Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, September 4, 1887, Page 1

fmwmt THE OMAHA SUNDAY BEE. SEVENTEENTH YEAR. VERDICT OF THE CITIZENS, Pronounced Against the Obstructionists in the Counci BOARD OF TRADE MEETING. A Most RespectablefUathering of Citi- % zens Emphatically Denounces the Couancil’s Opposition to the Police. The Meeting. Agreeably to the call, published in yester- day’s Beg, for @ meeting of . the board of trade and leading tax- payers, to consider the questions at issue between the mayor, council and fire and police commissioners, a large number of the most representative citizens assembled last night in the hall of the board. It was one of the most successful gatherings of the kind ever held in the city. Among the many present were noticed the following: THOSE PRESENT. Mayor Broateh, A. J. Poppleton, George A. Joslyn, A. D. Jones, Warren Switzler, J. L. Lovett, Euclid Martin, . J. 0'Connor, C. 8. Chase, James Crelghton, J. A. Lobeck, Samuel Rees, James E. Boyd, Frank Morris- FEaward Rosewater, Howard B. Ken- G. M. Hiteheock, E. W, Simeral, F. P, Kirkendall, Robert Easson, R. C. Patterson, John Mathieson, Howard' B, Smith, Chris W. Lininger. J. B. Evans, W. P. M. Perrine,. John Waketield, . W. A L. Gibbon, Thomas 1 allon, Augus Pratt, W. J. Welshans, B, F. Troxell, John S, Brady, G. 1. Gilbert, F. W. Melcher, Sydney Smith, L. H. Harmon Judge Stenberz, Thomas Swobe. J. ( Haines, D. Wheeler, Thomas Creigh. James Forsyth, W. McCandlish, A. C. Kennedy, C J. Barbour, C. . Goodman, Charles Squires, Max Meyer, A. D. Clark, E. R. Overall, Chris Specht, George M. Hicks, John L. McCague, J. J. Points, W. V. Morse, John P Breen, Day Mills, Joseph Barker, Major J._B. Furay, A. L. Dufrene 1. S. Smith, J. 8. Gibson, Captain Marsi| Samuel B, Jones, . L. Perine, J. A, Wake- field, G. Smith, J. W. Rodofer,John T, Clark, Joseph Garnenu, Judge Doane, Rev.J. S! Detwiler, Adolph Meyer, Dr, Woods, Charles Connoyer, J. E. House, N. B. Falconer, Dr, Denise, Dr. Dinsmaoor, K. E. M«-dn&‘. Aloxander, Th&nas Kilpatrick, C, S! Mon gomery, George lLeslie, Robert Purvis, M. Hellman, Louis Sehroeder, K. Stuht, V. Burk- ley, L. M. Rheem, Jeff Bedtord, and about one hundred others, OPENING. At S8:30 o'clock Max Meyer, president of the board, assumed the chair, and called upon Secretary Nattinger to read the call, avove referred to, relating to the meetin, ‘The call was then read, after which Mr. Mal tin and Wakefield, members of the board of directors, took places upon the platform. MiL MEVER. In ovening the meeting Mr. Moyer said: Gentlemen: In pursuance of this call for a meeting, over tive nundred invitations were sont out, not only to prominent taxpayers but to workingmeén, merchants and citizens of Omaha in general, and I think we have as representative a body of men bhere to- night as you ‘can find in the city of Omaha. I should like to have every one who is able and willing to do so expréss himself on the subjeet, but not zive us any long speeches, say live or ten minutes, so we may have as many express- fons as possible. MR. POPPLETON. Mr. Poppleton was called and suzzested that there could be no intelligent discussion of the matter until some proposition was put before the house, and asked that the object of the meeting ve stated. ME. E. ROSEWATER, Calls were then made for Mr. Rosewater, who said: About three weeks ago I met William A. Paxton in the neighvorhood of this building and he appeared to me to be considerably agitated over the situation in which this city hiad got by reason of the conflict batween the city council and police commission. He asked whether or not we had not better call a public meeting and desired me to take steps to bring that about. 1 told him I thought at that time the weather was so very sultry and many of our leading citizens being absent from the city that the time had not et come when such a meet- ng could be called profitably and when 1t counld impress the sentiment of Omaha upon the contending partics; but on last Wednesday ni:ht the council passed the following resolution : “Resolved: That the city clerk be in- structed to notify the pretended appointees upon the police force to desist upon erforming any services under the pretended ppointments of the board of fire and police commissio no funds will be provided to pay for any serviees rendered by virtue of such pretended appointments. Such notice on to the pretended chief of police ptended captain or sergeaut of police as well as the policemen,” When this resolution became public, the time for some action, in my opinion, had_ar- vived and I took the = responsibility to go and circulate that paper among the members of the board of trade, of which 1 am also a member, and requested the pres dent of the board to call this meeting to- gether. At the same time we had to take the L\;n[u‘ precautions that this meeting should orderly and not disturbed by any hood- lums or vagabonds who happened to be loaf- ing about the streets. For this reason and not for any purpose ot packing the meeting, only parties who had received invitations were to be adwitted. Now, so far as L am personally concerned, 1 believe that the best way to reach this que: tion is to get the promiscuous views and ex- wressions of mind of those here with regard 0 what is wanted at this time. W invited the council and member of the board of trade and lire and volice commis- sion and mavor to attend this meeting, and those who are here to-night can judge for themselves whether it is best to aceept the sentiment that will be expressed in this meeting, or whether it is best to defy it It is for them to do that and for us as citizens of Omala to haye them understand that we l\n)pnsu to set down our foot upon the at- empt to create anarchy by the very people wiho are represeutatives of the eity govern- ment. (Abplause.) 1 have no motioi to propose, but I think if the president or members o will eall out men who are known here as taxpayers, one after another, and there are short- Liaud reporters here to take it down-— that those members of the city council who are not here to-night will find out just who were here and what sentiments were ex pressed, and if they desira to express an nion of this meeting they ean do so. Fur- ther action can also be taken hereafter to bring about law and order and a proper re- sneet for the provisions of our charter. (Ap- plause.) 3. ¥, BOYD. Mr. J. I Boyd, being called for, said: [ am like Mr, Poppleton—I do not see that there are any resolutions before this bodv, I had never 0 a copy of the eharter until this af- ternoon and I have examined it but very slightly, [ believe, how . that this is en- tirely & question of law, and u$ am not a lawyer, 1t would be hardly proper for me to enter into the discussi ‘There are many things in the charts Bver, that we are all familiar with. Section 1, 1 believe, gives the mayor and council the right to levy and collect taxes for certain purposes. - Amoug these, a levy ot to eXcewd mills for the maintenance and pay of the poliee \lu{-u ment. ‘Then there aré various Bections in the eharter that touch upon this police question. Seetion 23 is as foll *“T'he mayor and council shall have power to rezulate the police of the city and impose fines, forfeitures and In-m\llie.