Austin's 1870 Fight Against Red Light Districts
• Regulation of Brothels: The council debated an ordinance to regulate "houses of ill fame" (brothels), approving most sections while rejecting two controversial provisions.
• Constitutional Review Requested: Mayor Leander Bowers was asked to consult with the Governor about whether the ordinance's fifth section was legally constitutional before the next meeting.
• City Marshal Authority Question: Council sought clarification from the Governor on whether he would appoint a City Marshal or allow the council to hire someone for this law enforcement role.
• June Budget Approved: The council approved approximately $184 in expenses, including police officer salaries ($40 each), prisoner care, and city administrative costs.
Full Transcript
Council Room Monday Session July 4th 58M 1870. City Council met pursuant to adjournment His Honor Leander Bowers Mayor in the Chair, Roll called and the following Aldermen answered to their Names: Aldermen Bennett, Baker, Raven, Demosthe Etc. Minutes of the regular Meeting are called as things read and adopted The committee on Ordinance in reference to Houses of ill fame, reported in favor of the same except Sections 3 and 4. Report of the Committee received and adopted and said Committee discharged from further Consideration of the same. Sections Report for June was read and received The Ordinance was then read, Section by Section and passed to first reading Resolved that the Mayor be requested to Consult the Governor and other good Authorities upon the Constitutionality of the 5th Section, and report at the next Meeting of the City Council. Resolved that the Mayor be requested to ask the Governor, whether he will appoint a City Marshal, or whether he will Authorize the City Council to name a Suitable person for the Office The Council adjourned until the next regular Meeting. A O Horne Recorder The Minutes of the regular Meeting of the Council of the 4th of July Continued List of Appropriation for the Month of June M W Herwick Policeman Month of June 40 00 Mr N Fletcher do do do 40 00 N B Smith do do do 40 00 Ezee Carrington Taken care of Engine 6 00 George B Gentleman feeding prisoners 29 00 Porter Hire for 5 Months 15 00 Butler and Raymond for Stationary 13 75 Jas W Smith City Attorney Month of May 9 33 The above appropriation was made [illegible] Total $184 08 Council Adjourned AC