The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-04-05

Lieutenant Skipper had beer acting as
clerk of the municipal court and if the
Once were abolished. it would be neces-
Isary to provide a clerk for the court.
On motion of Alderman Harriss. the
office of lieutenant of police was abol-
ished. and the duties of clerk of the
municipal court were devolved upon
Major c. III. White. assistant city clerk
land treasurer.
Alderman Johnson moved hal the
civil service rules as to the police force,
the fremen and city employees b. Beaf-
Ihrmed. but he received no second.
Alderman Harriss stated that it had
practically been decided that the police,
fire and streets and wharves commit
tees shall have full charge of the en-
ployes under them. SO it was no use to
Ireadopt the civil service rules.
Mayor WaddelI gave notice that the
hnance committee should be called to-
lgether in a few days to prepare for the
annual budget OF appropriations.
Alderman Parker moved that when
the committee makes up the budget, it
be directed to include a sufficient
amount to extend the water supply
to the Fifth Ward. The motion was
adopted.
seconded by Alderman johnson and
! The clerk read the following COM
~munication from Iredell Meares, ESQ.
the retiring city attorney.
Wilmington. N. c.. April 1, 1901.
ITO the Board of Aldermen. Whining
ton. N. G..
Gentlemen: l have today delivered
to h city clerk and treasre> the tax
books which have been in my posses
sion during the past two years, as I did
mot consider that my contract with the
city as to h collection of pack taxes
would extend. SO far as these books
are concerned. beyond my term of Of
ifice.
Il desire to al the attention of the
Board to the fact that there is now
pending against the city civil actions
for alleged damages. as follows.
w. E. Worth, alleged damages by
overflow of water on property, 5000.
Bagley for same cause. $40. En-
line ask personal injuries E,5G0.
These suits are likely to be set FOL
trial at the April term of the court.
Il also desire to call the attention of
the Board to the fact that there are
some forty-odd suits by the city pend
ing for the collection of back taxes, in
which I have drawn the complaints
these are already in Judgment and in
process of settlement.
Our next term of court meet or the
18th. l would like to be advised by the
Board whether in these cases which are
lpending I shall continue to prosecute
and defend them for the city. In the
civil actions referred to. if it is not the
pleasure of the Board to continue my
employment, 1 will present a bill to the
city for such services as have been rem
dered in these: and in the tax cases,
if / am not to continue. / will present
a bill for such actual as ]
have incurred in their prosecution; blu
Iif on the contrary IL iS the wish Of
the Board thai 1 should continue
these. / will do so under the arrange
ments heretofore existing.
II desire to state that it has been cuS
Itomary where civil actions are pending
for the attorneys representing the city
in the first instance to continue repre-
senting the city until they are finally
determined. Thus. in the case OF
Strauss VS.. City. which has been tried
in my term. the case has been defend
ed for the city by other attorneys who
were first employed. and / have neither
Enlarged or received any compensation
in that case: and in the case upon the
ldocketS for collection of taxes. where
the attorneys had flied complaints be-
fore the beginning of the term, I have
accorded and acted pom the same prin-
Icipal.
Il simply address this letter to you
that 1 may be advised of the pleasure
LOT the Board In time TO take Sucl
proper action in the prosecution and
defense of these cases as LAY be ne
cessary at the coming term of the
court. Respectfully,
IREDELL MEARES.
The mayor suggested that this matter
be left to the finance committee to de.
ltermine, but it was the pleasure of the
Board as to what should be done.
Alderman Harris moved that the mat
ter referred to by Mr.. Meares be left
in his hands. and the motion was sec
londed by Alderman Johnson.
Alderman Parker agreed with the
mayor that it be left to h hnance
lcommittee to determine.
Alderman Maunder said the Board
had a city attorney and he ought t.
have charge of these matters.
City attorney Beilamy begged per
mission to suggest that it be left to thu
finance committee. He said he coul(
show a different precedent than tina
STATED by Mr.. Meares.
A rising vote was taken on Alderman
lHarriSS' motion and it was defeated b.
Is to 4. Those voting aye. were Alder
men HarrisS. Mann. Bailey, and John
son. Those voting in the negative wert
ALDERMEN West. VonGlahn, Parker
ISpencer and Maunder.
At $50 p. m. the board took a recess!
It'll s o'clock next Monday night.
Bss,, tAs ln Kind You Have BKzB ee511