A history of the city government of Savannah, Ga., from 1790 to 1901 / compiled from official records by Thomas Gamble, Jr., secretary to the mayor, under direction of the City Council

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EXCHANGE, ERECTED 1799.

A HISTORY
OF THE
CITY GOVERNMENT
OF
Savannah, Ga.,
FROM
1790 to 1901.
Compiled from Official Records by
THOMAS GAMBLE, Jr., Secretary to the Mayor,
Under Direction of the City Council.
1900.
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PRE FACE.
This is not intended as a history of Savannah. It is merely a compilation of facts from the official records of the city, put in read able form for ready reference and preservation.
As far as possible the language of the proceedings of Council has been followed.
THOMAS GAMBLE, JR

LIBRARY

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Roster of the Chief Executives of the City of Sav annah, Ga., with Their Terms of Office.
Presidents of the Board of Wardens. 1787, William Stephens. 1788-89, Samuel Stirk.
(December 23, 1789, Act of Incorporation for the City of Sa vannah, signed by Governor Edward Telfair, under which one Al~. derman was to be elected annually for each ward, these Aldermen, to select a Mayor from their own number. First municipal election, on the first Monday in March, 1790).
ROSTER OF MAYORS ELECTED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN.
March 8, 1790, to March 9, 1791, John Houstoun. March 9, 1791, to March 12, 1792, Thomas Gibbons. March 12, 1792, to March n, 1793, Joseph Habersham. March n, 1793, to March 10, 1794, William Stephens. March 10, 1794, to March 9, 1/95, Thomas Gibbons. March 9, 1795, to March 14, 1/96, William Stephens. March 14, 1796, to July 10, 1797 (date changed by Legislature), John Y. Noel. July 10, 1797, to July 9, 1798, John Glen. July 9, 1708, to July 8, 1799, Matthew McAllister. July 8, 1799, to July id, 1800, Thomas Gibbons. July 14, 1800, to July 13, 1801, Thomas Gibbons. July 13, 1801, to July 12, 1802, David B. Mitchell. July 12, 1802, to July n, 1803, Charles Harris. July ii, 1803, to July 9, 1804, Charles Harris. July 9, 1804, to July 8, 1805, John Y. Noel. July 8, 1805, to July 14, 1806, John Y. Noel. July 14, 1806, to September 14, 1807 (date changed by Legisla ture), John Y. Noel. September 14, 1807, to November 30, 1807, William Davies. (Resigned). November 30, 1807, to September "12, 1808, Charles Harris. September 12, 1808, to September n, 1809, John P. Williamson. September n, 1809, to September 10, 1810, William B. Bulloch.
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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

September 10, 1810, to September 6, 1811. William B. Bulloch. September 6, 1811. to October 25, 1811, Thomas Mendenhall.
(Resigned). October 25, i8n r to September 14, 1812, William B. Bulloch. September 14. 1812, to September 13, 1813, George Jones. September 13. 1813, to September 12, 1814, George Jones. September 12, 1814, to April 10, 1815, Matthew McAllister.
(Resigned). April 24. 1815, to September n, 1815, Thomas U. P. Charlton. September n. 1815, to September 9, 1816, Thomas U. P. Charl
ton. September 9, 1816. to September 8, 1817, Thomas U. P. Char'.ton. September 8. 1817. to September 14. 1818, James M. Wayne. September 14. 1818. to July 12. 1819. James M. Wayne. (Re
signed). July 12. 1819. to September 13, 1819. Thomas U. P. Charlton. September 13, 1819. to September u, 1820, Thomas U. P. Charl
ton. September n, 1820, to February 28, 1821, Thomas U. P. Charl
ton. (Resigned). February 28, 1821. to September 21, 1821. James Morrison. September 21, 1821, to September 5, 1822, James Morrison. September 5, 1822. to September 4, 1823, James Morrison. September 4. 1823, to September 13, 1824, James Morrison. September 13, 1824, to September 8, 1825, William C. Daniell. September 8, 1825, to September n, 1826, William C. Daniell. September n, 1826. to September 10, 1827, Joseph W. Jackson. September 10, 1827, to September 8, 1828, Joseph W. Jackson. September 8, 1828, to September 14, 1829, William T. Williams. September 14. 1829, to September 13, 1830, William T. Williams. September 13, 1830. to September 12. 1831, William R. Waring. September 12. 1831, to September 10, 1832, William R. Waring. September 10, 1832. to July n, 1833, George W. Owens. (Re
signed). July ii, 1833, to September o, 1833, William T. Williams. September 9. 1833, to September 8, 1834, William T. Williams. September 8. 1834. to September 14, 1835, William W. Gordon. September 14. 1835, to March 31, 1836, William W. Gordon.
(Resigned). March 31. 1836. to September 12, 1836, William H. Cuyler. September 12. 1836, to September n, 1837, John C. Nicoll. September n, 1837, to September 10, 1838, Matthew Hall Mc
Allister. September 10. 1838. to March 28, 1839. Matthew Hall McAllister.
-(Resigned).
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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

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March 28, 1839, to September 9, 1839, Robert M. Charlton. September 9, 1839, to September 14, 1840, Robert M. Charlton. September 14, 1840, to September 13, 1841, Robert M. Charlton. September 13, 1841. to September 12, 1842, William T. Williams. September 12, 1842, to September n, 1843, Richard D. Arnold. September n, 1843, to December 9, 1844 (date election changed by Legislature), William T. Williams. .

(Act passed by the Legislature, December, 1843, changing elec tion to first Monday in December, reducing the number of Aldermen from 14 to 12, and making Mayor elective by the people.)
ROSTER OF MAYORS ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE.
December 9, 1844, to December 8, 1845, Richard Wayne. December 8, 1845, to December 14, 1846, Henry K. Burroughs. December 14, 1846, to December 13, 1847, Henry K. Burroughs. December 13, 1847, to December 11, 1848, Henry K. Burroughs. December n, 1848, to December 10, 1849, Richard Wayne. December 10, 1849, to December 8, 1850, Richard Wayne. December 8, 1850, to December 8, 1851, Richard Wayne. December 8, 1851, to December 9, 1852, Richard D. Arnold. December 9, 1852, to December 12, 1853, Richard Wayne. December 12, 1853,. to December n, 1854, John E. Ward. December n, 1854, to December 10, 1855, Edward C. Anderson. December 10, 1855, to December 8, 1856, Edward C. Anderson. December 8, 1856, to October 19, 1857 (date election changed by Legislature), James P. Screven. October 19, 1857, to June 27, 1858, Richard Wayne. (Died). June 27, 1858, to October 18, 1858, Thomas M. Turner. (Elected by Council). October 18, 1858, to October 17, 1859, Thomas M. Turner. October 17, 1859, to October 15, 1860, Richard D. Arnold. October 15, 1860, to October 21, 1861, Charles C. Jones. October 21, 1861, to October 20 1862, Thomas Purse. (Elected by Council, no candidate before the people having received a ma jority of the votes cast and the election being thrown into Council). October 20, 1862, to October 19, 1863, Thomas Holcombe. October 19, 1863, to October 17, 1864, Richard D. Arnold. October 17, 1864, to December n, 1865 (date of election having been set by the Georgia Convention meeting at Milledgeville), Richard D. Arnold. December n, 1865, to October 15, 1866, Edward C. Anderson.

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

October 15, 1866, to October 16, 1867, Edward C. Anderson. October 16, 1867, to October 17, 1868, Edward C. Anderson. October 17, 1868, to October 18, 1869, Edward C. Anderson. October 18, 1869, to October 17, 1870, John Screven. October 17, 1870, to October 16, 1871 John Screven. October 16, 1871, to January 27, 1873 (date of election changed by the Legislature and the terms of Mayor and Aldermen increased to two years), John Screven. January 27, 1873, to January 25, 1875, Edward C. Anderson. January 25, 1875, to January 24, 1877, Edward C. Anderson. January 24 1877 to January 27, 1879, John F. Wheator. January 27, 1879, to January 24, 1881, John F. Wheaton. January 24, 1881, to January 22, 1883, John F. Wheaton. January 22 1883, to January 26, 1885, Rufus E. Lester. January 26. 1885, to January 24, 1887, Rufus E. Lester. January 24, 1887, to January 21, 1889, Rufus E. Lester. January 21, 1889, to January 26, 1891, John Schwarz. January 26, 1891, to January 23, 1893, John J. McDonough. January 23, 1893, to January 28, 1895, John J. McDonough. January 28, 1895, to February I, 1897, Herman Myers. February i, 1897, to January 30, 1899, Peter W. Meldrim. January 30, 1899, to January 21, 1901, Herman Myers. January 21, 1901, Herman Myers, term of office expires January,. 1903.

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MAYORS OF SAVANNAH THEIR TERMS OF OFFICE.

AXDERSOX, EDWARD C.,

December u, 1854, to December 10, 1853. .

December 10. 1855, to December 8, 1856.

December n. 1865, to October 15, 1866.

October 15, 1866, to October 16, 1867.

October 16,. 1867, to October 17, 1868.

October 17, 1868, to October i8; 1869.

January 27, 1873, to January 25, 1875.

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January 25, 1875, to January 24, 1877.

ARNOLD, RICHARD D., September 12. 1842, to September n. 1843. December 8, 1851, to December 9. 1852. October 17, 1859, to October 15, 1860. October 19. 1863. to October 17,. 1864. October 17, 1864. to December n, 1865.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

BULLOCH, WILLIAM B., September n, 1809, to September 10, 1810. September 10, 1810, to September 6, 1811. October 25, 1811, to September 14, 1812.

BURROUGHS, HENRY K., December 8, 1845, to December 14. 1846. December 14, 1846, to December 13, 1847. December 13, 1847, to December n, 1848.

CHARLTON, ROBERT M., March 28, 1839, to September 9, 1839. September 9, 1839, to September 14, 1840. September 14, 1840, to September 13, 1841.

CHARLTON, THOMAS U. P., April 24, 1815, to September n, 1815. September n, 1815, to September 9, 1816. September 9, 1816. to September 8, 1817. July 12, 1819, to September 13, 1819. September 13, 1819, to September n, 1820.
September II, 1820, to February 28, 1821.

(Resigned).

CUYLER, WILLIAM H., March 31, 1836, to September 12, 1836.

DANIELL, WILLIAM C., September 13, 1824, to September 8, 1825. September 8, 1825, to September n, 1826.

DAVIES, WrILLIAM, September 14, 1807, to November 30, 1807. (Resigned).

GIBBONS, THOMAS, March 9, 1791, to March 12, 1792. March 10, 1794, to March 9, 1795. July 8, 1799, to July 14, 1800. July 14, 1800, to July 13, 1801.

GLEN, JOHN,
July 10, 1797, to July 9, 1798.

GORDON, WILLIAM W,, September 8, 1834, to September 14, 1835. September 14, 1835, to March 31, 1836. (Resigned).

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

HABERSHAM, JOSEPH, March 12, 1792, to March n, 1793.

HARRIS, CHARLES,
July 12, 1802, to July II, 1803. July n, 1803, to July 9, 1804. November'30, 1807, to September 12, 1808.

HOLCOMBE, THOMAS,

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October 20, 1862, to-October 19, 1863.

HOUSTOUN, JOHN, March 8, 1790, to March 9, 1791.

JACKSON, JOSEPH W., September u, 1826, to September 10, 1827. September 10, 1827, to September 8, 1828.

JONES, CHARLES O, October 15, 1860, to October 21, 1861.

JONES, GEORGE,

September 14, 1812, to September 13, 1813.

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September 13, 1813, to September 12, 1814.

LESTER, RUFUS E.,

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January 22, 1883, to January 26, 1885.

January 26, 1885, to January 24, 1887.

January 24, 1887, to January 21, 1889.

McALLISTER, MATTHEW, July 9, 1798, to July 8, 1799. September 12, 1814, to April 10, 1815. (Resigned).

McALLISTER, MATTHEW HALL..

September 11, 1837, to September 10, 1838.

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September 10, 1838, to March 28, 1839. (Resigned).

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McDONOUGH, JOHN J., January 26, 1891, to January 23, 1893. January 23, 1893, to January 28, 1895.

MELDRIM, PETER W., February I, 1897, to January 30, 1899.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

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MENDENHALL, THOMAS, September 6, 1811, to October 25, 1811. (Resigned).
MITCHELL, DAVID B., July 13, 1801, to July 12, 1802.
MORRISON, JAMES,
February 28, 1821, to September 21, 1821. September 21, 1821, to September 5, 1822. September 5, 1822, to September 4, 1823. September 4, 1823, to September 13, 1824.
MYERS, HERMAN,
January 28, 1895, to February I, 1897. January 30, 1899, to January 21, 1901.
January 21, 1901. Present Mayor. Term expires January, 1903.
NICOLL, JOHN C,
September 12, 1836, to September u, 1837.
NOEL, JOHN Y.,
March 14, 1796, to July 10, 1797. July 9, 1804, to July 8, 1805. July 8, 1805, to July 14, 1806. July 14, 1806, to September 14, 1807.
OWENS, GEORGE W.,
September 10, 1832, to July n, 1833. (Resigned).
PURSE, THOMAS, October 21, 1861, to October 20, 1862.
SCHWARZ, JOHN, January 21, 1889, to January 26, 1891.
SCREVEN, JAMES P.,
December 8, 1856, to October 19, 1857.
SCREVEN, JOHN,
October 18, 1869, to October 17, 1870. October 17, 1870, to October 16, 1871. . October 16, 1871, to January 27, 1873.
STEPHENS, WILLIAM, March n, 1793, to March 10, 1794. March 9, 1795, to March 14, 1796.

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

TURNER, THOMAS M.,
June 27, 1858. to October 18, 1858. October 18, 1858, to October 17, 1859.

WARD, JOHN E.,

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December 12, 1853. to December u, 1854.

WARING, WILLIAM R., September 13, 1830, to September 12, 1831. September 12, 1831, to September io, 1832.

WAYNE, JAMES M., September 8, 1817. to September 14, 1818. September 14, 1818, to July 12, 1819. (Resigned).

WAYNE, RICHARD, December 9, 1844, to December 8, 1845. December n, 1848, to December io, 1849. December io. 1849, to December 8, 1850. December 8, 1850, to December 8, 1831. December g. 1852, to December 12, 1853. October 19, 1857, to June 27, 1858. (Died).

WHEATON, JOHN F., January 24, "1877, to January 27, 1879.
January 27, 1879, to January 24, 1881.
January 24. 1881, to January 22, 1883. i
WILLIAMS, WILLIAM T.,
September 8, 1828, to September 14. 1829. September 14, 1829, to September 13, 1830. July n, 1833. to September 9, 1833. September 9, 1833, to September 8, 1834. September 13, 1841, to September 12, 1842. September n, 1843, to December 9, 1844.

WILLIAMSON. JOHN P., September 12. 1808, to September n, 1809.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

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Roster of Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Ga., 1790 to 1901.
(The dates do not mean that the parties served the entire years specified, but cover in a general way their terms of office. Additional details are given in the various chapters of the History of the Mu nicipal Government.)
A
ABRAMS, JACOB J., 1881-83. ALEXANDER, PETER W., 1854-55. ALFORD, WILLIAM, 1819. ALLEN, ROBERT, A., 1847-48, 1851-52, 1854-56. ANDERSON, EDWARD C., Jr., 1870-71. ANDERSON, GEORGE, 1797-98. ANDERSON, G. W., 1827-28, 1829-30. ANDERSON, JOHN W., 1837-43, 1844-45, 1851-5*, 1863-61. ANSLEY, BENJAMIN, 1805-08. ARNOLD, RICHARD D., 1831-33, 1852-53, i255-57, 1873-76. ASH, JOHN H., 1814-16, 1818-19, 1830-34. AYLESWORTH, A. J., 1881-83.
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BACON, HAL H., 1895-97, 1899-1001. BAKER, CALVIN, 1806-07. BAILEY, WILLIAM P., 1889-92. BALDWIN, CHARLES D., 1894-95. BALLANTYNE, THOMAS, 1874-77, 1879-81. BARNARD, TIMOTHY G., 1845-48. BARTOW, FRANCIS S., 1843-44, 1847-49. 1851-52. BASINGER WILLIAM S., 1855-57, 1871-73. BAYARD, N. J., 1833-34. BELCHER, WILLIAM, 1799-1800. BELL, DAVID, 1841-42. BERRIEN, JOHN, 1791-95.

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

BILBO, ----------, 1809-10.
BLAIR, FRANCIS, 1857-59, 1873-75. BLOUNT, STEPHEN, 1801-04. BLUN, HENRY, 1879-81.
BOGART, R, D., 1885-87. BOHAN, WILLIAM M., 1893-95. BOLTON, ROBERT, 1798-1802, 1809-10.
BOND, S. M., 1829-30. BOSTON, JOHN, 1840-41, 1842-43, 1858-59. BOURKE, THOMAS, 1807-08, 1810-11, 1814-15, 1817-21. BRADLEY, RICHARD, 1855-56.
BRANTLEY, W. F., 1860-61. BRASCH, PHILIP, 1823-24. BRIGHAM, HENRY, 1860-61, 1862-65, 1866-69, 1873-75. BROOKS, JOURDON P., 1859-60. BROWN, MICHAEL, 1820-22, 1826-27, 1829-30. BROWN, WILLIAM, 1807. BRUNNER, ISAAC, 1852-54, 1860-62, 1873.
BULLOCH, A. S., 1812-14. BULLOCH, JAMES S., 1817-18, 1823-24. BULLOCH, WILLIAM B., 1811 12, 1814-15, 1824-25.
BULLOCH, WILLIAM G., 1851-53. BULLOCH, WILLIAM H., 1848-49BURROUGHS, HENRY K., 1841-42. BURROUGHS, WILLIAM H., 1866-69. BUTLER, GILBERT, 1839-41, i854-5SBUTTELLE, JONATHAN, 1817. BYCK, SIMON E., 1881-83.

CALDWELL, THOMAS W., 1817. CANN, WILLIAM G., 1889-94.
CAROLAN, J. J., 1895-96.
CARSON, JOHN A. G., 1890-93. CARRUTHERS, WILLIAM A., 1841-42, 1843-44. CASEY, CHRISTOPHER C, 1863-66, 1870-71.
CHAMPION, AARON, 1836-37. 1844-45, 1855-57. CHARLTON, THOMAS, U. P., 1811-15, 1818-19. CHARLTON, R. M., 1834-36, 1837-39. CHARLTON, WALTER G., 1891-93, i894-95, 1897-99. CLARK, JOHN M., 1843-44, 1845-48. CLARK, THOMAS, 1822-23, 1826-36, 1841-42. CLAY, JOSEPH, Jr. r 1790-91, 1792-94. COHEN, SOLOMON, 1842-43, 1848-51, 1853-57, 1860-61.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

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CONSTANTINE, BERNARD, 1842-43.
COOPER, JOHN M., 1855-56. COPE, ADAM, 1804-06, 1808-10, 1818-19, i834-35COPE, GEORGE L., 1815-22. CORNWELL, GEORGE, 1871-73.
CRANE, H. A., 1866. CUMMING, JOHN, 1806-07, 1813-14. CUMMING, JOSEPH, 1821-22, 1824-26, 1838-39. CUMMING, MONTGOMERY, 1849-51, 1853-54. CUMMING, WALLACE, 1859-60. CUNNINGHAM, JOHN, 1793-95CUNNINGHAM, JOHN, 1865-66, 1873-77. CUYLER, JEREMIAH, 18)8-09. CUYLER, R. R., 1828-30,1838-40, 1848-49,1851-52. CUYLER, W. H., 1834-37* 1840-41, 1842-43, 1844-45.

DANIELL, WILLIAM C., 1818, 1821-24.
DAVANT, R. J., 1869-70. DAVENPORT, ISAIAH, 1818-20, 1822-23. DAVIDSON, GEORGE H., 1804-05. DAVIDSON, WILLIAM M., 1859-61, 1869-70. DAVIES, EDWARD L., 1803-05. DAVIES, WILLIAM, 1804-08, 1809-11, 1815-16, 1817-18, 1822-23
1827-28.
DAVIS, THOMAS J., 1897-99. DAVIS, WILLIAM H., 1839-40, 1841-42. DECHENEAUX, THOMAS, 1813-14.
DE LA MOTTA, E., 1832-33. DeLYON, ISAAC, 1835-36. DeLYON, LEVI, 1815-17, 1819-22, 1827-29
DELLANNOY, JOHN P., 1858-59. DeMONTMOLLIN, LEWIS H., 1879-81. DENNIS, RICHARD, 1798-1803. DENSLER, FREDERICK, 1817-18, 1823-25, 1830-33, 1837-40,
1844-45.
DERST, JOHN, 1883-87. DILLON, JOHN R., 1870-71. DILLON, MICHAEL, 1836-41, 1844-45. DIXON, JAMES M., 1899-1901. DIXON, MERRITT W., 1892-94. DOUGLASS, JOHN A., 1873-77. DOYLE, MICHAEL J., 1881-83, 1899-1001. DRYSDALE, ALEXANDER, 1837-40. DUKE, GREEN R., 1806-07, 1810-14, 1816-17. DUNCAN, WILLIAM, 1877-83, 1885-89, 1893, 1898-99.

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

ECKMAX. S. H.. 1874-77ELLIS. CHARLES S.. 1888-89. EPPINGER. JOHN, 1809.
EPPINGER, JAMES, 1830-34-

FALLIGANT. JOHN G., 1856-59.

FALLIGANT. LOUIS A.f 1889-91, 1895-97.

FAXXIX. A. B.? 1822-23.

FAY. J. S.. 1847-49-

FELL, FRED S.. 1812-13, 1821-24.

FELL. ISAAC. 1804-05, 1810-12, 1813-17.

FERRILL. JOHN C., 1859, 18^5-66.

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FERRILL. JOHN O., 1869-72.

FLEMING, WILLIAM B., 1843-44.

FLYMING, FINGAL T., 1803-05, 1806-07.

FOLEY, JAMES B., 1856-59-

FOLLIARD. THOMAS A., 1893-95.

FOLSOM.. JAMES M., 1840-41.

FOOTMAN, R. H.. 1828-29.

FOOTMAN, ROBERT H., 1870-73.

FORD, MARTIN J., 1858-59, 1866-68.

FREEMAN, GEORGE C., 1866, 1878-83.

FREEMAN, HENRY C... 1863-65.

GALLIE.. JOHN B., 1851-52. GANAHL. CHARLES, 1852-54. GARMANY, GEORGE W., 1854-55. GARRARD, WILLIAM, 1895-97. GAUDRY. JOHN B., 1824-26, 1829-32. GIBBONS, THOMAS, 1795-98. GILDON, CHARLES, 1825-27, 1829-30. GLASS, JOHN, 1797-99, 1800-03. GLEASON, EDWARD C., 1895-97. GODFREY, JAMES E., 1857-58. GOODALL, SEABORN, 1841-42, 1845-48. GOODWIN, R. M., 1827, 1837-41, 1842-43. GORDON, GEORGE A., 1856-58. GORDON. WILLIAM W., 1833-34, 1836-37, 1840-41. GRAHAM, ST. J. B.. 1809-1901.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

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GRAY. T. V., 1810. GREEN, EDWARD M., 1883-85. GRIFFIN, ROBERT H., 1848-51. GRIMES, JOHN, 1808-11. GROOVER, C. E., 1877-79GUCKENHEIMER, A. S., 1897-99T^UE, FRANCIS L., 1861-69. GUERARP, JOHN M., 1858-59GUERARD, WILLIAM E., 1881-83. GUGEL, CHRISTIAN, 1806-07, 1813.
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H
HAAS, ISAAC G., 1899-1901. HABERSHAM, JOSEPH, 1790-91. HABERSHAM, JOSEPH C., 1818, 1824-26. HABERSHAM, RICHARD W., 1822-24. HAMILTON, MARMADUKE, 1871-7-. HAMILTON, SAMUEL P., 1877-71*, 1881-87, 1897-98. HAMLET, JOHN R., 1877-81, 1883-86. HANLEY, ANDREW, 1883-85. HAINES, GEORGE S., 1887-94. HARDEE, NOBLE A., 1843-44. HARDEN, EDWARD, 1800-03, 1804-05, 1806-07, 1808, 1813-17. HARDEN, THOMAS H., 1845-48, 1854-55, 1873-74HARDWICK, CHARLES C., 1881-83". HARPER, HENRY, 1845-48. HARRAL, GEORGE, 1806-07, 1810-11. HARRIS, CHARLES, 1801-02, 1807^08, 1812-13, 1814-1819,
1820-27. HARRIS, GEORGE, 1795-96. HARRIS, J., 1852-53. HARRIS, RAYMOND B., 1880-95. HARMON, RICHARD F., 1880-93. HAYDEN, CHARLES H., 1822 24. HAYWOOD, ALFRED, 1809-73. HENRY, C. S., 1834-35HENRY, JACOB P., 1816-17, 1819-22, 1827-28. HERBERT, MOSES, 1818-24. HERSMAN, JACOB, 1813-16. HERTZ, EDWIN E., 1853-55. HOLCOMBE.THOMAS, 1841-42. 1852-53, 1858-59. HOLLAND, JOHN, 1797-98. HOLT, ASA, 1843-44. 1845-46. HOPKINS, MATTHEW, 1834-37, 1839-41, 1844-45.

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

HORRIGAN, J. J., 1900. HORSKINS, ZACHARIAH, 1^04-05. HOWARD, SAMUEL, 1803-06. HOXEY, ASA, 1803-04, 1807-09. HOUSTOUN, R. J., 1809-10. HUDSON. GEORGE A., 1895-9?. HUGHES, M. Wv 1811-12.
HULL, FRED M., 1875-77HULL. ROBERT M., 1897-98. HUNTER. JAMES, 1805-06. HUNTER. WILLIAM, 1798-09. HUNTER. WILLIAM, 1862, 1866-69, 1871-72.
HUNTER, W. P., 1827-28.

JACKSON, JOSEPH W., 1824-26, . 1828-29, 1845-46.
JARRELL, JOSEPH G., 1899-1901. JOHNSON, J. B., 1898-99. JOHNSON, JOHN R., 1865-66. JOHNSTON, JAMES, Jr., 1801-02, 1817-18. JOHNSTON, JAMES H., 1877-79 JONES, CHARLES C., 1859-60. JONES. GEORGE. 1793-94, 1802-03, 1814-15JONES, HENRY C., 1797-98.

i8.<3-34,

1843-44,

K

KELLY. JOHN J., 1855-56KELLEY, WILLIAM M., 1819-20. KIMBALL, HAZEN, 1817-18. KOLLOCK. PHINEAS M., 1833-36, 1859-60. KOLSHORN, HENRY, 1895-97. KNAPP, NOAH B., 1844-45, 1857-59. KROUSKOFF, S., 1897-99.

LACHLISON. ROBERT. 1855-57, 1859-66. LAFITTE, AUGUSTIN, 1845-47. LAMAR, C. A. L.? 1852-53. LAMAE. GAZAWAY B., 1844-45. LAMOTTE, CHARLES A., 1895-07. LAW, WILLIAM, 1828-29. 1841-42.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

17

LAWRENCE, SAMUEL, 1799 1800. LAWTON, ALEXANDER R., 1853-5;. LAVIN, MICHAEL, 1869-75. LEFFLER, ADOLPH, 1896-97. LESTER, DANIEL B., 1896-97. LEWDEN, WILLIAM, 1791-95, i/99-i8oo. LEWIS, JOHN N., 1840-42, 1852-55. LEWIS, NATHANIEL, 1820-21. LEWIS, ROBERT A., 1843-44, 1845-49. LILLIBRIDGE, JOHN, 1817. LIPPMAN, JOSEPH, 1849-51, 1862-65. LLOYDE, EDWARD, 1790-91, 1792-93. LLOYD, THOMAS E., 1820.
LORD, H., 1827-28.
LOVE, JOHN, 1805-06. LOVELL, EDWARD, 1873-81.

M

MACKAY, ROBERT, 1814-16.

MALLERY, JOHN, 1849-51, 1852-55.

MARSHALL, JAMES, 1804-06.

MELDRIM, PETER W., 1891.

MELL, WILLIAM B., 1883-89.

MENDENHALL, THOMAS, 1808-09, 1810-13.

MEYER, MATHIAS .H, 1866-69, 1870-77.

MILLAR, CHARLES C., 1866-69.

MILLEN, GEORGE, 1824-26.

J

MILLEN, JOHN, 1796-97. i/99-i8oo.

MILLEN, JOHN, 1836-37, 1842-43.

I

MILLER, ----, 1809-10.

'1

MILLER, ALVIN N., 1842-43, 1854-55, 1856-57, 1866-69.

'/

MILLS, CHARLES F., 1841-42.

MILLS, GEORGE J., 1885-95. 1899-1901.

MILLS, WILLIAM H. C., 1845-46.

MINIS, ABRAHAM, 1859-60.

MINIS, J. FLORENCE, 1883-85.

MINIS, ISAAC, 1810-13, 1815-16, 1824-28, 1830-32. '

'

MOORE, JOHN, 1795-97.

MOORE, WILLIAM A. 1809-10.

MORD, WILLIAM, 1826.

MOREL, JOHN H., 1803-06, 1807-38.

MOREL, THOMAS N., 1814-17, 1819-24.

MOREL, WILLIAM, 1830-31.

MORGAN, WILLIAM H., 1848-49

f
i
i ,s I
'\ * ij *
I
\
l)

i8

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

MORK, JAMES, 1817. MORRISON, JAMES, 1819-21, 1824-27.
MYERS, GEORGE, 1809-10.
MYERS, HERMAN, 1885-95. MYERS, MORDECAI, 1818.

Me.

McALLISTER, MATTHEW, 179^ 1812-14. McALLISTER, MATTHEW HALL, 1839-41.
McALPlX, HENRY, 1834-36. McARTHUR, A. G., 1872-73. McCALL,. JOHN, 1/96-97McCALL, THOMAS, 1799-1800. McCREDIE, ANDREW, 1793-96, 1798-1801.
McDONOUGH, JOHN J., 1887-91. McGUIRE, JAMES, 1891-93. McINTOSH, HAMPTON, 1814-17. McLEAN, ANDREW, 1807-09. McLEOD, NORMAN, 1808-10. McLEOD, WILLIAM, i87i-73> McMAHON, JOHN, 1852-53, 1860-61. 1865-66, iS/3-77McMILLAN, THOMAS H., 1893-90-

N

NICHOLS, GEORGE N., 1869-71, 1883-91. NICOLL. JOHN C., 1836, 1837-38. NOEL, JOHN Y., 1798-99, 1801-02. NORRIS. JOHN B., 1813-14, 1815-16. NORTON, THOMAS, 1796-07.

o

I

O'BRIEN, WILLIAM I., 1891-95.

O'BYRXE, DOMINICK, 1849-50.

O'BYRNE, DOMINICK A.. 1853-54, 1855-56.

'

g

O'BYRNE, JAMES, 1869-70.

O'BYRNE. JOHN ^,1850-51, 1861-66.

O'CONNOR. DANIEL, 1879-83.

O'CONNOR, P. J., 1883-87.

O'DONNELL, THOMAS F., 1897-99.

OWENS, OWEN, 1796-97-

OWENS. GEORGE W.. 1817-18, 1827-35, 1842-43.

OWENS, WILLIAM W., 1897-99.

i

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
PARKMAN, SAMUEL B., 1825-26, 1827-28. PEMBERTON, A., 1811-12. PETTIBONE, JOHN, 1806-07, 1808-09, 1811-12. PHILBRICK, SAMUEL, 1825-27. POPE, CHARLES, 1811-12. PORTER, ANTHONY, 1827. POSEY, JOHN K, 1838-41, 1848-51, 1855-56, 1857 59PROCTOR. GEORGE V., 1810-13, 1815-17. PURSE, DANIEL G., 1877-81. PURSE, THOMAS, 1832-37, 1848-51, 1856-57PUTNAM, HENRY, 1798-99, 1806-07.
READ, JAMES BOND, 1808-10, 1811-15. READ, JOHN P. W., 1859-61. REED, ELIAS, 1841-42, 1843-44. REES, EBENEZER S., 1818-19. REID, WILLIAM F., 1887-93, 1897-99REILLY, J. K., 1877-79. REMSHART, G. H., 1894-95RICE, THOMAS, 1807-09, 1810-11. RICHARDS, SILAS. 1807-08. RICHARDSON, JOHN, 1857-58. 1859-61. RICHARDSONE, COSMO P., 1851-52. RTGGS, WILLIAM, 1808. RIORDON, JOHN, 1852-53. ROBERTS, HIRAM, 1843-44. 1845-48, iS-ji 65. ROBERTS, JOSEPH, 1799. ROBERTS, JOSEPH A., 1881-83. ROBERTS. JOSEPH W., 1844-45ROBERTSON, JAMES, I/9/-98. ROBERTSON. WILLIAM, 1832-34. RODMAN, THOMAS W., 1826-07. RODGERS. JAMES G., 1854-55. ROE, ALEX. S., 1814-15RONAN, JOHN T., 1870-71. ROWLAND, J. C.. 1878-79RUCKERT, FRANCIS J.. 1871-7-. RUSSELL, SAMUEL. 1815-16. RUTHERFORD. N. G.. I?TO.

20

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

SAUSSY, J. R., 1849-51.

SCARBOROUGH, WILLIAM, 1837-38.

SCHLEY, GEORGE, 1823-24.

SCHLEY, JAMES M., 1861-62, 1865-66.

SCHWARZ, JOHN, 1869-73, 1877-83, 1887-89, 1899-1901.

SCRANTON, SAMUEL T., 1869-70. '

SCREVEN, JAMES P., 1826-27, 1828-29, 1849-54.

SCREVEN, THOMAS, 1893-97, 1899.

SCRIBNER, A. W., 1810.

SCUDDER, AMOS, 1830-39.

SCHAD, SOLOMON, 1803-05.

SHAFFER, BALTHASER, 1795-96, 1805-06, 1807-0-8, 1809-10.

SHAFFER, JACOB, 1829-37, 1840-41.

SHAW, A. J. C., 1826-29, 1830-37, 1842-43, 1844-45-

SHEUBER, JUSTUS, 1790-93.

ll

SHEFTALL, LEVI, 1799-1801, 1802-03, 1804-05.

SHEFTALL, MOSES, 1821-24, 1826-27, 1828-30.

SHEFTALL MORDECAI, SR., 1818-22.

SHELDON, JOHN R., 1886-87.

SHELLMAN, JOHN, 1826-27.

SHICK, GEORGE, 1824-25, 1826-27, 1820-33.

SHICK, PETER G., 1836-38.

SIMS, FREDERICK W., 1867-69.

SLOAN, ANDREW M., 1869-70.

SMETS, ALEX. A., 1841-42, 1845-48, 1851-52.

SMITH, ARCHIBALD, 1800-01.

SMITH, ELTON A., 1889.

SMITH, JOHN W., 1897-99.

SMITH, JAMES, 1838-39.

SNIDER, BENJAMIN, 1843-44, 1846-48.

SOLOMONS, A. A., 1861-62.

SOLOMONS, MOSES J., 1869-71.

SOLOMONS, SAMUEL, 1851-52, 1853-54.

SORREL, G. MOXLEY, 1873-75.

SOULLARD, E. A., 1860-63, 1865-66. 1869.

STACKHOUSE, SAMUEL H., 1806-07.

STEBBINS, EDWARD, 1802-03, 1807-09.

STILES, WILLIAM H., 1835-38.

STIRKE, SAMUEL, 1790-91-

STONE, FRANCIS M., 1842-43, 1859-60.

STOREY. BENJAMIN, 1809.

STURGES, OLIVER. 1806-07, 1822-24.

SWEET, GEORGE D.. 1803-04.

SYMOXS. WILLIAM R., 1857-58.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

2r

TANNER, JOHN, 1817-18. TAYLOR, WILLIAM. 1800-01. TEBEAUX, JOHN, 1807. THOMAS, DANIEL R., 1883-89, 1898-1901. THOMASSON, PAUL P., 1817-19. THROOP, GEORGE, 1794-96. TIEDEMAN, GEORGE W., 1895-97. 1859-1931. TISON, WILLIAM H., 1869-70, 1877. TOBLER, ULRICK, 1794-97TUCKER, JOHN F., 1858-59, 1861-62. TUFTS, GARDNER, 1809-10, 1816-18, 1822-23. TURNER, THOMAS M., 1846-47. 1848-52, 1857-58/1862-63.
VAN HORN, CHARLES, 1854. VILLALONGA, J. L., 1861-65, 1866-69, 1873-77.
W
WADE, EDWARD C., 1862-65, 1866-68. WADE, JAMES H., 1835-38. WAGNER, JOHN, 1837-41. WALDBURG, JACOB, 1844-45. WALDBURGER, JACOB, 1791-93. WALKER, ROBERT D., 1848-54, 1855-57. WARD, JOHN PETER, 1797-98. WARING, J. FREDERICK, 1859-60. WARING, JAMES J., 1866-69, 1877-79. WARING, WILLIAM R.. 1817-22, 1824-25, 1828-30, 1838-41, WASHBURN, JOSEPH, 1842-43 1844-45. WATKINS, JAMES F., 1876-77. WATSON, W. J., 1895-97. WATT, ALEX., 1800-01. WAYNE, JAMES M., 1817. WAYNE, RICHARD, I79I-93, 1795-97, 1/98-99. WAYNE. RICHARD, 1828-29, 1842-44. WAYNE, WILLIAM' C., 1824-27. WEED, H. D., 1846-47. WEIL, A. L., 1897-99. WEIL, ELIAS A.. 1879-81. WELLMAN, F. H., 1828-32. WELLS, DAVID, 1883-89, 1893-95, 1899-1901.

22

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

WELSCHER, JOSEPH, 1791-92, 1793-99, 1802-04, 1835-06.
WEST, CHARLES W.. 1854-55WETTER, AUGUSTUS P., 1869-70, 1873. WHEATON, JOHN F., 1859-61. WHITE, CHRISTOPHER, 1871-73. WHITE, JOHN Y., 1807-09. 1810-14. WHITE, STEELE, 1810-11, 1813-14, 1816-17, 1818-21. WILDER, JOSEPH J., 1883-85. WILDER, JOHN R., 1854-55. WILLIAMS. CHARLES, 1811-12. WILLIAMS. JESSE P., 1899-1000.
WILLIAMS, JOHN M., 1875-77WILLIAMS. WILLIAM THORNE, 1825-28. 1832-33. WILLIAMSON, JOHN, G., 1800-04. WILLIAMSON. JOHN P., 1805-08.
WILLIAMSON, JOHN, 1861-66.
WILLINK, HARRY, 1895. WILLINK, HENRY F., 1877-81. WILSON, CLAUDIUS C., 1857-58. WOOD. ORLANDO A., 1843-44. WOODRUFF, GEORGE, 1833. WRIGHT, WILLIAM, 1857-58. WYLLY. GEORGE W., 1858-59. 1863-69. WYLLY. THOMAS S.. 1897.

