A Tie Vote Leaves Newport's Telephone Franchise Hanging

The town council of Newport met for its last regular session Tuesday evening before turning over the affairs of the town to the recently elected officials. All members of the council were present and Mayor Vawter presided.

Reports of the city treasurer and clerk for the year 1907 were read, and reports were made by the street committee.

The telephone ordinance, which had been hanging fire before the council since last August, was taken up for its third reading and placed upon its passage. It was adopted section by section until section 11 was reached. It being desired to make a change in the proposed ordinance to cover certain privileges desired by the town, Attorney Sherlock was asked to draw up a proper amendment thereto. A discussion arose as to the wisdom of passing the ordinance without further discussion, and Councilman Eckerson and Attorney Sherlock spoke in favor of further consideration. As a result of the discussion, Councilmen Eckerson and Bennett voted for postponement and Caldwell and Rowell for going ahead without further delay, which they feared would imperil the chances of the town's getting a much desired service. As the result of the tie, for which there was no legal method known for deciding, the matter is left hanging in the air for the new council to grapple with. It is only fair to the council to explain that all the delay in the matter is not chargeable to the council, but it should be given early consideration, as there has been ample time to inquire into it, and further delay is not fair to the parties asking the franchise.

The newly elected town officers being present, they were sworn in by City Clerk Priaulx as follows: Mayor, Ed. S. Appel; Treasurer, Fred Phillips; Councilmen, George Hynes, Charles Stadelman and F. D. Bennett. There being no further business, the old council adjourned sine die at 10:30 p.m.

The new council convened at 10:30 with Mayor Appel in the chair and all members present.

The newly installed mayor read a list of his appointments, all of which were confirmed by the council and are as follows: City Clerk—W. A. Priaulx; Police Judge—Jas. M. McDonald; Health Officer—Dr. J. T. Phillips; Marshal—Chas. S. Freeman; Night Watch—W. S. Straight.

While the matter of the confirmation of Mr. Freeman as marshal was under consideration, a petition was presented to the mayor and council requesting the re-appointment of E. Jenne as marshal. A. W. McMorran spoke in behalf of Mr. Jenne's candidacy, speaking of his efficiency and faithful service. Councilman Eckerson was opposed to the reception of the petition and Councilman Hynes objected to considering it at all. The petition was signed by 154 residents and business men of the city.

Mayor Appel announced that for special reasons and with the belief that Mr. Freeman would make an efficient officer he would continue to present his name for confirmation. The council confirmed the appointment by a vote of 4 to 1, Caldwell voting against.

Mayor Appel announced the following committees for the ensuing year: Judiciary—Bennett, Caldwell, Stadelman; Finance—Eckerson, Caldwell, Hynes; Street—Caldwell, Hynes, Stadelman; Health and Police—Stadelman, Hynes, Bennett.

Mayor Appel requested leave of absence for forty days, which was granted by the council, after which the meeting adjourned.