The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-12-04

had but to ratify the meeting in order to make the matter stand.
 Alderman Thompson was not con vinced and warmly seconded Alder man Seidei when Mr. Seidel proposed the members present signing the rati- fication in writing.
 A recess of ten minutes was ordered in which to give the clerk time to pre- pare paper to be signed, and before being called to order again the alder men signed 1t.
 After having settled --the matter of the legality of the meeting. the report of the committee on franchises and privileges was adopted by the council.
 Alderman Saul threw the meeting into a quandary by saying that the aldermen had signed the ratification matter during recess and that the council had not passed on the fran chise ordinance while in legal session. After about two houA of general talk Alderman Saul moved for the adoption of the substitute ordinance by vote and t was adopted Unanimously with a sigh of relief.
 Alderman Moritz then moved for a suspension of the rules so the council could hear part of the report of the At unanimous vote to do 1t, and the roll was called. Everything went smooth iy until Alderman Seidel's turn to vote came and he said, no very plainly and distinctly so all could hear.
 Alderman Virgin went to Alderman Seidel and said some mystic words in his ear, after which the vote was un- animous.
 License Matters.
 Alderman Moritz then moved that several measures sclisduled to come up at the next meeting in regard to the license and tax schedules, be referred then to the finance committee so they could report Monday night. The items were those concerning real estate agents. bankers, state banking houses, bottling works and express companies. The matters were referred to the com mittee
 "Moye we adjourn!" The sound cut like whip lash into the dignity Of the proceedings. Bateful glances were turned on Alderman SeideL No one seconded the motion. Mir. Seidel drew his cigar deeper in his throat and be- came enamored of spot on the ceil- ing.
 T have here an ordinance." and Alderman Parrish was speaking, but he was cut short by Alderman seidel. who said, T withdrew my objection to the suspension of the rules so the partial report of the finance commit tee could be heard from. win ob- ject to a further suspension, or any other matter coming before the coun- ell at this meeting"
 But Alderman Parrish had been recognized by the chair first and so went on. with his ordinance which pro- yided for the creation of the office of City Tax Commissioner, whose duty will be to collect all old license fees and over due taxes at no salary at all, but a reward of twenty five per cent commission.
 Before Alderman SeGdeI could get in touch with the situation. Alderman Thompson arose and said the commis- sion was too great. that any lawyer would be glad to take over the coi- lections at a commission of ten per cent.
 A lawyer, who makes some s10.o0O per annum out of his Montgomery practice, who was seated in the rear of the room. fidgeted and picked up a billet of wood, but managed to re- strain himself.
 Then Alderman Parrish explained that the duty of the new official would be not only to go after the money. but get it, and also to dig up theSdelin- quents from the records. subpoena them, and possibly have little trial ef- fects, and under these circumstances the commission he had suggested would not be too. great.
 Alderman Thompson said he thorA oughfy agreed with the Alderman from Ward i. that the job would be Q hard one. but that If he made several big collections at twenty-five per cent he would sit back until he had spent the money and, the rest could go hang until he was broke again. and that if 1t were ten per cent commission he would have to keep digging all the time. which would rebound to his credit and be for the good of his soul
 The chair put tie question to the house and it was carried on the first reading. Alderman Johnson declined to vote on the matter. saying he might be personally interested.
 Just before the meeting adjourned Alderman Seidel said he would sec any alderman. who in future asked him to help suspend the rules. in that place which is the theme of many sermons, before he would consent. And thus concluded the deliberations.