YOUNG. JAMES BOX, 1795-93-

HISTORY OF THE CITY
CHAPTER I.
COLONIAL AND REVOLUTIONARY DAYS.
About'thc middle of the year 1715, the Lords Proprietors of the Carolina colony were waited upon by the agents representing the colonists and advised as to the heavy calamities under which the colony was laboring. The agents insisted that prompt assistance should be rendered them. This the proprietors failed to grant, their answer being evasive and unsatisfactory. The agents at once peti tioned" the House of Commons in behalf of the distressed Carolinians, and thereupon the Commons addressed the King, beseeching his kind interposition and praying early assistance for the colony.
The matter was referred by the King to the Lords Commis sioners of Trade and Plantations, who, in their report, suggested that the province of Carolina being a Proprietary government, if the English nation was to be at the expense of its protection, its govern ment ought to be vested in the Crown. WTithin a short time a bill was introduced into the House of Commons for the better regulation of Charter and Proprietary governments of His Majesty's plantations in America. Its chief object was to supplant them with Royal govern ments. In Carolina the disputes and conflicts between the Lords Proprietors and colonists continued to be so constant and of such pronounced character that all the proprietors except Lord Cartaret, taking advantage of the provisions of this Act of Parliament, sur rendered to the King all their rights and interest in the government of Carolina and also their ownership of the soil. The sale was exe cuted on the 25th of July, 1732, the consideration paid by the Royal government amounting to 22,500 pounds, for which small sum seveneighths of the extensive territory of Carolina was sold to the Crown. The other eighth interest was owned by Lord Cartaret, who subse quently by deed, dated February 28, 1732, conveyed to the trustees for establishing the colony of Georgia in America the one undivided * eighth part of all lands lying between the Savannah and Altamaha rivers. The other seven-eighths of this territory was ceded to these trustees by the Crown. With this exolanation it is readily understood why in the charter granted by King George II, dated June 9, 1732, royal cession was made to only seven-eighths of the lands to be in cluded in the province south of and entirely distinct from Carolina

ft
jtl
** * > t t

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
and to be called Georgia in honor of the reigning monarch of Eng land who had graciously sanctioned so liberal a charter and granted^a territory so extensive and valuable for the encouragement of the proposed colony.
The scheme which culminated in planting a colony on the right bank of the Savannah river at Yamacraw Bluff originated with James Edward Oglethorpe, a member of the House of Commons. He was the third son of Sir Theophilus Oglethorpe, whose family was both ancient and of high repute. The founder of the Georgia colony was born, according to the parish register of St. James, West-minister, on June i, 1689. A love for a soldiers life was inherited by him from his father who was a major general in the British ser vice under King James II, who entrusted him with a command in the army assembled to oppose the Prince of Orange. James Ogle thorpe entered the English army as an ensign^ in 1710 and rose to captain-lieutenant of the first troop of the Queens Life Guards in 1714, but preferring active service abroad he soon repaired to the Continent and accepted an appointment on the staff of the famous Prince Eugene of Savoy. In 1718 he returned to England well versed in the principles of military service, the conduct of cam paigns, and the orders of battle, accustomed to command and possess ing a reputation for manhood, executive ability and warlike knowledge not often acquired by one of his years. In October. 1722, he was elected, a member of Parliament from the County of Sur rey, which he continued to represent for some 32 years. During the earlier years of his political career his energies were enlisted in pro posing and supporting measures for the benefit of commerce and the redress of grievances, his sympathies being especially interested for the relief of unfortunate debtors. While engaged in his philanthropic work the idea occurred to him that a colony of such persons might be benefitted and retrieve their fortunes if settled in America. Ogle thorpe in association with Lord Percival and other noblemen ob tained from the Crown a charter which, as stated, received royal sanction on June 9, 1732. The features, grants and privileges of this charter may be thus briefly summarized. Alluding to the fact that South Carolina had been devastated by the savages and a great num ber of its inhabitants massacred ard being still exposed to like calamities by reason of the fewness of their numbers and the expbsure of the entire southern frontier, it was held that the establish ing of a colony in the southern territory would materially conduce to the safety of the Carolina colonists, the corporation proposed for this purpose to be known as "The Trustees for establishing tHe Colony of Georgia in America." Lord John, Viscount Percival. was designated as the first president of the corporation, which was also required to have a Common Council to consist of fifteen mem-

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

25

bers. An increase by election of the number of corporators being con templated, provisions were made for adding nine additional members and Edward Digby was selected as first chairman. The charter pro vided for the settling of a colony on the lands lying between the Sa vannah and the Altamaha, to be created and known as a separate and independent province by the name of Georgia. In July, 1732, the corporators having perfected an organization frequent meetings were held for developing the scheme of colonization, as a result of which the frigate Anne, John Thomas, Master, was chartered to convey the emigrants and was furnished with all the necessaries of life for the voyage.
It was on Friday, November 17, 1732, that the frigate set sail from Gravesend with 116 persons on board. There were thirty-five families in all, consisting of carpenters, bricklayers, farmers, etc., who took with them all the necessary tools of their trades. Ac companying them at his own request, to lay out the land and see them settled properly in the new country, was Oglethorpe.
Before leaving the old land "the military discipline of the Guards" was taught the men, "and to carry musquets, bayonets and swords, to defend the colony in case of an attack from the Indians." Considerable food supplies were shipped, and in addition "ten tuns of Alderman Parson's best beer/' besides which the Anne was to stop at the Madeiras and take on "five tuns of wine." A form of govern ment for the trip had been organized and the colonists were under the control of constables and other peace officers, while Rev. Henry Herbert attended to their spiritual interests. On November 12, they "went ashore to Milton church and behaved with admirable decency and devotion." On the i7th, just before the anchors were hoisted, "the trustees came on board, to see that nothing was wanting and to take leave of the-worthy gentleman of their own body (Oglethorpe) who goes with the colonists to direct in laying out their land and forming a town. They called all the families separately before them in the great cabin and inquired if they liked their useage and voyage, or if they had rather return they should have everything that was their own property back with them. Only one chose the latter, which was on account of his wife, who was left behind in Southwark to go in the next embarkation, being taken ill of small pox. An elderly man came on board just before they sailed and would have persuaded a sober, well-bred young woman, his cousin, to return with him to London, promising to take care of her. Her father and mother, with whom she was going to Georgia gave their consent, but she would not leave them, which rejoiced all the company, she having promised to stand god mother to a male child born under the pro tection of the trustees. Thus they begin already to increase, and five couples have promised marriage to each other, so that the Rev-

26

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

erend Doctor will not be without employment." (Gentleman's Maga

zine, 1733.)

The trustees for the colony, with their addresses, were as fol

lows: Lord Percival, Pall Mall; Lord Carpenter, Grosvernor

Square: Edward Digby, Esq., Clarges Street; James Oglethorpe,

Esq., Old Palace Yard: George Heathcote, Esq., Soho Square;

Thomas Towers. Esq., Middle Temple; Robert More, Esq., Duke Street, York Buildings: Robert Hucks, Esq., Russell Street, Blooms-

bury: Rogers Holland, Esq., Essex Street; William Sloper, Esq.,

St. James Place: Francis Eyles, Esq., Soho Square: John Laroche,

Esq.. Pall Mall: James Vernon, Esq., Grosvernor Street: William

Belitha. Esq.. Kingston, Surrey; Stephen Hales, A. M., Toddington, Middlesex: John Burton, B. D., Oxford; Richard Bundy, A. M.,

Dean Street. Soho: Arthur Bedford, A. M., Hab. Hosp., Noxton;

Samuel Smith. A. M., Aldgate; Adam Anderson, Gent., Clerkenwell

Green: Thomas Coran. Gent., Goodman's Fields.

The voyage occupied 57 days. On January 13, 1733, the

Anne arived off Charleston. where Oglethorpe landed,

called on the Governor, was graciously received and

obta-iicd an order for Mr. Middleton, the King's pilot, to carry

the Anne into Port Royal, and for a small craft to carry the colo

nists from there to the Savannah river. They then sailed to Port

Royal and anchored off the bar. Oglethorpe went on to Beaufort,

where he was received with a salute from all the cannon, and had

the new barracks fitted up for the reception of the colonists, who

landed on January 20. While the immigrants refreshed themselves

Oglethorpe came up the Savannah river, "chose a situation for a

town and entered into a treaty with Tomo-chi-chi, the Mico or cfiief

of the only nation of Indians living near it. He returned on the 24th

(to Beaufort) and the Sunday following wras celebrated as a day of

Thanksgiving for their safe arrival. Four fat hogs, eight turkies,

besides fowls. English beef and other provisions, a hogshead of

beer, a hogshead of punch, and a large quantity of wine made up the

dinner, "and all," says a" writer of the time, "was disposed of in so

regular a manner that no person was drunk nor any disorder hap

pened."

"Being arrived on the ist of February at the intended town be

fore night they erected four large tents, sufficient to hold all the

people, being one for each tything; they landed their bedding and

other little necessaries and all the people lay on shore. Until the 7th

was spent in making a crane, and unloading the goods, which done

Mr. Oglethorpe divided the people, employing part in clearing land

;I

for seed, part in beginning the palisades and the remainder in felling

trees where the town is to stand. Col. Bull arrived with a message

from the General Assembly of South Carolina to Mr. Oglethorpe, a

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

27

letter from his excellency, Governor Johnson and the Council, ac quainting him that the two Houses upon a conference had agreed to give twenty barrels of rice and 100 head of cattle, besides hogs, to the trustees, and that they had commanded a detachment of the Rangers, which were horse kept in the pay of the province for the scouting of the frontiers, and the scout boat, which is an armed bark for the same purpose by water, to attend him and take his orders."
On February 9 Col. Bull and Mr. Oglethorpe marked out the squares, the streets and the lots for the houses of the town, and the first house, which was ordered to be made of clapboard, was begun that day.
;Mr. Whitaker, of South Carolina, gave the colony 100 head of .cattle, and Col. Bull, Mr. Barlow, Mr. St. Julien and Mr. Wood ward came to assist them with some of their best servants. * In Oglethorpe's first letter to the trustees, dated from the Camp at Savannah, February 10, 1733, the reasons are given which led to his selection of the site:
"I gave you an account in my last of my arrival in Charleston. The Governor and Assembly have given us all possible encourage ment.
"Our people arrived at Beaufort on the 2Oth of January, where I lodged them in some new barracks built by the soldiers, while I went myself to view the Savannah river.
"I fixed upon a healthy situation about ten miles from the sea. The river here forms a half moon, along the south side of which the banks are about forty foot high; and upon the top a flat, which they call a bluff.
"The plain high ground extends into the country live or six miles, and along the river side about a mile. Ships that draw 12 foot water can ride within ten yards of the bank.
"Upon the river side, in the center of this plain, I have laid out the town: over against it is an island of very rich land, fit for pas turage, which I think should be kept for the trustees cattle.
"The river is pretty wide, the water fresh, and from the key of the town you see its whole course to the sea,, with the Island of Tybee, which forms the mouth of the river; and the other way you see the river for about six miles up into the country.
"The landskip is very agreeable, the stream being wide, and bordered with high woods on both sides.
"On July 7, 1733, at daybreak, the inhabitants were assembled on the Strand for the purpose of designating the wards of the town and assigning the lots. In a devotional service they united in thanksgiving to God that the line had fallen to them in a pleasant place and that they were about to have a good heritage. The wards and tythings were then named, each ward consisting of four tythings

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
and each tythlng of ten houses and a house lot was given to each free holder. There being in Derby ward but 21 houses built, and the other 19 having no house erected on them, Mr. MiHedge and Mr. Goddard, the two chief carpenters, offered in the name of themselves and seventeen of their helpers, to take the unbuilt-on lots and give the built ones to those who were less able to help themselves. The people then partook of a plentiful dinner, which their generous gover nor had provided. In the afternoon the grant of a Court of Record was read and the officers appointed. The session of the magistrates was then held, a jury empanelled and a case tried." (Rev. Dr Harris* Memorial of Oglethorpe.)
The Magistrates were Peter Gordon, first bailiff; William Warterland, second bailiff; Thomas Causton, third bailiff; Thomas Christy, recorder; Joseph Fitzwalter, constable for Derby ward. The jury consisted of the following persons, the first jury empanelled in Georgia: Samuel Parker, foreman; Thomas Young, Joseph Cole, John Wright, John West, Timothy Bowling, John Milledge, Henry Close. Walter Fox, John Grady, James Carwell, Richard Cannon.
Each male colonist became the possessor of a town lot, a garden lot and farm, aggregating 50 acres, thus conforming to the instruc tions of the trustees to Oglethorpe, authorizing him to set out 5,000 acres from the lands of the company in such part of the province as he thought most convenient, to be divided among those who set tled thereon. The original town was laid out in four wards contain ing four tythings of ten lots each and four trustees lots, with one public square, four streets, running north and south, and two streets from the Bay intersecting them at right angles. Afterwards two similar wards were added east of the town making 240 lots in all at the time of the division of the lots, and the boundaries of the town between Bay and South Broad, Jefferson and Lincoln streets.
The first and only square then designated and which was to serve as a model for all others which should be called into existence by the expansion of the town, was Johnson square, so named in compli ment to his excellency. Robert Johnson. Governor of South Caro lina, who had contributed generously to the advancement of the col ony. The streets first laid out were Abercorn, Drayton, Bull and Whitaker, running north and south, and Bay, Bryan and St. Julien east and west. In selecting the names for the wards, tythings. streets and squares Oglethorpc sought to express the gratitude of the colonists and its founder by calling them after prominent mem bers of the board of trustees and generous patrons of the colony in England and Carolina.
South, east and west of the town proper was located^the town common, which included the area between West Broad, Liberty,

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

29

Tattnall, Gwinnett, Lincoln and Randolph streets. In 1770 a com

mittee was appointed by the Common House of Assembly of the

Province to re-establish the common, as that part of the town com

mon between the Trustees Garden, Randolph, East Broad and Whea-

ton streets, which had been exchanged in 1762 with Hon. James

Wright for Garden lots 21, 22, 31 and 32, east, was excluded, and

these garden lots were then added to the town common, making the

eastern boundary of the common less and the southern boundary

more.

v

Within the town common the city continued its extension and

laid out lots, wards, parks and squares from 1789 to 1854.

Bordering the town common on the east were located the ham

lets and villages of Yamacraw, St. Gaul, Ewensburg, New Leeds,

Springhill, Montmolliville, and on the west were Bowenville, Fair

Lawn, Prendergastville, Bryanvillc and the Trustees Garden, which

consisted of ten acres formally reserved by the trustees for ex

perimental planting. The city did not again extend the limits beyond

the town common until 1808, when the western limit was extended

to the centre of the old Musgrove creek, taking in the villages in

cluded in North, South and Middle Oglethorpe wards. In 1838 the

corporate limits were again enlarged, taking in the area on the west

between Liberty, Tattnall, Gwinnett and West Boundary streets, and

on the east the area between Liberty, Lincoln, Gwinnett, Paulsen

street to Lamar creek, Savannah river and Randolph street. In

1854 the city limits were extended by taking in the area between

Bradley's mill and the Augusta road, also all of the Springfield plan

tation, and from Anderson street to the Waters road, and Whea-

ton street to the Bilbo canal. In 1879 the limit on the west side was

extended 2,500 feet along the river front west of the present city

limit on that side, and on the east side of the city 980 feet along the

river front with a width of 300 feet. In 1883 the city limits were ex

tended south of Anderson street to Twelfth (now 42d) street,

from the Ogeechee road to East Broad street, and at the same time

the corporation boundary was extended on the east side of the pres

ent limits along the river front 980 feet with a width of 300 feet. On

the west side the limit was the west line of the Springfield planta

tion extended, to the river and passing through the old water works

tract. In 1890 the western limits of 1883 north of the Augusta road

were changed back to the boundary line of 1854. An historical map

of the city of Savannah recently compiled by Mr. John W. Howard,

civil engineer, illustrates more fully the location of the original Town

Commons, Garden, Farm and Trust lots, the names of the grantees

and dates of grant, and all subsequent divisions.

Returning to the early days of the colony, Oglethorpe returned

to England in April, 1734, taking with him Tomochichi and other

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
Indians who were presented at Conn and attracted much attention. He paid two further visits to the colony. In 1741 he commanded the force against the Spaniards, defeating them on St. Simon's island. On July 23, 1743, he bade farewell to the colony, leaving William Stephens in charge as deputy governor.
By 1/36 the town had reached considerable proportions. Francis Moore, Esq.. who accompanied Oglethcrpe to the colony the previ ous year, and who was afterwards recorder at Frederica, thus de scribed its appearance: "The town of Savannah is built cf wood; all of the houses cf the first forty free holders are of the same size with that Mr. Oglethorpe lives in, but there are great numbers built since. I believe one hundred or one hundred and fifty; many of these are much larger, some two or three stories high, the boarrls plained and painted. The houses stand on large lots, sixty foot in front by ninety foot in depth: each lot has a fore and back street to it; the lots are fenced in with split pales; some few people have pali sades of turned wood before their doors, but the generality have been wise enough net to throw away their money, which, in this country, laid out in husbandry, is capable of great improvements. There are several people of good substance in the town who came at their own expense, and also several of those who came over on the charity are in a very thriving way; but this is observed, that the most substantial people are the most frugal, and make the least show, and live at the least expense. There are also some who have made but little or bad use of the benefits they received, idling away their time, whilst they had their provisions from the public store, or else work ing for hire, earning from two shillings, the price of a laborer, to four or five shillings, the price of a carpenter, per diem, and spend ing that money in rum and good living, thereby neglecting to improve their lands, so that when their time of receiving their provisions from the public ceased, they were in no forwardness to maintain themselves out of their own lands. As they chose to be hirelings when they might have improved themselves, the consequence of that folly forces them now to work for their daily bread. These are gen erally discontented with the country, and if they have run themselves in debt, their creditors will not let them go away till they have paid. Considering: the number of people, there are but very few of these. The industrious ones have throve beyond expectation; most of them that have been there three years, and many others, have houses in town, v.-hich those that let have for the worst ten pounds per annum, and the best for thirty pounds.
"Those who have cleared their five acre lots have made a very great profit out of them by greens, roots and corn. Several have improved the cattle they had at first, and have now five or six tame cows, others, who to save the trouble of feeding them, let them go

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

31

into the woods can rarely find them, and when they are brought up

one of them will not give half the quantity of milk which another

cow fed near home will give. Their houses c-re built at a pretty

large distance from one another for fear of fire; the streets are very

wide, and there are. great squares left at proper distances, for markets

and other conveniences. Near the river side there is a guard house

inclosed with palisades a foot thick, where there are nineteen or

twenty cannons mounted, and a continued guard kept by the free

holders. This town is governed by three bailiffs, and has a recorder,

register, and a town court, which is holden every six weeks, where

all matters, civil and criminal, are decided by grand and petty juries,

as in England, but there are no lawyers allowed to plead for hire, nor

no attorneys 'to take motfey, but (as in old times in England) every

man pleads his own cause. In case it should be an orphan, or one

that cannot speak for themselves, there are persons of the best sub

stance in the town, appointed by the Trustees to take care of the

orphans, and to defend the helpless, and that without fee or reward,

it being a service that each that is capable must perform in his

turn. They have some laws and customs peculiar to Georgia; one

is that all brandies and distilled liquors are prohibited; another is,

that no slavery is allowed, nor negroes; a third, that all persons who

go among the Indians must give security for their good behavior,

because the Indians, if any injury is done to them, and they cannot

kill the man who does it, expect satisfaction from the government,

which if not procured, they break out into war, by killing the first

white man they conveniently .can. No victualler or ale house keeper

can give any credit, so consequently cannot recover any debt. The

freeholders are all entailed, which has been very fortunate for the

place. If people could have sold, the greatest, part, before they knew

the value of their lots, would have parted with them for a trifling

condition, and there \\ere not wanting rich men who employed agents

to monopolize the whole town: and if they had got numbers of lots

into their own hands, the other freeholders would have had no benefit

by letting their houses, and hardly of trade, since the rich, by means

of a large capital, would underlet and undersell them,- and the town

would have been almost without inhabitants, as Port Royal, in Caro

lina, is, by the best lots being get into a few hands." It was not until

1747 that slavery was legalized in the colony.

On June 17, 1736, the first ball was given in Savannah. "Several

gentlemen from South Carolina, arrived in Georgia, were entertained

by Oglethorpe. and the night before leaving a ball was given them by

the ladies."



On Tuesday, November i, 1737, William Stephens, Secretary of

the Trustees for the Colony, and afterwards president of the same,

arrived to enter upon the duties of his office. He had been for

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
twenty-six years a member of the House of Commons. The Revs. John and Charles Wesley came with Oglethorpe the previous year, arriving in February, 1736, and Rev. George Whitefield arrived on May 7, 1737, accompanied by James Habersham, who was after wards President of His Majesty's Council in Georgia. On March 25, 1740. Whitefield laid the first bricks for the orphanage at Bethesda. which still remain a monument to his memory.
Tomochichi, the chief of the Yamacraw Indians, died at his vil lage near the town on October 5, 1739, aged, it was supposed, about 97. A notice of his death in the Gentlemen's Magazine, thus speaks of it: "He was sensible to the last minutes; and when he was per suaded his death was near, he showed the greatest magnanimity and sedateness, and exhorted his people never to forget the favors he had received from the King when in England, but persevere in their friendship with the English. He expressed the greatest tenderness for General Oglethorpe, and seemed to have no concern at dying but its being at a time when his life might be useful against the Spaniards. He desired that his body might be buried among the English in the town of Savannah, since it was he that prevailed with the Creek Indians to give the land and had assisted in founding the town. The corpse was brought down by water. The general, attended by the magistrates and people of the town, met it upon the water's edge. The corpse was carried into the Percival square. The pall was sup ported by the General, Colonel Stephens, Colonel Montague, Mr. Carteret, Mr. Lemon and Mr. Maxwell. It was followed by the Indians, and magistrates, and people of the town. There was the re spect paid of firing guns from /the battery all the time of the pro cession, and funeral firing by the militia, who were under arms. The general has ordered a pyramid of stone which is dug in the neigh borhood, to be erected over the grave, which being in the centre of the town, will be a great ornament to it, as well as testimony of gratitude." A boulder, brought from the mountains of North Geor gia and placed in position by the efforts of the Georgia Society of Colonial Dames, now marks the spot in Wrigh't square, in front of the court house, near where the remains of Tomochichi are popularly supposed to have been laid. This unique monument was dedicated on April 27. 1893. H~n. Walter G. C'-arlton being the orator of the occasion and the Mayor and Aldermen being present by invitation of the society.
In October. 1741. the government of the colony was changed from bailiffs. The trustees sent over six appointments, Col. William Stephens, President; Henry Parker, Thomas Jones, John Fallowtield and Samuel Mercer, assistants, and John Pye, secretary. These formed a council which regulated the local affairs. Col. Stephens resigned the presidency in 1751 and was succeeded by Henry Parker,

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

33

who died the next year and was succeeded by Patrick Graham. The first "public filature in America was erected in Savannah in 1751, under the direction of Pickering Robinson and James Habersham. It was begun on March 4, on April i the basons for cocoons were put up and on May 8 the reeling of silk began. The same year the first Colonial Assembly met at Savannah, (January 15, 1751), Francis Har ris being chosen speaker. This was in accordance with changes in the charter which provided for an assembly of this nature. In June, 1752, the trustees resigned their charter and Georgia became a royal province.
The first Royal Governor, John Reynolds, Esq., Captain in the Royal Navy, arrived Tuesday, October 29, 1754, and was received with every manifestation of joy. The former council was then dis solved. Governor Reynolds was re :alled in 1756. On February 22, 1757, Henry Ellis, Esq., F. R. S., the newly appointed Governor ar rived. He resigned in 1759, owing to ill health. In October, 1760, James Wright, Esq., L,ieut. Gov., arrived and was subsequently ap pointed governor. He was the last of the Royal Governors. In 1763 the first printing press in Georgia was set up by James Johnston. The first number of the Georgia Gazette was printed April 7, 1763. Robert Bolton, the first postmaster of Savannah, was appointed in 1764 by Benjamin Baron, Esq., Postmaster General of the Southern District of America.
On December 5, 1765, His Majesty's Snip Speedwell, Capt. Fanshaw, with the famous stamps which prepared the way for the Revolution, arrived in the river and the papers were secretly trans ferred to Fort Halifax, later known as Fort Wayne. Fear of an at tack on the fort by "The Liberty Boys" led to their removal from there to Fort George on Cockspur island, and then to the Speedwell again.
In 1766 "the city consisted of 403 dwelling houses, a church, an independent meeting house, a council house, a court house, and filature. The plane of the city is, at the highest place, thirty feet above the surface of the stream, or rather above the springs under the quicksands, and this whole iepth is a mere sand down to tfie general springs in the quick sands.
"The city is increased by two suburbs; the one to "the west is called Yamacraw, a name reserved from the Indian town formerly at this place, of which the famous Thamachaychee was the last king. Another suburb is. to the east, called the Trustees' Garden--a place where the trustees had a famous garden laid out in order to make ex periments before they were advised to be accounted objects profit able to be introduced in that climate. Both these suburbs are in creasing since 1760 extremely fast, so that above 160 houses are by these suburbs to be added to the number of houses in the city.

34

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

"The prevailing religion is what is cultivated by the Church of England: next to this is the Lutheran and the Independent; then the Calvinist. The Jews are the least.
"Between th city and the Trustees Garden is an artificial hill upon the bay, part of which, in 1/60, was dug through (to open a communication with this suburb and the city), whereby a stratum was opened near the plane of the city, filled with human bones. This confirmed the history of this mount, which had traduced it to be an ancient Indian burying ground, on which (as Thamachaychee related to General Oglethorpe, at his arrival), one of the Yamacraw kings had entertained a great white man with a red beard who had entered the pert of Savannah stream with a very large vessel and. himself came up in his barge to Yamacraw, and had expressed a great af fection to the Indians, from which he hath the return of as much. The white man with his red beard intending to present the king with a piece of curiosity he had on board his vessel, for which he signified some Indians might go down to receive it from his lieu tenant on board, to* whom he wrote a note, which he desired the Indians would deliver to this officer, who (pursuant to the order in the note), delivered what was demanded, and the Indians brought it up to Yamacraw at which their king was greatly surprised, but more so, that the white man could send his thoughts to so great a distance upon a \vhite leaf, which surpassing their conception- they were ready to-believe this man to be more than a white man. As the Indians have no other way to express times passed or to come than by rising and setting of the sun. by new moons, by sprouting of the trees and the number of their ancestors; the general, by the nearest computation, and comparing history with chronology, con cluded to have been Admiral Sir Walter Raleigh, who probably en tered the Savannah port in 1584 when on his navigation on this coast. * * * * This province was scarcely thirty years settled before it had three fine libraries in the city of Savannah, the fourth at Ebenezer, and a fifth ninety-six and three-quarter miles from the sea upcn the stream of Savannah. In these libraries could be had books wrote in the Chaldaic, Hebrew, Arabic. Syric, Coptic. Malabar, Greek. Latin. French, German, Dutch, Spanish, besides the English." (Anonymous manuscript.) From this it would appear that among Savannahs earliest citizens were men of wealth and
culture. The colony rapidly increased in population, there being in 1766 about 10,000 whites and nearly 8,coo negroes. In 1765 sailing vessels to the number of 153 received cargoes at the port. In 1773 the exports had increased to $.?7Q,422, commerce having yearly increased from the time of the first shipment in 1749 of a miscellaneous cargo valued at $10.000 by Harris & Habersham. who had established the first commercial house in 1744. By 1770 the city had

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

35

extended west to what is now Jefferson street, on the east to what is now Lincoln street, and on the south to what is now Oglethorpe avenue (South Broad street). It contained six squares and twelve streets, besides the Strand, now known as Bay street.
The streets in existence in colonial times, and those laid out at later periods of the city's existence, as well as" the wards. and squares, are full of significance to those acquainted with the his tory of the state and of the country. Their names recall the days of the first settlers, of the revolutionary struggles, of the second conflict with Great Britain, and of the subsequent war with Mexico and the sanguinary strife between the states. Each of these distinc tive periods in the making of the nation had its men of prominence, its statesmen and military and naval heroes, whose memories are honored and whose names are perpetuated by the public places and thoroughfares and sub-divisions of the city of Savannah. Its sign boards are pregnant with meaning. In probably no other city of the United States do they recall more forcibly the great men of the commonwealth and of the nation.
From William Bacon Stevens "Historical Notices of Savannah," in the Magnolia Magazine of 1842, and from the municipal records and other available sources the following list giving the origin of the titles has been collected:
Squares.
Calhoun. after John C. Calhoun, the South's great statesman.
Chatham, after the Earl of Chatham, the friend of -the col onists in the English parliament and to whose efforts peace with independence was largely due.
Crawford, after William H. Crawford, one of the most conspic uous figure's in early national politics, United States Senator, Secre tary of the Treasury in Madison's administration, and an opponent of Monroe for the presidency.
Chippewa, to commemorate the valor of American arms in the battle of Chippewa (1813) when the United States forces under Gen. Brown signally defeated the British under Gen. Riall.
Columbia, after the poetic title of the United States. Ellis, after colonial Governor Ellis 1757-59. Elbert, after Samuel Elbert, governor of Georgia in 1785, sheriff of Chatham county in 1788. Franklin, after Benjamin Franklin, signer of the Declaiation of Independence, commissioner to France, statesman, philosopher and scientist. Greene, after Gen. Nathanael Greene, .Washington's comrade in arms, and second only to him in the love and esteem of the revo lutionary army and people.

J

HISTROY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT
Johnson, after Governor Robert Johnson, of South Carolina, friend and aid of the colony.
Lafayette, after Gen. Lafayette, the valiant French soldier and lover of liberty whose services were given the colonies in the dark est hour of their struggle for freedom.
Liberty, to perpetuate the dawn of freedom and independence. Madison, after James Madison, fourth president of the United States. Monterey, in commemoration of the capture of Monterey, Mexico, by the American army under Gen. Taylor, on May 24. 1846. Oglethorpe. after Gen. James Oglethorpe, the founder of the colony. Orleans, in commemoration of the victory of the Americans under Gen. Andrew Jackson, at New Orleans in 1815. Pulaski, after the gallant Pole who fell in the attack on Savan nah in 17/9. Reynolds, after Capt. John Reynolds, first Royal Governor, 1754-56. St. James, after the palace of St. James in London, the royal residence, this square being the home of the royal governor, Sir James Wright. (Changed to Telfair Place 1883.) Trcup. after George Mclntosh Troup, elected Congressman (1806), United States Senator (1816 and 1828), and Governor of Georgia in 1823. Warren, after Gen. Joseph Warren, who fell at Bunker Hill. Washington, after Gen. George Washington. Wright, after Colonial Governor Wright, the last of the royal governors 1760-1782. Whitefield, after George Whitefield, the great preacher, whose name is so intimately associated with the early religious history of the city, and to whose practical Christianity Bethesda is a me morial. Forsyth park, established in 1851, was named after John ForSjrth, Attorney-General of the State in 1808, Congressman 1813-18, United States Senator 1818-19, Minister to Spain 1819-22, Congress man 1823-27, Governor of Georgia 1828, United States Senator i?20-34. Secretary of State 1834-41. under Presidents Jackson and Van Buren. Two other squares have been added in recent years, Thomas, named after Alderman Daniel R. Thomas, and Wells, named after Alderman David Wells.
Wards.
Wards have been named as follows: Anson, after Lord Anson, the celebrated navigator.

* ..* .



4




i

HISTROY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

37

Bartow, after Col. Francis S. Bartow, of the Confederate army, who fell at the battle of Manassas in 1861.
Brown, after Major-General Jacob Brown, who commanded the American army at the battle of Chippewa in 1813, and who was wounded at Lundy Lane.
Berrien, after John McPherson Berrien, Judge of Superior Court 1810-21, State Senator 1822, United States Senator 1825-29 and 1840-52, Attorney-General of United States 1829-31.
Davis, after President Jefferson Davis, of the Confederate states. Derby, after Rt. Hon. James, Earl of Derby, one of the con tributors to the trustees fund for the colony. Decker, after Sir Matthew Decker, one of the commissioners to collect funds for the trustees of the colony, and who himself con tributed 150 pounds. Heathcote, after Sir Gilbert Heathcote and George Heathcote, friends and benefactors of the colony. Jones, after Col. Seaborn Jones, of the Confederate army. Jackson, after Gen. (afterwards President) Andrew Jackson. Jasper, after Sergeant Jasper, the hero of Fort Moultrie, and who fell in the attack on Savannah in 1779. Johnston, after Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, of the Confederate army. Lee, after Gen. Robert E. Lee, of the Confederate army. Mercer, after Gen. H. W. Mercer, of the Confederate army. Percival, after Rt. Hon. John, Lord Viscount Percival, President of the Trustees for settling the colony, and afterwards Earl of Egmont. Reynolds, after the Royal Governor of that name. Stephens, after Alexander Stephens, Vice-President of the Con federacy. Telfair, after Edward Telfair, member of Committee of Safety, I 77S" Governor of Georgia 1786. Walton, after George Walton, one of the signers of the Declara tion of Independence and afterwards Governor of Georgia. Wesley, after Rev. John Wesley, founder of Methodism, and who as a clergyman of the Church of England, was located at Savannah in 1736. Crawford. Chatham, Calhoun, Elbert, Franklin, Pulaski, La fayette, Monterey, Oglethorpe, Pulaski and Troup wards were named after the same persons as the squares bearing those titles.
Other wards named after men of local prominence were:
Charlton, after Mayor Thomas U. P. Charlton. Haywood, after Alderman Alfred Haywood. Kelly, after Eugene Kelly, a New York banker and friend of the city.

38

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Padelford, after Edward Padleford. Weed, after Henry D. Weed, alderman of the city. South of Gwinnett street the wards perpetuate the names of men who have served the city as aldermen, mayors, or in other public capacities, or who were large land owners and from whose properties the wards in question were carved.

Streets.

Streets in existence in colonial times, or laid out at later periods,

have been named as follows:

Abercorn, after Rt. Hon. James, Earl of Abercorn, benefactor

of the colony.

.

Anderson, after Edward C. Anderson, Mayor 1854-56, 1865-69,

1873-77.

Arnold, after Dr. Richard D. Arnold, Mayor of Savannah

1851-52, 1859-60, 1863-65, and for many years an alderman of the city.

Barnard,- after Sir John Barnard, contributor to the Trustees*

fund.

Bolton, after John Bolton, one of the city's most prominent

early merchants and for many years an alderman.

Broughton, after Thomas Broughton, member of the Council

and Lieutenant-Governor of South Carolina, and a friend of the

settlers of Savannah.

Bryan, after Joseph Bryan, benevolent friend of Oglethorpe,

who came with four of his sawyers in 1733 and gave their labor

free for two months.

Bull, after Col. William Bull, for a long time governor of

South Carolina, the friend of Oglethorpe, and who laid out the

city.

Bulloch, probably after Archibald Bulloch, one of the signers

of the call for a public meeting to protest against the Acts of Par

liament, delegate to the Continental Congress, President of the Pro

vincial Congress of Georgia 1775-76, President of Council 1777 and

practically Governor of Georgia; died 1777.

Burroughs, after Henry K. Burroughs, mayor 1845-48.

Drayton, after Thomas and Mrs. Anne Drayton, who sent

laborers and other assistance from South Carolina to the colonists.

Fahm, after Frederick Fahm, a large property owner in that sec

tion of the city.

Floyd, after General Floyd, whose victories over the British at

Autossee and Fort Defiance were celebrated by Savannahians on

February 7, 1814.

Gaston. after William Gaston, prominent financier of Savannah

in the fore part of the century; President of the Planters' Bank.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

39

Gordon, after William W. Gordon, mayor of Savannah 1834-36,

chief promoter and first president of the Central of Georgia Rail

road.

Gwinnett, after Button Gwinnett, one of Georgia's signers of

the Declaration of Independence, President of Georgia Council and

Commander-in-chief of the staTe's forces; mortally wounded in duel

with Gen. Lachlan Mclntosh May 16, 1777.

Habersham, after James Habersham, who accompanied White-

field to the colony in 1737; with Charles Harris opened the first

commercial house, in 1744; appointed secretary of Province in 1754;

president of the Royal Council in 1771 and acting governor in Gov

ernor Wright's absence; member of the Revolutionary Committee

of Safety; delegate to the Provincial Congress; died in 1775 while

still a member of the Royal Council.

Hall, after Lyman Hall, one of Georgia's signers of the Declar

ation of Independence, Governor of Georgia in 1783.

Harris, after Charles Harris, Mayor of Savannah 1802-04; twice

elected judge of the Superior Court but declined; declined United

States senatorship in 1809; one of Georgia's most prominent law

yers.

Henry, after Jacob P. Henry, prominent business man and

alderman 1816, 1819 to 1822, and 1827-28.

Houstoun, after John Houstoun, signer of the call for public

meeting to protest against Act of Parliament closing port of Bos

ton; delegate to Continental Congress (1775); member Provincial

Congress of Georgia (1775); member of the Executive Committee

of the State, 1777; Governor of Georgia, 1778; first Mavor of Savan

nah, 1790.

Howard, after John Purple Howard, born at Burlington, Ver

mont, 1814, died London, England, 1885, philanthropist noted for

his liberal gifts to public institutions and the poor.

Hull, after Commodore Hull, whose brilliant successes in the

war of 1812 put him in the same class with Porter, Bainbridge and

Decatur. (Hull street was formerly Chatham (1801), but name was

changed in 1^15.)

I

HuntingAn, after Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, patroness of

the Bethesda Home.

Jefferson, after Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of

Independence and President of the United States.

Jones, after Major John Jones, who was killed at the siege of Sa

vannah in 1779. The Savannah Georgian of March 15, 1839, con

tained the following notice: "The new street to be called Jones

street, it may be worthy of remark, is a compliment to the brave

father of Capt. Joseph Jones, of Liberty county, who fell within one

hundred yards of the spot patriotically dedicated to his name, while

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
fighting for the liberties of his country. Thus has posterity been grateful to one of its deliverers of this hemisphere from foreign thraldom."
Lincoln, after Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, commander of the South ern Department of the American army" in 1778-79, and who with Count D'Estaing. conducted the siege of the city in -1779.
Macon. after Nathaniel Macon, of North Carolina, revolution ary patriot. State Senator, Congressman from 1791 to 1815, United States Senator from 1815 to 1828; Speaker of the House, i8oi-c6. In a political career of fifty-seven years it was said of him even by his opponents, that he had never been known to ask for a public position for a relative. He was the intimate friend of Jefferson, Madison, Randolph. Calhoun and other eminent Southern states men. He was one of the committee that drafted the bill for the creation of the United States. Bank in 1815.
McAllister. probably after Matthew Hall McAllister, Mayor 1837-39-
McDonough, after Commodore McDonough who, with Perry, gained brilliant successes on the lakes with hastily improvised squadrons and whose great victory on Lake Champlain in 1813 brought to grief a greatly superior British naval force and put a stop to the project for the invasion of the United States from Canada. (McDonough street was formerly Screven street, (1801), name being changed in 1815.)
Montgomery, after Gen. Montgomery, who fell at the attack on Quebec on December 31, 1775.
Perry, after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, in commem oration of his victory on Lake Erie on September 10, 1813, wrien his fleet of improvised war vessels captured the entire naval force of the British opposed to him. (Perry street was formerly Wilkes street. (1801), the name being changed in 1815.)
Price, after Charles Price, one of the earliest lawyers, clerk of the court, member of the General Assembly and Crown Attorney.
Railroad street, to signalize the opening of communication by railroad between' Savannah and the interior of the state:,
Randolph, after John Randolph of. Roanoke, one of the most unique figures in early American public life; member of Congress and Senate. Minister to Russia, etc.
Roberts, after Hiram Roberts, prominent business man and for some years an alderman of the city.
St. Julien. after James St. Julien, of South Carolina, friend of the colonists.
St. Gall, after the town of St. Gall, in Switzerland, from whence Rev. Dr. Zubly came to Savannah.
Stewart. after General Daniel Stewart.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

41

Tattnall, after Josiah Tattnall, patriot, soldier and statesman, third captain of the Chatham Artillery, Colonel of the First Geor gia Regiment, Brigadier General of Georgia militia, member State Legislature, United States Senator 1/96-99, Governor of Georgia 1800.
Taylor. after Gen. Zachary Taylor, hero of the Mexican war, and afterwards President of the United States.
Wayne, after Richard Wayne. Mayor in 1851 when the street was named.
Wheaton, after John F. Wheaton, Captain of the Chatham Ar tillery, Mayor of Savannah 1877-1883.
Whitaker, after Mr. Whitaker, of South Carolina, whose assist ance to the colonists has already been referred to.
Williamson, after John P. Williamson, Mayor 1808-09. York, after the Duke of York. Zubly, after Dr. J. J. Zubly, a member of the Fro-
.vincial Congress of Georgia, and a clergyman. Upon the organ ization of the Congress Dr. Zubly preached to its members from St. James ii, 12. "So speak ye, and so do as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty." Dr. Zubly was elected a delegate to the Cohtinental Congress. At a later period he deserted the cause of the patriots and was one of those who were declared banished after the revolution and whose estates were confiscated.
King street was, of course, after the monarch of England. Prince after the Prince of Wales, and Duke after the Duke of York. Such titles were offensive to the patriots, and on February 21, 1803, the following ordinance was passed:
"Whereas, the names or titles of King, Prince or Duke are unknown to the institutions of Georgia or the United States, and the permitting or suffering several streets in this city to be still called by those obnoxious names reflects highly on the police there of, be it therefore ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Savannah * * * that the streets now called King s'treet, Prince street and Duke street, shall be hereafter called and known by the names following: * * * * King street shall be called President street, Prince street shall be called State street, and Duke street shall be called Congress street."
The boundary streets were made of great width and were styled, East, West and South Broad. On April 7, 1897, an ordi nance by Alderman Walter G. Charlton was passed changing the name of South Broad street to Oglethorpe avenue. AldermanCbarlton also endeavored in the following year to change the name of West Broad street to Tomochichi avenue, but failed.
Ou July 10, 1771, Governor Wright left for England on a leave of absence and the government of the colony devolved on the

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

President of the Council. James Habersham. The Governor was

made a baronet while at home. On his return to Georgia his in-

fluer.ce was exerted to stem the rising tide of revolution. A meet

ing having been called for July 27, 1774, by Noble Wimberly Jones,

Archibald Bulloch, John Houstoun and George Walton, to consider

the critical situation in which the colonists were placed by the

arbitrary acts of the British government, Governor Wright pro

claimed such gatherings unconstitutional, illegal and punishable by

lan. Despite this a meeting was held on August 10 and resolu

tions were adopted condemning the course pursued by Parliament.

