Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-03-02

The Democratic members of City
Council made an unsuccessful effort
Thursday TO elect a successor to the
late George O'Neill, whose death left
the First ward without representation,
bnt the summary action of President
Leitch in adiourning the body before
there was any indication of the matter
being settled, brought the voting to
sudden termination.
The subject was preached, after the
regular business had been disposed of,
by Mr.. Oberly, who moved that Coun-
Gil 20 into nomination and election
to fill the vacancy. The motion pre-
vailed, after which Mr.. Leary nomi
mated Joseph B. Bickta and Mr..
Robertson nominated Allen Smith.
Each nominee received six votes, and
after two ballots had been taken Mr..
Robertson made a motion TO adjourn,
which was defeated by the same tie
vote. On motion of Mr.. Healey, the
balloting was resumed, with the same
result. Ballots were taken occa-
sionally, but the members passed most
of the time in walking about the room
and talking in groups. The attitude
assumed by the Democrats indicated
that they were prepared for long
siege.
At 9.31 o'clock, after 10 ballots TALL
like the first had been taken, Presi-
dent Leitch arose from his chair, and.
\ after stating that he had been sick for
three weeks and did not propose 10
remain all night doing nothing, de.
clared Council adjourned and went
home. All of the other Republican
members followed him, and, notwith-
standing the contention of some of the
Democratic members that the president
had not the right to adjourn the body
while matter was pending. his action
had resulted in breaking the quorum
and it would have been an impossi
bility to transact any business. The
Democrats were surprised and startled
by President Leitch's summary action.
Joseph b. Bickta, the Democratic
candidate, lives at No. 30l West Fourth
street. He is well and favorably known
in the community and, although a
young man, is well qualified for the
Office He is a business man in every
sense Of the word.
Allen Smith, who was voted for by
the Republicans, is foreman of the cal
sash department at the works of the
jackson l. Sharp Co., and resides al
the southwest corner of Sixth and West
streets. He is also man of abilit,
and capable of filling the office.
GENERAL BUsISEss.
Prior to the balloting, more than th,
usual amount of business was trans
acted.
On motion of MIR. Leary, City Solici
tor Conrad was instructed, by unani
nous vote, to draw UP bill or amend
ment. for presentation to the Genera
Assembly, the object of which shall b
|, the taxing of persons, companies o
corporations in the city enjoying publi
franchises or privileges for the genera
expenses of the city government. Il
support of the motion Mr.. Leary salt
members of Council had conferre,
, with the municipal corporation com
mittee of the Legislature and ha,
learned that the committee is favorabl
to any reasonable measure to ipcreas
, the revenues Of the city. Mr.. Smit
, called attention to the fact that ther
is bill now pending which can b
/ very easily amended to bring about tn
!, desired result, and it is likely that sue
! an amendment will be offered.
i A communication was received fror
the Board OF Port Wardens requestin
= that Council include $500 for the cul
! rent expenses of the board in mex
/, years appropriations. The matter wa
: referred to the finance committee.
i City Treasurer Curry made the 70
e lowing report: Balance to the credit {
. current expenses, sl4S, 024. II, of whic
4 eco, $50. II is in the Union Nations
a Bank and s21, S36 in each of the for
;. depository banks; special fund for ii
purchase Of park land, S23, 03i. So; r,
= ceipts from Tax Collector Savers, S40(
Collector Lewis. s2l7: Delinquent Tia
!. Collector Mitchell, $500; City Audit,
r Pyle, $50, license money; City Cou
: Clerk Adams, $40, fines, fees and cost
al The following payrolls for Februal
were approved and the amounts name
J in each allowed. Police Department
/ s564l.32 City Council, s25S. %; mi
J cellaneous, s3,0I4.7l.
i The interest list for March, whic
y showed the total amount of certificat
. to be $40, $50 and the interest 81, $50. 8
was approved and the interest ordert
" paid.
I, On motion of Mr.. Oberly, it was d
a cided TO withdraw 5000 from each
" the four depository banks and depos
s the money in the Union National Ban
n