601 Called Meeting of City Council Austin, Texas Novr 25. 1878 Mayor De Bress, presiding. Roll called. Presents, Aldermen Brag, Netz, Raven, Sheehan, Strong [illegible], Vaughan. Quorum present. Petitions of C. McCrahan and P.L. Meyer, for licenses to retail spirituous liquors. Granted. The following communication from His Honor the Mayor, was presented and read "Mayors Office" Austin Texas Novr 25 1878. "To the Hon. Board of Aldermen City of Austin Gentlemen: I desire to bring to your attention the insecurity of life in this City, caused in a great measure by the carrying of deadly weapons by a large number of people, more from habit than a desire to do injury, but which should be stopped at all hazards. The promiscuous firing of guns and pistols which occurs almost every night, to the annoyance and danger of people, requires extraordinary measures to bring the offenders to justice. In view of this state of things, I would respectfully recommend that the Mayor be authorized to offer a reward for the apprehension of these parties, or for such information as will lead to their arrest and punishment; these rewards could be paid out of the fines imposed on such persons, where such fines are collected, and in cases where persons work out their fines on the streets, the rewards should be paid out of the Treasury. I have called in the commissions of all Special Police officers, except those who have shown themselves sober men, and who have assisted in enforcing the laws. Very respectfully (Signed) J. W. De Bress Mayor " --- Page break --- 602 Communication received and the City Attorney requested to draw up an Ordinance in conformity with the Mayor's recommendations. Communication from Theo. von Clausebus of Cozaddale, Warren Co. Ohio asking for aid in establishing a Boot and Shoe factory in this City, was read and received, and an invitation extended to the gentleman to come to Texas upon the same terms as other citizens Communication from a Committee on Invitation, requesting that delegates be selected to attend a Convention for the Promotion of American Commerce to be held at Chicago Nov 12. 1879. Read and received. Resolution appropriating $200.00 for paying the freights on a Hook and Ladder Truck Read first time. Resolution appropriating $88.00 for the Purchase of Blankets for the prisoners in the calaboose. Read first time. An Ordinance regulating Hotels and Boarding houses. Read first time. An Ordinance prohibiting the discharge of fire-arms within the corporate limits of the City of Austin. Read first time. On motion the Council adjourned until 11 Oclock A. M. to morrow. Approved L. M. Bradley Dec. 2d 1879. City Clerk. Approved Dec. 17 --- Page break --- Adjourned Meeting of City Council Austin Texas Novr 26. 1878. Council met pursuant to adjournment. Mayor De Arces presiding. Roll call'd. Present. Aldermen Crooker, Hillett, Heely, Salles, Plall, Raven, Sheehan, Strong and Maughan. Quorum present. "An ordinance prohibiting the discharge of fire arms within the corporate limits of the City of Austin" read second time and on motion the rules were suspended and the Ordinance placed upon its third reading by the following vote. Yeas Aldermen Crooker, Hillett, Heely, Kelly, Plall, Raven, Sheehan, Strong and Maughan. Nays None. Read third time, and on motion passed by the following vote. Yeas Aldermen Crooker, Hillett, Heely, Kelly, Plall, Raven, Sheehan, Strong and Maughan. Nays. None " An Ordinance regulating Hotels and Boarding houses" read second time and on motion the rules were suspended and the Ordinance placed upon its third reading by the following vote. Yeas Aldermen Crooker, Hillett, Heely, Kelly, Plall, Raven, Sheehan, Strong and Maughan. Nays. None. Read third time and on motion passed by the following vote. Yeas Aldermen Crooker, Hillett, Heely, Kelly, Plall, Raven, Sheehan, Strong and Maughan. Nays. None. "Resolution appropriating Fifty eight dollars for the purchase of Blankets for the prisoners in the City calaboose" read second time and on motion the rules were suspended and the resolution placed on its third reading by the following vote. Yeas, Aldermen Crooker, Hillett, Heely, Kelly, Plall, Raven, Sheehan Strong and Maughan. Nays None. --- Page break --- 604 Read third time and on motion passed by the following vote. Yeas Aldermen Crooker, Gillett, Hotz, Halle, Platt, Raven, Sheehan, Strong and Vaughan. Nays. None Resolution appropriating Five hundred dollars for paying the freight on a Hook and Ladder Truck read second time and on motion the rules were suspended and the resolution placed on its third reading by the following vote. Yeas Aldermen Crooker, Gillett, Hotz, Halle, Platt, Raven, Sheehan, Strong & Vaughan. Nays. None. Read third time and passed by the following vote. Yeas Aldermen Crooker, Gillett, Hotz, Halle, Platt, Raven, Sheehan, Strong and Vaughan. Nays. None. An Ordinance to secure the arrest and conviction of persons violating Articles 141 and 143 of the City Ordinances Read first time and, on motion the rules were suspended and the Ordinance placed on its second reading by the following vote. Yeas. Aldermen Crooker, Gillett, Hotz, Halle, Raven, Sheehan, Strong & Vaughan. Nays. Alderman Platts. Read second time and on motion the rules were further suspended and the Ordinance placed on its third reading by the following vote. Yeas Aldermen Crooker, Gillett, Hotz, Halle, Raven, Sheehan, Strong & Vaughan. Nays. Alderman Platt. Read third time and on motion passed by the following vote. Yeas Aldermen Crooker, Millett, Hotz, Halle, Raven, Sheehan, Strong and Vaughan. Nays. Alderman Platt. On motion Aldermen Halle, Crooker and, Millett were excused for non-attendance at the meeting of the Council on last night. The Mayor stated that on his recent visit --- Page break --- 605 to San Antonio he had interviewed Genl Ord and obtained from him the following document "Copy of Endorsements on a certified copy of resolutions passed by the City Council of the City of Austin, Texas, on the 13th day of May 1878, relative to the Barracks, situated on the reservation of the U. S. Government in that City, and asking for an appropriation by Congress of $10,000. for the purposes of putting the Barracks in good repair." (3222. D.T. 1878) 1st Endorsement The Barracks at Austin are upon land ceded to the U. S. - they are, except the officers quarters, merely temporary structures, without ceilings and roughly floored, in a dilapidated condition, on account of their being unoccupied, and thus the asylum of tramps. In case the Department Commander was called on to move troops to the frontier, these Barracks would be useful as a place where R. Rd communications ends, and going West towards Concho, teaming begins, and I recommend that they be placed in good condition. Estimates to repair them, are herewith forwarded. (Sgd) E.O.C. Ord Brig. General Commanding 2d Endorsement. Chief Quartermaster. Get full estimates from the Qr. Mrs. Agent at the Barracks, to include the flooring, mending rooms, placing close shutters and fastenings, sash &c to all windows and goof, strong doors with bolts &c. and ceilings with plaster the men's quarters; so as to have them all ready for immediate use. (Sgd) E O C O. 3d Endorsement Headquarters, Department of Texas, San Antonio Texas, May 18. 1878. Respectfully referred to the Chief Quartermaster inviting attention to the endorsements of the Commanding General hereon. By command of Brigadier General Ord (Sgd) Thomas H. Vincent A. A. Genl --- Page break --- 606 The document was received and on motion of Alderman Halle the Mayor was authorized to appoint a Special committee of three Aldermen and two citizens to act in concert with the Mayor for the purpose of consulting with the Representatives in Congress from this District relative to the matter. The Mayor appointed Aldermen Halle Bullett and Vaughan and Messrs A. W. Darnell and J. G. Seavey on said committee On motion the Council adjourned Approved: L. M. Bulley, Dec 25 1878 City Clerk Approved Dec 2[illegible] 78