Early the next year (January 18, 1/75) a Provincial Congress, at

which but five of the twelve parishes were represented, met at Christ

church, but accomplished little, the Governor's influence thwarting

its objects to a considerable degree. Messrs. Jones, Bulloch and

Houstoun were elected delegates to the Continental Congress but

declined to represent but a proportion of the parishes. When the

news of the battle of L/exington was received Noble Wimberly

Jones, Joseph Habersham, Edward Telfair and others took about

six hundred pounds of gunpowder from the King's magazine. Ac

cording to tradition this was sent to Boston and was used in the

battle of Bunker's Hill. On Monday, June 5, 1775, a liberty pole

was erected and on June 22 at another public meeting a Council

of Safety was appointed, composed of William Ewen, president;

Seth Cuthbert. secretary; Joseph Habersham, Edward Telfair, Wil

liam Le Conte. Basil Cowper, Joseph Clay, George Walton. John^

Glen, Samuel Elbert, William Young, Elisha Butler, George Hous

toun John Smith, Francis H. Harris and John Morel. On July 4

the Provincial Congress met again with Archibald Bulloch as presi

dent and George Walton secretary. Six days later a schooner

under command of Capt. Bowen and Joseph Habersham, with the

aid of fortj* South Carolinians under Captains Barnwell and Joyner

in bc-.rjres. captured a British armed schooner with 16,000 pounds

of powder, of which 9.000 pounds came to Georgia as its share. At

the request of the Continental Congress 5,000 pounds of this was

forwarded to Philadelphia. John Houstoun, Archibald Bulloch, Rev.

Dr. J. J. Ztibly. Lyman Hall and Noble Wimberly Jones were elected

delegates to the Continental Congress.

n

The patriots had assumed full control of the government and

on January 18. 1776. decided to secure the persons of the Governor

and the remaining members of the Royal Council. Major Joseph

Habersham arrested the Governor at the Council chamber, and he

gave his parole not to leave the city. He speedily broke the parole,

fled to the residence of John Mullryne, at Bonaventure, and thence

to a British vessel, two men-of-war having arrived off Tybee with

a transport and troops on January 12. On February 28. with a

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

4.1

view of capturing eleven vessels laden with rice at the Savannah wharves these vessels came up to Five fathom hole. Two of the vessels went up the back river and the other grounded at the west end of Hutchinson's island. Three hundred troops marched across the island and secured possession of the rice ships. Breast works were hastily thrown up .by the Americans on Yamacraw bluff to control the vessels and opened fire on them, driving the British from them and across the island. Volunteers set fire to some of the vessels, three being destroyed in this way, six others were dismantled and two escaped to sea. Capt. Rice, Lieut. Dan iel Roberts and Raymond Demere having been captured by the British, the members of the Royal Council still in Savannah were held as hostages until an exchange was effected. On August 8 the Declaration of Independence was received and read at the Assembly House and in the public square. A national salute of thirteen guns was fired by a detachment of Georgia Continentals, and a general illumination expressed the public joy. On October 5 the first Constitutional Convention was held and on February 5, 1777, the Constitution of Georgia as an independent State was promul gated. Soon after Archibald Bulloch, President of the Council, was called upon to r,ssume the executive powers. He died a few days later and Button Gwinnett was elected President of the Council and Commander-in-Chief. On May 16 occurred the duel between Gwinnett and Gen. Lachlan Mclntosh, in which the former was mortally wounded. On May 8 the first Legislature of the State of Georgia convened. Noble Wimberly Jones was elected Speaker and Samuel Stirk secretary. John Adam Treutlen was elected Governor with an Executive Committee composed of Benjamin An drews, Jonathan Bryan, John Houstoun, Thomas Chisholm, William Holzendorf, John Fulton, John Jones, John Walton, William Few, Arthur Fort, John Coleman and William Peacock. On January 10, 1778, John Houstoun was elected Gov ernor. In December of this year a British squadron arrived off Tybee, with troops aboard under Lieut.-Col CampbelL Other Brit ish troops under Gen. Prevost had invaded the State. The Ameri can forces under Gen. Howe were defeated and British rule was re-established here under Lieut.-Col. Prevost as Lieutenant-Gov ernor.
Dr. Holmes in his "Annals'' gives the following account of the capture: "Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, an officer of courage and ability, embarked on the 27th of November from New York for Sa vannah, with about two thousand men, under the convoy of some ships of war, commanded by Commodore Hyde Parker, and in about three weeks landed near the mouth of the Savannah river. From the landing place a narrow causeway of six hundred yards in length,

44

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

with a citch on each side, led through a swamp. At this causeway a small party was posted under Captain Smith to impede the pas sage of the British; but it was almost instantly dispersed. General Howe. the American officer, to whom the defense of Georgia was committed, had taken his station on the main road, and posted his little army, consisting of six hundred Continentals and a lew hundred militia, between the landing place and the town of Savan nah, with the river on his left and a morass in front. While Colonel Campbell was making arrangements to dislodge his adversaries, he received intelligence from a negro of a private path, on the right of the Americans, through which his troops might march unob served; and Sir James Baird, with the light infantry, was directed to avail himself of this path, in order to turn their right wing, and attack their rear. As soon as it was judged that he had cleared this passage, the British in front of the Americans were directed to ad vance and engage. General Howe, finding himself attacked both in front and rear, ordered an immediate retreat. Upward of one hundred of the Americans were killed; and thirty-eight officers, four hundred and fifteen privates, the town and fort of Savannah, fortyeight pieces of cannon, twenty-three mortars", the fort with its am munition and stores, the shipping in the river and a large quan tity of provisions, were in a few hours in possession o\ the con querors. The whole loss of the British during the day amounted to no more than seven killed and nineteen wounded. That part of the American army which escaped, retreated up the Savannah river to Zubly's ferry, and crossed over into South Carolina."
Governor Wright returned to the city in July, 1779, and re sumed his duties. In September the French fleet, under Count D'Estaing arrived off Tybee and landed 1,200 men at Beaulieu. The British under Gen. Prevost strengthened the defences of the city. American forces under Gen. Lincoln united with the French on September 16, giving a joint army of over 6,coo. A siege of Savan nah was then begun, with bombardments at different times doing little damage to the defenses. On October 9 an attack was made on the defenses, which was defeated. It was in this battle that Sergeant Jasper and Count Pulaski were killed. Finding the assault a failure the allied forces withdrew and the siege was raised.
Holmes gives the following account of the siege and attack: "On the morning of the 4th of October, the batteries of the besieg ers were opened with nine mortars, thirty-seven pieces of cannon from the land side, and fifteen from the water. It being at length ascertained that considerable time would be necessary to reduce the garrison by regular approaches, it was determined to make an as sault. In pursuance of this determination, on the oth of October, while two feints were made with the militia, a real attack was made

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

45

on Spring Hill battery just as day light appeared, with two col umns consisting of three thousand, five hundred French troops, six hundred Continentals, and three hundred and fifty of the in habitants of Charleston. The principal of these columns, com manded by Count D'Estaing and General Lincoln, marched up boldly to the lines; but a heavy and well-directed fire from the gallies threw the front of the column into confusion. The places of those who fell being instantly supplied by others, it still moved on until it reached a redoubt, where the contest became more fierce and desperate. Captain Tawse fell in defending the gate of the redoubt, with his sword plunged in the body of the third assail ant whom he had slain with his own hand, and a French and Ameri can standard were for an instant planted on the parapet; but the assailants, after sustaining the enemy's fire fifty-five minutes, were ordered to retreat. Six hundred and thirty-seven of the French and two hundred and forty-one of the Continentals and militia were killed or wounded. Immediately after this unsuccessful assault the militia almost universally went to their homes, and Count D'Estaing, re-embarking his troops and artillery, left the continent." The Brit ish remained in possession of the city until July u, 1783, when they evacuated and the American troops entered. Col. James Jackson, father of Colonel Joseph W. Jackson, was selected by Gen. Wayne to receive the city from the British. On July 28 a special session of the Legislature was convened. In the following January the Leg islature met in regular session and Dr. Lyman Hall was elected Georgia's first Governor after its independence had been secured. In January, 1784. John Houstoun was elected governor. He was suc ceeded in July, 1785, by Samuel Elbert. The next January Edward Telfair became Governor, and the seat of the state government \vas removed to Augusta.
In 1787 Savannah was placed under the authority of seven war dens elected by the proprietors of lots or houses, one warden for each ward, and they elected from their own number a president of the board. William Stephens was the first president. He was succeeded by Samuel Stirk. who held the office for two years, 1788 and 1789. Sheftall Sheftall was the first town clerk, holding the office in 1787 and 1788. and was succeeded by Thomas Pitt in 1789.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
CHAPTER II.
ORGANIZATION OP A CITY GOVERNMENT. ( 179O to 15OO.)
First Administration. March 8, 1790, to March 9, 1791: Mayor. John Hoiistoun; Aldermen, Joseph Habersham, Samuel Stirke. Matthew McAllister, Edward Lloyde, Joseph Clay, Jr., Justus H. Sheuber.
Second Administration, March 9. 1791, to March I2y 1792: May or. Thomas Gibbons: Aldermen, Joseph Welscher, J. H. Sheuber, Richard Waync, William Lewden, Jacob Waldburger, John Bcrrien.
Third Administration, March 12, 1792, to March n, 1793: May or. Joseph Habersham; Aldermen, Joseph Clay, Jr., William Lewden, Justus H. Sheuber, Jacob Waldburger, Richard Wayne, John Berrien.
Fourth Administration, March n, 1793, to March 10, 1794: May or, William Stephens: Aldermen, Joseph Clay, Jr., John Cunningham, Andrew McCredie, William Lewden, Ge^r-TC Jones, John Berrien.
Fifth Administration, March 10, 1794, to March 9, 1795: Mayor, Thomas Gibbons: Aldermen, Andrew McCredie, John Cunningham, William Lewden, John Berrien, George Throop, Ulrick Tobler.
Sixth Administration, March 9, 1795, to March 14, 1796: Mayor, William Stephens: Aldermen. John Moore, Balthaser Shaffer, George Throop. James Box Young, George Harris, Ulrick Tobler, Andrew McCredie. Richard Wayne, Thomas Gibbons.
Seventh Administration, March 14, 1796, to July 10, 1797: May or, John Y. Noel: Aldermen, U. Tobler, Richard Wayne, Thomas Gibbons, John McCall, Owen Owens, John Millen, Thomas Norton, John Moore, James Box Young.
Eighth Administration, July 10, 1797, to July 9. 1798: Mayor, John Glen; Aldermen, Thomas Gibbons, James Box Young, George Anderson, John Moore, died September, 1797; John Glass, James Robertson. John Peter Ward, John Holland; Henry C. Jones, from October 13. 1797.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

47

Ninth Administration, July 9, 1798, to July 8, 1799: Mayor,

Matthew McAllister; Aldermen, John Y. Noel, resigned March, 1799;

Robert Bolton, William Hunter, resigned March, 1799; Andrew Mc-

Credie, Richard Dennis, John Glass, Joseph Welscher, Richard

Wayne, Jr., Henry Putnam; Joseph Roberts and Thomas McCall,

from April I, 1799-

Tenth Administration, July 8, 1799, to July 14, 1800: Mayor,

Thomas Gibbons; Aldermen, Robert Bolton, Richard Dennis, Wil

liam Lewden, Andrew McCredie, Lev. Sheftall, William Belcher,

John Millen, Samuel Lawrence, Matthew McAllister. Mr. McAllis

ter refused to serve and Thomas McCall took his place in Decem

ber, 1799-

.

The history of Savannah as a municipality dates back to 1789. At the session of the Legislature oi the State, at Augusta, in the winter of that year, an act was passed providing for the incorpora tion of the City of Savannah. This act was approved by Governor Edward Telfair on December 23, 1789. Under its provisions an elec tion for aldermen was to be held on the first Monday in March, 1790, and thereafter annually. The franchise was limited to *'the owners or occupiers of any lot or house in the city or hamlets thereof." One alderman was to be chosen for each ward. - On the Monday following the aldermen \vere to choose a mayor from their own number, a method of selecting the city's chief executive which continued until 1844, when the election of the Mayor was placed directly in the hands of the people. In 1807 the law was changed and instead of electing an alderman for and in each ward pro vision was made for electing all of the aldermen on one ticket, at the same time and place, a system which has been continued to this time.
The style of the corporation was designated as "The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah and the Hamlets thereof/* The same act in addition to conferring the necessary powers upon the city government provided for the appointment by the Governor of a health officer for the port of Savannah. Eight years later, in 1797, the city limits, originally established as including "the six city wards, Percival, Derby, Anson, Reynolds. Heathcote and Decker, and the hamlets of Ewensburg and Yamacraw constituted into a seventh to be known as Oglethorpe ward," were extended to "in clude all the lots in that part of the suburbs of said city called Carpenter's row, and all those in the trustees gardens, including the magazine at Fort Wayne." These were to be considered part of the ward "to which they were most contiguous." As several

i
HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
other wards had been laid out. provision was also then made for an alderman for each of them. In 1796 the Mayor and Aldermen were given jurisdiction in civil causes not exceeding $50. The power was vested in them of drawing and impaneling juries, to hear cases of seamen for non-payment of wages, or of any person for the non-payment of any debt or sum of money. Each alderman had the authority to issue warrants for crimes or breaches of the peace, and after examination to bind the prisoner over or send him to jail. In 1797 the law was further amended. The aldermen were thereafter to be elected by wards, each citizen voting for one alderman in the ward in which he resided. This law contained the unique provision that no city employe should be permitted to vote for an alderman, thus nullifying to some extent, at least, the political influence of the place holders. The day of election was changed in 1797 to the first Monday in July. Under this law every lot holder and every citizen of the state who was the occupier of a house and a resident of the city for twelve months was entitled to vote. In 1807 the date of the election was changed to the first Mon day in September.
The first election for aldermen was held on Monday, March i, 1790. Messrs. Joseph Habersham, John Houstoun, Samuel Stirke. Matthew McAllister, Edward Lloyde, Joseph Clay, Jr., and Justus H. Sheuber were elected for the term of one year. Alderman Clay resigned on June 8. On Monday, March 8, the aldermen met at the council room in the court house and proceeded to elect a mayor from among their number. "On counting the ballot," says the min utes, "it appeared that John Houstoun, Esq., was elected, who having taken the chair the board proceeded to business, having first taken an oath similar to that prescribed for the Mayor and Aldermen of Augusta."
I
The first official act of the newly organized Council was to pro vide for a treasurer, clerk, constable, scavenger and clerk of the market. All of these offices, except that of constable, have been in continuous existence since. Aldermen McAllister, L,loyde and Stirke were appointed a committee "to draft rules to be observed in the transaction of business." Alderman Clay was designated to receive the names of applicants for offices. Wednesday morning was set for a meeting to fix salaries, Thursday morning as the time of their election, and the first meeting of the first City Council of Savannah came to a close.
At the next meeting the salaries of the city officers were estab lished as follows: City treasurer and clerk, 45 pounds, besides legal fees: city marshal, 30 pounds, besides legal fees: scavenger. 15 pounds, besides legal fees; clerk of the market, legal fees. The bond of the treasurer was set at 500 pounds; that of the marshal at 403

. HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

49

pounds. On the next day John Gibbons was elected treasurer

and clerk, John Cox city marshal, John Shick clerk of the market;-

and subsequently Frances Brooks was chosen as scavenger. Later

in its history this Council established the following insignia of of

fice to be used, in case of fires, etc., by these and other officers:

For the marshal, a staff, white, 6 1-2 feet in length, one inch v

in diameter. Device, on a red field the letters M. C. S. in white.

For each constable, a staff, blue, 61-2 feet in length, two inches

in diameter, bearing on a red field the name of the ward and the

number in white.

For the scavenger, a staff, black, 7 feet" in length, two inches in

diameter, each end red.

Aldermen McAllister and Lloyde were appointed to devise a

form of seal for the city, and until its adoption a seal presented bj

Alderman Stirke was used. The first seal of the city was used until

1794, when it became broken and City Treasurer Lange devised a

"new plan of seal in form of a coat of arms" which was adopted,

and is probably the one now in use.

Rules were speedily prepared and adopted on March 16. They

established the style of the corporation as "The Mayor and Alder- "\

men of the City of Savannah." Meetings were to be held on each \

Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock, and any member not attending

)

at the hour, or within ten minutes thereafter, was to be "fined



for every minute's absence one penny," such fine in the whole not ___'

to exceed in one day a dollar, "unless a sufficient excuse be made

at the next meeting." In 1795 this fine was increased to two cents a

minute and a fine of a guinea was laid on ary alderman leaving a

meeting without permission of the Mayor. Precisely at 10 o'clock

on each-Tuesday morning the city marshal was to give notice that

Council was about to meet "by causing the church bell to Be

rung." For some years the people of Savannah were reminded ------\

that the august Board of Aldermen was about to convene by the

^

peals of the convenient church bell. For this service 5 shillings

a month was paid, the scavenger receiving 2 pounds, 5 shillings for

nine months work of this kind.

Much work of importance awaited the first Council. The grow

ing city was without adequate water supply and had little fire

protection. Better police protection was to be provided, business

licenses were to be fixed, and there was ample opportunity for the

display of administrative ability. The records of the former Board

of Wardens had all been transferred to the new government. Among

these was found a subscription list signed by a number of citizens,

guaranteeing money for certain public purposes. Of these there

were unpaid subscriptions amounting to over 176 pounds. This the

city marshal was ordered to collect in and the amount was appro-

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

;J

priated for the purchase of fire engines. Under an old ordinance

i

of the wardens (1788) fifteen fire hooks and twelve fire ladders

t

were supposed to be in readiness for emergencies and a fine of 10

i

!
1

pounds was imposed (1/91) on anyone removing any of them except

t

for public purposes. Further steps were speedily taken by Council to insure protection against fire. On April 13, 1/90, bids were

called for public wells to be sunk in the squares. Aldermen Lloyde

and Sheuber were appointed to confer with President Cecil Richard

Wayne and Ebenezer Jackson, a committee chosen by the Friendly

Fire Club at a meeting at the coffee house, to ascertain the city's

intention in regard to fire engines. The public fire 'ladders and

hooks were placed convenient for use in emergencies. Seven tire

ladders and two hooks were stored in the market and two ladders

and two hooks under the vendue house on the Bay. In September,

1791. Benjamin Bounett was contracted with 1.0 build a fire engine

house on Watch House lot, to be 20 by 16 feet, and 8 feet high.

Public lotteries were established by the city this year to raise funds

for new wells. Justus H. Scheuber, Jacob Waldburger, John Ber-

rien. John Wallace and Ebenezer Hill were appointed commission

ers, there being 1,005 prizes, ranging from $1,000 to $4, and ag

gregating $9.000. with 1,995 blanks, 3,000 tickets in all at $3 each,

all prizes subject to a deduction of $15 for every $100, "which will

be a saving of $1,350 to the city." On December i, 1792, Council

provided for another lottery, with 706 prizes, from $1,200 to $6, ag

gregating $11.400. and the first drawn ticket to receive $100 and the

last drawn ticket $500, a grand total of $12,000. There were to be

3,cco tickets issued at $4 each, of which 2,294 would be blanks, and

prizes were again subject to a deduction of $15 for every $103 giving

a saving to the city of $1,800. Of this lottery Robert Bolton, John

Brickell. Isaac Benedix, Charles Jackson, Matthew Johnston. Wil

liam Lamb, Ulric Tobler, George Throop and George Woodruff were

the commissioners, each giving a bond for $2,000. In June, 1793,

the fire companies dissolved. In 1794 a new engine was bought,

giving the city two engines, and the Legislature was appealed to to

exempt from military service persons belonging to fire companies,

not exceeding thirty men, exclusive of officers, to a company.

Shortly afterwards two companies were organized, Engine No. i,

under Capt. Palmer, and Engine No. 2 under Capt. Lewden. In

1795 one engine being almost useless a committee of aldermen was

sent to New York to buy an engine and 100 fire buckets. The

first review of the fire department by the Council took place on

Saturday, August 6, 1796. By resolution the members of the com

panies wrere ordered to uniform themselves as follows: "A robin or

close jacket of blue cloth, overalls of the same, and a leather cap."

In August. 1797, ten fire masters, elected by Council annually, were*

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

51



provided for, to whom were given large powers. A company of

twenty axemen, two for each ward, was directed formed, and to

each ward were to be furnished a fire hook, ladder and rope. Every

house was required to be furnished with a number of buckets equal,

at least, in number to the number of fire places therein. Delin

quents were to be fined $2 for each bucket lacking. Each building

was also required to have a ladder of suitable length and a scuttle

through which access could be had to the roof.

It was realized that, as the city was almost entirely frame, it

was at all times in great danger from fire, and severe penalties

were imposed on parties violating the fire ordinances. Allowing an

open fire in the yard was punished by a fine of five pounds, and other

offenses against the public safety in proportion. A chimney fire

always subjected the owner or occupant of the premises to punish

ment, and no one was so high in station as to escape. Doctor

George Jones, in January, 1793, was summonsed before Council for

an offense of this nature. It was shown to Council that the '"house

was then occupied by his Excellency, the Governor, and the fire

being fully proven, ordered that his Excellency, Edward Telfair, be

fined in the sum of five pounds, with costs." The Governor paid

the fine and costs. Social station or political power was no barrier

to punishment for other violations of the laws. The Sunday laws

prohibited unnecessary work and frequently citizens were brought

before Council and fined for allowing or requiring their servants

to perform labor not actually necessary. Mayor Stephens, in 1795,

was reported by the clerk of the market for such an offense, and

I

other prominent citizens also enriched the treasury in the same way.

>

Mayor Noel, in 1796, was fined $10 by Council for lending a fire

ladder.

The fears that led to such precautions against fires soon proved

well founded. On Saturday, November 26, 1796, "a great part of the

dwelling houses, stores and other valuable buildings, stocks in

trade, tools of mechanics, household furniture and other property

of the inhabitants of the city" were consumed by fire. "The build

ings dedicated to the worship of God," continues the minutes o*

Council, "have been laid waste, a very large number of industrious

and honest inhabitants are involved in the utmost distress and ruin

and their families left without shelter or means of subsistence."

Christ church and the Presbyterian church were amoiur the build

ings destroyed. In all 229 houses, besides outbuildings, wert

burned and only 171 buildings were left standing in the compactly

built part of the city. During the fire much property was

stolen. . Guards were ordered to search all vessels in the

river and all plantations for stolen goods. Joseph Clay, John

Mabersham and Thomas Young were appointed by Council as a

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

committee to receive donations, and the Mayor was instructed to

write to the "Chief Magistrates of the different cities and to other

respectable citizens of different States" asking for assistance. In

view of the extreme distress of the people, and to prevent extor

tion by unscrupulous dealers, prices at which articles of food and

building materials should be sold were established by Council as

follows: "New rice, $3.00 per hundred, or ten cents per quart;

superfine flour, $15.00 per barrel; flint corn, 75 cents per bushel;

gourd seed corn, 62 1-2 cents per bushel: beef, by the quarter,

41-2 cents per pound; beef, by the pound, 6 1-4 cents; pork, 6 1-4

cents per pound; Indian meal, $2.00 per hundred; potatoes, 75 cents

per bushel; ranging timber, $18.00 per thousand; scantling and

boards, $15.00 per thousand; shingles, $4.00 per thousand."

Any provisions or lumber sold at higher prices was to be

confiscated and both the buyer and seller were made liable to a

fine not exceeding the value of the property so seized.

Donations were received amounting to $39,305.84. Some of the

sufferers by the fire relinquished their claim to a proportion of this

amount. In the winter of 1798-99 there remained $3,514.17 in the

hands of the committee. Philadelphia was then suffering from an

epidemic of yellow fever, and by direction of Council this amount

was forwarded for the relief of sufferers there. Other sums were

f

also subscribed by citizens for the same purpose.

-'

The first budget was presented May 18, 1790. It amounted to

1,250 pounds ($6,250), and was as follows:

Six wells at 56 pounds each..................... 300 pounds

Three wells at 40 pounds each...... ........... 120 pounds.

One engine ..................................... 80 pounds.

Enclosing the burying ground................. 600 pounds.

Salaries of city officers and printing............ 120 pounds.

Contingencies .. .............................. 30 pounds.

Total .. ...................... ............... 1,250 pounds. The income of the city was estimated as follows:
Annual rents .......................... ... ... 60 pounds. Arrears .. ...................... .............. 50 pounds Licenses for retailing liquors, 100 pounds, pa
per medium at 4 to I...................... 25 pounds. Negro badges, 100 pounds paper, at 4 to I..... ^ 25 pounds. Assessments at 3 shillings, 6 pence for every 100
pounds value ............................ 200 pounds. Assessment on negroes in the service of the inhab
itants of the city at is. 2d. each............ 12 pounds. Stall rents and extra market fees.............. 30 pounds. Fire engine subscription ....................... 60 pounds.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

S3

Subscription of the ladies for enclosing the bury ing ground .............................. 80 pounds.
Total--estimated income ....................... 542 pounds. Estimated deficiency ........................... 708 pounds. From this it appears that the assessed valuation of the city at this time was 114,300 pounds, or about $571,000, and that there were estimated by Council to be 206 negro slaves in the service of the inhabitants of the city. The regular income of the city in creased until in 1795 it was estimated at 974 pounds, 16 shillings. In order to relieve the property owners from a burdensome assessment ic was decided to call a meeting of the lot holders, in whom the title to the commons appertinent to the city was vested, and secure their consent to laying off and disposing of a part of the commons. A meeting of the lot holders was set for May 25. It is curious to note how the summons was issued. "The city con stables shall go to every house in their respective wards and leave a verbal summons for the owner- of such lot to attend said meeting; that the drum be immediately carried around the city and the hamlets with notice of this determination, and that the church bell do ring precisely at 5 o'clock to notify the lot holders of the time of the meeting." Failure on the part of one constable to per form this duty led to his being fined 10 pounds, which was subse quently remitted. The consent of the lot holders was not obtained for some time. It was not until September 23, 1791, that an ordinance was passed to lay off the commons and dispose of them. "Hon. Joseph Clay, William Stephens, Esq., Gen. Lachlan Mclntosh, Sir George Houstoun, Bart., George Brazil Spencer, Mordecai Sheftall, Benjamin Lloyde, James Whitfield and Robert Bolton, Esquires," were ap pointed commissioners for this purpose. Clay Thompson was paid 27 pounds, 3 shillings and 9 pence, for surveying the lots, and many of them were soon disposed of. In the summer of 1791 Gen. Lach lan Mclntosh established and fixed true lines of the wards of the city, the old and new streets, and was paid 19 pounds n shillings for his services. In 1795 Theodore Stouf was engaged to draw a correct plan of the city. The first surveyor, John McKinnon, was elected in 1799- In the same year one hundred and fourteen lots in Liberty, Columbia and Green wards, were sold at auction for $99,722, of which $17,716 went into the city treasury and the balance remained outstand ing at 5 per cent. The first petition for a license came from one Thomas Saxon, a wire dancer. The aldermen were evidently not favorably inclined to such frivolous exhibitions as the license was fixed at $6.60 for each exhibition and the number was limited to five. In 1793. it being rep-

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

resented to Council by many citizens "that various inconveniences will result from the too frequent exhibitions of certain feats of act ing performed by Don. Cortez and others," a license of $30 for each exhibition was fixed. Other citizens who were partial to such amuse ments prepared a counter petition and the actors were granted per mission to give six exhibitions at $6 each. Efforts to restrict amuse ments of this character cropped out occasionally for some years. Theatrical companies desiring to present plays were required to secure permission from Council. The first instance of this kind was in 1794 when West and Bignal asked leave to perform "in the new theatre" lor six weeks. Council, with an eye to the betterment of the city's finances, granted permission conditioned 011 their giv ing a benefit for the city, "and that the play be advertised eight days as the "City Benefit." Similar benefits, the proceeds to go to the poor, were required of later theatrical companies and circuses. Re freshments were sold at the theatre during the performances under special licenses. Other forms of amusement also contributed to the treasury, among the entertainments afforded the public at that day being exhibitions of wax work, displays of pictures or copies of famous works of art, wild animals, etc. A characteristic resolution of the times, was that of January yx 1804, when Council gave "per mission to Rembrandt Peale to show the skeleton of the mammoth and it is allowed that the learned goat may also be shown for the amusement of the inhabitants."
Applications to sell liquor came in quite rapidly. Within twelve months thirty-seven parties had been licensed to retail intoxicants, although the population of the city at that time probably barely ex ceeded 3,500. The license had been placed at 3 pounds for selling in quantities not over three gallons and not less than one quart, and ten pounds for retailing in quantities under one quart. Liquor sell ing proved so profitable that many were induced to engage in the business. Early in 1793 a petition was presented to Council by sun dry retailers of spirituous liquors requesting a reduction of licenses. Council's committee reported that this would "be productive of much evil to the good citizens of Savannah inasmuch as it would encour age more frequent applications for the same by persons who are otherwise pursuing callings more advantageous to the community; that from the number already engaged in retailing liquors your com mittee have no doubt but they m.ist find it sufficiently profitable or otherwise they would not continue in that line of business, as well as from the frequent applications of late from persons for licenses, many of whom are good mechanics and tradesmen. Your committee are therefore of the opinion that the petition ought not to be grant ed." Many complaints grew out of the lack of observance of the laws by liquor dealers. In March. 1794, the grand jury returned a

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55

special presentment calling Co mcil's attention to the keeping open of saloons after night, and on Sundays, and of selling to negroes, "induc ing them to steal and pillage." Council, as a result, decided that thereafter only one license should be "granted in each ward to sell in quantities less than a gallon, and then only on recommendation of the majority of the citizen free holders. All shop keepers were also required to keep their places of business closed after the bell rang. So much opposition arose that this was rescinded by the next Council and shops were allowed to keep open until 9 o'clock front March 22 to September 22 and until 8 p. m. at other times. Sumptuary legisla tion was more frequent and more arbitrary a century ago than now. City Councils used their power as legislative bodies to regulate trade to a considerably greater extent than would probably be tol erated at this time. Food was not only inspected for impurity but the quality, quantity and prices were established by ordinance. The rate of board at taverns was set forth by law, and the limit that could be charged for drinks at such public resorts was also prescribed under an ordinance passed September 25, 1792. By this local law breakfast vas to be i shilling 2 pence, dinner 2 shillings, supper I shil ling 2 pence, lodging each night. 7 pence. A bottle of Madeira wine was scheduled at 5s. iod., Teneriffe 35., Lisbon 45. i penny; claret 3s.. porter or cider is. 6d., a quart of draught porter iod, half penny, a quart of draught cider 7d., a quart of punch 2s., a quart of grog is. 2d., a quart of porter sangaree is. 2d., a quart of wine sangaree is. 9d., a pint of gin is. 6d., a pint of brandy 2s. 4d., a pint of Jamaica rum is. pd. ? a pint of West India rum is. 6d., a pint of Northward rum is., 2d., each being "proportionably for any other quantity." For the care of animals the city put the rates as follows: A quart of corn 3d., a quart of oats 3d., hay or blades for one horse a day iod. half penny, straw for one horse a day 7d.
The cuts of meat were also regulated. Citizens complained of the style of butchering, and Council in 1800 provided that the meat should thereafter be cut as follows: "The hind quarters to be cut into two pieces, the loin from th~ leg. and the forequarters to be cut into three pieces, the shoulder to be taken from the neck and breast, and the breast to be cut from the neck if requested, by the purchaser."
The fees of ministers and sextons were also prescribed by Coun cil in an ordinance adopted January 8, 1798, which remained in force for some years. They were made as follows:
" MINISTERS.
For publishing .the banns of marriage and marrying in the church .. ....................................,.,...,.......$ 2.25

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
For performing funeral rites over any dead person............ 1.25 For granting a certificate of baptism......................... i.00
SEXTON.
For tolling the bell, if required............................. .$ 75 For digging a grave and closing the same.................... 1.60 Inviting (to the funeral) when icquired...................... i.00 For the use of the pall, when required........................ i .00 For carrying to the grave, when found by the sexton........ i.oo
. If any officer of any church exacted larger fees he was liable to a forfeiture of $50.
The license for keeping a billiard table was placed at 40 pounds, a shuffle board at 20 pounds, and a skittle alley at 10 pounds. Heavy penalties were attached for doing business without a license. Gambling does not seem to have been regarded with any especial abhorrence at the beginning of the century, the only restriction be ing to limit the playing to certain hours. On December 31, 1799, Council passed an ordinance to oblige persons "keeping an equality or E. O. Tables, or other instruments of similar construction, used or intended to be used for the purpose of gambling, to take out license for the same." This ordinance placed the license at $500 and required that a bond be entered into and that all such games should cease at n o'clock at night, and "all tavern keepers, innholders or other persons keeping any houses of entertainment" were prohibited from "suffering any kind of gaming after that hour."
In addition to revenues derived from business licenses and taxes a large income was obtained from the fining of violators of the public peace. Chief among the offenses against the law in these early days of the city appears to have been that of "galloping through the streets." Meeting after meeting of Council brought present ments against citizens charged with indulging in this reckless sport. As many as twenty citizens were summoned before Council at one time to answer such charges and fines were inflicted ranging from two shillings to forty shillings, according to the enormity of the violation, without apparently discouraging those fond of testing the speed of their horses on the public thoroughfares. In the first year of the city government sixty-one summonses were issued for this offense. more than for all other violations of the ordinances. No excuse seems to have been sufficient, only serving to modify the severity of the punishment. Doctors going in haste to sick or wounded persons received a light fine, usually one or two shillings. Horse racing was evidently one of the most popular pastimes. A Jockey Club existed, which had charge of the race course. So 3evoted were citizens to this sport, and evidently so forgetful of the

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Sunday ordinances in their zeal, that in March, 1793, as the. day for the races drew near, Council was called in special session early one Sunday morning to pass the following resolution: "That the Mar shall be directed to call on the stewards or committee of the Jockey Club and request them to use their influence with those gentlemen I who have horses to enter for the races, to prevent them from prac ticing *on this day, as a hint from them will probably prevent the necessity of putting the law in force."
The hint seems to have been given and to have accomplished the desired end. The records show that no one was brought before Council for. practicing his horse on Sunday, although the number who were fined for galloping through the streets on other days con
tinued large for many years.
Sailors were frequently fined for being found ashore after the bell rang. Citizens were fined for entertaining them after hours. Illicit amusements provoked heavy fines.- Richard Goodwin, for in stance, was fined forty shillings for "allowing the game called Rocks of Scilly to be played in his house on Sunday." All male slayes be tween 16 and 60 years of age, within the city limits, were summoned at intervals to clean the streets and commons, the trash being thrown in a gulley in the bluff at the foot of Whitaker street and burned. Frequently the owners of the negroes failed, or refused to allow them to perform the duties required and were called to answer for their dereliction. At one meeting of Council fifty-eight owners of slaves were fined different amounts. Allowing a negro slave to occupy a house was punishable with a fine, as was the permitting of a slave to vend small wares without having first obtained a badge from the city. If collected, th'e aggregate of the fines imposed By Council greatly exceeded the city's revenues from all other sources. Probably the great need of money led to the imposition of wfcat must have been very heavy fines at that time. The city treasury was on the verge of bankruptcy, the balance on hand at times running as
low as five pounds. By 1795, though, it had got temporarily in good financial shape, with a balance of 637 pounds. The city in its earliest days experienced difficulty in collecting its rents and a number of suits were filed, a fee of $8.00 being allowed the attorneys in each case. Aldermen frequently had sailors and others before them and fined them, reporting the cases to Council and turning the money into the city treasury, half of the fines going to the informers.
The duties of the aldermen at this time were more varied, in some respects, than now. Supervision was maintained over the bake shops and what would now be termed "raids" we-e made to discover those guilty of selling underweight bread, or bread not bearing the baker's mark. Attended by the clerk of the market and the marshal
an alderman would visit the several bakeries and shops, weigh and

;8

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

examine the bread. Loaves not complying with the requirements were seized and distributed imong the poor, and the offenders brought before Council and fined, generally four shillings, 8 pence. Ill treated apprentices applied to the Mayor and Aldermen for pro tection and if their charges were sustained that body dissolved the articles of apprenticeship. Disorderly seamen were a source of an noyance and danger. On one occason (February. 1792), Lieut. Col. Shick. commanding officer of the militia of Chatham County, was called on to order "one captain, two lieutenants, four sergants, four corporals, one drum and fife, and fifty privates on duty" for four nights because of the riotous conduct of the sailors in port. In holi day season the militia were called on to do guard duty and assist the constables in keeping the peace. A constable was drawn from each ward by the Mayor and Aldermen and heavy fines were imposed for failure to respond to do duty. A refusal to act as a constable was punishable by a fine of 20 pounds. The constables were unHer the superintendence of the city marshal.
In June. 1793. Council, for the better protection of the city and its suburbs ordered a census of all persons exempt from militia duty and these were formed into patrol companies. "Every night.'"'" said the ordinance, "at least ten inhabitants, to be under the command and direction of a magistrate, shall meet at the court house, or such other place as may be directed by the City Council, precisely at 9 o'clock, armed with a good gun. powder and ball" for the "purpose of keeping a watch and patroling the said city and hamlets." The magistrate and citizens for this service were summonsed in the fore noon by the constables acting under direction of the city marshal. The Mayor and Aldermen, in rotation, patroled the city at nights at the head of a company of these citizens. Judge Houstoun. and Justices Clay and Habersham were also called on by resolution to perform tours of duty at the head of a patrol force. For the city watch Council directed the purchase of "a box of candles, a horn or tin lantern and a pair of tin candle sticks and snuffers." French priva teers rendezvoused here, and their sailors paraded the streets in bodies, night and day. armed "with cutlasses, pistols, daggers and swords." They committed many outrages and constantly insulted and assaulted citizens. The city marshal's life was threatened, one constable was nearly killed and finally Col. Tattnall was called on to establish a guard "to protect citizens against the insults of these sea men." When war seemed imminent with France detachments of the local militia patroled the fTver to prevent the landing of the enemy. In March. 1793. a pair of stocks was ordered built under the old exchange, which was burned in 1796. and in 1794 a jail, two stories above the ground and one story below ground, 70 by 50 feet, of brick or of stone, was ordered built.

