• Emergency school funding vote failed: Council called a special evening meeting to consider authorizing the mayor to issue warrants (financial orders) to pay the school board treasurer, but aldermen voted down a motion to expedite the ordinance to final passage.
• Narrow support, stronger opposition: The measure had 8 votes in favor but needed more support to pass; 5 aldermen opposed it, suggesting disagreement over the city's ability or willingness to fund schools at that time.
• Procedural drama: The meeting included multiple procedural moves—including a "call of the council" (attendance check) and attempts to suspend rules—indicating contentious debate over how to handle the school funding issue.
• Significant absenteeism: Eight of 21 aldermen were absent from this specially-called meeting, potentially affecting the vote outcome on an urgent financial matter.
Full Transcript
Minutes of a Called meeting of the City Council Austin Texas January 10, 1889. Hon Joseph Nalle mayor presiding
Roll Call Present Aldermen Roland, DeGross, Graham, Lawrence, Linn, Moly, Morris, Nitschke, North, Platt, Wortham, Yeller - 12. Absent Aldermen
Assmann, Haigler, Jones, Newton, Pillow, Schneider, Townsend, Wilson-8. The following was then read: Austin, Texas January 10, 1889. Hon Joseph Nalle, Mayor of Austin:
Sir:- We the undersigned aldermen respectfully request you to Call a special meeting of the City Council this evening at 8 o'clock, for the purpose of taking such action as the Council may deem proper on An Ordinance entitled An Ordinance authorizing the mayor to draw warrants in favor of the treasurer of the board of School trustees and making appropriation to meet the same. W.T.S. Wortham, J.W. Graham, H. A. Linn.
Alderman Schneider entered and answered to his name. An Ordinance entitled "An Ordinance authorizing the mayor to draw warrants in favor of the treasurer of the board of School trustees and making appropriation to meet the same", was taken up on its second reading and read. Alderman Morris then moved a Call of the Council. Adopted. Alderman Assmann entered and answered to his names. A motion was then made and adopted suspending the Call. Alderman Linn then moved to suspend the rules and place the Ordinance under consideration on its third reading, which was lost by the following vote: Yeas, Aldermen Graham, Lawrence, Linn, Morris, Nitschke, North, Schneider, Wortham
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Ziller v. Imp. Alderm... Assrmann, Boland, Lothros with McAll. 5. On motion the Council then adjourned.
Milton Morris City Clerk.