The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-11-06
HE USED VILE LANGUAGE
COUNCILMAN JOHN VI. HIGGINS HAD
A sPASM OF ANGER.
A Resolution Calling for an Investi-
cation of Bribery Charges
Called 1t Forth.

Language too foul to be printed was ut
tired by Councilman John NJ Higgins in
Council chamber last evening after the
adjournment of the Council. Higgins was
late I'm arriving at the meeting. in fact,
too late to hear a resolution read provid-
ing for an investigation of charges of ac-
cepting brides against certain councilmen,
which was adopted by the Council. He was
told about it and as soon as the body
adjourned he walked to the clerks desk
and, without waiting TO read the resolu-
ton, began TRADE against the man who
introduced il that was abusive and vile.
Mr. Negley, who had introduced the res
olution, had left the Council chamber
with other members of the Council when
the meeting adjourned. Those present were
compelled to listen to Higgins, for he
fairly shouted his vile abuse. He made
statements against other councilmen which
he acknowledged he could not substan-
tiate. II was remarked that it was strange
that Councilman Negley, who was reviled
by Higgins in his abusive talk, should
introduce a resolution providing for an
investigation of all councilmen alleged to
be implicated in bribery dealings, if he
were guilty. No stock whatever was taken
in Higgins's ramblings.
ONLY ONE NEGATIVE VOTE.
When the vote was taken on the resolu-
ton of Mr.. Negley, Chas. NJ. Dickson.
Democrat. cast his vote in the negative.
He was the first Democrat to vote. All
others voted in the affirmative and before
the vote was announced Mr.. Dickson asked
to change his vote, making seventeen In
favor of the resolution. Bernauer, Billings
ley. Higgins and McGrew were absent Hig-
gins entered the room after the vote had
been taken. The resolution as adopted
is as followS:
Whereas. 1t has been openly charged
in the public press of the city of Indian
apolis, and by various citizens of said
city that certain members of this Common
Council have been guilty of soliciting and
accepting brides for the purpose of in
fiuencing their actions and votes on pend
whereas, The grand jury of Marion
county is now engaged in investigating
said charges, and, having made no report
is presumed to be still engaged in said
investigation; therefore, be il
Resolved, That this body, having a due
regard for the ends of justice and desire
TO In no wise interfere with the investiga-
ton of said grand jury by premature ex-
pose of its evidence, does now hold itself
in readiness to take up and investigate any
and all such charges soon as said grand
jury has made its report; and be 1T further
said grand jury to return an indictment
against any person shall in no wise be con-
sidered as of any effect on the future ac-
tons of this body in that behalf"
ROUTINE AFFAIRS.
Councilman Negley also introduced al
ordinance prescribing a manner of crossin,
steam railroad tracks and the duties o.
conductors, motormen, gripmen and en-
gineers. The ordinance provides for tn,
conductors of street cars to first eros.
railroad tracks and then signal for tn;
motormen or conductors to cross with tn,
cars. providing there is no danger of &C
csdent. This ordinance was referred {,
the committee on public safety and com
fort.
The ordinance TO prevent lettering in tn,
city was called Up for second reading o,
Councilman Megrew, and after being rea.
was engrossed. read the third time an.
placed upon its passage, the vote bein;
unanimous. The old ordinance, which wa
recently held to be invalid, did not pro
| vide for a workhouse sentence, while tn
| one passed last night provides for s. fin
| and workhousc sentence.