The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-11-17
Resolutions on George B. Wards
 Article Introduced
DISCUSSED AND ADOPTED
Mir. Ward Made Speech, In Which Hs Dlselalmed Any Intended Refee- ton on the Mayor-Ex-
 plained Ills Position.

has held many interesting meetAhks, pue the semi-monthly session last night was particularly lively.
 After the routine business had been dis posed of a political shot came in the | nature of resolutions offered by Alder man B. H. Cooper, one of the representa- tives from the Fifth ward
 The resolutions follow:
 ''Vhereas George B. Ward. a member of this board, and of the finance commit tee has, through an article published In the local papers today, brought the credit of the city of Birmingham into disrepute and has criticised the mayor for borrow ing money for the purpose of paying the interest upon the bonded debt of the city, and for the payment of the salaries of the school teachers. police force and fire de- partment of said city, and further criti- eises the mayor for paying back a part of this money: therefore,
 Be 1t resolved, That we learn with regret that any me.-.oer of this board would injure the credit and standing of the city, even though he might benefit thereby, and place the police, fire and school departments upon a script basis for such would have oeen the result had this money not been borrowed.
 Mayor Commended.
 Be it further resolved, That we com mend the action of Mayor w. M. Dren- nen in borrowing sS0,000 to pay interest and salaries of the fire. school and police departments during the summer months and
 Whereas. The city of Birmingham still owes $l5,000 to the Peoples Savings Bank and Trust company and the board of education owes S15,OO0 for money bor- rowed to pay teachers and salaries, to the same institution, therefore,
 Be it resolved That when the city has a sufficient amount in the treas ury to pay said sums that the same be paid
 "Be it further resolved, That this board pledges itself to maintain the credit of the city at all hazards. and pay all salaries in cash.
 Be it further resolved, That the city treasurer be instructed to publish copy of this resolution in the New York Fi- nancier in order that persons residing out of Birmingham, who may have read the local papers of today may not feel any measiness as to the fact that the city's credit will at all times be protect- 1 cd the salaries of all departments paid in cash, and the interest upon the bond- ed debt paid.'
 Ward Takes the Floor.
 Discussion then came thick and fast. Alderman George B. Ward was the first to take the floor. He was recognized by Mayor Ore men. the chairman and said:
 Tn my mind this looks like a political play and nothing else In the article which was published in the local pa- 1 pers today no reflection was meant in the least to our mayor and I was very much in nopes that 1t would not be con strued in that manner. I only referred to 1F T., this connecticut desire to cite to you the city charter of Birmingham with refer enee to the loan of moneys. I did not attack the credit of our city, and in this connection would respectfully ask that the city clerk read to the council the articles in question. My only assertion has been that the mayor and the chair man of the finance committee of the council nave exceeded their authority from this board. Maybe 1t was for the public good of the city but 1t remains to be seen whether it was. In my opinion every alderman should be informed with reference 10 such transactions
 Alderman Moore-'Mr. Chairman, moved the adoption of the resolution of fered by Alderman Cooper.
 Alderman Ward-''Before a vote Is taken I would like to ask If 1t is the opinion of any member of the board that the mayor has been criticized? I leave this question to the members of the city council. You, are all intelligent men and should decide for yourselves.
 Alderman Gray-"Mr. Chairman, would like to ask of Alderman Ward whether or not he read statement made in the local press several weeks ago with reference to the financial condition of the city of Birmingham. If you did not MT. Ward am not responsible for your ignorance"
 Alderman O'Nehl.
 Alderman John W. O'Neill-"Mr, Chair nan, before a vote is taken on this mat | ter I desire to say that l have not read the articles in question. It has always been my point to attend the meetings of the city council since have been a mem- her of the body, but I am here tonight uninformed en the question which Is now being debated. I have been quite busy this afternoon and have not had a chance to see the papers After having heard the arguments pro and con, I am trying 1 10 lOok up the matter Tn cOnSerVa- | tive way. I would therefore suggest that you refer he resolution to the proper committee for report thereon at the next meeting of the council which has always been the process of such meas ures before this body"
 Resolution Adopted.
 While Mr. O'Neill was talking he re- ceived the undivided attention of the members of the council. His motion, how ever, was defeated and the Cooper resolution was adopted by a vote of seven ayes and one nay, MT. oNeill passing his vote. inasmuch as he stated he was not informed on the subject un- der discussion. The vote of Alderman Ward on the Cooper resolution was the only one cast in the negative.
 But little other business was transacted al the meeting last night. It was held in the offi,e of the mayor on account of the sixteenth annual convention of the | railroad commissioners occupying the council chamber upon permission of the | mayor.
 | Those present at the meeting were: Mayor Drennen, Aldermen ONeill, Ward, l Copeland, D. R. Moore Copeland, J. R., | Forney, Wheeler, Heidt Thach, Gray, | Stockmar and Cooper.
 | Several improvement ordinances were | adopted, and upon recommendation of the