Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-06-14

Council was to have assembled in
regular session, last evening, and a
quorum of both Branches were on hand
promptly.
Some underhand Republican work
prevented a session, however, Demo-
Gratis declining to answer to their
names until they knew what was go
ing on. The Republicans refused to
tell a straight story, and as a result
the Democratic membership was shy,
and before the First Branch mustered
nine members in the chamber, al
though the men were in the house, the
Second Branch, which had more than
a quorum, adjourned.
The members responded to the call
with more than usual promptness, and
at quarter of eight there were enough
in sight to transact business. The Re-
publican City Hall leaders were out in
force, and were reinforced by some OF
the big men of the county ring, and it
could be seen at a glance that some
devilment was ON foot. AS fast as
the Republican members arrived they
were steered into the rooms of the
Water Board, where caucus was held.
1t was attended by about fifteen Re-
publican members, but there were a
few of that political faith who were
not invited to be present, and who
cooled their heels on the front steps
while the secret proceedings were be-
ing carried on. Democrats were early
cognizant of this situation, but they
could obtain no information of the de-
tails of the poW-woW, and it was then
determined that unless some informa-
ton was given out that there would
be no meeting. Various Republican
leaders were interview, but they all
told different tales. They declared
they were not discussing the vacancy
in the Board of Public Works, that the
Sixth ward ten cent levy distribution
was not discussed, and denied various
other suggestions. 1t was finally ad
mitted that the caucus was held for the
purpose of formulating a general plan
of procedure in Council which would
result in ignoring the Democrats and
allow the Republican majority to work
its pleasure in its own way. Those in
authority were pressed for details, but
declined to explain further, and later
on the explanation given was denied
by leading Republican. The expla-
nation above given, however, is be-
lieved to be the truth, although it
lacks definite confirmation.
The Democratic members of both
Branches held brief conference, and
determined that they would block leg
islation until they knew where they
stood. Matters were accordingly so
arranged that while the Second Branch
had quorum at half-past eight and
was ready for business, with President
Maxwell in the chair, the First Branch
was short, where Mayor Sweeney was
in waiting to preside. Before the
First Branch could obtain a quorum,
the Second adjourned, and the First
was compelled to follow suit. After
the adjournment many of the members
fingered in the Council chambers and
about the corridors, discussing various
matters of public interest, and it was
fully nine o'clock before the last of
the gentlemen left.
That special session will be called
before the week is out appears prob
able, but how generally it will be re-
sponded to will be a question. Sew
eral matters tend to complicate the
situation, aside from the Republican
determination to run things to suit
themselves, one being the pending
franchises, and another the annual
appropriation ordinance, which is still
unsatisfactory, despite all the work
which has been done. Several
items in the ordinance are in bad
shape, and there will probably be an
other session of the Finance Commit
tee before the measure is perfected.
That it can possibly go into effect be-
fore July LIST, no one now expects.