\ or the breach of any ordinanee, and to provide for the re- covery and collection thereor; and to provide in default of payment, for the conlinement in the city Jail or prisou, and for hard labor in the city.” ‘The word “regulate,” as 1 take it, weans to restrict under certain rules. 1 beliave thero can be no other delinition given to it in this conneetion, Scetions 52 and 53 are as follows: *“I'ne mayor and council shall have power to provide for the organization and support of afire department, and to establish regula- ll?lal for the preveution and extinguishinent of iros, IR} *“She mayor and council bl baye | poswer toestablish, regulate and support night wateh and police, and to define the duties thereof, except as otherwise herein specially provided.” ‘I'he only other special provisions in this charter are in section 145, ‘hat goes on to define how the police commission stall be Appointed by the governor; that there shall be two of each party, ete., 'and “all powers and duties connected with and incident to the appointment, removal, government and discipline of the officers and members of the fire and police departments of the eity, under such rules and reegulations as may be prescribed by ordinance, shall be vested in and “exercised by = said board.” ~ Certainly the police commission can pass no ordinance. 'That must be passed by the mayor and council. ‘Then, again, it says: “The board of fire and police shall have power, and it shall be the duty of said board, toappoint a chief of polics and such other officers and policemen, to the extent that funds may be ‘)ruvldrd by the mayor and council to pay their salaries, a3 may be neces- sary for the proper protection and efficient police of the city, and as may be necessary to protect citizons and property and maintain peace and good order. The chief of polico and ail other police officers and polieamen shall be subject to removal by the board of fire and police, under such rules and_recula- tions as iy be prescribed by ordinance, whenever said board shall consider and de- clare such removal necessary for the proper management or discipline, or for the more effective working or service of the police de- partment.” Other provision in that section say that the police commis; n shall be governcd by such rules and rezulatious as may ba pre- scribed by law. 1 think the great mistake of the board of police and fire commission was in not first consuiting with the city council and surgesting to it what should be proper and necessary for the proper police reculation of the city ot Omaha. (Applaus#). 1 do not believe it waseverintended it should separate and distinet body except to out of the hands of the city council the appointment and removal of police, and that must be done as the charter provides and the rules and regulations as may be preseribed I take the charter as [ find it, eve the eity council have a right, and it is their duty to pass ordinances pre- seribing these regulations, and [ do ll"! be- lieve the police commission can remove a single policeman except under such rules as may be prescribed by ordinance. (Applause). POPPLETON AGAIN, However much we may diifer on some matters, there arc others in which we can all agree, in which we can honestly depre- cate the condition the administration of the city affairs s now in. We can deprecate the collusion and animosities that seem to have grown up between the police commissioners and city council. Whatever we may think of the law, or whatever view we may take of the situation and of its solution, we can all regret, in this year of our greatest prosper- ity, when we are piling up more money in brick and mortar, and making greater strides in material progress than ever betore, have been in the history of this city of un- paralellod progress, we find our govern- ment in the situation thatit is. Now, there Is not a man here who owns a dollar’s worth of property who is interested In anything but ‘a lawful solution of this llromulu if such solution ean be had because n tho end there is enough behind the law in this country to uphold and sustain it and solve any of these political governmental or social problems which fall within the domain of the law. So that, as wisecitizens, citizens desiring prosperity, order and good manage- ment, it seems to me that this is what we o and speak In that spirit. 1 am mnota partisan of anything or anybody. but I have sat here for twonty-four vears and iooked the law into the face in reference toa great many questions, and it is one of the things that makes me sleep well at nights that I have never blinked atan hon- estopinion or any question, no matter whatit involved. Ihavétried to lay down the law, let it hurt or strike wherever it would, either foror_againstand Lam in_the same spirit here in this contlict, The city council blame one and the polica commission blame an- other. As long asa conflict exists, and as long as this problem is unsolved and this controversy 18 unsolved you will find these contentions and it is in human nature that you should have and must have it, and you cannot rid yourself of it N any wa uxcnulb{ln solution of the con- stituted tribunals, Now, without going into any arzument. but in a disinterested spirit, [ pronose to say what 1 have in this matter. Those persons, it there are any of them vresent, who were on the committee who prepared the vreliminary charter which was submitted at Lincoln, along with the original draft, provided that the coun should appoint the police and fire commissioners. ‘There was nothing in the charter, as it left the hands of the committee, which vested in the governor of the state power to make that appointment. It was a necessary result of that, and as it was a creature ot the counci the police commission—it should be under its supervision to a Iarge extent and, hence it is that these provisions are found which Mayor Boyd has eited to you, giving the council the power to regulate this board and the power to control itin many ways. After the charter went to Lincoln, there were political motives or otherwise power to appoint these police commissioners lodged in the hand of the governor of the state. Now, it it had been the intention when the power was lodged with the governor of the state, to releasc the police commission trom the contyol and supervision of the city coun- cil by these provisions which subordinated to the council, they should have been stricken out of " the charter, but they