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On June 20. 1/96, an ordinance was passed to establish a "guard and watch consisting of one captain, two sergeants, a drummer and v 24 privates." the captain to be elected by Council and the others to be selected by him subject to the approval of the Mayor and Alder men. The captain's pay was placed at $1.75 a day, that of the ser geants at 75 cents, and that of the drummer and privates at 50 cents. From March 20 to September 20 this guard went on duty at 9 o'clock at night, and from September 20 to March 20 at 7 o'clock, "to remain on duty until the beating of the reveille." This guard was provided with "guns, bayonets, cartouch boxes and watch coats.*' On'holidays, and other days if circumstances required, they were required to do day service such as the Mayor might direct.
The insurrection of the negroes in San Domingo, with the hor rible massacres of the French planters and their families, made the citizens of Georgia fearful of similar uprisings as a result of the in troduction of negro slaves from that island. Several Frenchmen im migrating here sought to enter their negroes with them. Citizens in mass meeting in 1795 decided to prevent any more French slaves from being landed. Council, aware of the feelings of the citizens, advised their owners to land them at "such other places as would be less obnoxious to the people." One negro named Felix, who had been landed, was recognized as a convict "and among those who head ed the slaves in the insurrection." He was confined until he could be shipped out of the United States. In September, 1795, a plot for the uprising of the negroes of Savannah was reported to Council by Maj.-Gen. James Jackson and Col. Tattnall. The Mayor was ordered to buy powder for the militia and other effective precautionary measures were taken.
This fear of the San Domingo negroes increased rather than diminished with the passing of th<? years. In 1802 a squadron of French frigates tried to land eight hundred "brigand negroes from. Guadaloupe" at New York. Driven from that port they sailed South, their commander announcing his intention of putting the negroes ashore on the Carolinas or Georgia. The officials of Savannah were notified and Council appealed to the Governor and to Maj. Gen. Jackson, of the Eastern Division. At the request of Col. David R. Mitchell. representing the Governor, Council advanced the Chief Executive of the State $250 to defray immediate expenses in defend ing the coast.
What seem now very quaint measures were provided to inform the --7~~ public of important acts of the city fathers. The Georgia Gazette had been selected as the official organ of the city, but as its issues were not frequent enough other means were found necessary to secure proper publicity. When the "canine madness" appeared in the city in April, 1790. resolutions were adopted requesting the inhabitants

6o

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

"to keep their dogs confined and to destroy those showing signs of madness. The marshal was then directed to publish this "by beat of drjim throughout the city and hamlets thereof." For some years it was evidently an important function of the city niarshal to adver tise public meetings and official acts of Council by marching through the streets with drum beating and probably'proclaiming the news in stentorian tones. David Mundy in 1791 was paid 18 shillings, 8 pence, for beating the drum for the city during the Christmas holidays. He received various sums for a number of years for similar services. In 1796 the church steeple 'being in a dangerous condition Mundy was hired at $8.00 a month to beat the tattoo every night at the hour set by law for ringing the bell. The Health Officer was at first an appointee of the Governor. Dr. Ignatius Geoghagan, the first incumbent, was called on by Coun cil to acquaint it with all infectious cases on ships and readily ac quiesced. Sulphur and tar were ordered to be "frequently burned" on infected vessels, and the clothes of sailors to be aired on shore. Dr. Geogfiagan seems to'have been a man of much impetuosity and on several occasions the speed of his horse on the Bay brought him be fore Council. In August. 1791, he left the city without notice and without leaving a deput3r. The Governor was appealed to by Council and appointed Dr. George Jones health officer. Dr. Geoghagan returned after some weeks absence. The first treasurer and-clerk, John Gibbons, also suddenly absented himself from the city and re mained away several months. Thomas Gibbons, Jr., was employed by Council to fill the dual office, and on the return of the absent official his excuses were accepted, and after making suitable apologies he was reinstated. Dr. Young was health officer in 1793 and 1794. In these and later years the city was threatened with yellow fever from the West Indies, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston and New Orleans, where it was "attended with melancholy effects to the inhabitants." Ves sels were detained down the river and their cargoes of dry goods or similar merchandise were sunned. The city was laid off into dis tricts that better watch might be kept over strangers, housekeepers being required to report all new comers. The revenue cutter was en gaged to patrol the river and assist in maintaining the qua/antine, the city giving extra compensation to its officers and men, a gun boat was built for the same purpose, a small house was erected on Cockspur island for the health officer, and on petition of citizens an extra compensation of one guinea a day was allowed that official. To defray these extraordinary expenses bills of credit to the extent of 200 pounds were issued as follows: 4,082 bills of ten cents, with the device of a ship; 4.081 bills of 5 cents, with the device of ahorse; 4,082 bills of four cents, with the device of a cow; and 4,081 bills of

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61

two cents, with the device of a dog. Considerable alarm prevailed each year for several months, but the disease did not secure a foothold here owing to the great vigilance observed. The troubles in San Domingo added to the danger here, as many fleeing from the island sought a home in Savannah. Congress in 1794 appropriated $500 for the relief of the people of that island and placed the money in the hands of the Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah in trust. In 1795 the health officer was allowed $4.50 a day by the city for calling on all vessels and reporting to Council. A piece of ordnance borrowed from the United States government was ordered mounted at the fort on Cockspur island under the direction of the health officer, and that "any vessel refusing to slacken sail, or come to, at the signal, shall be fired on with powder only three times, after which, should she continue on her way, the health officer be authorized (by Council) to fire with single ball at the hull, and that for the first discharge the said vessel shall be liable to pay $3.00, for the second $6.00, and for the third $12.00, and so on progressionaliy."
An Act of Assembly of April 7, 1763, provided that 200 feet square on the Common toward the five acre lots should be laid out as a burial place for negroes. The Wardens on July 29, i^Sg, directed that this plot be laid out and the work was do ic under their supervi- . sion by Claude Thompson, the County Surveyor. This ordinance of July 29, 1789, also stated that "whereas the cemetery or public burial of* the parish of Christ Church, in the town of Savannah, notwithstand ing the several additions which have, by Acts of the General Assem bly, under the provisional government, been made thereto, contain ing in the whole 210 feet in width and 380 feet in length, is found too small to answer the purposes intended, * * * be it ordained that the county surveyor be authorized and required to admeasure and lay off from the lands being the commons of the town of Savannah, 120 feet to the eastward and 290 feet to the southward, to be added to the present cemetery, or burial ground, so that the whole be 500 feet square." This addition was to be known as a "public burial ground for the interment of all Christian people of whatever denomi nation, and not to be considered as belonging to or appertaining solely to the Episcopal Church of Savannah, commonly called Christ Church." Surveyor Thompson also laid off this tract under the direc tion of the Wardens.
The work of building the brick wall around this ,old burying ground at South Broad and Abercorn streets began in 1791. James Meyer was given the contract to lay the bricks at 10 shillings a thousand. He died in 1793 and Dennis Moriority, Thomas Swinton and Daniel Bacon were given the contract at eleven shillings, eight pence. Col. Wylly furnished 105,800 bricks for which he was to re ceive .79 pounds, 9 shillings and 5 pence, or 15 shillings a thousand.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
A dispute arising as to .their quality. Mess. Joseph Clay, Noble W. Jones and Elisha Elon, a committee appointed by Council, inspected them, and on the report presented by this committee a deduction of 15,000 bricks was made in the settlement of the account. Mess. John Barnard and Lewis Turner contracted to furnish 6,000 bushels o? lime for the work and received 7 pence a bushel for it. Col. Wylly failed to complete a later contract to furnish brick for the wall at $7 a thousand, and a contract was made with a Mr. Gaddy to furnish them at $8 a thousand. Col. Wylly agreeing to reimburse the city for the extra cost of $i a thousand. In all about 300.000 bricks seem to have been used in the building of the wall, a further contract having been entered into with Col. Wylly, in 1795, for brick at $10.75 a thousand. The wall stood for a century, "being torn down in 1806 when the old burying ground was beautified and converted into Colonial Park. The cemetery was closed to interments on July i, 1853.
CHAPTKR III.
OPENING YEARS OF THE CENTURY.
Eleventh Adminstration. July 14. 1800. to July 13. 1801: Mayor, Thomas Gibbons; Aldermen, John G. Williamson. William Taylor, Levi Sheftall, John Glass. Robert Bolton, Andrew McCredie, Archi bald Smith, Richard Dennis, Edward Harden, Alex. Watt; Richard Dennis being absent three months his seat was declared vacant and on November 24, 1800, Alex. Watt was sworn in to fill the vacancy.
Twelfth Administration. July 13, 1801, to July 12, 1802: Mayor, David B. Mitchell: Aldermen, Stephen Blcunt, James Johnson, Jr.. John Glass. Robert Bolton, John Y. Noel. Richard Dennis, Edward Harden. Charles Harris. John G. Williamson.
/ Thirteenth Administration, July 12, 1802, to July u, 1803: Mayor, Charles Harris; Aldermen, Stephen Blount, John G. Williamson, Levi Sheftall, Edward Stebbin, John Glass, George Jones, Ed ward Harden, Joseph Welscher. In June, 1803, two additional Alder men, John H. Morel and Asa Hoxey were elected for new wards. Aldermen Jones resigned Janury 24, 1803, and Richard Dennis was elected to succeed him.
Fourteenth Administration. July n, 1803. to July 9. 1804: Mayor, Charles Harris: Aldermen, Stephen Blount, Ed\vard Stebbins, absent

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63

three months and seat vacated by Council in October, 1803; John G. Williamson, resigned April 2, 1804; John H. Morel, Fingal T. Fly ming, George D. Sweet, George Woodruff, resigned August, 1803; Joseph Welscher, Solomon Shad, Samuel Howard, Levi Sheftall, Asa Hoxey, sworn in August, 1803; Edward L. Davies, sworn in Novem ber 14, 1803.
Fifteenth Administration, July 9, 1804, to July 8, 1805: Mayor, John Y. Noel; Aldermen, Adam Cope, Isaac Fell, Levi Sheftall. Fingal T. Flyming, George D. Sweet, resigned October, 1834; Wil liam Davies, resigned February, 1805; Joseph Welscher, resigned July, 1804; Solomon Shad, resigned July 1804; George H. Davidson, Edward L. Davies, Zachariah Horskins, James Mat shall, John H. Morel,' Edward Harden, elected October, 1804. resigned January, 1805; Solomon Shad, re-elected February, 1805; Samuel Howard, from February, 1805.
Sixteenth Administration, July 8, 1805, to July 14. 1806: Mayor, John Y. Noel; Aldermen, Adatn Cope, James Marshall, John H. Morel, Balthaser Shaffer, James Hunter, Samuel Howard, William Davies, John Love, Joseph Welscher, Benjamin Ansley, John P. Wil liamson.
Seventeenth Administration, July 14, 1806, to September 14, 1807: The date of election having been changed by the Legislature: Mayor, John Y. Noel; Aldermen, John Pettibone, resigned November 24; 1806; John Gumming, resigned January, 1807; F. T. Flyming, Oliver Sturges, resigned January, 1807; John P. Williamson, resigned Febru ary, 1807; Benjamin Ansley, Samuel H. Stackhouse, Edward Harden, William Davies, Thomas W. Rodman, Christian Gugel, Henry Putnam, from December 8, 1806; Green R. Duke, from February 16, 1807: Calvin Baker, from March 2, 1807; George Harral, from April 13, 1807.
Eighteenth Administration, September 14, 1807, to Septem ber 12, 1808: Mayor, William Davies, September 14, 1807, to No vember 30, 1807, when he resigned and resumed position as alder man, being succeeded as Mayor by Charles Harris, who served from November 30 to September 12, 1808; Aldermen, John Y. White. John Tebeaux, died October, 1807; Balthaser Shaffer, William Davies, Edward Harden, Edward Stebbins, Thomas Rice, Asa Hoxey, John P. Williamson, William Brown, resigned November 16; Benjamin Ansley, John H. Morel, Thomas Bourke, Capt. McLean, from December 9; Charles Harris, from November 30;

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
Silas Richards, from November 16, 1807, to May 16, 1808; William Riggs, from May 30, 1808.
Nineteenth Administration, September 12, 1808, to September II, 1809: Mayor, John P. Williamson; Aldermen, Edward Stebbins, Jeremiah Cuyler, Thomas Mendenhall, resigned February 6, 1809; Thomas Rice, Dr. John Grimes, John Pettibone, expelled September 4, 1809; Norman McLeod, Dr. James Bond Read, Adam Cope. Asa Hoxey, resigned March 6, 1809; Andrew McLean, J. Y. White, Benjamin Storey, from February 20, 1809; William Moore, from March 20, 1809.
Twentieth Administration, September n, 1809, to September 10, 1810: Mayor, William B. Bulloch; Aldermen, Balthaser Shaffer, Norman McLeod, Gardner Tufts, Adam Cope, resigned Feb ruary 5, 1810; J. B. Read, George Myers, John Grimes, J. Eppinger. resigned December n, 1809; R. J. Houstoun, William A. Moore, resigned February 5, 1810; William Davies, Robert Bolton, Benjamin Storey, seat declared vacant December n, 1809, after absence of three months; Mr. Bilbo, from December 23, 1809: Mr. Miller, from December 23, 1809, resigned Febiuary 5, 1810; N. G. Rutherford, from February 19, 1810; Mr. Gray, from February ig, 1810; A. W. Scribner, from March 5, 1810.
The opening of the nineteenth century found Savannah with a fairly organized city government. The crudities that marked its first few years had to some extent disappeared. Complaints of poorly kept accounts, of officers neglectful of duty, are no longer so numerous, and there is a gratifying decrease apparent in the violations of the ordinances established for the preservation of peace in the community. The city had grown in wealth and popu-"" "V lation. Its business interests had become large and varied, and _*~. its commercial importance was fully recognized. Its wharves were I filled with merchandise brought from many marts abroad and at / home, its merchants were equal in enterprise to those of other / cities and keenly alive to the interests of the port. The city still. | had but few improvements of a public nature. The heavy drains upon its limited finances prevented extensive public works, but the small means at the command of the aldermen were used with economy and skill. The city derived its water supply from wells, chiefly sunk in the public squares. There were no public lights. The garbage and other waste was carted to the commons. Dur ing the summer the scavenger was required to dump it beyond the city boundary, between the Wrhite Bluff and Ogeechee Roads. Paving was unknown and the rains caused great gulleys at times

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65

in the streets and in the bluff on the Bay. A militia patrol of a most unsatisfactory character failed to properly protect the peo ple. Debtors as well as criminals were confined in the jail. Ne groes guilty of violating the laws were publicly whipped in the market square. This continued the practice until 1823, when Coun cil stopped it and at the same time requested the Judges not to have corporal punishment inflicted in public places, considering it oftf.nsive to the best sentiment of the community. Again in Decem ber. 1827. Council urged the Judges not to permit whippings to be adminstered outside of the jail yard.
The second decade of the history of the municipal govern ment brought decided improvement in some respects. The city was lighted with oil lamps in the streets and squares, trees were planted and cared for, the wells were increased in number and greater care was taken to protect them from contamination, seven fire engines were maintained, and with a greater expenditure for the scavenger service it doubtless became fully equal to that of any other town of the size of Savannah. A rigid quarantine was maintained against ports where yellow fever or smallpox prevailed, and vigilance against disease was never relaxed in the city or the country surrounding it. One hundred years ago Savannah compared not unfavorably with other and larger cities in these and other respects. Its city government was a clean one, its best citizens were not averse to serving the public as aldermen, and the various administrations seem to have merited and received the confidence and approbation of the citizens generally, as is evidenced by the re-election of those constituting them. Elections were held under the auspices of managers appointed by Council, including many leading citizens. ^ph& ^cfcutchesand market places were used as polls, the voting places V" for soineyears being Ihe St. "Anflre ws Meeting House, Baptist Church, Market House, Presbyterian Church, Exchange, Court House, Filature, Methodist Meeting House, Roman Catholic Church, and a couple of private shops or school rooms.
With a large negro population, slave and free, with many sailors ashore at a time when sailors too generally represented the lowest elements of humanity, and with other lawless classes to contend with, the necessity of a better guard than the militia patrol and unwilling constables was recognized by all. For years the problem 'was grap pled with, but the lack of funds proved an insurmountable obstacle. ^--j Council did what it could to meet the emergency. The militia patrol^/ existed for some years, but its usefulness was always in question. Adjutant Lyons was in charge for a considerable period, regulating the patrol. It patrolled the streets only at night, and the city marshal and constables were relied on for preserving the peace during the day. There was great abuse of the Sabbath by "shopkeepers

66

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

vending their commodities on that day" and "frequent riots were heard on the streets." In 1800 the aldermen were ordered by Coun cil to patrol the streets in rotation on Sundays, accompanied by the marshal and one or more constables, ''to prevent such pernicious practices." A fine of $3.00 was imposed on an alderman neglecting this duty. In 1801 Green R. Duke was appointed to regulate the patrol. He continued in this office until October 8, 1804, when it was abolished on the ground that the captains of the guard were sufficient. The inadequacy of this protection being evident to all, Council, in 1802, appointed a committee to report on the advisability of having a watchman for each ward and a lamp at each corner of every street and at every well in the public squares. The committee reported in favor of a special tax of $1.50 per $i,coo for this purpose. On November 30. 1801. an act of the Legislature vested control of the iail of the county in the Mayor and Aldermen, and John Peter Oates was elected by Council as keeper. A new jail was built, which was completed in 1802, the cost of which was met by Council, it being the expectation in advancing the funds that the State would see that the city was proper!}- reimbursed by means of a special county tax. Mayor Noel in his inaugural address in July. 1804, said: "Despite the liberal resources 01 which this city has had the benefit during several years, that its revenues should still be scanty and inadequate to ex tensive improvements is due to the erection of the gaol and rebuild ing the court house for the use of the county with funds of the city, producing a deficit of more than $30.000. This use of the cit3r funds for a purpose so beneficial and important was made in reliance on the good faith of the State in imposing an annual tax on the county for the purpose of gradually refundng to the city the sums which it might expend upon these count}- buildings. For want of this just provision the corporation has necessarily been employed during sev eral years past in putting into execution one resource after another until it is ascertained that our revenues still continue in a state of depression from which nothing but the justice of the Legislature can relieve it."
From September to November the city guard was discontinued except on two nights of the week. A drummer and fife were* con nected with, the patrol, the drummer being quartered in a shed next to the guard house and being required to arouse the fire department with his drum. This guard or patrol continued in existence until the close of 1806. although dissatisfaction with it was openly expressed at times. Mayor Noel, in the inaugural referred to. opposed the pro posed permanent guard. "If a fund could be appropriated for raising by enlistment a permanent guard." said he. "the same description of men (substitutes not much to be relied on) are the only persons whom you would be able to enlist and the support of such an estab-

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT;

67

lishment would become so burdensome as to require direct taxation."

He concluded with the observation that "a militia patrol conducted

and superintended by a vigilant officer is probably the most safe and

convenient protection."

0

f

_

On January 14, 1805, Aldermen Horsking, Flyming and Davies

were appointed a committee to report plans for more effectually

protecting and guarding the city. Later in the year the Grand Jury

recommended that the city establish a watch. In September of this

year "the daring, alarming and almost nightly robberies" lead Coun

cil to order each Alderman, attended by the constable for his ward,

"to procure and furnish Council with a list of all male inhabitants,

above the age of 16, residing in or frequenting his ward, and their

occupation and means of livelihood."

Council considered the recommendation of the Grand Jury but

held that it did not have the power to levy a special tax for the

purpose and its funds were inadequate. It urged that the next Coun

cil appeal to the Legislature to increase its taxing power. This re

sulted in a petition to the General Assembly, and in the winter- of

1805 it passed an act authorizing the Mayor and Aldermen to levv

a tax for establishing a city watch. An ordinance to levy a tax for

the watch passed Council April 7. 1806. and Dr. John Brickell was

appointed under it to assess the property. The assessment, and the

ordinance in many respects, proved unsatisfactory, and it was

amended and re-amended until on January 7. 1809, an ordinance was

passed which levied a tax of 20 cents on every Sioo value in house,

building, lot or wharf and 50 cents on $100 value if such properties

were owned by persons living outside of the State. On every $ioc

stock in trade a tax of 25 cents was levied, and of 50 cents if the stock

was not otherwise liable to a tax. Every white male over 21 years not

having taxable property was taxed $2.00. and every free person of

color, 16 to 45 years of age. $5.00 over and above all tax on property,

etc. In addition small taxes were levied on slaves, vehicles, produce,

etc.

A watch of twenty-four me~n and two officers was provided for.

On December 10. 1806. James Clark was elected first superintendent

of the watch, and later John Pettibone was elected" ^deputy. The

watch monthly pay roll was $796. The superintendent received $60 a

month and the watchmen $30 each. The superintendent was re

quired to be ""armed with a sword or hanger and a brace of pistols."

and each of the watchmen with "a good musket and bayonet and a

rattle.'" On July 6. 1807. the ordinance was changed to provide for

one superintendent at $60 a month, one deputy superintendent at $40

a month, and twenty-one watchmen at $i a night, all armed as be

fore. On February 7. 1809. the salaries of the superintendent and

deputy were both placed at $50. In December, 1807. Peter Shick was

68

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

elected superintendent and James Clark deputy superintendent. They

were re-elected various times, Shick serving as superintendent from

1807 to 1812 and then continuously from 1816 to 1830, a total of

twenty years. In 1820 Council extended Superintendent Shick a vote

of thanks for his vigilant and unremitting* discharge of duty during

the yellow fever epidemic.

In January, 1810, Council provided houses for the guard, each of

whom was given "a lanthorn and a rattle." Persons desiring to go

on the watch were required to produce a certificate signed by twc

respectable citizens as to their honesty and sobriety. Heavy fines^

were imposed upon them for non-performance ofT their duties faithT

fully.

fV* O-M^ -"fcWl"-^r '/*";

*

lfc*\'

There was need of a_ vigilant, trustworthy force. ^Rumors were

__ rife of negro _^^_^^*~" "*" - ** * - insu-r- re,,c ti" o" n. The fate of the French planters 'of tlie West Indies was constantly in the minds of the Georgia planters. Tn

April, 1804, owing to alarming reports the marshal was directed to

call on all shopkeepers and warn them not to deliver or sell to any

negro powder, lead, shot or balls without a ticket from his owner

or guardian, and that any person of color without a ticket applying

for an extraordinary quantity of powder, etc., should be detained to

be examined by the Mayor or an Alderman. If any strange white

person applied for an extraordinary quantity the Mayor or an Alder

man was to be notified. Aldermen Sheftall and Morel were ap

pointed a committee to call on the Major-General of the Division, .

the Brigadier-General, and the Colonel of the Regiment, and re

quest an immediate and strict enforcement of the patrol law, that

. the Colonel be requested to order the volunteer companies to be in

constant readiness to act if the occasion arose, and that a rallying

point be appointed for the military in case of need. On July 4,

1804, a special meeting of Council was called to receive "a communi

cation from the Intendant of Augusta containing information highly

important to the safety, peace and security of the inhabitants of Sa

vannah." As a result the commanding officer of the Regiment was

requested to issue immediate orders -suitable to the occasion, and

the Mayor was appointed to communicate with him. A vote of

thanks was tendered the Intendant and Council of Augusta and the

express messenger was paid $100. Later m the year there was more

anxiety on this score. On November 8 information was given to

Council by Barnaby B. Bellinger, Esq., of an insurrection of negroes

in South Carolina. It was many years before the recollection of the

massacres in San Domingo and the wholesale destruction of property

--* there died out. In 1810 a committee pit Council was appointed to call

on Messrs. Mauree & Huron and "intimate to them the impropriety

of exposing for sale" a book called "An Historical Journal of the Rev

olution of St. Domingo." While the slaves would not be apt to get

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
^possession of this voliinie^^the Jre^^jjersDB^. of .color would and tHe tendency might be~to inflame in them a desire to repeat on Georgia
^soltthcratfOc^ties of "tHeTisiahd. Stringent measures were in force tP "Tretler-Control"IKe "iiSgFoeFlulcl prevent plots. Every December a resolution was passed providing that during the holiday season not
more than two negroes from one plantation should be allowed in
the city at a time. Gatherings of them were forbidden. An act of the Legislature of February 23, 1796, made it unlawfuj
to import any negro, mustee or mulatto, free or slave, from any West India or Bahama Island into Georgia. It was quite frequently found necessary to bring the law into force. Negroes coming here with their owners were seized and put into jail until they could be deported, only being released on the giving of bond that the law would be complied with. In 1804 twenty-one negroes imported by Daniel O'Hara from the island of Jamaica were seized, at the re quest of Council, by order of Brigadier-General Mitchell, and held until deported. The military were more' than once called on to seize negroes brought here in violation of the law. On May 26, 1809, I/ieut. -Col. Johnston was requested to order out a detachment of the militia to the schooner Nancy White, from St. lago, Cuba, and take the negroes aboard and put then! in jail. Out of this incident grew the expulsion on September 4, 1809, of a member of Council, Alder man John Pettibone. Some days after the negroes referred to, who were accompanied by their French owners, had been placed in jail, they were discharged therefrom on orders from Pettibone, as Justice of the Peace. The orders stated that he would be responsible for the jail fees, $145, which he paid. When the other aldermen learned that the negroes were at liberty an investigation was had which dis closed the fact that Pettibone had taken $748 from their owners, peo ple whom Council declared to be more worthy of charity than of ex tortion, and had tried to buy one of the slaves for $200. Pettibone, it appeared, had also advised the owners that for two negroes he could get the United States customs officers to let the negroes be run ashore from the vessel. He had also, it was charged, received more for the services of the military than he paid to them. In addi tion to expelling him Council called on the Solicitor-General to pros ecute him for malfeasance. This is the only case where a*i Alderman was expelled for apparent corruption in office. Council was not only properly sensitive as to the integrity of its member^ but was equally alert to the preservation of its official dignity. Alderman George Jones had resigned on January 24, 1803, as a result of a resolution of censure passed by Council, he having written an anonymous article to a newspaper criticising the acts of the Board, of which he was a member. This is one of the most interesting incidents of the early history of Council, the proceedings of which follow practically in full:

?o

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

On December 13, 1802, on motion of Alderman Shcftall, seconded by Alderman Stebbins.
"Resolved. That Mr. Placide and his company have liberty to perform on Saturday nights, any resolution heretofore made to the contrary notwithstanding; provided they be careful to conclude by half an hour after n o'clock."
The yeas and nays being called for by Alderman Jones and Alderman Williamson, resulted as follows: Yeas, Blount. Stebbins, Sheftall, Harden, 4; Nays, Jones, Williamson, 2, and the resolution was carried.
At the meeting of January 10, 1803, Alderman Harden produced to Council a publication in the Columbian Museum, pf the 17th ult., which, after citing the above resolution, was as follows:
"It is worthy of remark that preceding the above resolution Air. Placide and his company of plajers had obtained permission to per form in this city every night in the week except Saturday night (and Sunday night the laws of the State preclude them), but it seems they were not satisfied with five nights in the week, and threatened not to favor us with their company unless the restriction should be removed, and it is to be lamented that magistrates representing a city, the majority at least of whose citizens profess the Christian religion., should evidence so little regard for the feelings of their constituents as appears in the above resolution of Council. It is, however, hoped that the indignation of society will present discour agement to these players sufficient to induce their exhibiting in our city, by withholding attendance at their exhibitions on any and every night in the vreek until the aforesaid resolution be repealed."
Alderman Harden, seconded by Alderman Blount, then offered the following resolution:
"Resolved, Tha? th# said publication is a scandalous and indecent attack on the City Council, tending to bring them into discredit and contempt as a body corporate, and to injure the private reputation, and moral character of several members thereof."
This resolution was passed and on motion of Alderman. Harden, the printers of the Columbian Museum were summoned to appear before the Board immediately. Mr. Francis Stebbins, one of the editors, appeared and refused to state who was the author of the article. Alderman Tones then moved that, as Mr. Stebbins was sum moned to inform Council who \vas the author of the remarks at the foot of a resolution of Council, relative to the players, and he de clined giving the name of the author, not having had permission,"the affidavit of any member or members of Council, or any other person or persons, stating any conversation of either of the editors is illegal, unprecedented and improper." This was defeated and tFien the affidavit of Aldermen Edward Harden, Edward Stebbins and

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
Levi Sheftall, was presented and read, :to the effect that they had inquired of Messrs. Seymour & Woolhopter who was the author of the piece published in their paper of the I7th ult., and they had given the name of George Jones, Esq., (Alderman) as the author thereof, he having sent the piece to them.
A resolution was then offered by Mr Harden, seconded by Mr.
Blount, as follows: "Resolved, That barely to publish the proceedings of Council, or
the vote, argument or opinion of any member of the same on any subject whatever, without leave of Council, is in a member thereof at all times improper, but when such publication is, as in the present case, attended with comments or remarks not only injurious to the dignity and respectability of. Council as a body corporate, but evi dently intended to bring them into contempt with their fellow-citi zens and to scandalize the private characters of the individuals com posing the same, such publication becomes illiberal, indecorous and betrays a want of that decent respect and attention with which the several members of this Board'ought ever to treat each other, how ever different their opinions in matters that come before them, and evidences a disposition in the author to build itp a reputation to himself at the expense of his colleagues."
Alderman Jones, seconded ^y Alderman Williamson, moved the following resolution as an amendment:
"Resolved, That the right to publish the proceedings of Council and freely to canvass the measures thereof, is a right inherent in every free man of the city, and secured by the spirit and meaning of our Constitution which renders all representatives of the people accountable to their constituents, and publicity and free discussion consequently follow, and therefore any proceeding tending to deny or. impair the rights aforesaid is derogatory to the principles of our free government and the constitution of the State and the United
States." The yeas and nays being called on this question were as follows:
Yeas, Mess. Williamson and Jones; Nays, Mess. Welscher, Sheftall. Blount, Harden and Stebbins.
Mr. Welscher, seconded by Mr. Harden, then moved the follow ing amended resolution, which was carried in the affirmative:
"Resolved, That it is the inherent right of every citizen to pub lish the proceedings of Council and freely to canvass the measures thereof, but when such publication is made by a member of this Board and is attended (as in the present case) with comments or remarks not only injurious to the dignity and respectability of tHe Council as a body corporate, but evidently intended to bring them into contempt with their fellow citizens, and to scandalize the private characters of the individuals composing the same, such publication

72

HISTORY OF THE CITY' GOVERNMENT.

becomes illiberal, indecorous, and betrays a want of that decent re spect and attention with which the several members of this Board ought to treat each other, however different their opinions in mat ters which may come before them, and evidences a disposition in the author to build up a reputation to himself at the expense of his
colleagues. "Resolved, That Council is satisfied that George Jones, Esq.,
one of the Aldermen of this City, is the author of the said publi cation in the Columbian Maseum of the 17 ult., whereby he hath violated the rules of propriety and decorum, forgotten the respect due to his fellows, insulted the dignity of Council, and merits their highest displeasure.
"Resolved, That the foregoing proceedings and resolutions be published in the Georgia Republican and Columbian Museum."
In the face of such a public censure from Council there was no alternative for Alderman Jones but to resign, and at the next meet ing, on January 24, 1803, the Board received a letter from him resign ing from Council. The resignation was at once accepted.
The opposition to theatrical performances on Saturday nights did not die with this incident, although there appear to have been no efforts before Council to put a stop to them for some years. Finally in 1818 another stand was made against opening places of amuse ment on that night and Council, catering to the sentiment of what was evidently a minority of the people, passed the following resolu tion:
"Whereas, it is the duty of this Council to preserve, as far as possible, the public morals of this community and to keep the Sabbath holy and free from the general business and engagements of life, and
"Whereas, theatrical exhibitions on Saturday evenings tend to the injury of the public morals and frequently intrude upon the duties of the Sabbath,
"Be it resolved, that Council cannot suffer the manager of the theatre in this city to open the same on Saturday evenings for rep resentations, and that a copy of this resolution be furnished to the manager of said theatre."
On motion the yeas and nays were taken and thefollowing vote was recorded: Yeas, Ash, Rees, Herbert, Davenport, Sheftall; Nays, Charlton, Thomason, Cope, White, Bourke.
There being an equal division Mayor Wayne decided in favor of the resolution.
It is conceivable that there was immediate opposition and deter mined efforts to secure the repeal of the resolution. These efforts were successful, and at the next meeting, on December 14, the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed save that part which related to the prohibiting of theatrical exhibitions on

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

73

Saturday; "on motion that part of the minutes was reconsidered and upon the resolution being again read for the determination of the Board the same was negatived."
This was the last attempt, so far as the proceedings of Council show, to prohibit theatrical performances on the eve of the Sabbath.
Efforts were also made in July, 1803, to displace Aldermen Welscher and Stebbins on the ground that they were United States offi cers as they were commissioners of bankruptcy, but they failed. In 1804 Council became displeased with the course pursued by Mayor Harris in the selection of trustees for the Exchange and on March 5 resolved "That it is the indubitable right of every member of Council to express his sentiments on any measure in which the city is interested and that it is highly improper that the Mayor should alone represent and vote for the city without consulting Coitncil at the election of trustees for the Exchange." After this Council elect ed the trustees yearly. Council also insisted on the advisability of city officers being elected by it and not at popular elections. Under an act of the Assembly the election of certain officers had been placed in the hands of the people, Council on May 2, 1808, passed a resolu: tion requesting the legislators for Chatham to secure a repeal of this law and to vest the election in Council, "by which their respon sibility being more immediately under the inspection and influence of Council will be beneficial and advantageous to the policy and good order of the city." Charges of illegal voting in an election for alder men were occasionally made and were rigidly investigated. If suf ficient grounds appeared a new election was ordered. Strict perfor mance of their duties was required of the aldermen, the system of fines for non-attendance at meetings being continued and in creased in 1808 to four cents a minute, not to exceed $2.00. A fine of 6i cents a minute was imposed for every minute not present after the opening of a Court of Aldermen, not to exceed $5.00. Such fines went to-the hospital. The present rule of Council 14, prohibiting a member of the Board from being interested in any contract, office or appointment to be made with or derived from the Board, and which shall have annexed to it any pecuniary advantage or emolu ment, was adopted in 1804 and has continued in force ever since without the change of a word. In 1817 a resolution was adopted that any member absenting himself from three consecutive meet ings should be considered as having vacated his seat. Another old rule still in force is that of September 13, 1819, that no committee of Council has power to enter into any contract exceeding $100 without laying the same before Council. Aldermen continued to commit persons for crimes and the Board set their bonds and accepted se curity. On the death of an alderman all of his fellow members of the Board wore black crape on the left arm for a fortnight as a tes-

74

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

timony of respect. This rule was also followed on the death of a fel low citizen of high position. When Gen. Washington died in 1799 Council wore crape for thirty days, requested all stores closed and invited Rev. Mr. Holcombe to preach a funeral sermon. .On the death of "Samuel Adams, the early, truly venerable and highly meri torious patriot of Massachusetts," (October, 1803), crape was also ordered worn for thirty days. This was also the period designated on the death of Dr. Noble Wimberly Jones, of whose demise Council was notified January 14, 1805, "one of the oldest citizens of the State, a man no less respected for his age and long residence in our coun try than esteemed for his many,useful virtues." Council unanimously resolved to wear crape for thirty days as "a testimony of the very high respect and affectionate regard entertained for the memory of their excellent fellow citizen, one of the few survivors of those who landed in Georgia on its first settlement and when it was yet a wilder ness, one of the most active and conspicuous in encouraging and supporting our arduous struggle in the cause of freedom" and in dependence, who filled many important offices as well in the provin cial as state government, whose eminent usefulness in his profes sion' and unexceptionable character as a citizen are evidenced by the regret of all classes for his death.'' Again, in April, 1806, on the death of General James Jackson, late United States Senator, Council wore mourning for a month and attended the funeral in a body. The worth of eminent public men, no matter where their residence, was always appreciated by the corporation of Savannah. Appro priate resolutions were also adopted by Council on the death of faithful servants of the city. When John Pettibone, City Treasurer, died in October, 1814, Council attended his funeral, its members wore crape for thirty days and expressed their sentiments in resolu tions of regret. The death of the Clerk of Council, David B. Wil liams, in October, 1816, was likewise deplored by the Board as a "serious loss to the City and his fellow* citizens." When Rev. Dr. Henry Kollock, pastor of the Independent Presbyterian Church, died in December, 1819, Council likewise adopted resolutions expressing the loss the community had sustained and attended the funeral in a body. On July 2, 1821, Council also appropriated a portion of ground in the old cemetery, 15 feet square, to the trustees of the Church, or which to erect a monument to Dr. Kollock. On July 24, 1823, the death of John Eppinger, formerly an Alderman, was announced to the Board and it resolved to attend his funeral in a body. On August 31, 1826, it being understood that Dr. William C. DanielL then Mayor, would retire at the end of the municipal year, the Board expressed its belief that the distinguished services of that gentle man merited an expression of opinion from it, and accordingly adopted a resolution stating that "his presidency over the interests

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

75

of this city has been attended with honor to himself and eminent ad vantages to the public and the thanks of this Board for the services of
Dr. Daniell are respectfully tendered him." Other matters affecting the public safety also engaged the atten
tion of the several administrations of this period. Gambling was not unknown, faro being the chief game in vogue and several keepers of such lay outs being fined at a time by Council. Much trouble grew out of the unlimited sale of intoxicants. Liquor dealers were re quired to have been residents of the city for one year, under a resolution adopted in 1803, but no limit was placed on their number although the .grand jury recommended a decrease in a presentment to Council in 1805. Council took no action on this, but later in the year (December) it refused to grant licenses to mechanics to sell liquor, being desired to confine skilled artisans, so much needed in the community, to their legitimate avocations. The number of retail liquor sellers ranged above 50, some of whom sold freely to negroes, to sailors after hours, and on Sundays, and otherwise violated the ordinances. Their bars were supposed to be closed with the ringing of the bell, the time for which Council changed on May 24, 1804, to 9 o'clock in the evening from March 21 to September 22, and to 8 p. m. from September 22 to March 21, beginning the next June 9. when the beat of the drum gave way to the bell. John Williams had the first contract to ring the bell and keep the city clocks in order, but threw up the job on November 12 and the drum beat re sounded through the city for another short interval. Contracts were made for this work at $125 a year. Under special emergencies shops were ordered closed earlier. On March 31, 1808, Council ordered all closed between 7:30 p. m. and 5 a. m., no seaman to be allowed off his ship between tnose hours, and any person of color found in the city without his owner to be arrested. This grew out of a very serious situation. The dissensions with Great Britain, growing out of its alleged right of search, had led Congress to place an embargo on American shipping, restraining vessels from leaving port. This enforced detention found a considerable fleet at Savannah. The sea men " on board were thrown ashore penniless, without means of support, angered at the action of the government and reckless in their conduct. On January 31, 1808, a committee from the Chamber of Commerce called on Council to request it to take steps to provide for the support of these sailors. Minor troubles ensued,Jbut the pre cautions taken were sufficient to prevent excessive disorder. A year later the citizens were aroused by attempts to burn the town. On March 20, 1809, Council offered $500 reward for the arrest of the persons guilty of this heinous act. Citizens held a mass meeting and appointed a volunteer corps of thirty-five for each night to assist the city watch, and called on the judges and justices of the peace to en-

76

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

force the vagrancy laws. The month before this, (February, 1809), another plot to burn -the city by one Benjamin Dexter was reported to Council, which ordered his arrest, but he escaped. The fear of the destruction of the city by fire was ever present. Several nar row escapes had accentuated this dread. Council in 1808 set aside Thursday, June 14, "as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer for the signal interposition of that almighty and omnipotent arm which was stretched forth in mercy for the deliverance of our city from that devouring element which threatened it with immediate destruction." Prior to this, December 10, 1806, had been set apart as "a day of supplication and prayer to God, for imploring his blessings upon this city in the future and an exemption from such misfortunes and calamities as it has heretofore been visited with." The danger of widespread conflagration brought considerable improvement in the fire department. Early in 1801 two engines were bought for $1,884.40 and $75 a year was appropriated for the managers of each. John Herb and David Gugle were managers. In 1801 there were four good engines in service, and $1,000 was appropriated to the fire masters, of whom there was one appointed for each ward, to repair engines, pumps, etc. Not over five bales of cotton were allowed un packed in the city at one time. A specified number of fire buckets and ladders were required on all premises and delinquents were fined by Council. In 1803 there were seven fire engines in the department, the other managers being Joseph Hill, Francis Malloy, John M. White, George Shick, J.'P. Williamson. Among the assistants were William Spencer, Jr., Thomas Boggs and Isaac Minis. Considerable appropriations were made to the fire masters. In 1808 Saunders Motta was engaged to ring the Presbyterian church bell in the event of fire. Prior to this the guard notified the inhabitants by ringing the bells of the Exchange and the Baptist church. On April 17, 1809, an ordinance was passed prohibiting smoking in the streets, lanes, squares, wharves or other public places. In this year there were twenty-five public wells and pumps, for the repair of which $1,200 was paid. On November 16, 1807, Mr. Bolton suggested to Council that a floating fire engine be secured. Council appropriated $1,000 and citizens subscribed the remainder of the necessary amount. Messrs. George W. Nichols and John Hunter appear to have been the man agers of this engine. In 1810 Council appointed a committee to wait on the subscribers to get them to relinquish their right in favor of the city. This was done. The floating engine continued in service until 1812. It was then worn out and the boat on which it was placed had been cast up in the marshes. It was recovered, the engine taken off and the boat used for other public purposes.
The necessity of properly lighting the streets led Council or, June 27, 1803, to pass an ordinance providing for the sale of a number

