Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 75, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 May 1904 — The City Council. [ARTICLE]

The City Council.

A Spectacular Contest For Night Watch. Standing Committees Appointed. Monday night was regular meet-* ing night of the City Connoil. The old oounoil met first, and acted on the claims that were on hand. Some 51 of these were allowed, including two day’s pay for each of the election officers. . The old members then withdrew and the new members, H. L. Brown, C. J. Dean, J. F. Irwin, C. G. Spitler, Henry Grow and J. 0. Carmichael, took their seats. C. J. Spitler was elected president, to preside in case the mayor being absent. The Mayor announced the following standing committees: Finance, Claims, Ordinances, 'Education: Spitler, Grow, Dean.

Streets, Alleys, Side-walks, bridges: Dean. Carmichael, Irwin. Waterworks, Lights, Parks, City Property, Brown, Carmichael, Spitler. Sewers, Sanitation, Drainage Fire Department, Irwin, Grow, Brown. The election of a nightwatch for the ensuing year, precipitated a lively contest. The number of candidates counting both those who ran and “also ran” was seven. Namely B. Dillon, former incumbent, Christie Vick, Lyman Zea, Frank Critser, Bert Goff, Jas. Thompson, Jerome Harmon. Five ballots were taken. Namely: 123 4 5 Dillon 2 2 3 2 4 Vick 1 Zea 2 Critser 2 2 1 11 Goff 2 2 111

Mr. Dillon having a majority on the fifth ballot, he was declared elected. No votes were cast for Thompson or Harmon. The sudden jump of Lyman Zea on the 4th ballot, from nothing to two, wus the sensation of the contest.

C. B. Steward was re-appointed Fire Warden. A salary ordinance in blank was introduced, read the first time, and referred to the Finance committee, The W. R. C. asked for a lower light rate for their lodge room Referred to committee. The* members of the Finance committee were appointed a committee to audit the Treasurer’s books. The Fire reported the re-election of E. R. Hopkins chief, E. G. Warren, secretary, John Rush, treasurer. Approved by Council. The clerk was directed to notify the Trustees of Weston cemetery that another report must beforthcoming by next Council night.