were mnot. They were g lefvin. Ience, you haye this state of things, You have a provision of the charter whi absolutyly prohibits the appointment ot a po- liceman by the police commissioners, except under such rules and regulations as the city council prescribe, You have an absolute provision in plain terms that no policeman can be re- moved trom office except under such rules and regulations as the city council may pre- scribe. You have also a provision which declares that the number of men the police commission is to appoint is limited and con- trolied and graduated by the number of po- Iicemen the council is willing to appropriate the money to pay. So, you see, in the addi- tional clause ~ that ~ the police force should be under the general supervision of the city council, so that in every instance, this police commission and its powers are reterred back to the city council for the rula and guide of the fund. | law under which it must act in ey } Itgives the city council a check upon the sword, $o to speak, the power of ap- vointment. It gives the city council & check ~on the purse s0 to speak, the paying power, and subjects the police, as ICrAR RS regnlations on the part of the city of Omaia, Now, gentlemen, that is my view of it, ‘Che police commission is composed of men of the hignest character. 1 have no question that all believe ti they are in the strict line of duty. (Cheers.) Theeity eouncil at least contains a larze number of men of highchar- acter. 1f you cannot make the aeclar- ation with regard to every indi- vidual meinber of the council, it is of hi:h eharacter. You ean, at least say, there are many men of high character in tho city couneil. Now, I am constitutionally opposed to liti- gation. 1 have discouraged more cases than any lawyer or, perhaps, any man in Omaha, but there always comes a time in the history of men and insytutions when there is noth- ing that will auswer buta law swmt. It has to come. In my opinion, to pass resolutions of a tagonism, denouncing tiis man and that man, or the police board and denouncin the eity council, is simply to add fuel to the flame. * It settles nothing. It disposes of nothing. It in no way, in wy opinion, helps the hixh standing or the position of this eity or any man in it; but if some method” could be advised by which this board or these bodies could” formnulate the question of law submit them to Judge Wakeley or the supreme court of the state, 1t that could be done it would be a solution of a question of law, It is the solution of the question that un- derlies this conflict, and the countlict 1ssettled a8 soon as a decision 18 reached. (Cheers.) As [said before, 1 have expressed my opirion to you what the charter is, I don’t want aby gensleman here to understand that Lexpressed that dogmatically, or that 1 8 3‘1:\!!*[1 _nnn-h,y lr’sbad' clse Is wrong and 1 canifot pdssibly bd wrdng, 1 have had some difficulty in settling in my mind just exactly where this litigation izht end, but'l tell you it will take at best uent where I think it will turn, L understand that the city couneil and regulations, which think they had the richt to do. Among other " things [ have sald that a man should not be chief of police or volice officer (I am not certaln) unless he has been a resident ot Omaha for two or three years. In other words, in these rules and regulations, they inten to prescribe qualifications for office "The speaker closed by strongly urging that the matter be referred to the court for final solution of the difticulty. MR. IARTMAN. Hartman then arose and reply to Mr. Poppleton stated that the =~ commission had adopted rules for its government and submitted them to the city council for approval, but the council had pigeon-holed the same, and had taken no action upon them. MR. GILBERT, Commissioner Georze 1. Gilbert, in re- sponse to calls, came forward and spoke as follows: **When we recetved the invitation tobe pres- ent, we did not consider it In the nature of a calvms to show eause why we had not done this thing or another, but, as we are here, and I have been requested to state the views of the commission very briefly, I will do so. In the first = place, will read sections 145 and 146 of the charter defin- 1ng the duties, powers, ete., of the board.” After reading the sections referred to Mr. Gilbert continued Now, gentlemen, as you all are aware, the governor of the state appointed on this com- mission Mr. Hartman, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Smith and myself, The first thing we did was to meei and adopt rules by which we were to be governed, and the next thing wa to submit those rules to the city council for their approval. That we did, and, as Mr. Hartman has said, they never have acted upon these rules or regulations. ‘L'hey never have approved or disapproved them.” They have put them away in some pigeon-hole where they now remain. ‘The charter nowhere provides they shall make the rules that govern the police foree and fire department. Mr. Poppleton—It says you cannot appoint except under the rules of the charter. Mr. Gilbert—No, sir. It does anything of the kind. 1 admit there inconsistencies in the charter but not in this respect. It has been asked here why we did not go right into court, or get some court to construe this law. The city pays $4,500 a vear to two attorneys, Mr. Webster and Mr. Davis, for the express purpose of construing this law, 'They lIu‘l\'e een asked to consider it and they have done it. 1 have the ovinion of Mr. Webster, who Las construed this char- ter, and we are willing to stand by that construction, Mr. Poppleton says, into court.” ~Let them come into court. are satistied to stand where we are. (Loud applause.) We do not care to come into court, It Is not our quarrel. We are ursuing the even tenor of our way fromn day 0 day, and all we aro concerned about is that they wont pay our men., We shall try some way, however, by which we can make them. Here a running debate took place between Messrs. Poppleton and Gilbert as to the proper method of testing this question in the courts. Mr. Gilbert then continued—Gentlemen, we are not here to defend ourselves. So far as [ am concerned 1 would feel entirely grat- itied, and 1 would be pleased if the supreme court should wipe the commission out of ex- istene. A voice—Amen, Mr. Gilbert—And commission would did not seek these places, _ but wo have our plain duty “to perform and we are performing it as we think we ought to under this charter. A running fire was then opened and ticipated in b ssrs, Kirknatriek, risey, Joe Barker, Poppleton, Hartman. after which Mr. Rosewater, being called upon, addressed the meeting as follow M Mr. Chairman. 