The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-05-05
c, C. ChiIes Chosen Chairman
Of New Board,
OLD COMMISSIONERS GO OUT
DoneIson and Weir RetainTheir
Present Positions.
FORMER WILL BE LIEUTENANT
John Rowlett Reelected Desk Ser
geant-The Patrolmen Will Not be
Elected Until the Mardi Gras
Festivities Are Over
FORMER WILL BE LIEUTENANT

missioners, to succeed T. C. Mcdonald.
William E. Weir was unanimously elected
night captain. J. B. Donelson was chosen
as lieutenant. John C. Rowlett was elect
ed desk sergeant, and J. H. Mingea patrol
driver.
In the race for chief of police there were
two ballots cast. The result of the first
vote was: Mcdonald 8, Donelson g. Austin
l. Another ballot was then ordered, and
the vote stood: Mcdonald 8, Austin 4,
Donelson 0. Upon ascertaining the result
of the second vote Connie W. Austin was
declared to be elected chief of police.
In the race for the other offices there
was practically no opposition to the men
elected.
The meeting of the police commissioners
was called to order by former Chairman
A. o. Lane at $40 o'clock. In calling the
new and old board together, Mr.. Lane
made short speech, in which he thanked
the old board for their services, and COM
plmented them on the work they had done
for the city. Upon concluding his remarks
he requested that the old board retire and
that the new commissioners be rendered
the seats. The new incumbents were quick
ly seated and sworn in by Mr.. Lane.
The Oath Administered
The new board stood while the follow
ing oath was given them: Il swear
that 1 will wholly and impartially de-
mean myself as a commissioner of po-
lice during my continuance in office. l
have not, in order to influence my cleo
ton to this office of commissioner, di-
rectly or indirectly, expressed or i'm
Piled promised my vote or support TO
any person for any office in the city of
Birmingham, nor for any other office.
I will not knowingly permit my vote in
the election or appointment of any per-
son to a position on the police force to
be Influenced by fear, favor or affec-
ton, reward or the hope thereof; but in
all things pertaining to my said office
I will be governed by my conviction Of
the public good"
Each accepted the above oath and took
their seats. Mr.. Lane then made brief
speech in which he wished them all posi-
BILE success. He said in regard to the re-
firing board:
81 can say that it has made a record that
will favorably compare with any city in the
United States"
He also stated that the pay of the police
officers had been increased and that if the
number of men was now increased the po-
lice department would be very much inn
proved.
Commissioner McCary then placed in
nomination the name of C. C. Chiles as
temporary chairman Before a vote was
taken another motion was made that Mr..
McCary be unanimously elected temporary
al,, o,,I Nv
Cary was escorted to the chair. Before
taking his seat he said: Gentlemen,
thank you for the compliment" John G.
Rowlett acted as secretary to the tempor-
airy organization. The first business before
the new board was the election of a perm
anent chairman. Mr.. Bridges placed in
nomination the name of T. C. Parker Mr.
Stradford nominated C. C. Chiles and Mr.
Parker then placed In nomination the en-
tire body. This motion was seconded and
| a secret ballot was taken.
DR.. MoJiey and Mr.. Bridges were chosen
as tellers and on count of the vote it was
found that C. c. Chiles had received four
votes and t. C. Parker three.
Mr.. Chiles was then declared elected as
chairman of the board for the ensuing one
year term. In taking the chair Mr.. Chiles
thanked the board for the vote received
and said that he hoped to fill the chair with
honor to himself and the board. The cleo
ton of a secretary was the next business
In order and Mr.. Bridges nominated ]. H.
McCary. DR.. Mobley placed in nomination
the name of MFR. Stradford. The vote on
this contest stood: Stradford, A; McCary,
3. Stradford was declared elected and it
was moved that the body go into executive
session.
Went Into Executive Session
The crowd quickly filed out and stood in
the hall anxiously awaiting the results of
the different contests. 1t was remarked by
several as a notable fact that four of the
new commissioners stood together on
every vote They elected both chairman
and secretary. These four were said to
be the anti-McDonald members. There
was much speculation on the race for chief
of police, and after an hours waiting it
was announced that Austin had won.
The board was in executive session about
one hour and attended to very little bust
ness except the election of the higher off,
GERS of the police force. 1t was decided not
the carnival festivities. Ar invitation
from E. Lesser for the new commissioners
to take Part in the carnival parade was
accepted.
Mr.. Bridges moved that the chief of
police be instructed to arrest every
violator of the law, whether masked or
unmarked, during the festivities. The b
motion was seconded and unanimously