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77

of lots between the Strand and the Bay, from West Broad street to east of Montgomery street, each 60 by 90 feet, eleven lots in all. valued at $1,500 to $2,000 each, the proceeds to go to a lamp fundl An ordinance providing for the lamps passed November 14, 1803. and Mayor Noel and Aldermen Flyming and Sheftallwere appointed a committee to purchase and erect the same. One hundred and twenty street lamps were put up. The committee was instructed in July, 1804, to arrange for one hundred extra lamps to be erected at the expense of property owners but to be lighted and furnished with oil at the expense of the city. A contractor was employed to attend to the lamps. In 1805 $1,500 was paid for this. The lamps- were expensive and failed to give much light. On May 30, 1808, Council decided that the lamps drained the treasury without affording any material convenience to citizens and a committee was appointed to draft an ordinance to repeal or amend the lamp ordinance. Better counsels prevailed and the lamps were allowed to remain. In 1810 there were 116 public lamps, 59 private lamps and 12 church lamps, a total of 187 illuminating the city. In April of this year lamps were ordered placed on watch boxes, wells and engine houses.
A special providence, or the rigid vigilance of the quarantine system, protected Savannah for many years from 'the yellow fever that ravaged other Southern cities as well as those as far north as Connecticut. Season after season brought reports of the exis tence of epidemics in one or more cities with which Savannah had commercial intercourse and the quarantine laws were immediately brought into play, regardless of the interests that might t>e adversely affected. While the yellow fever was held at arm's length the city was not so free from small pox. and hardly a year passed without cases of that loathsome disease being discovered. Sufferers from this were removed without the city and quarantined. While the vigorous measures taken were effective in saving the city from a serious'epidemic, the recurrence of the disease was a constant danger not only to the lives of the citizens but to the expanding business of the city. Exaggerated reports at times spread through the country, checking travel and seriously affecting trade.
In 1800 the City Council bought a house from Levi Sheftall, three miles from the city, converted it into a pest house and placed Dr. Moses Sheftall in charge. The small pox was partly instrumental in bringing about a conflict between the city and state authorities. Gov ernor Jackson sent a message to the Legislature which Council claim ed "contained certain defamatory clauses against the corporation of Savannah," charging it with violating its charter rights, "allowing small pox to be introduced and assuming powers counteracting the laws of the State. Council called on Chatham's representatives at Louisville to protect the city from a seizure of its funds to defray

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expenses of preventing the spread of the disease, as contemplated by the Governor, and in its resolutions insisted that the Governor was unacquainted with certain cases decided in the Mayor's Court, of which he complained. An amicable adjustment seems to have been reached as no further proceedings relative to the questions at issue appear. This was not the corporation's first tilt with a chief execu tive of the State. On March 20, 1/98, Gov. Johnson in a letter given to the public stated that but for the consideration that "the whole of the citizens of Savannah ought not to be punished for the miscon duct of a few officers he would conceive it his indispensable duty to suspend all the members of the said corporation until the meeting of the Legislature." Council had, however, declared that it had no intention of insulting the Executive, and he merely ordered all papers laid before the Assembly at its next session. This difficulty, which promised at one time to become quite serious, grew out of a seizure by William Norment, the Tax Collector of Chatham County, of twenty-five negroes, part of a cargo imported into Savannah on the schooner Emma. These negroes were claimed to be forfeited to tlie State under the tax act of 1797. The city resisted Norment's seizure and proposed sale, claiming that the negroes were brigands from the West Indies and that it would be dangerous to scatter such firebrands among the various plantations to incite plots against the whites. The matter was referred to the Legislature which by joint resolution or dered the negroes sold. Norment advertised them but on the day of sale Matthew Motts, the jailor, acting under a resolution of Coun cil, refused to deliver them. This brought the clash of authority be tween the city and State officers. The city's views seems to have prevailed. Later, in June, 1798, the Governor issued a proclamation charging all officers to be alert to prevent the landing of negroes "accustomed to the horrid scenes of massacre."
Council was ever jealous of encroachments on its rights and in sisted on maintaining its full prerogatives. Several years after the dispute with the Governor, in January, 1806, there was another cor.r flict of authority, this time with the Superior Court, growing out of the city's exercise of its alleged right to fine parties guilty of violating the quarantine laws, the quarantine then being under the State, which appointed the Health Officer of the port. One Walter Roe, had been arrested and fined, and had certioraried the case to the Superior Court where the fine imposed by Council had been sus pended. The Maj-or, John Y. Noel, and the city marshal arrested Roe again and required bond and security from him for his appear ance before Council. Attorney General Thomas U. P. Charlton had them summonsed before the court to answer for contempt. Council met in a body and accompanied the two officers of the city to the court, which at this time met in the long room of the Exchange,

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owing to the court house having been condemned as unsafe. Judge George Jones imposed a fine of $60 on the - two officials. Council ordered this paid out of the city treasury and subsequently passed a vote of thanks to Mayor Noel for "his eloquent and strictly legal defence of the rights and privileges of the corporation upon the motion lately argued in the Superior Court upon a rule to show cause why an attachment should not issue against his Honor and the City Marshal for a contempt." A memorial was adopted requesting the Legislature to prevent the Superior Court from granting writs of certiorari under the quarantine laws.
Five years later Council came in conflict with the Grand Jury of the County. John Screven, James Washington, John F. Everitt and Patrick O'Harra were indicted for rioting and fines aggregating $250, in addition to imprisonment, imposed upon them. On Septem ber 13, 1811, they appealed to Council for a remission of these fines, asserting that the prosecution was for motives of private revenge and political animosity, and that as a matter of justice the fines should be remitted. Council adopted a resolution ordering that the City Treasurer "do pay over to John Screven, James Washington, John F. Everitt and Patrick O'Harra the sum received from them as fines imposed at the last session of the Superior Court according to the prayer of said petitioners."
At its next session the Grand Jury took cognizance of this action of Council. It questioned both the legality and the justice of this procedure of the Aldermen and in its public presentment requested the Solicitor General to make inquiry into Council's action. The Aldermen were not slow to reply to this, and on January 17, 1812, adopted resolutions stating that they "deemed the presentment of sev eral individuals of the late Grand Jury of Chatham County in relation to a measure adopted by them in their corporate capacity as un worthy of their notice. The City Council tender their meed of ap plause to those members of the Grand Jury who magnanimously withheld their assent to the presentment, which will only recoil upon those who promoted it."
The Solicitor General evidently was unable to sustain the accu sation of illegality as in later instances Council remitted fines im posed by the Courts, evidently maintaining that this was one of the aldermanic prerogatives.
Smallpox at this time appears to have been dreaded as much as yellow fever. In 1802 it broke out on several plantations near the city. The negroes subject to the contagion were removed to Tybee island and placed under guard. In March of this year the disease appeared in the city again and a guard of seven men was appointed to prevent communication between the pest house and outsiders. In January, 1805, the disease again appeared. It was on February

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
25, 1805, that the first mention officially of inoculation for small pox appears. On that day the Mayor "had the pleasure to inform Coun cil that by means of a small quantity of matter lately received the vaccine inoculation has taken place and is now prevailing within the city. An application has been made by some medical gentlemen, which the Mayor now communicates to the Board, to test the effi cacy of the vaccine inoculation for the small pox in the cases now under their care." Inasmuch as the first vaccination of a human subject was only made in England in 1796 it can be seen that the profession in Savannah were not slow to adopt it when the oppor tunity offered.
The expense of guards on plantations, etc., had been thrown upon the city, the State government either being derelict in the prompt performance of its important health functions or without funds. During this year the city was put to an expense in excess of $1,300 as a result of the presence of the disease. Its trade was also affected by exaggerated reports, so that on March n, 1805, Council adopted resolutions stating that small pox was not epidemic and that not a case existed here. It also endorsed inoculation and urged its adoption by citizens generally. "Council," says the resolution, "ob serving the damage to which the city is exposed from the frequent recurrence of small pox, and being seriously impressed with the im-
*
portance of relieving the community from alarm and securing them from danger in this respect, and uniting with their fellow citizens at large in the full conviction afforded by conclusive testimony both in Europe and America, of the entire and complete efficacy of the genuine kine pox to secure the human system against the future in fluence of that dreadful disease, do earnestly recommend that the in habitants of this community will avail themselves of the opportunity which now presents itself of vaccination or inoculation for the kine pock. They assure their fellow citizens that it now exists in this city in its genuine form, that the present season is as favorable as any period of the year, and that the poor inhabitants of the city and its vicinity will, upon application, be attended by any of the gentle men of the Medical Society free of expense." In 'later years inocula tion was made compulsory. On March 4, 1816, small pox being feared, Council directed the Aldermen, accompanied by physicians, to make a house to house inspection and where "a person shall be found who has not had the small pox or the kine pox that they insist upon such person submitting to vaccination." Again in February, 1822, small pox being reported in Northern cities vaccination was strongly recommended to citizens by Council, and on February 26, 1824, a proclamation was issued calling on all citizens to have all their house holds vaccinated. Vaccination became, and since continued, the policy of the city government.

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The health of the city at this time was poor. On May 18, 1807, a special committee on health reported that burial places near a city have an unhealthy tendency and they accordingly suggested to Coun cil that a square of trees planted around the wall of the city cemetery would have a very salutary influence by imbibing the impurities of the surrounding atmosphere. A similar recommendation was made in 1843. The early fall months appear to have been the sickliest. On October 5, 1807, it was resolved that "during the months of August, September and October military funeral processions when accom panied with music and firing are attended with effects highly per nicious to sick persons. It is therefore recommended to the mili tary commandant of the city, and to the officers of the militia gen erally, that the custom of firing and attending funerals with music during the above mentioned months be discontinued in future." In 1810 volunteer companies were requested by Council to desist "from the practice of having drum beat and firing a salute on the marriage of any of their members before the hour of 10 a. m." The city owned the public hearse, bought from Mr. Ball in 1803. Interments were in the old South Broad street burying ground, but for several years unfortunately no records were kept. It was not until October 31, 1803, that an ordinance was passed which Mayor Noel, in his In augural the next year, described as establishing "a genealogical record of high authenticity, which will be received hereafter as evi dence in courts of justice and will thereby operate as a means of securing the right of property to those who may come after us." On December 31, 1804, the burial register was put in charge of the Board of Health.
Considering the Savannah of to-day, with its abundant supply of the purest artesian water, its sewers, its well drained surround ings, and its mortuary rate comparing favorably with that of the most healthful cities of the world, it is difficult to comprehend the conditions that existed eighty QL. ninety years ago.'^Savannah at that time was surrounded with swamps and rice field, surface well water was drank, the garbage and other waste was thrown out on the commons not a great distance from the city, and the fall months -were productive of much illness. Indeed, so unhealthful was the town from July until cool weather that the Legislature as late as December 22, 1819, passed a law prohibiting the introduction of pas sengers who were aliens into the port of Savannah during July, Au gust, September and October, or their landing from any ship within fifty miles of the city, the mortality among those strange to the cli mate being extremely heavy.
The necessity of a hospital was early apparent. In 1795 a lottery was provided to raise funds for the benefit of a hospital fund, with John Brickell, James Box Young, Justus H. Scheuber, William Hun-

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ter, Philip Milledge, William H. Spencer and Joseph Clay, Jr., as Commissioners, the last two being succeeded by John More and William Belcher in 1796. This lottery was in pursuance of an Act of the General Assembly of December 16, 1794. The scheme of the
lottery was as follows: First class, 1,393 tickets drawing prizes amounting to $7,coo; 2,637
blanks, total 4,000 tickets at $2.00, giving $8,coo. Second class, 1,396 tickets drawing prizes amounting to $10,500;
2,604 blanks, total 4,000 tickets at $3.00, giving $12,000. Third class, 1,390 tickets drawing prizes amounting to $14,000;
2,610 blanks, total 4,000 tickets at $4-OO, giving $16,000. Fourth class, 1,398 tickets drawing prizes amounting to $17,500;
2.602 blanks, total 4,000 tickets, at $5.00, giving $20,000. Fifth class, 1,026 tickets drawing prizes amounting to $21,000;
2,794 blanks, total 4,000 tickets, at $6.00, giving $24,000. Many ;private contributions were made to the hospital fund,
among them being one from Gen. James Jackson in 1797, he then giving his iquota of the donations for the sufferers by the great fire "towards furthering that humane institution." The amount, $281.25, was paid to the Justices of the Inferior Court, who, according to the recommendations of the General, immediately laid it out in tickets of the third class of the lottery, "in the hope that it may thereby be aug mented."
In February, 1803, Mess. Habersham, Wallace, Bolton, Glass and Maurice were appointed commissioners by the Justices of the Inferior Court to erect a Seaman's Hospital and Poor House and a lot was granted them by Council. On June 13, 1808, Council appro priated $3,000 for the purpose of purchasing a building for a poor house and hospital. The Mayor and Alderman Harden were ap pointed a committee and purchased a suitable and commodious build ing from Dr. Lemuel Kollock for $3,000. On November 14, 1809, Council signed a petition to the Legislature for the chartering of a poor house and hospital. This hospital was in successful operation ap parently, as a report for 1811 shows that for that year itMiad handled 240 patients, 131 of whom were cured, 8 taken out by the Collector, 5 relieved, 5 left the hospital, 29 remained at the close of the year, 19 were out-of-door patients, and 43 died. The total expenditures of the hospital for the year were $5,919-37-
An ordinance creating a Board of Health was passed August 27, 1804. One member was appointed for each ward except Liberty and Elbert and Greene and Columbia, whicn were grouped together and one member allowed for two wards. Any person elected by Council and refusing to take upon himself the duties of said ofiF.ce or accept ing and then neglecting the duties, was made liable to a fine not to exceed $100. A man was only required to serve one year at a time,

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
but could be re-elected after being out of service for two years. The ordinance was repealed September 5, 1808. Council thereafter ap pointed a health committee of its own members for some years. Those who served while the ordinance was in effect were as follows:
1804-05--Thomas Young, Jr., Charles Harris, Francis Doyie, Dr. Moses Sheftall, William Shatter, Joshua E. White, Archibald Smith, Dr. Lemuel Kollock, Samuel Howard, John Bacon, Asa Hoxey, Dr. George Proctor.
1805-06--William Scarborough, Jr., Dr. John Gumming, Dr. John Grimes, George Woodruff, Dr. James Ewell, Benjamin Burroughs, Robert Mackay, William A. Moore, Dr. William Parker, Dr. George Harral, Thomas Jones, William A. Grant. Messrs. Woodruff, Mackay and Gumming having left the State, Thomas Decheneaux. James B. Read and John Craig were elected to their places August 15, 1805.
1806-07--Thomas Young, Jr., John P. Williamson. Dr. Moses Sheftall, Edward Stebbins, Jeremiah Cuyler, Thomas Mendenhall, Robert Moore, P. D. Woolhopter, William Taylor, W. B. Bulloch, John Bolton, Ulric Tobler, Joseph A. Scott, Dr. Lemuel Kollock, Dr. George Harral.
1807-08--Petit de Villers, A. S. Bulloch, Dr. James B. Read, Wil liam Moore, Oliver Sturges, Dr. Schley, William Scarborough, James Johnson, Thomas Decheneaux, Dr. John Cumming, Curtis Bolton, John Craig, Joshua E. White, Adam Cope.
The city fathers were early mindful of the advisability of beauti fying the town with trees. In 1795 an appropriation of $200 was made to plant Pride o'f India trees on the Bay and an ordinance was passed imposing a fine of $20 on anyone cutting down, destroying or injuring a tree. If a slave the culprit was to receive twenty lashes and his owner was liable financially for the damage to public property. The finances of the city did not permit of heavy expenditures for ornamental purposes, but occasional small sums were allowed for this work. In 1802 $100 was appropriated. In October, 1803, Alder man Howard was appointed a committee to receive proposals for taking care of the trees and posts. In the storm of September, 1804, the public trees on the Bay were blown down. Monsieur Rossignol was contracted with to replace the trees and posts there and in front of the court house and filature, and citizens were called on to suoscribe to assist the city in meeting this and the expense of removing animal and vegetable matter. The expenditure on trees this year passed $500. On February 16, 1807, a superintendent of trees was provided for at a salary of $100 a year, and an appropriation for trees of $500 was made. On March 16 a resolution was passed that trees were to be placed not less than 12 or 13 feet apart. John Pettibone was appointed superintendent but the office was abolished in Febru ary, 1808. Fines were frequently ;mposed for riding under the trees,

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the branches being broken by this practice and the symmetry of the trees marred. In December, 1809, all dead Pride of India trees on the Bay were ordered replaced. This species of tree was the favorite for many years. Pride of India trees were ordered planted in John son square, Columbia square, the square in Anson ward, the filature square, and on East Boundary and South Broad streets in 1810. A man was engaged to clear away the grass four feet from around all trees three times a year. The tree committee was ordered to es tablish a nursery for Pride of India trees in the margin of the burial ground so that old and dying trees could be readily replaced. Citi zens were requested to water trees during dry spells and other efforts were made to encourage an interest in the beautifying of the thor oughfares and public squares. In April, 1810, R. & T. Bolton were paid $1,024 for planting trees, this being the largest expenditure at one time to that date. On June u, 1810, an ordinance was passed for the better protection of the trees. Walks were ordered laid out in the squares on April 16, 1810, and tunistiles were provided for. It was many years later before the city finances reached such shape that large appropriations could be made for trees and the work sy stematically attended to.
Council assisted educational and religious institutions as far as lay in its power. Grants of lots were made to churches and the academy and taxes were fgflHRKl. In^&ttgust, 1801, the Baptist church was "granted as an additional lot No. 20 Franklin ward. In 1802 two lots on the south commons, at the southwest corner of Bar nard and South Broad streets were ordered laid off for Christ church in lieu of space of ground claimed for that church on Wright's square under act of 1763. The same year lot 24, Elbert ward, was given the Female Asylum and in November a lot 220 by 300 feet was granted the trustees of Chatham Academy. In June, 1804, the Ro man Catholic Church applied for an extra lot, but there being no city lots laid off and undisposed of the petition was rejected. In 1805 the Female Asylum applied for a lot but none was unsold. The Asylum had never obtained the lot originally intended for it, it hav ing gone by error to another institution. Finally on February 23, 1807, Council directed the gratuitous lease to it for twenty years of the first lot that should revert to the city. On July 20, 1807, the Mayor was authorized to purchase any of the lots lately laid off on the east or west commons which might be sold for arrears of rent and deed the same to the trustees of the Female Asylum at one cent a year. The Mayor accordingly bought lot 12, Greene ward, and the titles were executed accordingly. From one gift of land Council experi enced much trouble. Lot 19, Columbia ward, had been donated to a Methodist Church, May 30, 1799. A meeting house had been erect ed but the congregation had dwindled down and finally disappeared,

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
leaving the church property in the hands of a Rev. Mr. Cloud who erected a building of his own on the unused land, claiming that the society was extinct and the property reverted to him. Subsequently a Methodist congregation was established under Rev. Samuel Dunwoody, under authority of Bishop Asbury, head of the church in the United States, and on April 13, 1807, they petitioned Council to re quire Cloud to turn over the- property to them. Council decided that Cloud had no title and ordered him to turn over the properly except that part on which he had built a house. This the committee recommended Cloud be allowed to retain at a rental of $50 a ytar, the money to go to the church. After much squabbling the congre gation offered to give up lot 19 for lot 40, Columbia ward, and a title to lot 40 was executed to the trustees of the church on June n, 1810, and the Recorder was ordered to sue Cloud for the other property. Finally on December 20, 1811, Council decided to allow Cloud to take a new lease on lot 19 and dispose of the buildings, which he did.
In October, 1807, f 1* E was leased to the Chatham Artil lery for ten years at $1.00 for a gunhouse, laboratory and workshop. It was nearly a year later before this was Izfld out. On December 2, 1816, the lease was renewed for twenty-one years, not to interfere with or prevent the use of a building erected as an engine house and the city reserving the right to rescind the lease at any time, paying the value of buildings erected thereon. Prior to this (1810) a brick addition had been built by the city to the building erected by the Ar tillery company, the_lower floor being used as an engine house and the Chathams having the use of the upper floor. On April 30, 1810, a block of five lots was given to the Chatham Academy and Union Society as a site for a building to be erected by the said institution, bounded by South Broad, Drayton, Bull and lane in south, 300 feet long by 90 feet deep. The trustees in exchange were to relinquish the right to a piece of land on the south commons granted by the Mayor and Aldermen on June 13, 1803, as a site for the academy. On June 5, 1812, a lease for fifty years was granted the Union Society and trustees of the Chatham Academy on five additional lots in cluding the intermediate lane for extending the limits of the academy yard, to revert to the city on failure to use for this purpose. On March 22, 1813, the trustees of Chatham Academy were given permis sion to extend the north boundary 25 feet subject'to revocation at any time by Council. On April 22, 1814, the Academy and Union Society applied for fee simple titles to the lots, but the petition was laid on the table.
The corporation also granted a trust lot, 27 and 28 Brown ward, Chippewa square, for the erection of a theatre. In order to carry this into effect on April 16, 1816, provision was made for a plan of subscription for stock, the shares of the value of $200 each, and "in

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order to aid the attempt of adding to our city a building tending to beautify and advantage it" the Mayor was authorized to subscribe for twenty shares ($4,000) on which the managers of the theatre were to pay the legal rate of interest. Later, on July 15, lots 29 and 30 were granted the theatre instead of the two lots previously granted. On October 21, 1816, Mayor Charlton was instructed to pay the first installment on the theatre subscription. On May 20, 1816, lot 5, Brown ward, was granted to the Independent Presbyterian Church, and lot 19, Greene ward, which had been granted to the Second Colored Baptist Church was released from any city assessment or ground rent. On the same date Mess. Isaac .Minis and Moses Sheftall applied for a lot for the Hebrew congregation and the Mayor was authorized to designate a lot and give a fee simple title to the trustees. No record of any lot being given appears until 1819. On August 23 of that year the Mayor was instructed by Council to designate lot 55, South Commons. Brown ward, as the site for a synagogue. On March 27 of the next year (1820) lot 64, Brown ward, was given the Hebrew congregation on condition that lot 55 be surrendered. On^une 17, 1816, the Mayor was authorized to designate two lots on the south commons for Christ church on which to erect a parsonage, provided the building was put up within five years. On July I lots 47 and 48 Brown ward were granted and on May n, 1820, the titles were made fee simple.
This policy ruled for many years. On April 26, 1811, the Roman Catholic congregation, through Rev. Anthony Carles, petitioned for lots. On July 19 lots 17 and 18, Elbert ward, were donated to it. On January 27, 1817, permission was given the Presbyterian church trustees to sell lots 17 and 18 Columbia ward, which had been granted in 1799. The congregation was erecting a church on two lots pur chased in Brown ward and the sale of the Columbia ward lots was for the purpose of securing money to be applied in paying valuation money on the new lots which were subject to ground rent. On July 28 of this year (1817) the Mayor was authorized to designate a lot to be granted to the Methodist Episcopal Society on which to build a parsonage and to execute the title. On February 22, 1819. lot 4 Brown ward, was reserved for the M. E. church. On June 5, 1820, an ordinance was passed giving the trustees of the church the right to sell this lot.
On April 16, 1818, a special committee of Council reported favor ably on a petition for the Savannah Free School and commended its work of educating poor boys and girls. Town lot 39, Brown ward, 60 by 90 feet, on a corner of Wliitaker street, was granted for this purpose. On February 22, 1819, $200 annually was appropriated for the Savannah Sabbath School. .At the same time the Mayor was authorized to designate and reserve two of the laid out lots on the

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
south commons for the Catholic church on condition that it build thereon a church or other buildings for religious purposes. On Feb ruary 22, 1819, lots 33 and 34 were granted by resolution. On April 5, 1819, permission was given the vestry of the Roman Catholic church to sell the lot on which their church stood to raise funds to erect a church better suited for the increased membership. On May 16, 1822, the vestry applied 'for fee simple titles to the other lots which were granted by ordinance. On December 6,1819, the Mayor was directed to designate lot 57, Brown ward, for the Baptist con gregation, which petitioned for a lot, and titles were executed Decem ber 13.
On March 14, 1821, the Female Asylum petitioned for a lot on the south commons on which* to erect buildings. Lot 12, Greene ward, was granted. On December 8, 1838, the trustees of the Asy lum were granted two lots to be laid off on the commons, on the east ern line of Bull street, west of the jail, on which to erect a brick building, its other quarters being unsatisfactory. Permission was later given to sell the lot in Greene ward and apply the proceeds to this new structure. Other instances of the city's liberality occurred and are mentioned in subsequent chapters.'
The growing commerce of the port directed attention more for cibly to the necessity of freeing the river from encroachments and improving it for shipping. By degrees many private parties had ex tended their wharves beyond the proper lines. The line of low water mark, a committee of Council in 1801 reported, was originally about 105 feet from the line of the Bay, but at that time (1801) extended 23 to 65 feet beyond the former line.. In 1802 a wholesale movement against encroachments began. In 1804 a commission was appointed which completed a survey of the wharf lots and established the line, reporting to Council in December, 1804. This survey had been made under an Act of the Legislature of December i, 1802. Several wharf owners were ordered in January, 1805, to remove the encroachments as injurious to navigation. Actions at law were directed against various wharf owners on the expiration of the time limit, and John M. Berrien was engaged to represent the city. A wharf head line was established in later years by Mr. Houston, city surveyor, by order of the Governor. On July 29. 1816, City Surveyor McKinnon and Thomas McCall presented to Council an elaborate report on wharf lots, giving an exhaustive and valuable review covering the various grants, etc. (Minutes 1812-17, pages 330 to 343.)
The first, and apparently only, official census of the population of the city up to this time was taken by th"e city" treasurer under insrflctt<5ris of Council and reported to that body on February 20, 1809. It gave the population as follows:

!Y

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White males under 16, 470; white males over 16 and under 45. 849; white males over 45, 147; total white males, 1,466; white females under 16, 492; white females over 16, 794: total white females, 1,236; total white population, 2.702.
Negroes under 14, 759; over 14 and under 45, 1,302; over 45, 250; total negroes (slaves), 2,311.
Free people of color, under 14, 135; over 14 'and under 45. 134; over 45, 60; total free people of color, 329.
Total population of the city, February, 1809, white 2,702; colored 2,640; total 5,342.
In the latter part of 1799 the Georgia Gazette published a unique census of the city taken in October and November, 1798. This was the work of a private individual and not accepted as official. It was as follows:
Buildings in city, 618 dwelling houses with 1,139 fire places; 415 kitchens, with 491 fireplaces; 288 out houses; totals, 1,321 buildings with 1,630 fire places.
Population: 24 white males above 60 years, 112 white males 45 to 60 years, 773 white males 21 to 45 years, 158 white males 18 to 21 years, 552 white males tinder 21 years, total 1,619 white males.
White females. 33 above 60 years, 667 between 15 and 60, 453 un der 15 years; total 1153 white females.
Free males of color, in: free females of color, 127; total free negroes, 238. Servants of all ages, 3,216.
Summary: White males, 1,619; white females, 1,153; free negroes, 238; servants 3,216; total inhabitants, 6,226.
As the town was a progressive one it is reasonable to suppose thaFthis earlier census included a large number of visitors and many slaves not considered in the later official enumeration. While the city grew greatly in wealth and business it is a strange fact that its population after this period (1810) increased extremely slowly. In 1840, thirty years later, the population was but 6,520, an increase of but 1,178 in thirty years.
The same census referred to gave the deaths for a year, Novem ber i, 1798, to October 31, 1799. They were a total of 150, of which 61 were adults, 52 children, and 37 strangers and seamen, and of these two were accidentally killed and one was legally executed for mur der.
Distinguished visitors were received with every manifestation of honor. In May, 1791, in the course of his Southern tour President George Washington visited Savannah. His expected arrival was thus noticed in the Georgia Gazette: "The President.of the United States, it is expected will honor the city of Savannah with his presence this afternoon. A boat elegantly fitted out, set off yesterday forenoon, having on board five of the principal gentlemen of this place, who are

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
to receive him at Purystmrgh, from whence he is to be rowed by nine captains of vessels, neatly dressed in blue silk jackets and round hats, with black ribbon, having the words "Long Live the President" wrought in gold. The Mayor and Aldermen have requested the citi zens to illuminate their houses, and every preparation .is making to welcome this truly illustrious character to the metropolis of Geor gia."
During the visit Gen. ^Washington was entertained by a military display, a concert at the filature, a ball, and other public and private demonstrations. A committee of citizens, consisting of Noble Wimberly Jones, Lachlan Mclntosh, Joseph Clay, John Houstoun and Joseph Habersham, addresed him in their behalf. The Society of Cincinnati, through General Anthony Wayne, expressed their con gratulations, the Hebrew Congregation tendered him -an affection ate and patriotic address, and the City Council, through Mayor Thomas Gibbons, presented a formal address, as follows:
"To the President of the United States. Sir: The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, do unanimously concur in pre senting their most affectionate congratulations to you on your arrival in this city. Impressed with a just sense of your great and eminent services to America, permit us, the representatives of the city, to assure you of the high opinion the citizens entertain of your elevated virtues.
"We respect you as one of the richest and most valuable bless ings divine goodness has bestowed on the people of these United States; your presence is an evidence of the watchful care you have for every part of the extended empire over which you preside. If we cannot, by external show, demonstrate that respect for you which is in the power of the more wealthy of our sister States to display, yet none estimate your merits higher than the people of Georgia. The historic page bears record of our sufferings in the late revolution, and the vestiges of war remain within view of our Capital, and al though peace was, in 1783, restored to America, yet Georgia con tinued to suffer under the destructive ravages of an Indian war. and it has been reserved for the efficacy of the present government to give peace to our State.
"May the blessings of the government long continue under your administration, and may it please the Great Ruler of Events, to grant you long residence on earth, and to length of days add the blessings of uninterrupted health, that the advantages of the present govern ment may be permanently established."
President Washington replied as follows: "To the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah. Gentle men: Your affectionate congratulations on my arrival in this city, and the very favorable sentiments you express towards me, are re-

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ceived with gratitude and thanks, with sincerity. Estimating favors by the cordiality with which they are bestowed, I confess, with real pleasure, my obligations to the corporation of Savannah, and I can never cease to entertain a grateful sense of their goodness.
"While the virtuous conduct of your citizens, whose patriotism braved all the hardships of the late war, engaged my esteem, the distress peculiar to the State of Georgia, after the peace, excited my deepest regret.
"It was with singular satisfaction I perceived that the efficacy of the general government could interpose effectual relief, and restoretranquility to so deserving a member of the Union. Your sentiments on this event are worthy of citizens, who, placing a due value on the blessings of peace, desire to maintain it on the immutable principles of justice and good faith.
"May the harmony of your city be consequent on your adminis tration, and may you individually be happy."
The City Council met the bills for Washingtons reception and entertainment. While Savannah honored the first President and held his memory in loving esteem, efforts to raise funds for a monument to perpetuate his name proved unsuccessful. Aldermen Harden and McCredie in i8co were appointed a committee for this purpose. The amount subscribed was inadequate and Council later ordered its re turn to the donors. The people doubtless believed that Washing tons fame was so thoroughly enshrined in the hearts of his coun trymen that statues of marble were unnecessary. In 1802 Vice President Burr was the honored guest of the city. May 17 Alder men Harris, Dennis and Harden were appointed a committee to pro vide private lodgings for the Vice President and his suite at the ex pense of the city, and $250 was appropriated. They were also direct ed to prepare an address of welcome to be presented by the cor poration. A draft of this address was read to Council on May 19. "Of your Republican virtues they" (Council) it stated, "have long entertained the most exalted opinion. In common with the friends of liberty this corporation rejoiced on the ever memorable fourth of March, 1801, which gave to America Jefferson as President and yourself as Vice President auspicious day for the freedom of this now happy land. They most sincerely wish, sir, that the virtuous principles of the present administration may be perpetuated to suc ceeding generations." On his arrival Col. Burr declined to make a written reply to an address. The committee reported this to Council and the address was withdrawn and Council called on him and pre sented its verbal congratulations in a body. The Vice President be fore his departure presented the city with two medals, since lost, one descriptive of the arms of the United States on one side, with a bust of Jefferson on the other: the other commemorating the capture of

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT. . 91
General Burgoyne by Gen. Gates on one side, with the bust of the conquering general on the other. While in Savannah Burr was domiciled at the house of his niece, Mrs. Montmollin, still standing at 120 Oglethorpe Avenue.
On December 17, 1801, an Address was voted from the corpora tion to Governor Tattnall and Aldermen Dennis and Blount were ap pointed to wait on him and see when he could receive Council. The address congratulated him on his accession to the chief magistracy of the State and testified to his long experience, faithful discharge of public duties, universally acknowledged integrity of character and general disposition to do good, and his known and unalterable at tachment to our constitution, State and Federal, as entitling him to the confidence and support of every good man.
CHAPTER IV.
A DECADE OP WAR, PESTILENCE AND PI RE.
(1510--1520.)
Twenty-first Administration, September 10, 1810, to September 6, 1811: Mayor, William B. Bulloch; Aldermen, I. Fell, G. Harral, T. Mendenhall, Willam Davies, Isaac Minis, Dr. G. V. Proctor, G. R. Duke, Thomas Bourke, N. G. Rutherford, Thomas Rice, John Y. White, Steele White, Dr. John Grimes.
Twenty-second Administration, September 6, 1811, to September 14, 1812: Mayor, Thomas Mendenhall, resigned as Mayor October 25; William B. Bulloch, Mayor October 25, 1811, to September 14, 1812; Aldermen, Thomas Mendenhall, Thomas Bourke, resigned Sep tember 13; J. B. Read, Thomas U. P. Charlton, Dr. G. V. Proctor, J. Y. White, A. Pemberton, J. Pettibone, M. W. Hughes, Isaac Minis, Isaac Fell, Green R. Duke, Charles Williams, resigned Feb ruary 14, 1812; W. B. Bulloch, Charles Pope, November 16, re signed June 19, 1812; Fred S. Fell, from March 13, 1812; Matthew McAllister, from June 3, 1812.
Twenty-third Administration, September 14, 1812, to September 13, 1813: Mayor, George Jones; Aldermen, J. B. Read, G. R. Duke,

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Charles Harris, Dr. M. W. Hughes, died October, 1812; Thomas U. P. Charlton, A. S. Bulloch, Isaac Minis, Dr. G. V. Proctor, resigned April 12, 1813; Matthew McAllister, F. S. Fell, John Y. White, Thomas Mendenhall. from November 12; Christian Gtigel and John B. Norris, from May 3, 1813.
Twenty-fourth Adminstration. September 13, 1813, to Septem ber 12, 1814: Mayor. George Jones; Aldermen, John Gumming, J. Bond Read, A. S. Bulloch, resigned January 21, 1814; Thomas U. P. Charlton, F. S. Fell, resigned September 20, 1813; Matthew McAllister, Thomas Decheneaux, died August, 1814; John Y. White, Isaac Fell, Edward Harden, resigned April i, 1814; J. B. Norris, G. R. Duke, Jacob Hersman, Steele White, resigned June 24, 1814; Alex S. Roe, from February 18, 1814; Robert Mackay, from April 15, 1814;
Twenty-fifth Administration, September 12, 1814. to September u, 1815: Mayor, Matthew McAllister, resigned April 10, 1815, Thomas U. P. Charlton, from April 24, to September n, 1815; Alder men, John B. Norris, resigned December 8, 1814; Thomas U. P. Charlton, Jacob Hersman, H. Mclntosh, Isaac Fell, E- Harden, J. B. Read, Alex S. Roe, Robert Mackay, George Jones, resigned March 27, 1815; Thomas Bourke, resigned December 8, 1814; William B. Bulloch, resigned May 22, 1815; Green R. Duke, resigned October 24, 1814; John H. Ash, from November 7, 1814; Thomas N Morel, from December 19, 1814; Charles Harris, from December 27, 1814; William Davies, from April 24, 1815; Levi DeLyon, from April 24, 1815; George L. Cope, from June 5, 1815.
Twenty-sixth Administration, September n, 1815, to September 9, 1816: Mayor: Thomas U. P. Charlton; Aldermen, Charles_Harr ris-, IsaacJEell, Jacob Hersman, Williaa^JQajdes,resigned May 26, 1816; George V. Proctor, John B. Norris, George L. Cope, John H. Ash, Samuel Russell, Hampton Mclntosh, Edward Harden, Robert Mackay, resigned February 12, 1816: Levi S. DeLyon, Isaac Minis, Thomas N. Morel, from March n, 1816; Green R. Duke, from July i, 1816.
Twenty-seventh Administration, September 9, 1816, to Septem ber 8, 1817: Mayor, Thomas U. P. Charlton; Aldermen, Green R. Duke, Hampton Mclntosh, Levi-S. DeLyon, Jacob P. Henry, re signed June, 1817; George L. Cope, Gardner Tufts, resigned January, 1817; Steele White, Charles Harris, Thomas N. Morel, George V. Proctor, resigned January. 1817; Isaac Fell, Edward Harden, John Bolton, who declined to serve; Thomas Bourke, February 24 to

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93

t



June, 1817; John Lillibridge, from February 24, 1817; James M.

Wayne, from June 30, 1817; Jonathan Buttelle, from June 30, 1817;

Thomas W. Caldwell, February 24, 1817, died in August, 1817.

i Twenty-eighth Administration, from September 8, 1817, to Sep tember 14, 1818: Mayor, James M. Wayne; Aldermen. James Johnston, William Davies, Hazen Kimball, John Tanner, resigned May 18, i8i8; James Mork, resigned December-29, 1817; James S. Bulloch, George L,. Cope, Frederick Densler, Paul P. Thomasson, William R. Waring, George W. Owens, resigned June 29, 1818; Charles Harris, Gardner Tufts, Joseph Habersham, from January 12, 1818; Dr. William C. Daniell, from June 29, 1818; Mordecai Myers, from July 13, 1818.

Twenty-ninth Administration, from September 14, 1818, to Sep tember 13, 1819: Mayor, James M. Wayne, resigned as Mayor and Alderman July 12, 1819; Thomas U. P. Charlton, Mayor from July 12 to September 13, 1819; Aldermen, Adam Cope, .resigned February 22, 1819; Moses Herbert, Ebenezer S. Rees, Isaiah Davenport, John H. Ash, resigned August 23, 1819; Paul P. Thomasson, Thomas Bourke, George L,. Cope, William R. Waring, Thomas U. P. Charl ton, Steele White, Mordecai Sheftall, Sr., Charles Harris, William Alford, from March 8, 1819; James Morrison, from July 26, 1819.

Thirtieth Administraton, September 13, 1819, to September II, 1820: Mayor, Thomas U. P. Charlton; Aldermen, Moses Herbert, Thomas Bourke, Isaiah Davenport, George L. Cope, James Morri son, William R. Waring, Ebenezer S. Rees, resigned November 15, 1819; Mordecai Sheftall, Sr., Steele White, J. P. Henry,. William M. Kelley, resigned January 27, 1820; Levi S. DeLyon, Thomas N. Mo rel, from November 29, 1819; Thomas F. Lloyd, from February 27, 1820.

