The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-09-07
EXPLANATION MADE AND
AFFAIR AMIcABLY SETTLED
Opposition to Measure Had Little
Chance.
Griends OF Ordinance Endeavored To
suppress An Debate, and Prompt-
IL Voted Down All Amend
meuts offered.

Fistfcuhs were narrowly averted at
the meeting of the city council last
night when Alderman Virgin holly re-
scented the statements made by Alder
man NORTH in debating the passage OF
the Saul ordinance placing the election
OF fire chief in the hands of the coun-
Gil. Alderman Virgin pointedly adj
dressed singing remarks to Alderman
Moritz. and when ordered to address
the chair, said that he would continue
his discussion Of Alderman Moritz's rs-
marks upon the sidewalk. n
Alderman NORTH had used the
phrases political machine "pique."-
personal spite" and don't wash vour
dirty linen in the city laundry" during
the course OF the debate. and Alder
man Virgin resented the inference, fol-
lowing the alderman on the floor, de-
handing whether Alderman Moritz
meant to apply his remarks to mem-
beers OF the council.
When Alderman Moritz replied that
he had applied them in general way
to the council as a whole, Alderman
Virgin addressed himself to Morftz
stating that he resented the appiica-
tion Of such terms.
Alderman johnson interrupted with
the statement that remarks should be
addressed to the schair. and Alderman
Virgin said that he would continue his
remarks on the sidewalk after the
meeting.
Aldermen present Immediately Jun
dertook the discussion of other AFFAIRS.
and after consultation with both all
dermen. settled the matter arnicably. By
requesting Alderman Morits to explain
his remarks
Alderman Moritz said that his re-
a. = leo
but to the council as q body. That ne
had refrained from calling names. ana
thought he was In the bounds Of par
ltamer1tary usage since the chair had
not interrupted. his speech. Alderman
Virgin replied that he would accept
the explanation In the same spirit In
which It was offered. and personal DIFF
ficulty was averted.
The consideration OF the Saul ordi-
nance removing the appointment OF
the fire chief from the mayor to the
council was OF the greatest Importance
at the council. Discussed In commit
tee and agitated for the past week.
aldermen had made up their minds up
on the proposition. OF the twelve al
dermen present. only Aldermen Morits.
Parrish ana Thompson were against
the measure and the majority Of nine
were determined to take matters In
their own hands : ss
The measure was reported favorably
nv the COMMITTEES as stated In a re-
exception that Alderman Johnson's
name was signed to the favorable re-
port. Alderman Virgin on the read
ing OF the report moved that the or
dinance be adopted No discussion was
wanted. as II wab known that a large
majority was in favor of the passage
OF the measure.
A leader of the minority said after
the meeting that the passage Of the
ordinance was CREASED, and that no
matter what minority desired to do.
II was promptly voted down, and the
passage OF the ordinance moved.
That the majority did try TO shut
of ali debate was evident. for 1t was
only after repeated attempts that AL
derman Moritz was allowed to gain
the fioor. He was not allowed to speak
for many minutes, as he was interrupt
ed by Alderman Toole. who moved the
previous question. shutting on further
debate. Members of the majority eau
ed to Alderman Toole to withdraw his
motion, which was done. Alderman
MoYitx. however, saw that he was
making no Impression. and said that
he would not attempt further debate
Alderman Virgin on the reading OF
the favorable report OF the nre COM
mtttee moved that the ordinance be
was on his feet during the reading OF
the report, moved to lay the motion on
the table. His motion was promptly
voted down, by q vote OF nine to three,
Aldermen Kinds. johnson. Jones. KEN
nedy. Lowe, Saul. Sullivan, Toole and
Virgin constituting majority tnat
maintained all during the session.
Alderman Parrish then moved that
the consideration of the ordinance be
postponed to the next regular meeting
This motion was also promptly voted
down. Alderman Parrish moved that
the ordinance be referred to the joint
committee on fire and judiciary. Again
his motion was tabled.
Alderman Parrish moved that the
words Sire chief" he struck from both
the caption and the wording OF the or
dinance. The motion was laid on the
table. He then moved that the words
tax assessor aud tax collector" be
struck from both the caption and the
wording OF the ordinance. Again hia
motion was tabled.
Alderman Parrisk then endeavored to
gain the attention OF the chair, but AL
derman Virgin moved the previous
question. shutting of debate. There
were cries of, "0h, let 'em talk, let
'sm talk" from many parts OF the room
but Alderman Virgin insisted on the
previous question.
Alderman Thompson moved to amend
= ordinance by inserting the titles
a. all city officials in the ordinance
again the majority of nine voted to
lay the amendment on the table,
Alderman Virgin then called fhe at
tention Of the chair to rule 10 of the
City Council, saying that when the