The Pensacola journal., 1906-05-24

The above is an extract from the
report of the finance committee
which was submitted to the council
to the council last night, and adopted
after a hard parliamentary fight by
close vote.
1t is seldom that such frank Ian
guage is used in a legislative body
as that used by Mayor Bliss and Al
OF the question.
When the report of the finance
committee had been read by Clerk
Merritt, Mayor Bliss, with feeling
called Alderman Wright TO the chair
and took the floor and stated that q
have something to say in Connection
with that report
Mayor Defends ZeIius.
Mayor Bliss read a defense of the
Board of Works signed by Chairman
Zelius and himself. At the conclu-
sion of the reading Alderman Reilly
moved that the communication be
tabled, which prevailed.
This done, the mayor then ad-
dressed the council in a defense Of
Chairman Zelius. The chief eXecu-
tive paid a high tribute to the
honor and integrity of the man whose
resignation by request was under
consideration. Mayor Bliss stated
that Mr.. Zelius had remained true to
every trust reposed in him. and had
uamained at his post when others
couId not be found to fulfill their
duty in time of need and adVersity
last summer.
In closing Mayor Bliss stated that
not an act of the chairman could be
questioned, and that no charges had
been filed against him, yet the coun-
Gil was in the attitude of asking for
his resignation, according to the pur-
port of the finance committee recon-
menGatiOn.
I'm the name of the city and as
chief executive l protest against this
procedure of the finance committee,
said the mayor "Mr. Zelius has full
filed every obligation he ever owed
the city and has helped the munich
pality."
During the course of the mayors
argument Alderman MuldOn arose
to a point of order, which was sus-
tanned by Alderman Wright who was
in the chair.
Previous to taking the chair, Al
derman Wright had moved that tue
report of the finance committee Je
received and the recommendations
contained therein be approved.
Moved to Amend.
Alderman McHugh moved as an
amendment to Alderman Wright's
motion that the report of the finance
committee be approved, with the ex-
Ception that the clause referring to
Chairman Zelius's resignation be eX-
cluded.
MuIdon's Hot Rejoiner.
In reply to Mayor Bliss, Alderman
Muluon was the spokesman. He said
that the question was whether or not
the Board Of Works had right to
&c contrary TO the councils orders?
For one he did not think so.
Mr.. Muldn took occasion to say
that Chairman Zel.us was not so
much to blame, because he thought
that Mayor Bliss practically domindt-
ed the Board of Works, which incmd-
ed Mr. Zelius
81 want to say right here that |
believe that Mayor Bliss wrote every
word Of that defense of the Board of
Works, and that Mr.. Zelius signed
it. have no knowledge of the truth
o. my remarks. ana am perfectly
willing that the mayor say that l am
in error, should he so decide.
The mayor who heard the challenge
remained silent
Mr.. Muldon among other things
stated that Mayor Bliss was the con-
trolling factor in the board, and in
timated that Mr. Zelius was nothing
more than a follower of the chief exc
cutive
During Mr. Muldon's arraignment,
Mayor Bliss sat unmOved. but appear
ed deeply interested in the proceed
ings. Mr. Muldon discussed ali
phases of the question anG handed
CONTINUED on Page Three.)