The opening of this period found the clouds of war lowering over the city. The circumstances that led up to the second struggle with Great Britain had already inflicted severe losses upon Savannah's merchants. Its growing commerce had suffered along with that of rival ports. Savannah's exposed position and meagre means of de fence rendered it liable to attack in the event of armed conflict. But there was a spirit of courageous determination in the community that asserted itself throughout the years of peril and anxiety. The proceedings of Council breathe the feeling of the hour. The senti ments of the people expressed through their representatives, showed no wavering, but a steadfast, unflinching resolution to meet every

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emergency and exhaust every available resource in defence of city and country.
In addition to devising means to protect citizens from lawless ness at home, this fear of another conflict with Great Britain and of a sudden attack upon the city hung over the community for years before war was actually declared. On July 9,1807, a special meeting of Council was held to consider the removal of thirteen casks of gun powder from the magazine to some store in the city. "It is expe-'ient at the present alarming crisis that care be taken to prevent any powder from being removed from the magazine for improper pur poses," says the resolution adopted. The fire masters were directed to make a search in houses, stores, etc., ?nd if any quantity of pow der was found to remove the same to the magazine. Four days later application was made to Council by a committee of citizens for the loan of money "to meet any emergencies that may arise out,of the present situation of our affairs with Great Britain." To secure funds for this purpose the lights were dispensed with for one month. A resolution was adopted at the time by Council that should the city of Savannah be menaced with, or actually attacked by, any British armed force, that the Mayor be authorized to advance to the com mandant of the city, relying upon the faith of the State government for repayment, any sum not exceeding $500 for the purpose of fur nishing ammunition to the military. Samuel Howard made a liberal contribution of gunpowder, 250 pounds of which was supplied by the city to the Chatham Artillery. The keys of the magazine, as an extra precaution, were taken from the keeper and placed in the hands of the Mayor. In September (1867) however, the immediate danger having passed away, the keys were returned to the keeper. Samuel Brownjohn-was elected keeper on November 30 of this year.
On January 12, 1808, George "Jones, Esq., presented a letter to Council, stating that he was requested by the Secretary of War to ask the city to donate as a site for fortifications that part of the premises of the old fort and adjoining lots, including streets, to gether with the part of Reynolds street which extends from the old fort to the water's edge, and a part of Wright street. This was granted. On April 12, 1810, a committee composed of the Mayor and Aldermen Davies and Bolton was "appointed to purchase as much powder as the regiment might need. Three hundred pounds of lead, a similar amount of powder, 150 pounds of cannon powder and
twenty yards of flannel were bought.
The war between France and England, with the consequent dam ages inflicted upon American commerce and business interests generally, served to create an ill feeling against both nations in tKIs country, which at times threatened serious results. In November, 1811, rioting occurred for two days in Savannah as the culmination

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95

of the misconduct of French privateersmen. Two French priva teers, La Vengeance and La Francaise (formerly L*Agile) were lying in port, presumably to secure supplies, but in reality to enlist men. A quarrel originated in a house between some of their crews and a party of American sailors, one of whom had denounce"1 t^e re cruiting then going on. Three Americans were stabbed, all of whom died, and their opponents were badly bruised with bludgeons. Prior to this street brawls had exasperated the American sailors. En raged at this last affair and determined on being avenged, they formed a body and set fire to La Francaise, burning the vessel to the water's edge. La Vengeance by order of the Mayor, was taken possession of by a detachment of the Savannah Volunteer Guards and conveyed to the upper part of the city. In the meantime the Americans endeavored to break in a vacant store where the French sailors had concealed themselves and several were shot. About mid night the Americans procured a lighter, filled it with tar and other combustibles and towed it toward La Vengeance. The Guards aboard saw that to prevent the burning of the vessel it would be necessary to fire on their fellow-countrymen, and even then the vessel would probably be fired by the lighter which was a floating mass of flames. La Vengeance was accordingly deserted and shared the fate of La Francaise. One of the Frenchmen was found dead on the bluff the next morning, and two others died from their wounds. In all four Americans and three Frenchmen were killed and a number of each nationality wounded. Over 100 rioters were arrested by the civil authorities assisted by the military. Le Marvis, the French consul was ordered by his government to leave the city "from the odious encroachments committed on the flag and subjects of His Imperial Majesty." Some years afterwards claims for damages seem to have been filed at Washington as the District Attorney applied to the city government for copies of all official records.
As a result of these disturbances Council was called in extra session on November 16. It expressed regret at the violations of the laws, announced its desire that all the guilty parties should be punished and called on the citizens to give all the facts in their pos session to the courts. The crews of the privateers were held in jail until November 20, when Council ordered the release of all against whom charges had not been filed. On January 3, 1812, Council urged the Solicitor-General to prefer bills of indictment against eleven per sons, mostly citizens, charged with stabbing Cherry Chatuc, captainat-arms of the La Francaise, who was found dead on the bluff. The recorder was required to aid the solicitor and the Mayor was directed to subscribe to the bills of indictment.
On May 22, 1812, Alderman Charlton presented the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted: "Whereas, it is at all

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
times important that the government should know the sentiments of the people in every section of the nation, and particularly at a cri sis like the present, Resolved, unanimously, that the citizens of Sa vannah be and they are hereby requested and invited to assemble at the court house on Saturday, the 3Oth inst., at 12 o'clock, for the purpose of taking into consideration the present situation, of their country, of expressing their opinion thereon, and of adopting such other business as their patriotism may dictate." At this public meeting Hon. William Bulloch presided and Mr. Thomas Mendenhall acted as secretary. A committe consisting of George Jones, Charles Harris, John Y. Noel, Thomas U. P. Charlton, James Johnston, A. S. Bulloch, John M. Berrien, George V. Proctor and William B. Bulloch was appointed to draft resolutions. The resolutions, which were submitted and adopted at a later meeting (June 3) set forth that this nation had abundant cause for war against both Great Britain and France, but that its rights as a nation might be preserved in violate and transmitted unimpaired to posterity war" was necessary against Great Britain. Hostilities were also recommended against France "unless the injuries inflicted on the United States be given immediate redress." If the outrages were submitted to longer it would render the nation contemptible. The attitude of the national administration was highly commended and a cheerful support of it in the future promised. It was also declared that it was both wise and prudent for the United States to take possession of the province of East Florida and relieve it from the cruelty and spoliation of Spain.
War was now seen to be inevitable and its declaration but the matter of a brief time. It was accordingly deemed expedient to begin building Fort Wayne. On June 19, 1812, Council requested citizens to furnish "such male slaves whose labor can be dispensed with." "The present measure being an appeal to the patriotism of our fellow citizens, the negroes furnished in the city will return to their owners to their meals and those from the country will be fur nished with provisions and lodging." One thousand dollars was appropriated for beginning the work and charged against the United States government. Aldermen Minis, Pettibone and White were ap pointed a committee to make the necessary purchases. Aldermen Read, Mendenhall, Proctor, Charlton and Duke were appointed to superintend the work. Capt. McRhea, the United States engineer, tendered his services as an engineer and was put in charge. On June 25 Aldermen Charlton, Proctor and Minis were appointed a committee to ascertain the quantity of powder in the possession of individuals and purchase the same. Parties refusing to sell -were ordered to be reported and their "names published for the general information." The colonel of the First Regiment was requested to

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
order a detachment to Fort Jackson until regular troops arrived to garrison it, and the captain of the Chatham Artillery was requested to depute six of his men to prepare fixed ammunition. Ten persons of color not attached to the fire department were allowed the Chathams as pioneers. Isadore Stouf, the city surveyor, was directed to attend the committee superintending the erection of a fort on the south commons. Immediate arrangements were ordered made for communicating from Tybee light the arrival of any armed ships off the bar, and Aldermen Minis, White and Pettibone were made the committee to perfect this. A subscription list for labor and money for the public defence was opened. The key of the powder magazine was taken from the keeper and the magazine placed in charge of the United States military agent.
War had been declared on June 19. It was several days before the news reached Savannah. On July 3 Aldermen McAllister, Proc tor, Minis, Read and Duke were appointed to ascertain and register the names and places of abode of all alien subjects of Great Britain, who "will be under the protection of the community until further measures shall be directed in this respect by the proper authority."
Twelve hundred dollars was speedily subscribed by citizens for the works of defence. Twenty seven alien citizens were reported. Thursday, August 20, had been set aside by the President, on a reso lution of Congress, as a day of prayer. Council ordered the day ob served and quoting from the President's proclamation, asked that the people "offer fervent supplication to God that in the present season of calamity and war He would take the American people under His peculiar care and protection, that He would guide their public councils, animate their patriotism and bestow His blessing on their arms; that He would inspire all nations with a love of justice and of concord,'and with a reverence for the unerring precepts of our holy religion to do to others as they would require that others should do to them, and finally that turning the hearts of our enemies from the violence and injustice which sway their hearts against us He would hasten the restoration of the blessings of peace."
Some disturbances in the city having been grossly'exaggerated for political purposes in the Federal papers of the North, on Sep tember 14, 1812, Alderman Charlton presented the following resolu tions, which were unanimously adopted by Council:
"Whereas, at a meeting of the Federal citizens of the i8th ult., in the city of New York, calling themselves the 'Friends of Liberty, Peace and Commerce/ among other resolutions the following was introduced and agreed to by the,said meeting, viz:
" 'Resolved, that the outrages and crimes lately perpetrated in several places and particularly in Savannah and Baltimpre by furious and wicked mobs, with intent to destroy the liberty of the press, are a

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subject of common concern, a disgrace to a fiee people, and are regarded by this meeting with detestation and horror; that the violated laws and constitution of our country, the cause of humanity, and every principle of liberty and patriotism cry aloud for the due punishment not only of the cruel wretches who executed it, but also and more especially of those in superior station who may have planned and countenanced such a mob/
"And whereas, the said resolution is predicated upon the false and
perverted statements of Federal papers, inimical to the general gov ernment and eager to calumniate upon slight pretexts its advocates and supporters, Therefore resolved, that the proceedings of the said meeting are disgraceful to the character of Americans and could only have originated from a faction basely subservient to British influence and dishonorably promoting and encouraging in various sections of these United States treason against the republic and dis affection to the government.
"Resolved, that the said proceedings so far as they scurrilously reflect upon the municipal authority and citizens of Savannah are eminently deserving of the public contempt, because they have ema nated from the said faction composed of men destitute of patriotism and anxious to paralyze the energies of the country in the just, neces sary and righteous war against the British nation, and because the insinuation in the said resolution, that the mob in this city was planned and countenanced by those in superior station, is as infamous as it is unprincipled and unfounded.
"Resolved, That the late Mayor of this city is equally entitled to the thanks of his fellow citizens as those which have been bestowed upon the mayor of New York in the said proceedings, for his spirited and correct conduct in the preservation of order and the mainten ance of the laws."
The Clerk of Council was ordered to publish this in the Repub lican journals of the United States and the treasurer was directed to defray the expense.
The Republican Blues and a detachment of the Guards had gone on an expedition to East Florida. On September 14 Alderman Charlton introduced a resolution that "Whereas, one of the greatest re wards that can be conferred upon patriotic citizen soldiers is the expression of the public approbation through the medium of the constituted authority, be it therefore resolved by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Savannah that the said volunteer company of Republican Blues and detachment of the Guards have deserved well of their fellow citizens at large and particularly of this city."
Aldermen' Charlton, Read nnd Bulloch were appointed to "have inscribed and enrolled on parchment the names of the officers and privates prefaced by these resolutions to be framed and suspended

in:]
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in the city hall as a just and honorable tribute of respect conferred by this corporation upon the patriotism and valor of said volun teers."
On September 21 Aldermen Charlton, Bulloch and Fell \vere appointed to buy 1,000 weight of gun powder. On October 28, owing to the exposed condition of the river, Council appointed Aldermen Harris, Bulloch and Read a committee to buy a guard ship. The city funds not being sufficient the committee was authorized to negotiate a loan from the bank and the Legislature was petitioned to reimburse the city for this and other expenditures for the public defense. On November 18 the watch was notified that under no circumstances of alarm must any member leave the city. On any alarm being sounded they were ordered to repair to the guard house, where the roll was to be called and delinquents were to be punished.
Friday, January i, 1813, was set aside by Council to express gratitude to the Supreme Being for the victories of the "Constitu tion" over the "Guerriere," the "Wasp" over the "Frolic," arid the "United States" over the "Macedonian,'* and to express their high, sense of the gallant conduct of commanders, officers and crews. Al dermen Read, Duke and F. S. Fell were appointed to arrange for salutes, etc. The cele'bration was a fine one, and is described in the Council proceedings "as a procession the most brilliant in military appearance ever witnessed in this city."
About this time the Savannah Heavy Artillery received two 12pounders from Major-General Pinckney, and Council appropriated $300 for the company. On March 8, 1813, on motion by Alderman Charlton, a resolution was adopted expressing admiration and'grat itude to "Col. Williamson and his brave soldiers of Tennessee, who with a few citizens of this State, chastened the Seminoles," and Al dermen Charlton, Harris and Read were made a committee to pre sent it to Col. Williamson who was then in the city.
On March 20, (1813) news having been received of preparations by the British government to ravage the coast of Georgia and to destroy Savannah or lay it under heavy tribute, the Governor was appealed to reinforce the militia and for a sufficient quantity of pow der and other munitions of war. Resolutions were also adopted urg ing Maj.-Gen. Pinckney to order additional forces to Savannah from the interior where they were stationed. Dr. Moses Sheftall offered his services free to carry this to Pinckney. Commodore Campbell, who was in charge of the naval forces at Savannah was solicited to station barges belonging to the station, at Tybee, Cockspur, Augustine Creek, Thunderbolt, or other places, for the purpose of firing signals or otherwise giving notice of any force of the enemy. He acquiesced to this and a vote of thanks was tendered him by Council. On March 24 a petition to the Secretary of the Navy was adopted urging him

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to enlarge the powers of Commodore Campbell that all the gun boats, barges and other naval force might be in readiness to co-oper ate with the citizens of Savannah and the seaboard to repel any at tack. The committee on purchases was directed to contract for 10,000 ball and buckshot cartridges. Soon after this the British ship Cale donia was captured and brought into Savannah. The prisoners were landed here. Among them were a number of negroes, who, it was rumored, were slaves who had been picked up by the British on the coast of South Carolina. The Intendant of Charleston was notified to ascertain if there were such missing slaves among the prisoners, and the Secretary of State was requested that some arrangement be made to land such prisoners elsewhere. None of the negroes proved to be from South Carolina. On May 25 Aldermen Charlton, Harris and Read were appointed to confer with any military committee that might be appointed to adopt the most effective mode of ob structing navigation on the river to prevent the approach of gun boats or other vessels. A mass meeting of citizens was called for June i, and Aldermen Harris, Charlton and Read were appointed to present a proposition for an additional assessment on property for the purpose of raising funds for more effectually defending the city. At this meeting Hon. William Stephens presided, with James M. Wayne as secretary. The meeting decided that $4,000 should be raised by a special assessment, and Messrs. John Bolton, James Johnston, John Gumming, James Bilbo, Fred Herb and John Eppinger were appointed to unite with a committee of aldermen in raising and disbursing the same.
Regular troops had been stationed at Fort Jackson under com mand of Capt. Twiggs. Arrangements were made whereby James McAnnully, keeper of the Tybee Lighthouse, signalled from there to Fort Jackson, Capt. Twiggs from there to Fort Wayne, and the commander at Fort Wayne to the Exchange, where a man with a telescope was stationed in the steeple for signalling purposes. The Mayor was then notified, and in his absence Aldermen Minis, Bul-loch and Charlton were informed of the nature of the s'ignals. The appeal to the Governor to reinforce the militia seems to have hurt the feelings of Gen. John Mclntosh, in command of the militia, and Council, on April 19, adopted a resolution expressing its confidence in him and stating that the message to the Governor was not dis respectful to the General but wTas done under the impression that competent means were not at his command. On July 29 money from the voluntary assessment on property was appropriated for men to take charge of lookout boats. Abraham Nichols was placed in charge of one at Tybee and Aaron Ruckhill and Daniel Smith were stationed at.Warsaw. The Mayor was directed to apply to Major Bourke. deputy United States quartermaster, for twelve stands of

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101

arms and accoutrements to be distributed among the city guard and to be restored when not required.
All strangers and non-residents had been required to report to the marshal. On July 29, 1813, a vigilance committee to consist of one alderman and two or more respectable citizens from each ward was provided to detect idle and disorderly persons having no visible estate or employment, to watch over strangers and to deal with them as vagrants if unable to furnish recommendations of their character and employment. The vigilance committee was composed as follows:
Reynolds Ward--Aldermen Bulloch, Citizens R. Mackay, Petit de Villers.
Franklin Ward--Alderman White, Citzens N. Bayard, J. P. Williamson.
Washington, Green and Columbia Wards--Alderman Charlton, Citizens George Myers, James G. -Almy, W. Woodbridge.
Derby Ward--Alderman McAllister, Citizens George Anderson, William Starr.
Anson and Warren Wards--Aldermen Read and F. S. Fell, Citi zens George Owens, W. A. Moore, T. V. Gray, Emil Wambersie.
Percival and Heathcote Wards--Alderman Harris, Citizens Thomas F. Flyming, J. Bilbo, J. Eppinger.
Decker Ward--Alderman Minis, Citizens Fred Herb, John Pettibone.
Oglethorpe Ward--Aldermen Duke and I. Fell, Citizens James Clark, William Everitt, John Haupt, David Taylor.
Liberty and Elbert Wards--Alderman Gugel, Citizens Fred Shaffer, B. B. Norris.
On August 2, a resolution was adopted citing that'the city funds were exhausted in preparation for the public defense, patrol, etc., and the Mayor was directed to solicit pecuniary aid from the Gov ernor. The clerk and treasurer were ordered to keep the city rec ords and books packed in chests or trunks and to cause them to be removed on an alarm of the enemy. The" city guard, in the event of an alarm, was placed under the Mayor. Alderman Duke agreed to raise twelve mounted infantry to be under the Mayor. A corps of volunteer riflemen, who had patriotically tendered their services for the defense of the city, having arrived, Council ordered public sub scriptions to be opened at the Exchange, Coffee House and Parker's Hotel, for their support, contributions to be either in money or provisions, or the riflemen to be taken care of in families. On Au gust 16 the use of the filature was granted to the government as a hospital for sick soldiers. Thursday, September 9, .having been set aside by the President "for fervent supplication for the safety and welfare of these United States," Council recommended its obser-

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vance by citizens. On September 6 Mr. James Alston of Montgom ery county and "40 brave young men" tendered their services and Council accepted them if needed. On September 13 $500 was appro priated to be used for secret service purposes. The money sub scribed by citizens for the support of volunteers from the back coun try was returned to them, the immediate need of such volunteers having passed. On September 20 Aldermen Read, Charlton and Steele White were appointed a committee of Council to unite with a committee of citizens and military officers as a joint committee of safety. The committee on finance reported that of money from the \-oluntary assessment of citizens $1,679 nad been expended for munitions of war and $1,317 for boat hire, pay of officers, etc. On October 22 the city treasurer was directed to furnish the Senator and Representatives with a statement of expenditures for public defense to be laid before the Legislature with all correspondence.
The victory of Commodore Perry on Lake Erie enthused the city more than any previous success of American arms. It was described in resolutions adopted by Council as "a victory more glorious and signal than the annals of any nation can boast, covering with renown the whole nation of which he is a citizen/"' Thanks were also tendered Commodore Chouncy for his brave efforts to bring the enemy into a general engagement and for his skillful and glorious victory on Lake Ontario. The artillery was requested to fire a salute at 12 o'clock on October 23, the infantry companies to march in military procession, and the marshal was directed to cause all the bells to be rung.
On October 25 the Mayor informed Council of the receipt of a check on the Planter's Bank for $1,000 drawn by George R. Clayton, Esq., State Treasurer, to disburse for expenses incurred by lookout boats, etc. On October 26 Thomas U. P. Charlton was elected Mayor protem in the absence of the Mayor. The next day official intelligence came of the victory of Gen. Harrison over the British and Indians under Proctor. "The Mayor and Aldermen hastened to congratulate the brave officers and soldiers of the United States army now stationed in this city and their fellow-citizens generally on this auspicious event. Let us hail the glorious victory with public demonstrations of exultation, let salutes be fired and other demon strations of joy take place. It is not immoral for a religious people to rejoice at the success of their fellow-countrymen." The command ing officer of the Chatham Artillery was requested to direct a salute to be fired and to request the other corps to unite in celebrating the event. The Mayor and Aldermen joined in the procession. At nigHt there was a great bonfire on the south commons under the direction of Aldermen Duke, Harden and Decheneaux. Soon after this the Legislature appropriated $3,095.75 for a title to the city magazine and

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85 kegs of gunpowder and 21 rifles. On January 31, 1814, $1,000 was received from the Governor for the lookout boat service. On Mon day, February 7, the victories of Gen. Floyd at Autossee and Fort Defiance were celebrated with a procession of the United States troops and local militia, the vessels in the harbor were decorated and salutes were fired from the letter of marque brig Argus. On May 6, 1814, at a special meeting letters were read from John Ross, of St. Mary's, telling of a British squadron with landing barges, and a large number of troops aboard, making soundings, and from Capt. William Jones, commanding Fort Wayne, notifying the Mayor that he had advices from Point Petre on the St. Mary's, to the same effect. The Mayor had forwarded copies to Capt. Norris, U. S. Frigate Adams, at Tybee, and to Col. Johnston, commanding the military of the city. The British fleet had 1,200 men on board and Sir Admiral Cochrane, in command, issued a proclamation stating that "it has been represented to me that many persons now resident in the United States have expressed a desire to withdraw therefrom, with a view of entering His Majesty's service, or of being received as free settlers into some of His Majesty's dominions," and offering to receive and transport them to the British possessions in North America or the West Indies, or to enter them in the British service. (Three months later these troops burned Washington.) The Mayor was directed to send all this information to Gen. Mclntosh and the Governor, and the United States Marshal was requested to parole the British prisoners so that they could not see the fortifications and barracks. On May 27, (1814) all strangeis in the city were ordered to report to the Clerk of Council and give full information as to their business. July 4 was celebrated in grand style, the Mayor and Aldermen joining in the procession with military and citizens to the Presbyterian Church, where an oration was delivered by Capt. Alfred Cuthbert. During the parade the colored musicians withdrew from the line and as a result the Council called on the military commanders to encourage the formation and hiring of white musicians. On July 22 resolutions were adopted thanking Capt. David Porter, of the Frigate Essex, for his great victory over the "Phoebe" and the "Cherub."
The nearness of the enemy led to more determined efforts to put the city in a position to repel an attack. On September 2 a special meeting of Council called on all citizens to exert all means in their power to provide against and meet the enemy. They were urged to assist in throwing up breastworks around the city. Aldermen McAllister, Read, Mackay, Hersman and Charlton were appointed a committee to co-operate with a committee of military officers. Citizens were called on to subscribe to a fund for the defense and Gen. Pinckney was requested to send an engineer. The Mayor was

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authorized to borrow $10,000. All vessels in port were ordered sent six miles up the river aiid the lines of signals were re-established. On September 12, 1814, Aldermen Jones. Burke, Mackay, Harden and Read were appointed a committee of defense, and it was ordered that it should be in meeting daily and should continue a permanent committee until dissolved* by action of Council. Every day from 10 to 2 o'clock the committee sat in the Council Chamber. The com mittee was charged with the duty of receiving and registering the names of citizens who might patriotically tender their personal ser vices, the labor of their male domestics, provisions, or money in lieu thereof, for the maintenance of the people employed on the forti fications. Planters in the neighborhood were invited to contribute the labor of as many of their field hands as the season and the situ ation of their crops would permit. The committee was authorized to purchase materials needed in erecting fortifications and $2,000 was appropriated for this purpose. Aldermen Charlton and Bulloch were appointed to report an ordinance providing for the reim bursement of $10,000 borrowed from the Planter's Bank. Aldermen Charlton, Roe and Xorris were appointed a committee of vigilance to guard against the introduction of suspicious characters and to have weekly returns from all taverns, lodging and boarding house keepers of the number, names and business of such persons as were strangers, and to act toward them as the law directed. They were also required to ascertain the earliest possible information of the approach of the enemy by land or water, and were empowered to appoint a secretary. The balance from the volunteer assessment fund in the treasurer's hands, $1,142.09, was passed to the credit of fortifications. On September 22 the committee on defence advised the Governor and Gen. Pinckney, commanding the district, that one regiment of the United States quota of Georgia militia was in requis ition for this city, and asked that this force be augmented, ''that the citizens of Savannah are desirous of not only meeting and fighting the enemy in the event of invasion, but look for a force which may reasonably afford them the prospect of successfully meeting and beat ing oft* the enemy." Council urged the calling out of the whole United States quota of the Georgia militia, "as to be efficiently pre pared to resist is probably to avert the blow of the enemy," and "all considerations of economy should be banished."
Subscription books opened for the defence fund were ordered closed on September 30 and the names o.f donors were ordered pub lished. On September 26, $2,000 more was received from the Gov ernor. All free persons of color between 16 and 50 years of age were required to give fourteen days work on the fortifications. The Mayor was authorized to borrow from the Planter's Bank such sums as the committee on defence might deem necessary. On Thurs-

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day, September 29, the Mayor and Aldermen met at the Exchange early in the morning with hoes, axes and spades, and proceeded to work on the fortifications, setting an example to their fellow-citi zens by their personal service. On October 3 the thanks of Council were extended the Governor for his laudable exertions to aid in the defence of the city. Early in October the medical faculty of the city was organized into a corps to render professional services to the troops. The engineer sent by Major-General Pinckney had laid off a principal :or crown work at the gaol, a bastion opposite the Thun derbolt road and another at Spring Hill, which he proposed to con nect with other works around the city. On October 31, Council ap propriated $2,000 for the use of the citizens' committee in charge of the river fortifications, of which Jimes Marshall was chairman. Gen. Floyd, in command of the military forces for the defence of the city, was petitioned to allow the services of the troops in complet ing the fortifications. Troops arrived from the interior for the de fence and Council on November 7 extended them a vote of gratitude for the "alacrity and patriotism with which they have marched to this section to meet the enemy in battle and baffle his expectatioifs of success over this defenceless portion of the state." The Mayor was authorized to borrow $2,000 more from the Planter's Bank, and from additional funds sent by the Governor $8,000 was placed to the credit of the fortifications committee. The Intendant and Wardens of Augusta were petitioned to help and responded liberally with con tributions of money. On November 21 all citizens with their servants were urged to give at least one day a week on the fortifications. On December 8 the committee reported that in all $13,564.00 had been raised from citizens for public defence. On the same day the vigi lance committee was discharged, the arrival of Gen. Floyd with troops having rendered them unnecessarjr. On the same day Coun cil ordered the publication in the newspapers of the names of all who failed to show their patriotism by turning out on the fortifications or furnishing labor for that purpose. On January 21, 1815, the city marshal was ordered to seize and impress into service the number of horses required for the work on the defences. Commodore Camp bell was requested to sink vessels at such points as might be deemed expedient for the obstruction of the river, and the Mayor and Citi zens A. S. Bulloch, Dunning, Sturges, Hills and Williamson were appointed a committee to procure vessels for this purpose. An ad dress v/as adopted by Council directed to Gen. Floyd, stating that "some citizens have contributed liberally, " others sparingly, and others nothing at all." Council accordingly advised that "as the end of voluntary service seems reached, that involuntary service be enforced."

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On January 21, 1815, a new vigilance committee was appointed composed of Aldermen Read, Hersman and Morel and Citizens A. D. Abrahams, Adam Cope and Robert Greer. On February 21 the thanks of the citizens of Savannah were tendered Gen. Andrew Jack son and his brave colleagues, Generals Coffee and Carrol, and the gallant officers and men under them. "Their late distinguished deeds have humbled our late inveterace foe and added ever blooming laurels and glory to the arms of America." The military parade on the first accounts of the battle of New Orleans, though, proved inade quate to express the general sentiments of public joy felt when fuller intelligence came. Council accordingly ordered a second cele bration conducted under the city authorities, in which the military within and near the city were invited to unite. The Mayor and Alder men recommended to citizens that "they avoid illuminating their houses owing to the materials of which most of them are con structed." The Exchange, though, was illuminated throughout and the band played there from 7 to 10 in the evening.
On P'ebruary 28, 1815, the Mayor laid before Council the procla mation of the President ratifying the treaty of peace between the United States and Great Britain and recommended an illumination of the Exchange on Saturday, March 4, to express the public grati fication. The citizens were invited by Council to set aside that day "as a day for innocent recreation and amusement in consequence of the ratification of a treaty of peace with Great Britain founded on the basis of perfect reciprocity and honorable to this nation." A
considerable debt having been left on the city as a result of the war, Aldermen Harden, Harris and Ash were appointed a committee to pay off and dispose of a ward on the south commons.
While the war was ovrer there were echoes of it in Council pro ceedings for some time. On March 13, 1815, thanks were extended to the gallant commodore, Hugh G. Campbell, "who for upwards of three years commanded the United States flotilla of this station and bj v/hose vigilance and attention, off Amelia island and St. Mary's, shameful frauds have been detected, the government highly benefited, and the perjured traffic of the enemy arrested; for his zealous and un wearied attention to the arduous duties of his station, the protection afforded the commerce of the city, and his assistance in pointing out the best means of defending the city from the water side." To Peter Early, Governor of Georgia, the city expressed its highest sense of gratitude for his abilities, patriotism and virtues. To Gen. Thomas Pinckney thanks were extended for his zealous and patriotic efforts to fortify and place the city in a state of defence and his constant, unwearied efforts to call forth the resources of the city and its vicin ity. On May 13 a vote of thanks was tendered the late Mayor McAllisier for his zeal and patriotism at a time when the city was

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menaced by the enemy, and on June 5 Council offered thanks and gratitude to the President of the United States for the patriotism, energy and firmness displayed by him during the most unpromising period of the conflict with Great Britain. General John Mclntosh was also honored with a well-deserved vote of thanks (May 22, 1815.) The resolutions addressed to him adopted by Council said: "The meritorious exertions of Gen. John Mclntosh, lately arrived from an arduous march of nearly two thousand miles through a wilderness at the head of the Georgia troops destined for the defence of Mobile, at a time of life when repose is much more congenial to the human constitution than the hardships inseparable from a camp, in this in stance aggravated by peculiar circumstances of difficulty, well entitle him to the highest consideration of his fellow-citizens."
There was another class, however, who did not receive thanks but came in for a share of apparently well-directed opprobrium. As it had been prompt to recognize and express appreciation of patriot ism and valor wherever displayed, so Savannah's Council was quick to detect and unsparingly condemn cowardice or treachery to the interests of the community and country. On March 13, 1815, it adopted the following resolution: . .
"Whereas, it is well understood, that when Savannah was threat ened with an attack and while all good citizens were manfully prepar ing to repel it, others, who had fattened upon the soil in time of peace, which in time of war they were called upon to defend by every feeling which could operate upon the human breast, forgetting that they were Americans ignominiously fled from the impending danger to places of safety, thereby virtually renouncing their American char acter, for America recognizes no cowards among her sons.
"And whereas, those persons are now, with their former impu dence, parading our streets, passing for what they are not, and well deserving the scorn of all good men,
"Be it therefore resolved, That it is earnestly recommended by this Board to all the good citizens of Savannah to hold ho converse or have any dealing or communication of any kind with such persons, treating them in every regard as being unworthy the name and char acter of Americans, always remembering that in perilous times he who is not with us is against us;
"Resolved, That Aldermen Ash and Harden be a committee to make enquiry who the persons were that left the city in time of danger without leave, in order that their names may be made public and published in the gazettes of the city."
On Tuesday, March 21, this committee advertised in the Savan nah Republican, as follows:
"in the discharge of the delicate duty devolved upon the under signed by the City Council, 'to make enquiry who the persons were

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that left the city in time 'of danger, without leave, in order that their names may be made public/ they have proceeded, from general infor mation, to ascertain the names of several persons who 'in time of danger' were neither seen in the streets training to arms, in the trenches erecting fortifications, or heard of being at home making cartridges; yet being aware that some of these persons may have been sick, absent with leave, passed unobserved, or left the city before 'the time of danger/ the committee feel every disposition to have it in their power to exculpate such persons from blame, and to avert the finger of public scorn from pointing continually towards them; and therefore most respectfully invite all persons, apprehensive of being included in the list of delinquents, to afford the committee, fry letter or otherwise, such information as may enable them to prevent their names from being 'made public/ John H. Ash, Ed. Harden. Committee."
Some, at least of the citizens who had done their duty, were impatient for the publication of the names of those who had been recreant. In The Savannah Republican of March 25 appeared the following communication:
"Mr. Editor, what has become of the high-toned resolutions of Council, published on the i8th inst? Where is the spirit which they breathed? Has it evaporated in fumo? And where is that energy which dictated them? Were they, Mr. Editor, held up merely in terrorem, to deter men from leaving the city? Alas, they were illtimed. Or, were they designed to inflict a punishment on those who deserted our place in times of peril, by holding them up to execra tion ? If so. then ferret out the recreants of all ages and conditions. No circumstance can palliate "a defection from duty at such a period. He who was too aged to have contributed manual aid, should have remained, to encourage by his presence and exhortations; he who was considered as too infirm to have wielded his blade in battle with efficacy, could have assisted 'in the trenches' or could have been at home making cartridges, or otherwise preparing the means of de fence for others.
"Why, Mr. Editor, this temporizing appeal of the Committee of Council, to whom was entrusted the execution of those spirited reso lutions? They should forego the delicacy they seem to feel in the discharge of the duty devolved on them, without favor or affection. It seems too much like applying a balm with one hand, while the other is inflicting the merited lash--or, Mr. Editor, is it intended as a salve for want of energy to do what is required of them? I say publish the names of the recreants of every description, and let the burden of exculpation rest on them, publish every fellow who has the turpitude to merit it; for, at such a period, every man's conduct should have been above suspicion. The members of Council ought

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to know, from their knowledge of municipal occurrences generally, every man who withdrew at or about the time we were threatened; and tender thanks to those who under the pressure of danger and dif ficulty, patriotically maintained their ground; and a large portion of those, too, who had nothing to protect, but their country's rights and honors, who had nothing at stake. 'Tis due to the character of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Savannah, from the high ground they "have taken that those resolutions should be executed without indulging in any delicacy, that their dignified position should be firmly maintained. Then, I say again, publish the recreants.
"Let the Committee make enquiry of persons particularly from St. Mary's and Cumberland Island, and they will have detailed to them circumstances connected with some of those who have in time of peace fattened on our soil, that ought to make them fit subjects for the pillory'or the gibbet. Then, I say, publish them, and not only those who ran or sneaked off at the time of danger, but those also who belonged to the city, and had it in their power to get back to us and assist in our works of defence, but who preferred ignoble traffic immediately in the neighborhood of the marauding freebooters, the despicable British soldiery, who, perhaps almost under their own observation, were preparing the engines of destruction for this, our city.
"Then, I say, publish all; for he who went away at the time he ought to have remained, is not more worthy of universal detesta tion than'he who remained away when he could have got back."
On April 10 the two Aldermen reported to Council the names of those who, in the eyes of their fellow-citizens, had irretrievably disgraced themselves by fleeing from danger. Council ordered the names which were read to it, to be published in the newspapers of the city. It was unquestionably the desire and intention of the city government to hold up to perpetual shame the guilty parties. But their purpose has been frustrated. No record remains to-day of the cowards of 1812. There is, as far as can be ascertained, not in exist ence anywhere, a list of them.
For reasons best known to themselves, the committee failed to advertise the names in the newspapers. The records of Council make no further reference to the matter, but from a letter published in The Republican on April 27, it would appear that it later decided not to publish the names. The letter referred to is as follows:
"Mr. Editor.--Some time ago, a majority of Council resolved 'to make enquiry who the persons were that left the city in time of danger, without leave, in order that their names may be made public.' Whether it was within their province to act as a Board of Censure, is not.my intention here to enquire; suffice it to say that every real Republican in the place gave the measure their sanction and that

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was enough. A late resolve, declining the publication of the names discovers an indecision incompatible with that firmness which should ever actuate Republicans. Now, Mr. Editor, is there not such a thing as reconsidering a resolve? If there is, let it be done, and that it may eventuate in a resolve similar to the first is the wish of 'Hundreds of Democrats'."
Council did not officially recognize this or other contributions to the newspapers bearing on the matter. In the Savannah Repub lican of April 29, though, appeared another letter, apparently from a semi-official source, which closed the controversy. It was as fol lows :
*
"A writer under the signature of 'Hundreds of Democrats' has taken lea\e to rail against the report of the Committee of Council, declining to publish the names of those timid or disaffected persons who left the city at the period of danger and alarm 'without leave,' He thinks the report (or resolve, as he terms it) evinces a want of firmness, which should ever characterize the measures of Repub licans. In answer to this denunciation, it need only be observed, that the report of the Committee assigns reasons for not publishing the names, which ought to be satisfactory to every Republican that there was no want of firmness.
"The Committee thought that the names intended to be pub lished, were too contemptible to deserve the animadversion of the Corporation; and that, therefore, it would have been incompatible with the duty or dignity of Council to drag them before the public. But before the writer, under the1 signature of 'Hundreds of Demo crats/ again attempts to charge the Corporation of this City with a want of firmness, be it known to him, and let every other distinctly understand, that among the thousands of brave men assembled for the defence of this city, not more than SEVEN abandoned their duty. Can a greater panegyric be paid to the valor of our fellowcitizens, or the dignified report of the Committee which declined to publish the names of the deserters? It was considered (and what patriot can think otherwise?) that this was the severest and the most exemplary punishment that coald have been inflicted. Signed, Thou sands of Democrats."
But for the old minute books of Council no record would be at hand of the history of the city during the period of the second strug gle with Great Britain. At the Georgia Historical Society Library the files of the newspaper are practically complete with the exception of the years of this war. In the Congressional Library at Washing ton are the files of the Savannah Republican for these three years, with the exception of the last six months of 1815. From these the preceding letters were obtained.

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

in

The breastworks around the city were allowed to stand until

1820, when the city rented fifty-one negroes from the United States

Marshal and used them in leveling the fortifications.

A claim of $45,000 for fortifying the city was made on the Fed

eral Government through the Governor in 1814. A resolution was

adopted by the Legislature on November 25, 1815, directing the Gov

ernor to transmit vouchers of the sums expended for fortifications

around Savannah to the Secretary of War and claim payment of the

same. It was not paid, and in 1832 Council addressed the

Governor of the State on the subject. He replied that the

$45,000 had been appropriated for this purpose by the

State Legislature, of which $43,000 was drav.-n from the Treas

ury, to be remitted to Savannah, and that Governor Early, in 1815,

had applied for reimbursement to the State from the Federal Gov

ernment. The Governor (1832) was inclined to believe that the Fed

eral Government had reimbursed the State in settlement of the direct

tax, although there were no records at hand of the proceedings.

Council was apparently never able to definitely ascertain whether

the money claimed to have been appropriated by the State had ever

reached the city treasury.

v.

In 1825 the use of the magazine at Fort Wayne was granted by

the United States to the city. In October, 1837, a committee was

appointed by Council to petition Congress for the Fort site, but

without 'success. The next year the city offered to buy the Fort, but

the Secretary of War replied that he thought the Government's in

terests would be best served by cutting the property up into building

lots. Finally in the fall of the year an Act of Congress was secured

authorizing the city to open a street through the tract.

During the first five years of the decade under review the atten

tion of the city government was largely absorbed in the preparation

for the protection of the city from assault and capture by the British.

There was but little time, and practically no money, for any improve

ments. Conditions as to health, police and fire protection remained

as they had been during the previous ten years. The city was for

tunately blessed with good health during the first half of the decade,

so that pestilence was not added to the anxieties caused by the war.