'he proposition which Mr, Poppleton brinzs before this meeting is, within itself, all right enough, but it does not accontplish the purpose for which this meetinz has been called. The object of this meeting is not sinply to earry this question into the courts, where it may ultimately go, but to back the mayor and police authorities i e proper exercis and diseharge of their duties, (Applause.) Ieclaim that the main oint at issue here is one of wood faith, and insist that good faith has not been shown anch of this city government, I when the bonds of this police commission were submitted under the or- dinance proposed by the council and drafted by the mayor, it was the duty of the council 10 approve those bond if the bonds were good. Lf the bonds w not vroperly drawn, 1t was the rt d have them corrected, What did they do? sumed, from the outset, ‘a disp domincer and arro gate to themsel they did not possess, even according to Mr, Poppleton or Mr. Boyd. ‘They went to work and held the nds of Herman Kountze and William A. Paxton upon the commissions of Messrs. Bennett and H; man, 3ix weeks ani refused to report them, They lield the others about six weeks longer and” then reported back that there was some (&'Ulullm\lll{ y reason of which they couldn’t recommend their adoption or approval; and, when that technicality was removed, they still refused and held the bonds in their pockets. Does that show good faith? 1 say when these men talk about the council hav- ing power to refuse money for which the people have been taxed for the proper main- tenance of the police, it is an outragedo ad- mit for a moment there is any ?ll\ulh tion for anvthing of the kind—witbholding money for the vrotection of life and property in this city. They are our servants and het our wasters, They handle our money, not their own. They may contribute their small share, but how mueh Is that share compared with the azzregate of the whole city? 1 say this g ng owes it to itself to take very decided steps to 560 that proper nolice protection shall be maintained until the question shall be edcided by the courts, (Apvlause.) Mr. Poppleton ralses the question whether the chief of police has any authority to ar- resta man for violation” of the law next week, L do not believe in throwing out in- sinuation that thieves and erooks cau come here and d the police and good citizens might s ‘you may go, bechuse King Has- call don’t allow the police coinmissioners to e proper appointuen do not believe in mincing matters or in this milk and water style ot compromise and concessions. Lf this coneil is acting in good faith, we want to know it, We want them to show it by their acts. Why don’t they ap- prove the bonds of the commissioners? Why don't they return to the commissioners the rules and regulations they adopted more than a month ago? (Applause.) Why don’t they sLow some disposition to settle these matters themsclyes James Creighton—*1If they would compro- mise and have the whole matter settled, would you be satistied?” (nduressing Mr, Rose- water.) Yes, butas [ Pssepd rules Mr. in not say (Applause.) are s01e everyone say the We of amen. far Mor- Gil- Thev as- tion to S powers Mr, Rosewater understand it, it is proposed here to earry this matter into tho courts, and it may také twenty days or two or three months or half a year before we get a decision. We want to show for the next week now, and for the next two or threa months,’ and until this matter is settled that the peoplo will stand by the mavor and police, and sustain them, (Loud cheers and applause.) 1t makes no difference whether Seavey is chief of police or John Smith, 1t is the oilice we respect. (Cheers.) o 1 asked Mr. Liascall when this council first organized and when this question first came up. Isn’t it an assumption on your part, it you desire to withhold the approval of the council of the rules and regulations of the commission: vou can nullify the commission and keep it dead as long as you see fit and keep it in anarchy and discord?’ He sald, ‘No, we are going to adopt their rnes in a few days and send them back, when we get them as we want thein.” You know when the levy was made I charged that it was insufticient for the pay of the police at the increased salary and was answered that it was ample. No sooner had the levy passed than we were notified by the commission there were no funds.” Mr. Rosewater closed by asking that at this meeting of the citizens of Owmaha, \l‘ey instruct the council that they demand the proper maintenance of the peolice and its eiliciency . T'OPILETON'S MOTIO 1 move thata committee of five be ralsed for the purpose of conferring with the city council and board of police commissioners to devise if possible some method of submitting PART |, PAGES 1-8. OMAHA, SUNDAY MORNING SEPTEMBEB- 4, 1887.~-SIXTEEN PAGE this question to_the counrts, This was sec- onded by Johm T. Clark and Mr. Gilbert. . MR, CHEIGHTON'S AMENDMENT. In the event .hat the committee cannot compromise the whole guunn. that 1t then be submitted to the eou: MR, BARKEIRS AMENDMENT, Resolved, T s the opinion of this meeting, pending the final settlement of this question, we'endoise and support the board of the policeand fire commissioners in their action and tinal appointments, and request the city council to give the board their of- ficial support, sud, further, that the city council be requested to provide pay for every member of the pollee force as recognized by the police commisston. ME RUSEWATER'S AMENDMENT. “I desire to offer the amendment that the taxpayers and business men of Omaha con- tribute the necessary funds to pay the police !o{(‘(‘. if the council réfuse to pay them their salary, Mn’luchcmk made an eloquent and stir- ring speech, stating that the discussion of the evening had developed in two branche: nnmr[{ a_ question of law and a question of order. He did not realize that it was so much a question of law, but when one come to the law question the justice was on the side of the comamission, Mayor Broateh followed briefly in defense of a course of action of himself and the members of the commnission. THE COMMITTEE. (] I'he meeting closed with the adoption of Mr., l‘orpll'tuu's resolution and the an»lnt- ment of John Evans, P Kirkendall, Jos- eph Barker, John Brady, and Ben Gallagher as the cominittee to confer with the commis- sion and council. ——— The Council Chamber Meeting. The meeting in the council chamber last night was called to order in the presence of a fair sized crowd by the ex-justice, Pat O. Hawes. The “judge” nominated Dr. Mercer for chairman and the doctor was unani- mously elected. On taking the chair Dr, Mercer thanked his friends for the honor conferred, and said: “As I am ignorant of the object of tire meeting, 1 must ask some one to explain the nature of it.”” ‘That was tne extent of tor's speech, &nd before anyono could gratify him ex-fire chief Butler jumped fo his feet and nominated O. H. Rotha for serretary and the nomina- tion was ratified. Mr. Bechel opened by ex- plaining to Dr. Mercer the object of the