.
By Mr.. Lesry-john Regain and John
Thompson of the Third ward.
BY Mr.. Kane Michael Cornell and
Arthur Sullivan OF the Fourth ward.
1 BY Mr. Robertson Alexander Bur-
leigh of the Eighth ward.
By Mr.. Healey--M Michael J. Callan OF
the Tenth ward.
BY Mr.. Smith-Frank Neidermaier
Of the Fourth ward.
By Mr.. Oberly-John P. Deputy Of
the Twelfth ward.
After the nominations bad been made
the chair appointed as telerH Messrs.
Cannon and Robertson. The first
ballot showed that each of the Demo.
Gratis was voting for his individual
choice, while the Republicans were
united on Mr.. Burleigh. Eleven ballots
were taken and the members were
still as far apart as ever. after which.
on motion Of Mr.. Kane, a recess of Il
minutes was ordered. After the ex-
piration of 90 minutes, which was
passed in conversation, chiefly in Coun
Gil chamber, the body was called tc
order and, on motion of Mr.. Kane, thC
balloting proceeded.
After the thirteenth ballot Mr.. Leary
moved that the election of officers b,
deferred until Thursday evening
August Goth, and that the presen
officers continue to serve until theii
successors should be elected and quail
fed. The motion was lost, Mr. Gan
non voting with the Republican,
against it.
Mr.. Oherly then moved that Council
proceed to the nomination and election
of the clerk of Council. Messrs. Zehle,
and Watson voted with majority O
tho Democrats in the affirmative ant
Mesars. Leary and Cannon voted in tn
negative. The motion prevailed by
vote of to 6.
Mr.. Oberly nominated William p
Morrison, the present encumbent, AM
Mr.. Robertson nominated Henry II
Billany. Three ballots were taken. Oh
the first and third Messrs. Morrison
and Billany received five votes eacl
and there were three blanks and on tn
second Mr.. Billauy received six vote
aud there were two blanks.
After the third ballot for clerk a
Council Mr. Leary moved that til
election of officers be deferred unit
Thursday night, August 2Gth, and tina
the present officers serve until Angus
3lst. The motion prevailed, party line
being drawn.
The ballots for clerk of the marke
resulted as follows, several person
being voted for who were not nomi
notaIs