Thursday, December 6, 1810, was set aside by Council as a "day of

humble acknowledgement, of thanksgiving and prayer to the Supreme

Parent for the many and signal marks of His peculiar goodness,"

and especial attention was directed to the city's immunity from dis

ease. The Board, attended by the city officers, went in procession

to the Presbyterian Church where "a most impressive and appro

priate discourse was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Kollock." So deep

an impression was made by the sermon that Aldermen Proctor and

Harral were appointed to secure a copy of it for publication. TEis

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condition of uncommon healthfulness fortunately continued for several years. Smallpox in 1811 caused some apprehension, but amounted to little. A health committee of five aldermen had charge of the sanitary conditions. There was the usual amount of illness, especially in the fall months, described in the minutes frequently as "the sickly season." In the fall of 1812 it was ordered by Council that no more badges should be granted to negro wenches to sell vege tables, as "at the sickly season of the year numbers suffer for the want 01 nurses which are not obtainable for any consideration for this reason/' In order to better clean the city it was divided into two districts, and scavengers were appointed for each. This con tinued until 1815, when the old system of one scavenger was restored. The summer and fall of the next year (1816) proved unusually unhealthful, so much so that on December 2 Council adopted a resolu tion stating that "the great and unasual mortality of the latter part of the summer and fall may have created an opinion unfavorable to the health of the city, and uniting in the general opinion that it was occasioned more by the operation of extraneous and adventitious causes than the necessary influence of the climate, the Board of Aldermen, anxious to remove any causes which may tend to lessen the growing importance of the city, called on the medical society to furnish the City Council with such facts and observations embracing the comparative mortality that has been remarked in their practice, that they may be enabled to suggest such views to the Legislature as may tend to enhance the standing of the faculty and benefit the city generally." The next month (January 22, 1817), Council was informed of the presence of small pox in the city and the Mayor was authorized to incur all necessary expense to prevent its spread and to call on the Governor for reimbursement of similar funds expended the previous year. On March 8 Health Officer Proctor died. At this time there were twenty cases of small pox in the hospital. The ex penses of the small pox had become so burdensome that they could not be longer endured in the cramped financial condition of the City, and Council stated that if not relieved by the State the City must abandon its restrictions and leave the small pox to individual pre caution and prudence. The Mayor was directed to lay the facts be fore the Governor and ascertain what relief the City could expect in the repayment of expenses incurred in controlling and stamping out the disease. On March 29, at a special meeting, the Mayor presented a letter from Acting Governor Rabun. Council then adopted a reso lution to the effect that it was unable to pay the large and increasing expenditures on account of the small pox, and as the Governor had written that "the Executive interference was painful and expensive," the Board was constrained to cease any further exertions to prevent the small pox from being introduced in the city. In June, 1818,

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the Georgia Medical Society suggested to Council the propriety of establishing a dispensary. On August 10, 1818, a committee of Coun cil reported in favor of the establishment of a City Dispensary, and offered the Charleston Dispensary as a model. The expenses of that dispensary were placed at $1,000 a year. The object was to give medical advice as well as furnish the needed drugs. It was sug gested that a physician be nominated monthly by the Medical Society for this purpose. The committee was ordered to draft an ordinance to this effect, which was passed September 21.
Under this ordinance six aldermen were to be appointed as trus tees of the Savannah Dispensary. They were to receive applications for medical and surgical relief, inquire into the condition and circum stances of the applicants, and grant or refuse relief. An apothecary was to be elected by Council, to be paid according to the regular rates. Joseph C. Habersham was elected to this position. Two physicians were to be nominated by the trustees each month from the members of the Georgia Medical Society to attend the poor sick without compensation. On February 2, 1819, this -was amended so that each member of the Medical Society was considered a permanent physician to the Dispensary, with authority to prescribe prescriptions to be filled there at the public expense, the monthly appointment of two physicians to the poor being continued. On August 23, 1819, the entire system was abolished.
On September 13, 1819, the Mayor was authorized to em ploy one or more physicians to attend all sick persons. A com mittee of three, Aldermen Waring, White and Henry, was then ap pointed to report a plan for the establishment of a City Dispensary. At a later meeting both the matter of a dispensary and physicians for the poor were laid on the table indefinitely on the ground that an association of citizens was being formed to establish the Chatham Dispensary for such purposes. Both meritorious plans were allowed to die. It was not until the 30*5 that the city made definite arrange ments to furnish the poor with medicines. Bids were then called for from "pharmacists to fill prescriptions and a contract was entered into.
It was not until September, 1818, that the Georgia Medical Soci ety replied officially to the City's request for an expression of views on the heavy mortality of the fall months. It then reported a reso lution it had adopted to Council, that "we are of the opinion that a residence of three successive years will constitute a period for the constitution to be accustomed to the climate and that a period of one year and less than three years for the constitution to be unaccus tomed to the climate, and that a period of five years with inter rupted residence will be necessary for the constitution to be accus tomed to the climate." It was largely as a result of this that the

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Legislature, at the request of the City, passed the act previously re ferred to, in December, 1819, prohibiting the introduction into Savan nah of passengers who were .aliens during the months of July, Au gust, September and October, and imposing heavy fines on any cap tains violating the law. The next year brought the yellow fever epidemic of 1820, which devastated the city and did incalculable dam age to its business interests. On August 17, of that year, Council by resolution added seven citizens to the health committee of five aldermen. This board was directed to sit daily during the sickly season, and the Medical Society was asked to depute two physicians in rotation to associate with them.
In September, 1818, a census of the city showed 2,564 white in habitants, of whom 205 were strangers, and only twelve persons ill in the city. A census taken in October, 1820, when the yellow fever had about died out, showed a white population of 693 males, 449 fe males and 352 children, a total of 1,494, of whom 120 were transients. The number of unoccupied buildings was 375. On January 17, 1821, Alderman Waring presented an elaborate paper to Council discussing the epidemic and its causes. Said he: "It appears that the causes of fever have been: 1st. A general epidemic condition of the atmos phere, of extraordinary virulence, either proved to exist, or pro duced, by an uncommon deficiency of the electric fluid; 2d. The early establishment of that condition of the atmosphere, by the re duction of the winter of 1819-20, to the temperature of spring, and the reduction of spring to the heat of summer; thus bringing upon us in the spring the usual evils of summer; in the summer a com bination of these evils, with the usual evils of that season, and, in the fall, an aggregation of the evils which are usually incident to it, with this extraordinary combination of those which preceded them. 3d. The prevalence of easterly winds which has been predominant, and uncommonly injurious, in consequence of the general abundance of moisture and miasmata. 4th. The growth of the city within a few years, and the rapid increase of its population, thus producing a source of internal putridity, and incorporating it with the soil. " 5th. The unnecessary luxuriance of the trees, by the shade and protection which they afford to dews and fogs, and moisture of the atmosphere after rain; 6th. The great numDer of small wooden houses unpainted, and in a complete state of putrescence. 7th. Uncovered vaults and cellars, the consequence of the fire. 8th. The remarkable number of foreigners and persons unaccustomed to the climate, pro ducing not an aggravation of the cause of the disease, but of its gen eral grade and character. 9th. The high position of the city, on the border of extensive marsh grounds, thus attracting and concentrat ing upon itself their products of unwholesome vapor and miasmata. All these causes together give a compound origin to the disease, which is internal and external."

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
The number of deaths in four months was 605 males arid 191 fe males, of which 516 were from the fever. In a later report on autum nal diseases the proportion of mortality in 1820 was given as one to 5 i-io. Chief among the sufferers were the Irish immigrants, who had arrived in the early winter of 1819, in a destitute condition and settled in Washington ward. Council then appropriated money for their temporary relief. Owing to their poverty and unaccliniated state, the mortality among them was heavy. On October i the city was visited by a great storm which, while it did considerable damage, apparently marked the close of the epidemic. In January, of the same year (1820) occurred one of the greatest fires the United States had up to that time known. Four hundred and sixty-three tene ments, besides out buildings, were burned. A map drawn by City Surveyor McKinnon, a copy of which now hangs in the Council Chamber, shows that the fire covered the section from the river front to Broughton street, and from Jefferson to Drayton, with the block from Bay to Bryan and Abercorn to Drayton. Some few buildings outside of this territory were also burned. Inside of these lines but a few brick buildings were left standing. Council met on the I2th and ordered all buildings and boats searched for stolon goods, and a committee was appointed to report places for temporary accommo dation of the homeless.
One thousand dollars was at once appropriated by Council to meet the immediate necessities of the sufferers. Dr. J. E. White tendered his services as a solicitor of contributions. The Mayor was directed by Council to give him proper credentials, and $500 was appropriated to buy horses for his journey, he contemplating visit ing almost every State and all the principal cities and towns. On February 7, however, this authority to Dr. White was rescinded, the citizens evidently being averse to such a method of soliciting relief. An investigation by Council showed that a large quantity of gun powder in the stores of Moses Cleland, James H. Fraser and S. J. 6 J. Bryan had exploded early in the course of the fire and paralyzed the efforts of the citizens to stay the progress of the flames. This powder had been kept in the stores in direct violation cf the laws and Council publicly and severely condemned the merchants, charg ing them with being responsible for much loss of property. Alder man Harris, who owned the barracks at the time, tendered their use for the homeless. An appeal was at one e made to the legislature to appropriate the entire county tax for 1820 and 1821 'to relieve th~e distress, and the Governor was petitioned to call the Legislature in extra session to change the laws on the subject of issuing notes so as to permit the City to form an institution bottomed on the faith and funds of the City to advance money to those inclined to build fireproof stores or houses covered by mortgages in favor of the

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

*

j

City. Governor Clarke declined to call the Legislature together as

L

requested, stating that the ensuing Legislature would probably grant

[

the relief asked for, but he sent a check for $10,000 on the contingent

I

funds of the State.

Messrs. William T. Williams, J. Gumming, H. Ash, J. Eppinger,

Richard Richardson, Thomas Young, George Jones and Ebenezer

Jackson were appointed a committee to solicit funds at home. A

resolution was also adopted that the Board would hold up to the

public odium and abhorrence any persons who drew specie from

either of the banks and the names of such persons should be pub

lished in the gazettes of the city. The Mayor was directed to en

deavor to collect all monies due the City by the Federal or State

Governments, and on January 17 he was directed to address the Pres

ident of the United States and beg him to recommend to Congress

the remission of the bonds due by merchants of Savannah "who have

been ruined and deprived of all the means of payment by the late

melancholy and in this country unexampled conflagration." He was

also instructed to address the Representatives in Congress on this

subject.

Relief came from various sources. Mr. Brasch furnished bread

at his own expense to the sufferers and the thanks of Council were

extended to him. James Dickson & Co. gave $500 worth of mer

chandise. The City Council of Charleston donated $10,000. The

Mayor of New York sent a check for $10,238.29, and goods by sea,

but unfortunately there was attached to the donation a condition

that in the distribution there should be no discrimination on account

, of color. Council rightfully considered this a reflection upon those

charged with the duty of distributing the funds and merchandise re

ceived, and directed the Mayor to return the'check and send the

goods back. Later $6,060 was received from private donations in

Charleston. A young men's entertainment in New York netted $223

for Savannah's fund, and this was accepted, there being no offensive

conditions attached. The committee of aldermen and citizens who

distributed the funds; through Alderman Harris, chairman, reported

on July 31 that the sams claimed as losses by the fire amounted to

upwards of a million dollars, (leaving out the rich sufferers who

made no claims), and this was subsequently reduced to $776,000, to

be remunerated out^of $99,546.75 collected. In all 450 persons were

assisted. The funds were received as follows: "From Georgia,

$35,700.95; South Carolina, $20,637.27; Virginia, $1,136.56; Maryland,

$5,232.46; District of Columbia, $1,686,11; Pennsylvania, $19,383.25;

New York, $1,198.93; Massachusetts, $12,195.85; District of Maine,

$733-28; New Orleans, $1,209.80; Tennessee, $338.29." The committee

reported that no discrimination had been sh'own in the distribution.

As a matter of fact the negroes who had suffered from the fire were

among the first provided for.

pMM

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

117

Savannah in this instance reaped the fruits of its own generosity toward unfortunates elsewhere. From the beginning the people of the city had been noted for their liberality toward those suffering from disease or fires or other Providential inflictions. In 1804 Coun cil ordered subscriptions opened for the assistance of Norfolk, which had experienced a terrible fire, and $3,000 was raised and forwarded. In October, 1810, Mayor Bulloch and Aldermen Harral, Bourke and Proctor raised $1,307.69 and five barrels of rice for sufferers by fire at Charleston. In July," 1815, Petersburg, Va., suffered by fire, and in August Savannah's Council called on citizens to contribute to the distressed people there. In all $1,507.50 was sent to Petersburg. On December 13, 1819, Council appropriated $1,000 for the relief of sufferers by fire at Wilmington, N. C., and appointed a committee of aldermen to receive contributions. The next year a committee of aldermen was appointed to solicit funds for sufferers by fire at Troy, N. Y. In 1823 $500 was appropriated for Wiscasset and Alma, Maine, devastated by disease. The City was without funds at the time, and the Mayor was directed to borrow the money. Citizens also subscribed. In 1829 Augusta was visited by a great fire. Savan nah's Council appropriated $500 and urged citizens to render aid. In 1831 the City appropriated $500 and citizens subscribed $1,764.60 for Fayetteville, N. C., which had suffered by fire, and in 1833 Cumber land, Md., was donated $500 for the same reason. In 1838, when Charleston was at the mercy of an epidemic of yellow fever, Council, at the request of a mass meeting of citizens, appropriated $8,000, of which it had to borrow $5,000 from the banks. When the fever visited Augusta in 1839 Council appropriated $1,000 and citizens re sponded liberally to the call for assistance. In 1845 assistance was rendered to Pittsburg, Pa. In 1846 the City donated $1,000 and citi zens subscribed $800 to sufferers by fire at Columbqs, Ga. Other later instances attest to the generosity of Savannah regardless of the place that might be the sufferer.
The fire department was naturally inadequate to cope with such a- conflagration as that of 1820, although it had been rendered more efficient both as to apparatus and the personnel of the force operat ing it. Looking backward, the machinery and the methods seem extremely crude, but they were the best that the time afforded and for a community of but 4,000 to 5,000 inhabitants, Savannah was well abreast with other towns. Every effort was made to secure good men as managers of the hand engines then in use, and heavy fines were imposed on those who refused to serve or failed to measure up to their full duty. On March 29, 1811, Council ordered that the watchman in the ward where the Exchange is located should have a "small dark lanthorn with him while on duty and." whenever a fire . shall break out in the city he shall ascend immediately into the Ex-

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

change steeple and with the lamp there to be fixed by Council point out the direction of the fire." On Wednesday, July 14, 1813, CounciJ ordered the Mayor to offer a reward of $500 for the detection of the person or persons who "attempted last night to set fire to the city/' and called upon citizens to be "vigilant, watchful and alert at all hours of the night to detect and to prevent the designs of felons and incendiaries and suspicious persons against the safety, peace and property of the people of this city." The Aldermen and city officers were directed to visit each house in their respective wards and look for suspicious persons, inquiring as to their occupations and taking such other efficient measures for the safety of the city as their knowledge of such persons may render expedient. The search was made as follows: Alderman McAllister, Derby ward; Harris, Heathcote and Decker wards; Read, Percival and Anson wards; Minis, Oglethorpe ward; Duke, Franklin, Liberty and Elbert wards; Charlton, Washington, Warren and Reynolds wards; Gugel, Greene ward; F. S. Fell, Columbia ward, Carpenter's Row and Trustees Gardens.
In September, 1813, John Sales was arrested on the charge of attempting to burn the city, but was dismissed after an investigation by a committee of Council. In June, 1814, the Savannah Fire Axe Company was organized with John Bolton principal and George Mcyers assistant. In July of this year Council began the election of a chief director and of managers and assistant managers of fire en gines, the fire masters having apparently been abolished. Francis Roma was made director, with E. Wambersie and Jacob Miller in charge of Engine No. i, S. G. Bunch and Stephen Williams of Engine No. 2, David Taylor and Robert Fair of Engine No. 3, Joseph A. Scott and Samuel Rahn of Engine No. 4, Joseph Gumming and Joseph Habersham, Jr., of Engine No. 5, Thomas Gardner and Jacob Shaffer of Engine No. 6. In July, 1815, Francis Roma was reappointed with the following managers: Engine No. I, Robert Christie, W. T. Williams; Engine No. 2, J. J. Bulloch, D. Williford; Engine No. 3, Isaac Russell, David Bell; Engine No. 4, B. Burroughs, Thomas Gardner; Engine No. 5, J. T- Gumming, J. Habersham; Engine No. 6, ---- Pilot, B. W. Leach. On August 14 Council directed these managers to form themselves into a Board to make rules for their government, and the Mayor was directed to organize and equip a fire axe company not to exceed thirty men. The next July (1816) Francis Roma was reappointed director, with a corps of managers as follows: Engine No. i, T. W. Rodman, John F. Herb; Engine No. 2, Moses Herbert; Engine No. 3, Isaac Russell, ---- McLeod; En gine No. 4, Thomas Jones, P. P. Thompson; Engine No. 5, Dr. Harris, O. M. Lillibridge; Engine No. 6, Benjamin Leach, Edward Warren. In February, 1817, the Mayor was directed to contract

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

119

with a Mr. Towers to build a fire engine of a new and improved

pattern. July, 1817, brought the following managers: Engine No.

i, James McHenry, Richard F. Cuyler; Engine No. 2, Robert

Campbell, Alex M. Ker; Engine No. 3, Hazen Kimball, James H.

Fraser; Engine No. 4, Gardner Tufts, George W. Anderson; En

gine No. 5, N. S. Bayard, Robert Taylor; Engine No. 6, John Tan

ner, J. Carruthers.

-

In September the assistant managers were made: Engine No.

3, Murdoch McLeod; Engine No. 4, Abraham Nichols; Engine No.

5, Burrel Lathrop; Engine No. 6, John Shick. On January 12, 1818,

it was recommended that two dray horses be attached to the best

engines in order to expedite their movement to fires. Engine No.

5 was found to be useless, and it was decided to purchase two new

engines of larger dimensions and greater force. On Tuesday, April

28, 1818, there was another special meeting of Council in conse

quence of efforts to burn the town early that morning. The military

commander was requested to furnish sufficient guard to patrol the

streets at night and the citizens were urged to be on the alert. This

fire reduced Daniel Remshart from "competency to comparative

indigence,""' and Council appointed a committee to receive funds for

his relief, a considerable amount being subscribed.

In July, 1818, the managers appointed were: Engine No. I,

Elias Fort, William Hunter; Engine No. 2, John Drysdale, Fleming

Aiken; Engine No. 3, Thomas Bourke, Richard W. Habersham; En

gine No. 4, Abraham Nichols", John Hunter; Engine No. 5, Levy

Hart, Elias Reid; Engine No. 7, James Eppinger, John H. Osborne.

On September 14 Richard W. Habersham succeeded Bour.ke,

who had been elected an Alderman, as manager of Engine No. I,

with Thomas P. Bond as assistant.

In 1819 the managers appointed were as follows: Engine No. I,

William Gaston, A. Dufane; Engine No. 2, S. B. Parkman, Thomas

Clarke; Engine No. 5, James Read, Peter Mitchell; Engine No. 7,

Isaac Del/yon, F. Shaffer.

In this year there were two axe and fire companies, the Union

and the Franklin. Four engine houses were built and more deter

mined efforts were apparent to improve the department.

Complaints about the inefficiency of the guard are not so num

erous during this decade as in the previous one. On January 3,

1812, the guards were given permission to adopt a uniform which

would distinguish them from the military officers. The night watch

were required once every hour to cry the hour and the state of the

weather. They became neglectful of this duty at times, and in De

cember, 1812, Council ordered that they call the hour and the weather

ten times at equal distances apart. On November 4, 1816, a com

mittee reported in favor of an increase in the watch, owing to the

I2O

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

growth of the city in population, wealth and commerce. The general lighting of the city had been suspended, increasing the necessity of vigilance on the part of the guards. In 1819 Council provided that if a sufficient number of citizens in any ward would agree to furnish good lanthorns in front of their lots on posts the City would con tract for lighting them, but advantage of this offer was taken by few. The town remained in almost complete darkness at night. This con tinued for several years. In 1820 a contract was made for 100 lamps. Inasmuch as there are no reports of special violence or trouble it would seem that the guards were alert and efficient in the discharge of their duties. The presence of a large military force throughout this period doubtless aided in removing any fears of serious dis turbances.
The Wardens on Octobep 16, 1787, passed an ordinance con tracting with "Thomas Newell and Robert Bolton, the younger, merchants and co-partners," to build a market on the public slip of ground at the end of Bull street below the Bluff, and opposite the vendue house, to be 40 feet long, 18 feet wide and 10 feet high, ot wood, and vesting the part of ground and market in them and their successors for fifteen years, at the same time specifying the rates at which they should allow articles to be sold therein. This market was for the convenience of parties bringing meat, poultry, fish and other articles of food by water, which, "by reason of the steep ascent of the Bluff, can not without great labor and charge be conveyed to the regular city market." A similar market was established sometime before 1800 at the foot of Drayton street.
The regular public market was destroyed by fire in 1/88, and the Wardens arranged for a new market to be built in Ellis Square, St. Julian and Barnard streets, to be 40 feet square, and raised money for the purpose by a special tax under an ordinance passed December 16.
On the expiration of the contract with Newell and Bolton in 1802 a new market was built by the City in Warren square for the eastern part of the city, 40 by 30 feet, with a steeple, by William Worthitigton, for $953. In 1811 a committee was appointed to re move the market from Warren ward and erect one opposite the Ex change dock, where the fish market, as it was generally known, had formerly stood. Three commissioners of the market were ap pointed every year.
As far as the proceedings of Council show Commissioners were appointed as follows:
T795~96--Robert Bolton, John Hamilton, William Moore, Wil
liam Lewden, John McCall.
1800-01--Richard Wayne, William H. Spencer, William Moore. 1801-02--L,evi Sheftall, George Anderson, Thomas Miller.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

121

1802-03--Levy Abrahams, Frederick Herb, Dr. Moses Sheftall. 1803-04--Frederick Herb, Moses Sheftall, Levy Abrahams. 1804-05--Benjamin Ansley, Christian Gugel, A. Pejmberton. 1805-06--William A. Moore, Thomas Mendenhall, Sr., John Gardiner. 1806-07--Benjamin Wall, George W. Nichols, Philip D. Woolhopter. 1807-08--Frederick Herb, John Dillon, Levy Abrahams. 1808-09--Samuel Simons, W. A. Moore, John Gardiner. 1809-10--Mr. Stiles, Moses Cleland, Samuel Simons. 1810-11--Benjamin Ansley, Moses Sheftall, George Anderson. 1812-13--John Cumming, John Eppinger, Sr., Samuel Barnett. 1813-14--Moses Cleland, James White, Christian Gugel. 1814-15--Thomas Jones, Andrew Bare, William Starr. 1815-16--Peter Struck, Charles Golden, William Taylor. 1816-17--John Eppinger, John Gardner, Frederick Shatter. 1817-18--Jeremiah Cuylef, Alexander Hunter, John F. Lloyd. 1818-19--Moses Sheftall, Worthington Gale, James H. Fraser. 1819-20--William Alfred, Moses Cleland, Philip Raiford. 1820-21--John Eppinger, Benjamin Sheftall, J. H. Ash. 1822-23--William A. Moore, Benjamin Sheftall, Isaiah Daven port, William Williams. On November 8, 1812, Council decided to allow the city- market to remain open on Sundays to 9 a. m. for the sale of meat, poultry, fish, etc. In subsequent years this became quite a burning issue. Many citizens considered it a desecration of the Sabbath and petitions to Council to close the markets and groceries all day Sundays were numerous, one or more generally coming to each Board on its advent to office. A committee in 1827 said that "it had sought in vain for sufficient reason to warrant any further interference with the long established and necessary useages of the city. The wisest course is to accommodate ourselves to the circumstances in which we are placed." Finally, on July 2, 1829, a favorable report was obtained on a petition to close the market and all stores all day Sunday and an ordinance was passed accordingly. In June, 1815, owing to complaints, Council ordered the com missioners to take steps to prevent the sale of lean or unwholesome meats and ordered that fish should be sold by the pound. These market commissioners were useful for some years but gradually neglected their duties and after 1820 were of little value. Council failed to appoint them as required and in the fall of 1824 the market committee was instructed to perform their duties. On December 6, 1819, an ordinance was passed to prevent the sale in the markets, or elsewhere in the city, of articles of daily consumption not grown in Georgia or South Carolina. The constitutionality of this ordl-

122

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

nance was attacked by merchants in 1815, merchants lefusing to pay the tax levied on sucn products as were not raised in either of the States. Mayor Charlton and Mess. Bulloch and Woodruff were en gaged to represent the City and the local courts sustained the ordi nance. Joseph Cumming, one of the chief opponents of the tax, then appealed to a higher tribunal and secured from Justice Stephens, of the United States Circuit Court, a writ of prohibition to tempora rily stay proceedings on an execution issued by the treasurer against him. Justice Stephens required the city treasurer to show cause why the writ should not be made permanent. Mayor Charlton placed the matter before Council on August 17. Council viewed the "in terference" of Justice Stephens, as "not warranted by authority with which he is invested and as said matter has already been heard and overruled in the Superior Court <>f this county, the only tribunal that can legally or constitutionally revise, suspend or correct t* proceedings of this corporation" the Mayor was authorized to direct the marshal to proceed with the execution if Justice Stephens, ''after a respectful address does not order the rule to be discharged." Whether Justice Stephens allowed Council to overrule his authority or not does not appear in the subsequent proceedings of Council. Council was not averse to taking exceptions at any time with su perior powers. In January, 1818, it decided that its members were not subject to draft from the federal authority and the Mayor was directed to take measures to support the claim of exemption before the proper judicial tribunal. It is to be inferred, however, that Jus tice Stephens did not further interfere, or decided that his authority was not sufficient to veto city ordinances, for the ordinance in ques tion remained in force until 1823 when a committee decided that the tax on such produce and on goods belonging to persons residing abroad was injurious to the commerce of the port and recommended its repeal. An ordinance was then passed abolishing it. In January, 1820, the people were called on to decide whether the site of the market should be changed. The vote in favor of the change was 375, with 275 voting against it. On January 24, an ordinance was passed for a market in the centre of South Broad street, the centre of the market to be opposite Barnard street. On February 15 the market was contracted for, for $5,982, to be 117 1-2 feet by 22 feet, with a pavement four feet in width all around. On the following June 19. the name of South Broad street was changed to Market street and all signs were orderecl painted with that name upon them. The stalls in this market brought an annual rental of $2,622. The next year an Act of the Legislature (December 20, 1821) gave to the citizens of Savannah the right to erect a public market on El!is square, which had been first allotted for this 'purpose under an Act of April 7, 1763. The market there had been destroyed by the fire of 1820 and the City

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

123

was without funds to rebuild it. Citizens had expressed their will ingness at a public meeting on January 20 (1821) to erect a new building at their own expense and vest the same absolutely in the city corporation. When it was finished the new market was ten dered the City, which accepted it on August 13. On December 5, 1822, a committee was appointed by Council to dispose of the new market on Market (South Broad) street. About one-fifth of the materials was sold to the contractors for a new guard house and the remainder at public outcry. The tiles were used on the market in Ellis square. The old name of the street, South Broad, was restored and trees were ordered replanted in the centre.
During the war period, as stated, public improvements were at a standstill. Prior to and after the cessation of hostilities the. work of beautifying and shading the streets was continued. In 1816 sixty trees Were planted around Orleans square. At this time the City paid $2.50 each to contractors planting trees. On May 5, 1817, after some discussion Council decided against a resolution that citizens should be allowed to cut down, trim and remove trees planted by them selves. Warren, Washington, Greene, Liberty, Elbert and Franklin squares were ordered enclosed and more active steps from this time on were taken to enclose and keep the squares in order. A nursery for china trees was ordered established near the pond on'the south commons, and an ordinance was passed June 7, 1817, regulating trees planted by private individuals. On February 2, 1819, Council re- " solved that the squares and streets of the city were public property and that no compromise could be made or compensation accepted by Council for permitting encroachments. In 1820 trees were planted on Abercorn street at $3 each. At this time and for years after, trees were trimmed at 12$ cents each, the wood going to the poor house and hospital. In 1819 all trees that were in bad condition were ordered removed and new ones planted by the marshal and an ordi nance was passed to grade the squares, etc., and remove irregulari ties and preserve uniformity.
On September 21, 1812, Aldermen Harris, Duke and Bulloch were appointed a committee on enlarging the grave yard or laying out a new one. They reported in favor of laying out a small piece of land adjoining the old grave yard for strangers. Nothing seems to have been done on this line, and on July 26, 1819, Aldermen Ash, Davenport and Herbert were appointed to examine into the pro priety of laying off a burial ground for strangers. At the same time the sexton was directed "to appear at funerals in a black dress of decent appearence and fit for the solemnity of the burial service." The committee reported in favor of a piece of ground east of the hospital and between that building and the jail, and on August 23 an ordinance was passed establishing the strangers burying ground. John H. Ash was contracted with to enclose it for $800.

124

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

The Columbian Museum of September 21, 1819, describes this as follows: "A plot of ground 455 feet in length and 240 feet in breadth, situated 565 yards south of the present burying ground, is set off for the interment of all strangers, or persons who have not relatives in terred in the old cemetery."
As early as this time efforts were made to discover the resting place of Gen. Nathanael Greene. On July 26, 1819, Council adopted the following:
"The frequent inquiries made by citizens and strangers 'Where lie the remains of the gallant General Greene, who died and was buried in your city/ and the acknowledged want of information on tlie subject imply a neglect highly reproachful to the known patri otism and feelings of the inhabitants, and whereas, it would be de sirable, and in fact, almost our duty, to satisfy public curiosity in this instance and thereby give an opportunity to the people of this State, among whom the General lived and died, to testify a share of their gratitude for the noble and important services rendered in the Revo lution by this great and eminent soldier and patriot, and tho' this be done late it is yet but a common respect to his memory for this body to claim his precious remains and remove them from the vault where they are now supposed to be deposited and mingling with those in no wise akin to him, and have them interred under the order, sanction and special protection of this Board so as to enable the Legislature or the public hereafter to erect some monument worthy the memory of this great and good man."
On motion of Alderman Harris it A* as unanimously resolved. "That the Mayor and Aldermen Harris and Ash be a committee to ascertain by all means hrtheir power, the vault where the remains of General Greene have been deposited and on identifying the same to have such remains placed in a neat mahogany coffin and there upon report to Council for their further proceedings on this inter esting subject." It was resolved further that this decision of Council should be "communicated to the representatives of the deceased who may now be in the State, and also to the proprietors of the vault to be opened, to obtain leave for the committee to carry this resolu tion into effect." The committee was authorized to draw on the treas urer for any expenses incurred for this object and that the treasurer pay the same. The committee failed to ascertain where the body of the General lay, and on November 29, 1819, when another adminis tration had assumed charge of city affairs, the Board, on motion, revived the committee for this purpose, with Alderman Ash still a member of it. As far as the minutes of Council show, the commit tee never reported and it is presumed failed to secure the informa tion sought.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

125

Several other futile efforts were made to discover his rest ing place. Different theories had been advanced, the most popular one being that the Grahame family, whose property (Mulberry Grove) had been confiscated and bestowed upon Gen. Greene, when the vault was returned to them in revenge removed the body of the General. Lately the Rhode Island State Society of the * Cincinnati took up the matter and instituted another search, as provided for in the following resolution adopted by the Society:
"Whereas, after diligent inquiry, it is believed that full investiga tion has never yet been made to ascertain definitely where the re mains of Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, President of the Rhode Island State Society of Cincinnati, were finally deposited after his decease at Mulberry Grove, near Savannah, Ga., in 1786, and
"Whereas, it is believed that a thorough search of the four old burial vaults in the old cemetery now forming a part of Colonial Park in Savannah, Ga., will determine whether the remains are de posited in one of the said vaults, as believed by persons well informed in matters of local history, or at a certain place in the said old graveyard, as insisted by a venerable citizen of the state of Georgia, who has for seventy years been a member of the Chatham Artillery Company, which acted as escort at Maj. Gen. Greene's funeral, such insistence being based on statements made to him by 'former mem bers of said artillery organization who had assisted at said funeral, and,
"Whereas, It is particularly appropriate that the Society of Cincinnati in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations should do whatever may be necessary towards ascertaining the burial place of its first president, the great patriot and soldier, who, next to Washington, aided so potentially in securing the independence of the United States;
"Resolved, by the said society that $100 are hereby appropriated for the purpose of making the proposed inquiry."
The resolution also provided a committee to carry on the search, the City of Savannah to be represented by Mr. P. D. Daffiin, Chair man of the Park and Tree Commission, the other members being Hon. Asa Bird Gardincr, President of the Rhode Island Cincinnati; Hon. Walter G. Charlton, President of the Society of Sons of the Revolution in the State of Georgia; Hon. George A. Mercer, Presi dent of the Georgia Historical Society; Alfred Bearing Harden, Esq., member of the South Carolina Society of the Cincinnati, and William Harden, Esq., Secretary of the Society of Sons of the Revo lution in the State of Georgia and librarian of the Georgia Historical Society.
In Johnson's "Life of Nathanael Greene" (published at Charles ton, in 1822) it is stated that "the funeral ceremony of the Church of

126

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

England was read over the corpse by the Honorable William Stev-

ens. as there was not, at that time, a minister of the Gospel in the

city. The body was then deposited in a vault, but the identical vault

still remains a subject of inquiry. The graves and vaults are all dis

posed in regular rows, and there are four contiguous vaults in one

of these rows, one of which four, it is ascertained, the body was de

posited in, but which of them still remains in doubt. A committee

was appointed in 1820 (1819) by the Mayor and Aldermen to search

for the remains and deposit them, with due solemnity, in a fit recep

tacle; and the committee have made diligent researches in several of

the four designated vaults but were prevented, by unavoidable obsta

cles, from extending the search to all. The coffin is distinguished,

wherever it lies, by a plate of stiver or brass, engraven with the

name and age in the usual manner." In a note the author further

stated, "Judge Stevens, who performed the funeral services, has re

peatedly told the author (Johnson) that the body of General Greene

lay in the tomb of the Jones's: That tomb has not yet been searched.

But there is much evidence to prove that it was placed, at first, in

that of the Graham's, as an appendage to the confiscated estate con

ferred on him by Georgia. This vault afterwards passed to the fam

ily of Mossman, who married a sister of Mr. Graham. From which

the author's inquiries induce him to believe that it was removed un

der the orders of Mrs. Mossman, but whither is unknown. There is

'

still a possibility that it may have been removed to that of the

i

Jones's."

I--

On March 3, 1901, the com** mittee referred to began its work, hav-

I

ing secured permission from Mayor Myers to enter any vaults for

i

which no owners could be found in the city, and any other vaults per

mission to enter which had been obtained from the owners or their,

representatives. On March 4, while examining what was, at the

time, supposed to be the Jones family vault, a coffin plate was found

on which members of the committee professed to decipher the letters

"AEL GREENE" and the year "1786." Buttons were also found,

upon which, it was claimed, could be traced the figure of an eagle.

No sword or piece of a sword was found. Two bodies were located,

lying side by side. One was supposed, from the size of the skull and

the bones generally, to be that of Gen. Greene, the other that of his

son, George Washington Greene, who was drowned in the Savannah

river when about 19 years old. The remains of the two bodies were

placed in separate boxes and carried to the police barracks. On the

j

following day they were transferred to two boxes prepared for their

,

reception, one bearing a plate inscribed "Maj. Gen. Nathanael

]

Greene. Born Aug. 7, 1742; Died June 19, 1786," and on the other a

4

plate with the inscription "George Washington Greene, son of Maj.

3

Gen. Greene." These boxes were then placed in the vault of the

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

127

Southern Bank for safe keeping pending their final disposition, the

general sentiment being favorable to their being placed under the

Greene monument when all doubts as to the remains being those of

the General and his son were removed. The coffin plate and buttons were taken to New York by Col. Gardiner to be examined by Gen.

i

DiCesnola, of the Metropolitan Museum of Arts.

On April 3 Mr. Harden received a letter from Col. Gardiner,

stating that the coffin plates had been subjected to treatment. On

the one upon which a portion of the inscription had been deciphered

the full inscription had been brought to light. It was as follows:

NATHANAEL GREENE,

Obit. June 19, 1786.

>

Ae. 44 Years.

The other coffin plate, supposed to have been on the coffin con

taining the remains of the son of Gen. Greene, had been made of a

different metal and had so corroded that none of the inscription

could be deciphered.

Photographs of the plate from Gen. Greene's coffin, and doubt

less the plate itself, will be sent to the Georgia Historical Society

and placed among its relics.

Mr. William Harden, librarian of the Georgia Historical Soci

ety, who had made researches for some years with a view to secur

ing clews that would lead to the discovery of the resting place of

Gen. Greene, continued his investigations and on March 12 an

nounced that he had become satisfied that the vault in which the re

mains were found was not that of the Jones family, but the one be

longing to the Mossmans, to whom the vault had been restored and

who had not, as tradition had it, removed the body of Gen. Greene.

Where placed in 1786 there the body, Mr. Harden declared, had re

mained undisturbed until 1901.

In the vault, just before the discovery of what is supposed to be

the Greene coffin plate, a coffin plate was found bearing the name of

Robert Scott. This Scott, it appears, married Miss Margaret Oliver,

the niece of James Mossman. On his death in 1845 Scott was buried

in the Mossman vault. Philip Young, nephew of James Mossman,

died in June, 1819, and as at the time there was an epidemic of yellow

fever in Charleston, with Savannah in an extremely sickly state, Mr.

Harden* s conclusion is that the aldermanic committee did not

open this vault owing to his body having been recently placed

therein.

Throughout this early period, and for many years later, July 4th

was observed by the Council. On that day the Mayor and Aldermen

would meet and march with citizens to church, usually the Inde

pendent Presbyterian, where an oration of a patriotic nature was

delivered. Presidential inaguration day was also often observed

with a ball.

128

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

President Monroe visited the city in May, 1819. On March

18, Aldermen Charlton, Harris and Ash were appointed a committee

to report the most suitable measures for the reception and enter

tainment of the President. The cpmmitttee reported, requesting

military and civic bodies to add to the dignity and splendor of the

reception, and advising that a permanent committtee of Council be

appointed to meet any similar committees from military and civic

bodies. It also recommended that Council provide a well fur

nished house for the residence of the President and his suite, and

that Council "attend with its officers on the President the day after

his arrival and congratulate him on his visit to the city, and ex

press such other sentiments of gratitude and joy as the occasion

I

and the comports and simplicity of republicans" justify to "the emi

nent patriot and virtuous citizen they propose to felicitate on his

arrival, and that the address on such occasion be passed and voted

in Council and delivered by the Mayor, who is to draft the same."

The committee further reported that "William Scarborough, Esq.,

had politely offered his new and elegant house at the west end of

the town for the reception and residence of the President and which

your committee have accepted with thanks/ Aldermen Ash,- White

and Rees were appointed to meet other committees, and Mayor

Wayne and Aldermen Harris, Charlton and Waring to arrange for

the comfort and entertainment of the President and suite. Five

thousand dollars was appropriated for the reception and $500 towards

the expenses of a supper and ball. On April 19 the Mayors address

tothe President was read and adopted by Council. It was in part

as follows: "The corporation and citizens of Savannah present to

you their assurances of the respect which they have for your public

services and their sincere regard and admiration of those virtues and

attainments which have placed you among the best and most

eminent of our countrymen. ***** Since the adoption

of our present constitution the first office under it has been so

uniformly illustrated by talent and dignified by virtue that

the United States is enabled to challenge the history of every nation

to produce as many chief magistrates, equally distinguished for intel

ligence, love of country and capacity for office. To you, sir, it be

longs for some time to come to sustain this honorable character,

and a life devoted to the service.of your country is our best assur-

ance that it will be preserved during the progress of your administra

tion."

