The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1916-01-07
NarTates Record of Achieve
ments of Old Body
New Council Re- Elects Sails
bury Prest. Pro Tenn
Wootton Re- Elected Clerk
The Initial Convocation

In the manner of Roman giadiators
whose last earthly words we're "Dy-
ing, salute you" President William
Banning, in the last few minutes of
life of the old city council Monday
night, eulogized the efforts of the
body in summary Of its activities
during the past two years.
President Banning cited two char
acteristics Of the body-duty and SER
vice-and remarked in no uncertain
terms that he believed the record of
proceedings would bear this out. Re
calling the various audiences. favor
able, unfavorable, coercive and even
pugnacious, that had faced council
the past two years. the president
lauded the unwavering stand the
body had always taken.
A record of achievement of the
1914-191b council was outlined by
President Banning who made men
tion of the fact that 90 meetings had
been held and that the average at
tendance was over six, record near
ly perfect. One hundred and eight-one
ordinances were passed and between
thirty and forty rejected during this
period A measure OF encomium was
bestowed on the clerk, John H. Woot-
ton, at this juncture by President
Banning who spoke OF his invaluable
work in catalogizng, fling and even
advising.
BY the lighting contract the pres
ident stated, the city was saved over
S2,5O0 and the cluster lights install
ed would be credtable to any city
The west.end dyke was made more
secure through the efforts OF council
the city offices consolidated and an
auto fire truck purchased And al
of this, including improvements, the
president affirmed, was done with an
Increase in taxes of 30 cents on $1,000
and the good roads levy served tc
add two mills of this.
Prior to President Banning''
speech, motion was made by Coun
Gilman Weaver to reconsider the or
dlnance increasing the city solicltor'i
salary $40 a month. Much discussion
was provoked thereby as to the re
firing councils right to transact
business OF any character, Presi
dent Banning ruled the motion out o.
order. The old council, on motion o.
eCouncilmanDubins adjourned sine
die.
President jay II. Clutter called Tho
new council 20 order and. after tho
roll was called and all new members
reported qualified, organization wal
effected. For president pro TEN.
Councilman Brentlinger nominated
Councilman Hookway, Councilman
Weaver nominated Councilman Sails
bury and Councilman IIookway nom
mated Councilman Weaver. Council
men Hookway aud Weaver Withdrew
and Councilman Salisbury was re-
elected by acclamation 10 the posi-
lion he has held for two years, Fo
city clerk. Councilman Weaver nom
mated John II. Wootton and he wal
elected by acclamation
President Clutter requested the
members Of the council to observe
proper order and decorum during tn,
meetings so that business could b,
dispatched properly. lie also made
himself known as in favor OF IN,
strictest economy consistent will
progress and asked that all reports o
committees be made In writing Th
following standing committees wer,
appointed by the president
Finance Salisbury, Weaver an,
Pfouts.
Fire Brentlinger, Mawer an,
Weaver
Supply Mawer Salisbury AM
Sockman.
Police Pfopts Salisbury an
Weaver
Ordinance II Weaver Brentllnge
and sockman
Weaver Pfouts and Sails