meet- ng. . He denounced Seavey as a blight on humanity and said that the commission had placed him in the position he now occupies without the legal right to do it. L. S. Hascall then took ocersion to say that the object of the meeting was to hear from the citizens and proposed that George W.Am- brose be invited to address the meeting. Mr. Ambrose said: *'I did not come here to be heard, but to heat this subject dis- cussed, Ihave examined the charter, and without hesitancy pronounce it the most bungled mass ever coming from a legislative body. 1am satisfied in my own mind that the council and mayor have the government of the fire and police departments in their hands. ~ Under the law of mandamus proceedings this law cannot be tested, It Is unfortunate that we find our- selves in this attitude, so let us declde upon some course by which ths difficulty can be settled.” Judge Dundy was the next speaker. The judge started his speech by saying that the crowd was all sober, which was correct, sav: g minor «‘(certlnnfl here and there. Con- nuing, the judge said: “I did not come here to participate in these proceedings. 1 came to see the fun. I endeavored to learn something of the condition of thinys, and started to read your charter this morning. I digcovered it ‘covered about 175 pages of print and gave it up. There is another meeting in the city to-night. I re- ceived an invitation to it. "It wasa written invitation extended on certain conditions. 1 saw an advertiserment of this meeting, to vhich everybody was invited, and came here, aye nothing to say about the other me ing, but at a public meeting L want to sco everybody who has a vote invited. A large majority of the council is to be condemned atone and stained at the other of these meetin izht. Now [ take it for granted the council has the best interest of tha city at heart. 1 have seen nothing in their actions to condemn, and I believe they know what they are about.” Councilmen Lee, Hascall and Ford made short speeches. Judge Haw the doe- said: “I have lived in Omaha twenty Pars, and alway: took an interest in publie affair: I am as competent to judge of the circumstances of this case as any of our 100,000 citizens. We have heard from judges Dundy and Am- brose, and they are of the opinion that ti chartér cannot control the council. Broateh's nead is about the size of Sullivan’s fist, and twice as hard. Governor Thayer has no right 10 come up here to Ounaha and govern the ty, even if we have a man for mayor who is on general principles.” A resolution endorsing the council in its fight with the police com- mission was offered by Mr. Awbrose, it created considerable of a breeze. Judge oung man named Grimm op- posed it with all their might. It was with- drawn, and another, more mild offered. But before itcould be vut to a vote a motion to adjourn was made and adopted, Policemen Take Their Chances, Yesterday afternoon the fourteen new po- licemen on the force were each astonished to ve a letter, of whicnh acopy is given here: “Not1cE:~You are hereby notitied that the city council of the city of "Omaha has ofli- cially determined that your pretended ap- pointment as ‘mlicmlmn is null and void and that no funds haye been provided to pay you services and the city cletk required to kive vou notice of the fact: “Therefore this notice is given 1n accord- anca with the aforesaid action of the city council, eptember 1, A. 1. 1887, Jor Sournann, City Clerk. Despite this, by advies of the chief, the new men went to their aceustomed posts. e Governor Pattison's Prospects. WASHINGTON, Sept. 3,—|Special: Telezram tothe Ber.)—The BEe correspondent has exhausted every means of information avail- able to ascertain how much truth there is in the rumor that ex-Gevernor Pattison is to be appointed Secretary of the Interior. At the white house it was said that the president has intimated to noone whowm he will appoint, and the name of ex-Governor Pattison had never been heard in connectionwith the piace until it appeared in u dispatch from Ph ll\'|‘lhl‘l to-day. Assistant retary Muldi said that Lie has no knowledge of the pre 1t's intentions with reterence to the seers taryship of the interior. le does not even know whether or mnot Sec- retary Lamar is to be elevated to the supreme bench law oflice. Montgome: said that it is geneally understood th Lamar is to o on the bench but he was sure that Mr. Lamar had not been advised as to his suceessor. The rumor seemns to have originated trom the well known feeling of friendship existing between the president and ex-Governor Pattison. There are those who think it may be well founded but no one aside from the president has any positive knowledge on the subject and the president is not disposed to disclose his plans in ad- vanes. — Sarpy County Politics, PAPILLION, pecial Tele- graum to the Bek, | ~Demoeratic central com- mittee met at the eourt house to-day and called the county convention for October 20 at 1 p. m., the Springiield, Mass., convention was called for October 1 2t 1 p. m. and the Papillion primaries for Octoher 2 at 4p, m. I'he republican central co mmittee met at the same time and appointed delegates for the state counvention, Judge A. W. Hancock was authorized to select delogates to the judiclal convention, the chairman to an- nounce the time and place for holding the county convention. Judze A.W. Hancock will undoubtedly recaive the solid republican and a large dewmocratie vote in this county, S el Affairs in Hawal Tranquil. SAN Fraxeisco, Sept, 8.~The steamship Alameds, from Sydney, Australia, having touched at Honolulu, August 27, arrived here at neon today. Affairs in the Hawaiian kingdom eontinue to reriain uil. An active political canyess is b made for the election unger the new constitution, which will oceur Septeiber 12, THE FRENCH MOBILIZATIOY, | 1t Proves a Delightful Surprise to the Ma- Jority of the People. FULLY PREPARED FOR GERMANY" Russia Engaged in the Bullding of a Great Military Railroad—Em- peror Willlam Changes His Plans—Foreign, Mobilization Popular (Copyright 1887 by James Gordon Bennett.) PAnris, (via Havre) Sept. 8.—[New York Herald Cable—Special to the Bre.