The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-10-18

With the council chamber filled.
pra cicaIly every seat being occupied
and the crowd manifestinR a keen
interest in the proceedings. two con-
troversies among city officials, which
have been occupying the attention OF
the public in this city for the past
two weeks, were given a thorough
airing at the special meeting OF the
city council Aeld last night at 1900
O'Clock for the purpose of investigat-
ing the two controversies, but al
though debates we're plentiful and
oratory had its innings, so far as en-
oorsing or condemning any of the Of
lcials involved in either Of the con-
tests was concerned, no definite ac-
non was taken by the council
AT tie close of the meeting last
night, both of the parties in each of
the controversies were stin claiming
they were right, while the council had
neither confirmed nor denied the
statement of either and the members
OF that body seemed not disposed to
express an opinion in either of the
affairs under Investigation.
THE COAL QUESTION.
Far more lively than the discussion
as to the controversy between the
engineers was the discussion OF the
coal contract, during which na,.cb
oratory was heard, Alderman aammes
making, unQuestionably, the most
stirring speech heard on the council
floor within the past several years.
but after he and Superintendent
Sweeney, OF tine water depart ,,n,,t.
nsd shgaged in a lively debate ana
Alderman Semnas had made an elo-
dnsnt speech In defense OF hts vofs
on the coal question. the council ad-
tourned and the members. hike Arabs.
folded their tents and as sifently
stole away" In no way, by vote or
expression, intimatinE whether or not
they sustained the attitude OF Alder
man Semmes or upheld Mr. Sweeney.
However, there was no doubt that
tho citizens present, almost unani.
mously sustained the alderman In TAX
ing the stand he took and voting aa
he did. as no sooner had the meeting
adjourned than he was besieged by
the crowd, eager to shake hands with
him and congratulate him.
CONTRACT AWARDED.
When this matter was taken up II
was stated by the mayor that the
recommendation OF the mayor. acting
upon the advice Of the superintendent
OF the water department, to award
tho contract for coal this year to
Cary &- 90. had been laid upon the
table at the last meeting to be taken
up now. The communication was
re-resd and motion made to adopt
Z, the motion being carried.
EXPLAINS VOTE.
After the vote had been taken
,onal privilege OF explaining his vote
He said that neither in his remark
made at the last council meeting MOI
It the present time did he mean ID
:ast any reflection upon the characA
er or integrity OF either Superdnten-\
lent Sweeney or either of the MEM
'ers OF the coal company to whom
he contract had been awarded. He
aid he had the highest personal re-
ard for all the parties concerned and
new them to be honest, upright cit
zens, but that he would retterata
Us former statement that the water
uperintendent had not been consist
mt In his recommendations during
ne past three years in regard to
warding the coal contract.
Alderman Semmes said that the
uperintendent Of the water depart
tent assumed his position in Octob-
:, 1909 and that in September. 1910
he contract for furnishing the citv
pal was awarded. At this time not
eng member OF the council, Mr..
emnes said that as manager ~ ,ba
xport Fuel and Ice COMPANY he has
Ibmitted a bid, his bid being saAo
sr ton. At this time. he said Cary
Co. had bid to furnish the Banner
Continued on Page Two