The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-01-25

City Councils Action I'm Memory OF
Col. John Screven.


At the meeting OF Council last night the
committee appointed at the previous meet
ing to prepare suitable resolutions upon
the death of Col. John screven. former
Mayor of the city, made its report The
report is as follows:
In the recent death of Col. John Screven
Savannah lost a distinguished son, whose
life was characterized by pure principles.
exceptional attachments and rare culture
AS a citizen he was ever public spirited.
OF liberal education, he was broad in his
views and unrestrained in his actions by
narrow prejudices or petty ambitions
Governed by "a high sense of duty in his
public career he eXempified the virtues
and accomplishments that marked him
in private life. He carried TO every post
of activity a scrupulous regard for what
he conceived to be the highest interests
of the community with which his entire
life had been identified.
Ever true to the city of his birth, he
sought no honors beyond its borders, No
allurements elsewhere could entice him
away. To the extent of his opportunities
he stood ready to exercise mis- talents for
Savannahs upbuilding. No call was ever
made upon him, in war or in peace, TO
which he did not cheerfully and fully re-
spond.
For three terms Col Screven served the
city of Savannah as it's chief executive
Elected to the mayoralty In 1869, when the
city was just emerging from the ravages
of war and resuming that onward march
which has brought it to its present proud
| position, he was twice reelected, in 1870
and 1871. Many valuable public improve
ments, such as a sewerage system. street
paving, the erection of the city market
the opening of streets, the installation of
a fire alarm system and increased efil-
cheney in the various departments, were
| left as memorials of his administra ton.
During his tenure of office complex ques-
tons of finance confronted him and were
| disposed of. The prevailing conditions of
the city and It's surroundings Were bet
tered. Commerce and trade advanced
| and Savannah secured the position from
which it has not since receded of second
In rank among the ports of the Southern
states. He and those associated with him
Sought to meet the future as well as the
| present eXigencies of the community"
| Reviewing the history of those three
years in the light of subsequent expert
ence, and with the impartial eye that
distance gives, it is easily diseerned that
Col. Screven throughout labored zealously
for the advancement of the material and
higher interests of Savannah and was
actuated by a deep and sincere desire to
promote its welfare and establish it in a
position where its progress would be unim-
peded. His three elections TO an office
held in high honor demonstrated the es-
TEEN and appreciation of his fellow citi
zens.
The details of the life of Col. Screven
are too well known to need repetition.
He adorned every position to which he
was called and has left as a priceless leg
acy an honored memory. 1t is BETTING,
however that this public acknowledge
ment should be made by this body of his
services as Mayor; and be it further
Resolved, by the Mayor and Aldermen,
in Council assembled, That the sympa thy
of this body is herewith extended to the
family of the deceased that copy of
this memorial be sent to them by che
clerk of Council, and that a page be set
aside in the official proceedings of Coun-
ell on which it shall be inscribed.
The report was signed by the members
of the committee-AldermenM Mills Thoma
and Graham. 1t was unanimously adopted