|—The French mobilization is so far a brilliant success. ‘There has been no delay of any kind. The reservists have arrived almost in- variably before the appointed time. All sta- tions in the mobilized district are filled with fathers, brothers and husbands kissing their families and starting off as if a great battle was momentarily exvected. The intendance and railway oflicials have shown a vast im- provement in their resources of energy and disclpline- ' Politically the mobilization of the Seventeenth corps is the mortsignificantevent since 1871, Frenchmen are apt to be either in the seventh heaven of delight or in the slough of despondency. In fact it has been the fashion for the Parisians of Faubourg St. Germain to de and belittle their own fizhting strencth, The success of the present mobilization causes genuine elation turoughout the length and breadth of France. Statesmen and diplomats with whom I have talked answer me that the danger of an Eurovean war is far greater now than last spring when Prince Bismarck was ominous and threatening. The French pvow feel that they are ready to measure swords with anybody. Napoleon 111 for nearly a quarter of a century was the schoolmaster of Kurope. Bismarck, since 1870 has succeeded to the schoolmastership of FEurope telling this country and that country what to do and what not to do. -After the present successful mobilization the Vion Chancellor will find that the French benches of the school will begin to getup arebellion and important events may be expected next spring. It1s very significant that tho Berlin press continues toscoll at the mobilization of the Seven- teenth army corps as, under the um- stauces, “'a carefully rehearsed, absurdly ex- pensive, absolutely worthless military farce, which will notallow the slightest opinion to be formed as to the preparedness of the French army in event of war suddenly break- ing out.” RUSSIA’S MILITARY RATLROAD, A dispateh from St. Petersburz slates that the plans for the construc- tion of a Russian military railway from the Caspian sea to Vladivosok, on the Pacific. drawn up last winter by General Obrutschefr, chief of the Russian general staff, and Gen- eral Annenkoff, of the Russian engineer corps, have received the final sanction of the czar, and the whole work has now been in- trusted to General Annenkoff, who built with such rapidity and brilliant success the military railway from Krasroodsk, on the Caspian sea, to Sarakhsandmo. 1t is firmly believed in military circles here that this railway, uniting by rail the Atlantic and Pacific, will be completed before October 1, 1801, Commenting upon this news the Temps says: *“This immense railway sys- tem is directed defensively and offensively towards China. Besides its commere yantages it will permit Russ effectively protect, in case of slon, both the Amowri territory and the Qussowri territery, which are constantly threatened by the proximity of Maripouria and by the fact that the Musco- vite colonics are lest there amidst the yellow skinned population. Moreover, the possibil- ity of a rapid concentration of the Russian army, cither near Kuidscha by a branch line trom Omsk or upon the Corean frontier, will give an occasion to the Petersburg wovernment for profiting by any favor- able opportunity to vade either of these two countries and especially the second, where Russia, 8sis well known, covets for her Pacific ocean fleet a harbor better situated and freer from the ice than that of the Viadivorstock port, Luzanef, for instance, or the bay of Ouensan, By means of this new railway Russia will become es- tablished in a formidable position in Asia. She will be able to launch terth hier armies at pleasure, either upon the fron- tier of India or upon the frontier of China. She will be able to attack the English either in Afghanistan or on the Pacific without it being in the power of amy one to hinder or interfere with her in any way. THE SPIRIT MONOPOLY, to aggres- Indications That Prince Bismarck ‘Was Interested. [Copyrighted 1857 by New Fork Associated Press.) BERLIN, Sept. 8.—Much diverse specula- tion over the meeting ot Emperor William and the czar will be checked by the an- nouncement that the emperor has abandoned his intention to go to Konigsberg, It was determined to-day, after long consultation of his physicians, that instead of turing to attend the army maneuvres, it was urgent that the emperor should re- turn to Babelsburg, In accordance with this decision the emperor and empress and the imperial court will go to Babelsburg on Monday. The collapse of the spirit monopoly ring will give intense gratiication to the publie, and is especially pleasing to the progression- ists, who alone among the political parties denounced the enterprise, The projeetors of the scheme fought till the last mouent to obtain subseriptions, which were first delinitely fixed to be closed Monday, but the time was extended daly till Thursday, During this period negotia- tions were nmed with the Bleichreders and Mendelsohna, the projectors urging them to support the scheme if it was shown that tho distillers were unanimously joining the spint bank, and the success of the project appeared probable till it was known that be- sides the Nordhausen the Silesian distillers held aloof, when the project was withdrawn. Six hundred necessary adhe- ons were still awaited. Tl hares of the distiller's companies have resumed their nor- mal valueand there has been a concurrent id heavy fall in the prices of spinits, The cussion of the spirit monopoly has led to a disclosure of the fact that Prince Bis- marck is concerned in distilling on a large seale. He owns distilleries at Yarzen, Midora and Wendiseh Puddiger, the annual output 6t which 1s estimated at 600,000 litres, His interest in the monovoly lead the projectors to ask him to join ihi2 di rectors, which he declined to do on account ot his official position. The progressists consider the failure of the scheme an indirect check an the economie plans of Prince Bis- marck. e The Sheriff Safe, PrescotT, A. T, Sept. 3.—A telegram has beoen recelved from Sheriff Mulrey announc- ing that he and party had left ‘lonto basin, thus disproving the' rumor that he and the wewbers of his party had been Killed, ., CHINA'S NEW BANK, The Men Interested in the Scheme Arrive it Chicago. CnicAco, Sept. 8.—|Special Telegram to the Ber. |—There are seven names registered on the book on theGrand Pacitic counter to- day that have a peculiar Interest attached to them. They are Count Eugene Stanislow, Roffka De Mitkiewieez, Mr. Ma Kie Chung, Mr. L, Mr, Tzu, Mr. F. A, Stern, Mr. BT, Rae and Mr. E. 8. Barberrie, and they form the major portion of a wealthy snydicate that is about to establish a Chinese-American bank in 8hanghal, The headquarters of this syndicate are located in Philadelphia, and it ‘was n that city that the project originated Iast April. At that time the count conceived the idea of establishing a bank in China which would be conducted under the joint management of Chinese and Americans, and communicating his desire to some wealthy Philadelphians, who received it favorably, they set sall from San Francisco on Avpril 2. They went well armed with introdue- tions to the largest capitalists and most influential people of China, and were court- eonsly listened to. ‘The chief negotiations were with the viceroy, Li Hung Chang, who was the most ardent espouser of the sc heme. From him they obtained the privilege to lo- cate their bank in Shanghai and if deemed advisable to establish another at ‘Tien Tsin, The syndicate were also conceded all tele- phone privileges in China. and it was furtner agreed between the parties that all the treaty ports now open should remain so for fifty years to come. ‘e bank will have an im- mense capital stock, but the amount has not yet been inade public, nor will it be known until a meeting of the syndicate oceurs, This *coalition of capital has no conncetion with any other mooted venture of a similar nat- uré, As it now stands it is composed of twelve capitalists, but the count thinks that quite within the range of possibility that this number may be increased. ke is some- what in the dark as to what has been done in his absence, as the means ot communication are not rapid and they have made no halt since leaving China a month ago. Mr. Barberrie and Mr. Rae are the electricians of the company and_journeyed with them on their vis! Corrt Mitkiewiecz is a Russian gentloman of supposed vast wealth, lleisa perfect polyglot, and talks English with a grace and fluency that be- tokens long acquaintance with it. He 1s quite Enclish in appearance, has a fancy palr of Dunareary of an auriferous hue, is about 5 feet 10 inches high, and dresses in a snuff colored suit of the cut away pattern. ‘The party arrived this morning over the Chicazo, Rurlington & Quincy road at 7:40 o'clock and will depart this evening for Wash- ington by the Lake Shore route at ! o'clock ASHINGTON, Sept. 8,—Advices receiv at the department of state from Tien Tsin, China, contain some information regarding the concession reported to have een recently made by the Chinese government to certain Americans, It is stated that the viceroy has sicned decrees nting to Wharton Baker, of Philadelphia, and Euzene de Mitkiewiecz, of New York City, sole and exclusive right to construct and operate teleplione lines at the treaty ports of China for a period of fifty rs. The department is intormed of the departure of Mitkiewicez with the Chinese embassy for Washington, where they are soon expected. ‘Their mission is regarded as of great importance. Mitklewiecz will bring with him, according to ofticial réports, the form of the charter for the Chinese bank, which has received the sanction of the vice: roy, and will be submitted to the Philadeiphia syndicate for approval. The envoy has full power to ratify any agreement or charter ne- gotiated. g THE B. & O. DEAL. Published Developments a Complete Surprise to Stock Operators, NEWYoRK, Sept. 3.~The developments published this morning regarding the Balti- ¢ & Ohio negotiations were a complete surprise to operators in the stock market, but they all formed a decision to buy every- thing on the list at the opening of the ex- change, and prices moved up with unpre- cedented rapidity. ward the close of bus! ness the excitement subsided and the fm- prssion began to grow that the benefit to acerue from the contract was overestimated. One of the heaviest operators in the street said after tho close: There i8 no benelit to be gained from the settlement pt that which might acerue to the cred- of the Baltimore & Ohio. They are’ essentially the same parties who have taken preferred stock and bonds and it is simply a matter of bonding the floating debt. As far the telegraph settlement is concerned, that is further away now than ever. Tho Baltimore & Ohio is now in strong hands and will be run in unction with the P'ennsylvania & Reading for the benefit of the Jatter and if Gould buys the telegraph system it will be at the syndicate’s terms and there may be a fight of y before a cen- solidation.” Vice P'resident Decastro, of the Commiercial Cable company, was ayerse to king on the matter, 1t was said Mr, Mackay was still in San Francisco and had no intention of comiug to this ity for some time. Should Gould get the Baltimore & Ohio telegraph system the position of the Postal company would not be weakened, but meaterially strengthened, it would then be the only opb ion line, J. Pierpont Mor- zan said that the preliminary contract signed Vesterday was the only one necessary and that no other wonld be drawn up. He said i the intention to sell both the telegraph and sleeping ear plants and franchises as it could be favorably accomplished. IMOLE, Sept. There is but little excitement here consequent upon the last deal of the Baltimore & Olio railroad m- pany. It has thus far had no effect upon the k, for which 151 was bid at the close to- ‘The general impression prevails that new deal will be for the best interests of the road. PritcApALPHIA, Sept, 3.—~The Public By of Monday, referring to the Baltimore al, will say ‘The report that the fa Railroad company is a party to tion is entirely without founda- tlon. ‘That compary s nota party and has no interest in the acreement except as a part of the general publi 1 , Sept. S.—Among the Amer here b is the general opinion that the Baltimore & Ohio settiement will have a good effect on all Ameriean trunk lines and espeeinlly those working east and west. - Pensions ( WASHINGTON, |Special “Tele- gram to the Brp,|=The following lowa and Nebraska pensions were granted to-day: 4 Pensions—Elizabeth, widow of James ieddes. Ameo: Martha A\, wother of Ran- dolph I, Harber, Polk ohn Safley, jr., Mt Vernon; William Collins, Swan: “Edwin Goodwin, Independence, Inc ed: Will- iam Fuller, Scott Grove; Willinm N, Brown, Belleplaine, Re- n nted Birney, Churd Mexican war: Philip Me Sparen, West Libert ~Nebraska—Ann, mother of Jacob Hassen, lencoe, Increase: Henry D, Weller, Stella} rary, Albion; Jol Clarks; John Beely, Gordon. Re-issue and nerease! Johu G. Jones, Tecumsen. —~~— Clendenin Ready for the RINGFIELDy ML, Sept, 8.— Clendenin to-day torwarded a letter to master General Vilas, in action of the state Chicago yesterday G ay. ostmaster Post- ming him of the democratic cominttee ut stated that hie waiy formal notice and wus now ready to mect and refute either in Springtield or at Wash- ington all the charges indicated in the com- mittee’s resolutions before the postmiaster keneral or before any representative of the department or & conimission authorized to © the investigation Trouble O» the Tapis. Dunray, Sept. 8.—Nationalist placards in reference to to-morrow's meeting were posted in various parts of Ennis to-day. The police promptly tore them down and «r rested several men posting copies of the manitesto. Messrs, Sullivan, O'Brien, DIl ton and Cox, wmembers ot rliament, left Dublin this evening for kK Purther ol {tary reintorcements will t Enuis to LWOTEOWa go WEEKLY BUSINESS REVIEW. Local Monetary Affairs Reported in About the S8ame Condition. THE BANKS WELL SUPPLIED, A Considerable Amount of Funde Forwarded to the Interior— More Life Manifested in Produce Circles, In the Financial World, Cricsco, Sept. pecial Telegram ta the Bee.]—~Local financial affairs remain in about the same condition as noted for several days past. ‘The banks are well supplied with available funds and the demanl ior money in a general way is quite active for this sea- son of the year. T'he inqu iry is largely from merchants in the mereantile trade who are disposed to enlarge their stocks to some ex- tent at present prices, regarding the outlook more favorable for an active fall and winter trade. They are discounting bills for coods lously purchased and have been rather borrowers at present rates of interest. ‘The demand from the speculative interest is comparatively light and the loans to board of trade operators for the purpose of paying for property tendered on September contracts W lighter than for several months past. Considerable money has been for- warded to the lnterior, especially to the west and southwest, for tho movement of grain and live stock. Lumber deaiers and local manufacturers asked for some asssistance, but their demandas were mnot pressing. Rates of interest ruled steady and un- changed at 5@6 per cent for call and 6@S per cent for time loans. depending on the stand- ing of the borrower and the amount of money required. Very little paper was offered on the streot and limited to parties not in favor with the banks. Advices from eastern financial centers showed wmore stringency in that quarter and money was reported very close, with bankers pursuing a very conservative course in view of the dis- astrous failures in that section, Money in New York was quoted firm at 6@S per cent. The tone of European markets indicated more steaai- ness in that quarter and In interest rates were higher. The Bank of England rate was advanced to 4 per cent and the gradual flow of specie to this country continues.’ New York exchange was in good supnly, while the demand was limited. The market was dull and easy. with sales between banks at 50@@60 cents discount per §1,000, closing rather dull at55@60 cents. Foreign exchange was ine clined to dullness the greater portion of the week and sales were lichter at a further re- duction in prices. Shivpers’ sixty days docu= mentary biils on Loundon changed hands a 4755 @4.701y and _ closed ~ quiet at 84, The New York stock market was greatly unsettled during the early vart of thie week, with considerable realizing from all sources, and prices re- ceded from all the leading properties, Round lots were offered freely and operators were anxious to close out their holdings, At the decline submitted to leading Wall street op- erators were more inclined to take hold, and with the assistance ot foreizn purchasers they succeeded in checking the downward turn in prices. "T'oward the close a little re- action set in and prices were slghtly ade vanced. The volume of business was con- siderably increased. The aggregate sales on the New York stock exchange for the week vere 2,316,000 shares. ‘The earnings of the leading railroads are well maintained,though the awerage is lower than reported’ somes time ago.” American securities were some- whatunsettled in_foreign markets and prices ruled irrecular, A little more life has™ been in produce circles during the week just closed, though the fealing has been somewhat unsettled, attended with consider- able irregularity in prices. Operators ap- parentlv are taking less interest in crop news, being satistied that the final results will not vary mueh from previous estimates which, it must be admitted, vary consides bly. Whatever the outcome will be, the in- flience to some extent in that pect has lost 1ts force. More intere: now centers in the question of supply and de- mand, the movement from first hands and the wants of consumine districts, ‘ake ing into consideration the result of the season’s harvest as reported, farmers evidently are not inelined to sell to any very wreat extent, more particularly of wheat, d upparently are disposing of only sufiicient vroperty to meet current exnensés and_can- cel amulated indebtedness, This is re- carded as a strengthening feature of the markets, though the greatly unsettled feeling in San Franeisco and Liverpool early in the week tended to eheck busine and make operators timid. The clearing up of these trouvles without any serious difliculty and a reaction to some extent in_the latter market has had the cet of giving the markets generally a stronger undertone, At present prices operators appear more contident of better markets tn the future, though inclined to wove very cautiously in their transactions, Srocks of grain and “provisions are being gradually reduced, golng rapidly into con- sumption on foreirn and domestic mar- kets. The r of erain *in tho western marke: till lighter than for the corresponding time last year, while live stock is being marketed more freely, The weather in the northwest has been rather unfavora- ble for the th iing and delivery of small grain, and this has in a measure checked shipments, The shipping deémand for grain inues netive and liberal purchases were made and widely distributed.” Freights show tern markets, but “eut been made to Euroy ing in the westis gradually deer )b not i the proportion preyious! anticipated, Steps to Protect Lake Cities. Cricaco, Sept. enator Bell, of Peo= ria, who is a membar of the state drainage commission, visited Mayor Roche this morn ing to indues him to secure the co-operation of Chicago's citizens in making a success of the waterways convention at Peoria on Oce tober 11, He reported that & strong organ ized movement 1s being made along the rive towns and throughout the west. ‘Fhe inten- tion s to get congress to pass the needed legislation and construct a ship canal neeting the Mississipni river with the Inkes. Senator Bell urged the subject ns a matter of national importance. The canal would be & per petual competitor ot the railroads and give the whole Mississippi valley direct connnunieation with the sea. In casé of war the canal wonld be th alvation of the lako cities, Dy the terms of the present treaty with Great Britain the United States is not permitted to b men-of-war on the great akes, but it hostilities were commenced with ngland, tor tance, a whole fleet of war vessels eould come down the St. Lawrence and devastate all sreat cities on the chain of lal With o anal from the Missis- sissippl a fleet of riean vessels could ba fitted and sent to the r The mayor agreed to consult with the congressional delegates from Clicago and seo that Chicago was proverly represented. - - The Defense ¢ udoes Its Testimony, Wyannorry, Kan, Sept. 3.—The dofense its testimony to-day in the ecase of Hamilton, who s charged with ng A Missouri Pacifle train during the 1 April, 1556, by which two lives were idence in rebittal was tbegun to-day probably go 4o the juiy on 4 ship Al ue of the lak - McCool Juncrion’s Rallroad, MeCooy, JUnoTioN, Neb., Sept. 8,— Spees totie BrE, (~"The Kansas City oud track lavers iave reachied o the south. Ihis gives MeCool antlpt, Everybody” I8 rejoleing 1+ eomplelion of the third rsilroad,