President Monroe arrived on Saturday evening, May 8, at 6

oclock. He was accompanied by John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War;

Maj. Gen. Gaines and staff; his private secretary: Mr. Gouverneur

and Lieut. Monroe. "He was rowed from the Carolina shore in

twenty minutes, and when he reached the Georgia waters was saluted

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

129

with 21 guns from the Revenue Cutter Dallas, which were repeated when the barge reached the wharf, the Chatham Light Artillery, at the same time, opening a Federal salute on the bluff. He was re ceived at the wharf by the Mayor and Receiving Committee of Alder men, who conducted him up the bank. Nearly the whole population of Savannah thronged the bank, and every voice, and every heart welcomed him to Georgia. The military, consisting of the Georgia Hussars, the Chatham Light Artillery, the Republican Blues, the Fencibles, and the Savannah Volunteer Guards, were drawn out on a verdant plain, parallel with the river, and ex hibited an appearance to the President," which according to the newspaper account, "must have' excited his admira tion. Colonel Marshall, with his staff officers, occupied their proper stations, in front of this splendid line, elegantly mounted and caparisoned. It is not uninteresting to state that the company of Light Artillery is the same that received General Wash ington on his visit to this city in 1791, and that the two brass pieces with which it saluted President Monroe, were presented to it by the father of our country, as a compliment for the merits which it dis played on that occasion. The President having reviewed, on foot, with great attention, their whole front, mounted a horse, which he preferred to a superb barouche which was also in waiting for his accommodation, and rode to the new and elegant house of Mr. Scarborough, escorted by the Mayor, the different committees and the military companies. On his way to his lodgings, down Broughton street, the President was preceded by half the Hussars and fol lowed by the other half with all militaiy companies, and we do not hesitate to declare that with regard to precision of movement and ele gance of appearance, they have^never beenTi surpassed in the United States. Those companies were soon displayed in front of his house and fired feux de joie, by platoons, companies and divisions. The day following (Sunday) the President attended Divine Service at the new (Independent) Presbyterian church, and witnessed the dedi cation of that magnificent building by the Rev. Dr. Kollock."
"On Monday, the citizens in a body marched in procession to the President's lodgings preceded by the municipal officers, ac companied by the officers of the army and navy, and the military companies, and at 2 p. m. James M. Wayne, the Mayor, delivered to him a congratulatory address, to which the President made a re spectful reply.
"On Tuesday he partook of a public dinner under a large booth at the east end of the Bay, under the trees. James M. Wayne, the Mayor, presided, assisted by William B. Bulloch, Charles Harris, Matthew McAllister and John Eppinger. On Thursday morning he left for Augusta by land."

ijo

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

At the close of the first full administration of Mayor Thomas U. P. Charlton, in 1819, Council returned him a vote of thanks "for his upright, impartial and dignified conduct during his mayoralty." After the epidemic the succeeding year, on November 9, 1820, Coun cil unanimously tendered him "their thanks for his manly, sympa thetic and generous conduct during the malignant disease which af flicted our devoted city during the past season." Up to this time the Mayor had received no salary. On December 6, on motion of Alderman Harris, it was resolved that the sum of $1,500 should be paid to a committee composed of Aldermen Brown, White and Sheftall, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, and that this committe should present the amount to Mayor Charl ton "and request him to accept the same with the assurances of the sincere regard of Council and their full and entire approbation of his conduct." When Mayor Charlton was appointed Judge of the Superior Court he resigned as Mayor and Alderman on February 28. 1821, and Council adopted a resolution that it felt a sense of regret at "this resignation and parting with a gentleman who has had the confidence of Council and so justly deserved it for his devotion and services to the city."
Mayors Noel, Wayne, and others in after times, were tendered votes of thanks for their public services." But one other Mayor \vas ever tendered a purse as a direct and unsolicited expression of ap preciation from the city government. On the expiration of his term of office on October 19, 1863, Mayor Thomas Holcombe was unani mously tendered $1,000 by Council as "a slight appreciation of his services" which had subjected him to considerable personal loss. One thousand dollars was also donated Mayor Anderson in 1866 to reimburse him for monies paid out of his personal purse for the relief of the distressed. Hon. John Houstoun, the first Mayor of the city, was also the recipient of a donation from the public treasury. Some time after his retirement from the mayoralty he was appointed Judge of the Superior Court. A petition was prepared and signed by a number of the lot holders asking that Council appropriate him the sum of 150 pounds ($750). Although the majority of the lot holders had not signed it Mayor Gibbons favored it. stating to Council that those who had placed their names to it "were respectable and opulentl" The Board accordingly passed the donation and Aldermen Wayne, Berrien and Welscher presented it to Judge Houstoun in be half of the city on February 7, 1792.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
CHAPTER V.
HISTORY Of THE EXCHANGE.
The subject of an Exchange for the city was first broached by Mayor Stephens. On August 18. 1795, he gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would '"propose a scheme for building an Exchange in the city without expense to the citizens and for public and private purposes, which will be not only useful but ornamental/' When presented the scheme was laid on the table for a time. Later the question of building an Exchange v. as referred by Council tc a committee composed of Aldermen Wayne. Tobler and Young-. They reported in favor of citizens building it by subscriptions, the City to purchase a number of shares of stock. It was lecommended by this committee that a subscription of $20,000 be opened in t~o hundred shares of the flar value of $100. the corporation to give title to the ground where the vendue house now stands. (January 19. 1/5^5.)
No definite steps were taken, however, until November 26. 1798. when Council resolved that ""Mr. Eolton. Mr. Dennis. Mr. Hunter and Mr. Glass, together with Mr. Stephens. Mr. John Habersham. Mr. Ebenezer Jackson and Mr. John Morel." shouM be a committee to report to Council at its next regular meeting a plan of an Ex change, where to be erected, the expense of the same and the mode, either by subscription or otherwise.
On January 28. 1/99. the committee appointed to make choice of a plan, having selected the site at the foot of Bull street and having examined the several plans laid before it, recommended to Council and the citizens "a plan drawn by Mr. Boucher as the most proper one to be established- The report being taken up was agreed to and that the City Council do take twenty-five shares in the said building.'" It was directed that a book should be opened at the platform in front of Commerce Row. under inspection of the committee, on the iSth of February next, for subscriptions. The book was to be kept open until February 23, and no one during this time was to be allowed to subscribe for more than one share, and shareholders were limited to those actually residents of the city. If on February 23 all the shares had not been subscribed for. on the following Monday the book was to be re-opened and am* individual could then subscribe for as many shares as desired, not to exceed ten.

j [ f iI | | : i: ; ;


ijo

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

At the close of the first full administration of Mayor Thomas U. P. Charlton, in 1819, Council returned him a vote of thanks "for his upright, impartial and dignified conduct during his mayoralty/' After the epidemic the succeeding year, on November 9, 1820, Council unanimously tendered him "their thanks for his manly, sympathetic and generous conduct during the malignant disease which afflicted our devoted city during the past season." Up to this time the Mayor had received no salary. On December 6, on motion of Alderman Harris, it was resolved that the sum of $1,500 should be paid to a committee composed of Aldermen Brown, White and Sheftall, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, and that this committe'should present the amount to Mayor Charlton "and request him to accept the same with the assurances of the sincere regard of Council and their full and entire approbation of his conduct." When Mayor Charlton was appointed Judge of the Superior Court he resigned as Mayor and Alderman on February 28. 1821, and Council adopted a resolution that it felt a sense of regret at "this resignation and parting with a gentleman who has had the confidence of Council and so justly deserved it for his devotion and services to the city."
Mayors Noel, Wayne, and others in after times, were tendered votes of thanks for their public services.' But one other Mayor was ever tendered a purse as a direct and unsolicited expression of ap preciation from the city government. On the expiration of his term of office on October 19, 1863, Mayor Thomas Holcombe was unani mously tendered $1,000 by Council as "a slight appreciation of his serrices" which had subjected him to considerable personal loss. One thousand dollars was also donated Mayor Anderson in 1666 to reimburse him for monies paid out of his personal purse for the relief of the distressed. Hon. John Houstoun, the first Mayor of the city, was also the recipient of a donation from the public treasury. Some time after his retirement from the mayoralty he was appointed Judge of the Superior Court. A petition was prepared and signed by a number of the lot holders asking that Council appropriate him the sum of 150 pounds ($750). Although the majority of the lot holders had not signed it Mayor Gibbons favored it, stating to Council that those who had placed their names to it "were respectable and opu lent'." The Board accordingly passed the donation and Aldermen Wayne, Berrien and Welscher presented it to Judge Houstoun in behalf of the city on February 7, 1792.

,I
HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
CHAPTER V.
HISTORY Of THE EXCHANGE.
The subject of an Exchange for the city was first broached by Mayor Stephens. On August 18, 1795, he gave notice that at the next meeting of Council he would "propose a scheme for building an Exchange in the city without expense to the citizens and for public and private purposes, which will be not only useful but ornamental." When presented the scheme was laid on the table for a time. Later the question of building an Exchange was referred by Council to a committee composed of Aldermen Wayne, Tobler and Young. They reported in favor of citizens building it by subscriptions, the City to purchase a number of shares of stock. It was lecommended by this committee that a subscription of $20,000 be opened in two hundred shares of the far value of $100, the corporation to give title to the ground where the vendue house now stands. (January 19, 1796.)
No definite steps were taken, however^ until November 26, 1798, when Council resolved that "Mr. Bolton, Mr. Dennis, Mr. Hunter and Mr. Glass, together with Mr. Stephens, Mr. John Habersham, Mr. Ebenezer Jackson and Mr. John Morel," should be a committee to report to Council at its next regular meeting a plan of an Ex change, where to be erected, the expense of the same and the mode, either by subscription or otherwise.
On January 28, 1799, the committee appointed to make choice of a plan, having selected the site at the foot of Bull street and having examined the several plans laid before it, recommended, to Council and the citizens "a plan drawn by Mr. Boucher as the most proper one to be established. The report being taken up was agreed to and that the City Council do take twenty-five shares in the said building." It was directed that a book should be opened at the platform in front of Commerce Row, under inspection of the committee, on the i8th of February next, for subscriptions. The book was to be kept open until February 23, and no one during this time was to be allowed to subscribe for more than one share, and shareholders were limited to those actually residents of the city. If on February 23 all the shares had not been subscribed for, on the following Monday the book was to be re-opened and any individual could then subscribe for as many shares as desired, not to exceed ten.



132

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

[

As soon as the whole number of shares were subscribed for the

i

shareholders were to proceed to elect five trustees to be invested

i

with charge and control of the property. Thereafter an annual elec-

j

tion of trustees was set for the first Monday in March.

>

After the stock had been subscribed for the shareholders met

11

ai the platform on Commerce Row on Saturday, March 16, 1799,

"' f

and elected as the first trustees William Stephens, Matthew McAl-

f

lister. Robert Bolton, John Glass and William Hunter.

!

On June 5. 1799, "the corner stone was laid by the Right Wor shipful, the Honorable William Stephens, Grand Master of Masons

f

in the State of Georgia, on the spot where the former Exchange,

\

destroyed by the fire of 1796, stood." The inscription plate contained

I

this:

A. L. 5799-

A. D. 1799.



Of the Independence of America the

f.

23rd Year.

Matthew McAllister, Mayor.



William Stephens, Grand Msster.

I

"The Right Worshipful, the Grand Master, was accompanied by

i

the Grand Lodge of Georgia in procession at the particular request

i

of the Honorable Matthew McAllister, Mayor, and" Aldermen who

I

attended and were with the craft, ably addressed by the Grand Mas

ter."

"This building," said the Georgia Gazette at the time, "is in-

i

tended to be of brick and stone, 75 feet by 50, three stories high,





with apartments suitable for the different public offices and otl\er-

i

wise calculated for a City Exchange." The site was leased to the

[

Exchange Company by the City for 99 years.

j

It was thirteen years later before the Mayor and Aldermen were

I

established in the Exchange. Until then the filature, on the west side

i

of Reynolds square, at Abercorn and St. Julian streets, continued the

j

seat of government.

;

The first installment on the stock was $15 a share and it was

*

called for soon after the erection of the building began. On Feb-

[

ruary 9, 1801, the city treasurer was directed by Council to pay an-

I

other quota of $30 a share on the twenty-five shares held by the City.

While the records are silent on the subject, it seems that other early

I

quotas amounting to $45 a share were called for. Later the Secre

tary of the Board of Trustees notified Council that there were eight

shares of stock unsubscribed for and the Mayor was authorized to

subscribe for the same, increasing the City holdings to thirty-three

shares. These eight shares cost $720. Soon after this four shares

were bought from the Thalian Association for $360, making the City

a shareholder to the extent of thirty-seven shares. On Thursday,

t!
l<

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

133

December 31, 1801, another quota of $20 a share was paid by the City, amounting to $740. The next year five more shares were bought at $110, two from Carpenter & Havens, and one each from William Crawford, Frederick Herb and John Pooler. On these forty-two shares in 1803 further installments of $20 a share, or $840; of $15 a share, or $630, and of $5 a share, or $2iO, were paid. Again, on December -31, 1804, a quota of $6 a share, or $252, was passed. At this meeting Aldermen Morel, Davies and Marshal were appointed to confer with the trustees and se cure a statement of the Exchange with the corporation. On Feb ruary 6, 1806, Aldermen Welscher, Hunter and Williamson were ap pointed a committee to purchase shares of Exchange stock and re port the same to Council. On February 10 eleven shares were bought at $156 each. This made the City the holder of fifty-three shares. A few months later, on the advent of the next administra tion, Aldermen Williamson, Sturges and Stackhouse were appointed to buy shares, and on August 16 the city treasurer reported the
City's interest in the Exchange as follows: "The City now owns sixty-five shares in this building, four of
which are not yet paid for, acceptances having been taken. The sixty-one shares already paid for, with the expense of the steeple and the clock, amount to $11,744.33; four shares to be paid for when in funds $624; thirty-six shares yet to be bought $5,616; total $17,984.33; 101 shares in all."
On September I, 1806, the Treasurer was authorized to borrow $2,000 to buy stock with. On June 13, 1808, he was authorized to buy a share from Mr. McAllister. The next year Mayor Bulloch and Al dermen Tufts and Davies were appointed to adjust accounts with the
trustees. In the treasurer's report of 1806 reference is made to the ex
pense of the steeple and clock. The steeple on the Exchange was built by the City at a cost of $1,148.43 in 1802. In 1801 Council ap propriated $500 for a clock to be put in the Presbyterian Church steeple. Later this was rescinded and the clock ordered put in the Exchange steeple. On May 3, 1802, permission was given to Alder man Bolton to import a bell and an eight day clock for the use of the City, to be placed in the steeple of the Exchange, and that the treasurer pay him $1,000 on account of same. In October. 1803, Alderman Sheftall was appointed a committee to apply to Messrs. Robert & John Bolton to know if the clock and bell had been re ceived and report the expense of the same. He reported back to Council on November 14, that the expense of the clock and bell, with incidental charges, would be $990.63, and that the $9.37 re maining of the appropriation had been turned back into the treasury. Aldermen Sheftall and Sweet were then appointed a committee to

f

I{

.

134

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

communicate with the trustees on the propriety of immediately

setting up the clock. Thanks of Council were also extended to R. &

J. Bolton for their trouble in providing the clock and bell free of ex

pense other than actual cost and charges. The trustees seem to

have been slow in complying with the desires of Council, and on

January 30, 1804, Aldermen Howard and Sweet were appointed to

confer with them about putting up the clock immediately. . This

committee seems to have had the desired effect, for the next refer

ence to the bell is the passage of a resolution on May 28, 1804. that

from March 31 to September 22 it should be lung at 9 o'clock every

night, and the remainder of the year at 8 o'clock as the signal for

closing places of business, and Aldermen Howard and Sweet were

appointed to receive proposals for keeping bell and clock in order.

Beginning with 1804 Council elected a ticket of five trustees to

be voted by the Mayor for the Exchange, the Mayor being one of

them.

The trustees for a number of years were as follows:

1803--Charles Harris, William Stephens, John Glass, John P.

|

Williamson., John Bolton.

1804--John Y. Noel, William Stephens, John Bolton, R. M.

Stiles, James Johnston.

1805--John Y. Noel, William Stephens, Curtis Bolton, Edward

Harden, Richard M. Stiles.

';

1806--John Y. Noel, William Stephens, Richard M. Stiles,



George Woodruff, James Johnston

j .'

1807--John Y. Noel, William Stephens, James Johnston, Rich-

f.

ard M. Stiles, John Bolton.

-

4

1808--William Davies, William Stephens, Richard M. Stiles.

John Bolton, James Johnston.

1809--John P. Williamson, William Stephens, John Bolton,

Richard M. Stiles, James Johnston.

1810--William B. Bulloch, William Stephens, John Bolton, Rich

ard M. Stiles, James Johnston.

On October 25, 1811, Aldermen Mendenhall, Proctor and Pem-

berton were appointed to inquire into the expediency of erecting

a new city hall of brick on the site of the filature. In the meantime

sixteen more shares of Exchange stock had been bought for the City.

On November 2? the committee reported that a necessary prelhr;

nary step would be the immediate disposal of the shares owned by

the corporation in the Exchange. Council then authorized the com

mittee to ascertain what could be obtained for them. The discov

ery seems to have been speedily made that other holders of shares

preferred to sell to the City rather than buy the City's holdings, and

thus give complete control of the property to the municipality. On

March 13, 1812, Council appointed Aldermen Mendenhall, Minis and

B* 1

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

1

Hughes to negotiate for the purchase of the entire interest held by

different individuals in' the Exchange, and report thereon at the next

meeting. Council had moved to the Exchange and the filature, here

tofore its home, was unoccupied and offered for rent. On April

10 the committee reported that it was fully in the power of Council

to effect such purchases of outstanding shares of Exchange stock by

issuing certificates of stock bearing interest at eight per cent., and

redeemable within ten years, "and Iwhich will be gradually redeemed

by the income of the building, being wiped out to within $264 at the

end of the said period," supposing the building to produce no more

than legal interest on its cost. The committee reported that it had

various applications from different proprietors of shares "who all

approbate the arrangement and express an anxiety for its comple

tion. Your committee therefore beg leave to submit the following,

resolutions:

*

"Resolved, That Thomas Mendenhali, M. W. Hughes and Isaac

Minis be a committee to purchase in.behalf of the City the whole

number of shares owned by individuals in the Savannah Exchange at

a sum not exceeding $150 each, upon the plan suggested in the cal

culations hereto annexed, which they are hereby fully author

ized to adopt, and that they be authorized to prepare certificates

thereof bearing interest at the rate of,eight per cent, per annum,

redeemable within ten years at the pleasure of Council, which shall

be signed by the said committee and countersigned by the Clerk of

Council and the seal of the City affixed thereto/'

The committee was also authorized to order and superintend

such alterations and repairs as might be necessary from time to time.

The report of the committee stated that "the total amount of

shares in the Exchange was 200, which at $150 each is $30,000." Of

these there were held by the City eighty-two shares, by R. & J. Eol-

ton sixty-three, by J. Johnston eight, by R. H. Stiles three, by others

forty-four, total 200. Total number shares held by private individ

uals 118, of the value of $17,700. "R. & J. Bolton own the following

City lots, which they will make fee simple by giving in payment

equal number of shares: lot 39, Columbia ward, $414; 31 Green ward,

$470; 32 Green ward, $531; to be paid in cash, $65; total $1,506, equal

to ten shares.*'

From this it appears that the original plan to issue 200 shares

at $100 each had been deviated from, the cost of the building proving

greater than anticipated. The actual amount paid in on each share

appears to have been $156.

An elaborate plan covering ten years was worked out by the

committee, showing that at the expiration of that time only $264

would remain due and payable by Council to the original share

holders. In this plan the income from the Exchange was placed at

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$2.400 a year, but Council expressed the belief that it would reach

$3,000, as under the most favorable circumstances it had been

$4.000, "so that probably all certificates may be redeemed before they

arrive at maturity.

The lots referred to were made fee simple for John Bolton, sur-

vivor of R. & J. Bolton, on May 8, and the transfer of stock effected.

On November, 12, 1812, Aldermen Minis, Mendenhall and McAl-

lister were appointed to close up accounts of the trustees of the Ex

change and receive the books, papers, etc. They were also em

powered to proceed with contemplated improvements and altera

tions. The different apartments were directed offered for rent to the

highest bidder. On June 2, 1813, Aldermen McAllister and Harris

were authorized to lease the portion of the building not occupied by

the City to Samuel G. Bunch. On June 14 this committee reported to

Council that it had done so for five years. The lower partitions

forming the entry were to be taken dov/n and the Exchange repaired

and put in good order as well as the postoffice room still reserved

for that purpose, entailing an expense of $200, to be advanced by

Bunch. "The city hall, to-wit, the second long room is reserved

for all public resorts appointed by Council and for the Mayor's

court, and the room used by Council is reserved for the sittings of

Council, but to be at Bunch's disposal when not actually in use bv

Council. The rent will be at the rate of $500 a year as long as the

war lasts, and that three months after the cessation of hostilities the

rent will be at the rate of $700 a yesr, $800 for the next year, $900

for the next year, and $1,000 a year thereafter/'

-

On July 12 John Middletori was paid $587.94 for repairs and im-

provements to the building, which had been put in good shape for

occupancy.

On May 22, 1815, Bunch petitioned Council to be allowed to

rent the room occupied by Council for its sittings, in lieu of which

he would consent to Council's holding its sessions in the long room

on the same floor. Council agreed to this on the condition that

Bunch furnish the long room for this purpose. The present quar-

ters of Council accordingly appear to have been in use by it for

eighty-five years. (1815-1900.)

On September 4, 1815, the committee on the Exchange was in

structed to "extend the area now constructing on the southern front

of the building." For many years the custom house and postoffice

were located in the Exchange. In 1817 the building was thoroughly

o'verhauled and a railing was put around it at a cost of $328.32, by

Daniel Gugel. In front was paved with "free stone and round," at

a cost of $1,164.50, and the Council room was put in good order for

the sole use of the Board. The lease with Bunch expiring June 30,

1818, the Mayor was directed to retain such rooms as he might deem

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

157

necessary for City offices and lease out the others annually. On December 6, 1819, two windows v.ere ordered cut in the west side of the building, and in 1822 two or more additional windows were or dered cut in the lower tenements.
Various parties having applied to have their certificates of Ex change stock taken up, on December 12, 1822, the city treasurer was ordered to retire those belonging to parties who had applied to Council, to a value not exceeding $2,000. The plan by which the certificates were all to be redeemed within ten years had failed, the necessities of the City doubtless leading it to use the income from the building for other purposes instead of providing a sinking fund. It was not until the fall of 1830 that Council finally ordered that the entire debt on the Exchange should be extinguished on or before December I, and it was not until some years later that the last share of stock was presented and cancelled. For many years a public bar room was located in the Exchange. The old Georgian, office was in the building in the early 50*5, and in it what was probably the first steam printing press in Georgia was erected. Some of the offices on the ground floor were rented to business houses until 1896, when the entire building became devoted to public purposes.
No special accommodations appear to have been provided for the Mayor until 1853. On March 10, of that year, Council directed that the eastern part of the long room should be partitioned off for the Mayor's office.- In the great storm of September, 1854, the building was considerably damaged. Builders who were called to examine it reported that the wood work throughout the building was decayed. Improvements had been in progress prior to the storm and $7,093.70 had been expended. The work of alteration and re pair had so far progressed that the next administration found it im possible to suspend it, and in 1855 $18,046.46 was expended, the building being put in practically its present shape and renovated throughout, among the improvements being the erection of the portico in front.
On August 20, 1857, the port wardens were given permission to use a room in the basement and have been tenants from that time. The long room has been utilized on many occasions for public meetings, for the reception of distinguished visitors, and as a suit able place where the honored dead might lie in state. Aaron Burr, Presidents Monroe, Polk and Filmore General Lafayette, Henry Clay. Daniel Webster and other great men of the early history of the Republic there met and received the homage of the Savannahians of the ante-bellum" period. No building in the State of Georgia to-day has more historic memories clustered around it than this venerable edifice just entered on the second century of its useful ness. In the infancy of the building the belles and beaux of the little city danced therein, and at several times rooms were granted tern-

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERXMENT.

porarily for school purposes to worthy pedagogues of limited means.

For many years it was the centre of the social life of the community.

Itinerant actors and passing showmen with strange animals to ex

hibit found it a convenient place for the purpose and the City

Council leniently consented to its use for such popular amusements.

Other rooms were also given up to public purposes not part of the

city government. In 1845 the use of the rooms on the top floor was

granted to the Savannah Volunteer Guards, the Republican Blues,

the Georgia Hussars and the Phoenix Riflts. The Guards and the

Republican Blues gave up their use of the rooms in April, 1859,

shortly after the passage of an ordinance vesting in them the fee

simple title to the western and eastern, halves respectively of lots

27 and 28 Forsyth ward. The Irish Jasper Greens and the Oglethorpe

Light Infantry were given the use of the premises then vacated. This

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use of the Exchange by the military continued to some extent until

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late in the 70*3, but as one company after another withdrew to its



armory Council declined to admit others to the privilege owing to

the disturbance of public business by the noise.

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The Exchange steeple from long neglect and a leaking roof

;

became so much decayed as to "mperalively require action to insure

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its stability. In 1870 $2,284.09 was expended for this purpose. The



roof trees, four in number, were furnished with additional straps and

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bolts in order to render them capable of sustaining a portion of tHe

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weight of the steeple. This was accomplished by four heavy tim-

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bers resting on the trusses and bolted to them and to the eight up

rights forming the principal framework to the steeple itself. All

decayed timbers were removed and the tower repainted. Again in

1885 $1,500 was appropriated for repairs to the building. A new

striking clock was ordered placed in the tower in 1890. In 1891 a

brick annex for vaults was built in the rear of the Exchange at a

cost of $5,390.30, and the vaults fitted up at a cost of $1,278.70. In

February, 1896, the old clock was taken down and given to John

Rourke & Son, under the agreement that they would place it in a

tower on their building at Bay ind East Broad streets. In 1897

the exterior of the building, which had been plastered and painted

brown many years before, was painted white, a color which it now

wears.

Standing as it does, where it - can be no impediment to tfie

march of improvements, and almost as solid as when it was received

by the original stock company from the builders, there is apparently

no reason why the Exchange should not stand for another century,

an enduring memorial of the early days of Savannah. Civic pride, as

the city grows in population and wealth, may lead before many years

to the erection of a more pretentious and modern structure else

where, but the lover of that which is antique and of historic inter-

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tflSTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

139

est will cherish the hope that the old city hall will be allowed to re main, suggesting to all Savannahians the life of the days, now seeming so remote, when the little town was struggling out of the ruins of the revolutionary struggle and establishing those solid foundations for commercial progress on which the prosperity of the Savannah of to-day still depends.

CHAPTER VI.
TEN YEARS OP PEACE AND IMPROVEMENTS.
i
Thirty-first Administration, September n, 1820, to September 21, 1821: Mayor, Thomas U. P. Charlton, Sept. n, 1820, to Feb ruary 28, 1821, when he resigned on his appointment as Judge of the Eastern Circuit;. James Morrison, February 28 to September 21, 1821; Aldermen, James Morrison, M. Herbert, Charles Harris, resigned July 2, 1821; W. R. Waring, L. S. DeLyon, Thomas E. Lloyd, died September, 1820; George L. Cope, Steele White, resigned February 5, 1821; T. N. Morel, M. Sheftall, Sr., Thomas Bourke, M. Brown, J. P. Henry, NathanielLewis, from November 6, 1820; Dr Moses Shef tall, from February 26, 1821; Joseph Cumming, from March 14. 1821; William C. Daniell, from July 15, 1821.
Thirty-second Administration, September 21, 1821, to Septem ber 5, 1822: Mayor, James Morrison; Aldermen, Moses Herbert, William R. Waring, resigned May 2, 1822; Moses Sheftall, Michael Brown, resigned June 27, 1822; William C. Daniell, Levi S. DeLyon, Mordecai Sheftall, Sr., George L. Cope, Charles Harris, J. P. Hen ry, Thomas N. Morel, Frederick S. Fell, Joseph Cumming, William Davies, from May 16, 1822; Charles H. Hayden, from July/ii, 1822.
Thirty-third Administration, September 5, 1822, to September 4. 1823: Mayor, James Morrison; Aldermen, Richard W. Habersham, William C. Daniell, William Davies, Moses Sheftall, Charles Harris, Isaiah Davenport, Charles H. Hayden, Fred S. Fell, Thomas Clark, A. B. Fannin, Moses Herbert, Oliver Sturges, Gardner Tufts.
- Thirty-fourth Administration, September 4. 1823, to September 13, 1824: Mayor, James Morrison; Aldermen, Richard W*. Haber sham, Moses Herbert, Fred S. Fell, George Schley. Charles H. Hayden, Frederick Densler, M. Sheftall, William C. Daniell, James

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.



S. Bulloch, Philip Brasch, Thomas N. Morel, Oliver Sturges, re signed August 19, 1824; Charles Harris.
Thirty-fifth Administration, September 13, 1824, to September 8, 1825: Mayor, William C. Daniell; Aldermen, W. B. Bulioch, George Shick, Charles Harris, J. W. Jackson, George Millen, James Morrison, John B. Gaudry, Isaac Minis, W. R. Waring, J. C. Habersham, F. Densler, J. Gumming, W. C. Wayne.
Thirty-sixth Administration, September 8, 1825, to September n, 1826: Mayor, William C. Daniell; Aldermen, Charles Harris, George Millen, resigned January 19, 1826; James Morrison, Joseph W. Jackson, William T: Williams, John B. Gaudry, Dr. William B. Waring, vacated by absence December 8, 1825; Joseph Gumming, William C. Wayne, resigned May n, 1826; Isaac Minis, Samuel B. Parkman, Samuel Philbrick, Charles Gildon, Joseph C. Habersham, January 2, 1.826, resigned March 30, 1826; John Shellman, from February 2, 1826; Dr. James P. Screven, from April 13, 1826; William Mord, from June 8, 1826.
Thirty-seventh Administration, September n, 1826, to September io. 1827: Mayor, Joseph W. Jackson; Aldermen, Charles Harris, died March 17. 1827; J. P. Screven, Edward Harden, resigned immediately; A. J. C. Shaw, Charles Gildon, John Shellman, Thomas Clark. M. Brown. W. C. Wayne, resigned January 18, 1827; W. T. Williams, Moses Sheftall, George Shick, James Morrison, resigned May 24. 1827; Samuel Philbrick, from September 25. 1826; R. M. Goodwin. from February i. 1827; Anthony Porter, from April 20, 1827; William Davies, from June /, 1827.
Thirty-eighth Administration, September io, 1827. to September 8, 1828: Mayor, Joseph W. Jackson; Aldermen, G. W. Anderson, T. Clark, L. S. DeLyon, J. P. Henry, resigned March 27, 1828; W. P. Hunter. H. Lord, resigned January i, 1828; Isaac Minis, resigned April 24, 1828; George W. Owens/S. B. Parkman, resigned March 27, 1828; J. P. Screven, A. J. C. Shaw, G. Shick, W. T. Williams, Wrilliam Davies. from February 14. 1828; Dr. Moses Sheftall, from April io, 1828; Dr. R. H. Footman, from April io, 1828.
Thirty-ninth Administration, September 8, 1828, to September 14, 1829: Mayor, William T. Williams; Aldermen, R. R. Cuyler, W. R. Waring, George W. Owens, William Law, resigned June 4, 1829; A. J. C. Shaw, Moses Sheftall, Thomas Clark, William Davies, resigned November 7, 1828; R. H. Footman, L. S. DeLyon, Richard Wayne. Joseph W. Jackson, resigned January 27, 1829; F. H. Wellman, Dr. James P. Screven. from December 4. 1828; M. Brown, from February 12, 1829; Charles Gildon. from June 18. 1829.
Fortieth Administration. September 14, 1820. to September 13, 1830: Mayor, William T. Williams; Aldermen, W. R Waring, J. B. Gaudry, George W. Owens, M. Brown, G. W. Anderson, George

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

141

Shick, R. R. Cuyler, F. H. Wellman, Thomas Clark, Charles Gildon, S. M. Bond, Jacob Shaffer, Moses Sheftall.

The decade, 1820 to 1830, was marked in Savannah by general improvements in the conditions affecting the health and safety of the community. While the population of the city did not materially in crease and its business did not enjoy the rapid expansion that subse quent periods brought, successful efforts were made to drain the country immediately surrounding the town and to increase the effici ency of the police and fire systems. While it cannot be said that there was an absence of enterprise on the part of its business men. they did not appear successful in retaining their control of business formerly enjoyed or in securing new trade. Charleston seems to have especially benefited at Savannah's expense by its greater enter prise at this time, and during the closing years of this decade it be came apparent to all that more strenuous efforts were necessary if Savannah was to be saved from sinking in the slough of business de pression and commercial retrogression. The years from 1820 to 1830 while not ones of actual stagnation, were not marked by the active, progressive spirit that came in at their close. Citizens ap preciated this and in 1823 there was a public meeting of free-hoI3ers, merchants and others generally, to take into consideration the causes prejudicial to the city. It requested Council to reduce the fees of the port wardens and regulate the hire of stevedores. This proved an inadequate solution. Other causes were at work for the diversion of business elsewhere, as was shown in 1828, when Henry McAlpin in behalf of himself and others, who intended building a large steam rice mill, asked for exemption from taxation and other special privileges, which were subsequently granted by Council. ~He pointed out that in five years, 1823-28, Savannah's rice business had gone down to 57,862 casks against 388,888 at Charleston, and at tributed it to the superior milling facilities afforded at Charleston, Savannah having only water mills.
The census taken in 1830 showed a total population in both city and county of but 7,517. In 1840 the census gave the city alone a population of only 6,520. For twenty years there had been no growth worthy of consideration. At the same time, though, the income of the City had increased and its government had shown ef ficiency in disposing of the important questions that came before it. The. most important work initiated in this period was that of dry culture. It had been appreciated in earlier years that much of the sickliness that marked the autumn was due to the rice fields and undrained lands immediately adjacent to the city. On May 26, 1822,

142

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT,

a special committee of Council made a voluminous report reviewing the work done toward dry culture up to that date. The report stated that '"prior to the introduction of wet culture on Hutchinson's island and the low lands the city enjoyed a remarkable exemption from the usual diseases of this climate, so remarkable that the inhabitants of Charleston sought a refuge here from the unhealtnfulness of their own city during the autumnal months. Previous to that time the character of our autumnal diseases was compara tively mild and in most cases controlled with considerable cer tainty. It may be that the mode of treating our fevers adopted with in the last forty years," the report continued, "has added to their fatality, but not sufficiently to explain the difference in the mortality which has occurred since. Convinced of the great import ance to the health of the city of dry culture, the citizens in the spring of 1817, at a public meeting, almost unanimously resolved that dry culture should be adopted and Council appropriated $8,751.96 to start the work. Unfortunately too much was anticipated from dry culture, more than every agent combined could probably have pro duced, and because our wildest dreams have not been realized some of us in abandoning hopes which never could have been rationally entertained, have abandoned also calculations made upon the most positive data and authorized by |he most conclusive evidence."
On March 24, 1817, an ordinance was passed to improve" the health of the city, to carry into effect the desires of the -citizens at the town meeting referred to. Untfrer this ordinance the Mayor was empowered to sign and execute such contracts with the proprietors of the low lands in front and on the eastern and western extremities of the city as he and the commissioners thereafter to be appointed might approve, and the condition^of the contract to be a perpetual change of the existing wet to a dry culture, with such penalties and reservations as to occasional irrigation and overflowing of the lands, as they anight agree to. Tne ordinance further provided that $70,000 should be appropriated for tjie purpose of complying with the payments which might be agreed on in these contracts. Stock, to be called the "City land stock," and payable in certificates or scrip, signed by the Mayor and city treasurer, was tc be issued. The faith of the City and the public property were pledged as security for the redemption of the stock within ten years from the annual reve nues and taxes. The rent of the City lots was specifically set apart and appropriated to pay the interest on the scrip semi-annually at seven per cent, and to extinguish the principal. By an amendment on May 17, 1819. $15,000 additional was appropriated for the payment of dry culture contracts.
John Bolton and A. Cuthbert were the first commissioners of health and dry culture, appointed in January, 1818, for one year, with

HISTORY OF THE -CITY GOVERNMENT.

143

an appropriation made by Council of $12,000 to carry out contracts with proprietors of rice fields who had them in fit condition for dry culture. Adam Cope succeeded John Bolton on July 16, 1819. The first commissioners made a number of contracts for dry culture, including Joseph Stiles, 222 acres; James Bilbo, 123 1-2 acres; estate Gen. James Jackson, 86 acres; William C. Wayne, no acres; William Mein, Hutchinson's island, 600 acres;* Dr. N. S. Bayard, Hutchinson's island, 205 acres; Ebenezer Jackson, Hutchinson's isl and, 143 acres. The half of Fig island owned by the City was or dered sold subject to dry culture. R. G. Wallace was the purchaser for $603. In the fall of 1819 the commissioners were given power to appoint an agent with salary to inspect all lands for which dry cul ture had been contracted. The distressed condition of the city financially after the yellow fever and fire of 1820 led a special com mittee of Council on February 5, 1821, to recommend a revocation of the dry culture contracts if the people concurred. The commit tee claimed that little if any sanitary advantages had resulted from the dry culture system as conducted and that it was costly at a per iod when the City's revenues were exhausted and the people exor bitantly taxed. The commissioners of dry culture, though, did not concur in this and when referred to the people they voted to sustain dry culture by 279 to 210. Richard Rowell was elected inspector of dry culture. Dissatisfaction with the results of the system contin ued and early in 1822 a committee, part of whose report has been given, was appointed to thoroughly investigate the question. Under the original plan one-third of the board of dry cultuVe was to have been elected annually, guarding against an abatement of interest and zeal. This rule had been neglected, and the committee pointed out that as a result the board had virtually expired. Twelve months had intervened between its meetings. The committee reported that there was too much complication in the machinery for carrying the dry culture system into operation, and a lack of efficient and har monious co-crperation. It accordingly advocated dispensing with the commissioners and appointing a special committee of Council with the full authority and duties of the commissioners. The com mittee used extremely severe language against the planters who.had defaulted in engagements with the City. For some years the City was engaged in a wrangle with Mr. Joseph Stiles over his failure to fulfill his contract, and the courts were finally resorted to. Trou ble, but not so great, was met in enforcing other contracts. On May 23, 1822, the Mayor was empowered to appoint a dry culture committee of Council and the old board of commissioners passed put of existence, although it was some time before its accounts were audited and the heavy bonds under which .they had been placed were cancelled. On January 9, 1823, Council expressed full faith in

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

the dry culture system for improving the health of the city and re fused to consent to the liberation of any contracts entered into for that purpose. In August of this year Dr. Screven, who had re cently returned from a trip through the south of Europe, sent a com munication to Council relative to dry culture and its effects there. This report, the committee of Council to whom it was referred, said, "was well calculated to set the question of the utility of a system of dry culture permanently at rest." On January 29, 1824, the committee on dry culture made a report beginning: "Six years have passed away under the operation of the dry culture system. Imperfectly as that system has been enforced it has given evidence the most conclusive of a favorable influence upon the health of Sa vannah." The committee called on Council to persevcie in rigidly enforcing and extending the dry culture contracts. In this report it alluded to the improved appearance of the people of Savannah, as "indicated by their countenances during the summer and fall for the last three years." "It is evidence," the committee said, "of a more vigorous health than before prevailed even among those of our own inhabitants who escaped positive disease. Nothing for merly was better calculated to impress upon the mind of a stranger arriving here in November the melancholy character of our climate than the bleached and sallow faces of our inhabitants. The remark is now general that of late the faces are quite as indicative of health as those of persons residing in cities to the North reputed much more salubrious." Added to this, according to the report, was "greater corporeal vigor." The committee presented a table of the proportion of persons dying of autumnal diseases to the population as follows:
Under wet culture: 1815, one in 15; 1816, one in 18; 1817, one in 9 2-3.
Under dry culture: 1818, one in 623-4; 1819, one in 13; 1820, one in 5 i-io; 1821, one in 37; 1822, one in 334-5; 1823, one in 32 1-4.
In 1819 many whites arrived in the months of July, August and September and fell victims to the climate. In 1820 the ravages of yellow fever were responsible for the heavy mortality. During the first period of three years under wet culture, the committee pointed out, the average of deaths from autumnal diseases was one in u, while the average for the first period under dry culture was one in 27, and the average for the second three years under dry culture was one to every 35. The introduction of white laborers unaccustomed to the climate and ignorant of its dangers, the committee stated, was responsible for much of the mortality in the fall. On an average 700 arrived during the summer months, making up one-fifth of the white population. Up to this time there had been expended on dry culture $38,800. In October, 1824, the representatives in the Legis-

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

145

lature were requested by Council to have a bill passed to prevent

rice culture, (wet) -within two miles of the city limits. A bill was

put through the Legislature and on January 26,1826, an ordinance was

passed prohibiting rice culture within two miles of the city. In 1827

the committee on dry culture reported that in 1824 there had been

"fewer cases of fever and less mortality than ever before known in

Savannah, 124 less than in 1823. In 1825 there was still greater

improvement in the health of the city. It was the most healthful year

Savannah had experienced since the deaths had been registered.

The mortality in 1826 was twenty less than in 1824, and only nineteen

deaths were from fever." The city was less healthful in 1826, owing

to the influenza and an epidemic of rash or brea'kbone fever which

attacked nine-tenths of the population. This fever prevailed throughout the lower section of the State. There were fifty deaths

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by fever, but forty of them were non-residents, chiefly Irishmen.

"The atmosphere has maintained a character of clearness, dry-

ness and elasticity which it has only acquired since the introduction

of the dry culture system." The following table of mortality and

the proportion to population, estimated during all these years at

5,000, was given:

'

Year.

Deaths.

Proportion.

1817

463

i in 10.80

1818

233

i in 21.45

1819

516

i in 9.69

1820

820

I in 6.09

1821

380

I in 13.15

1822

292

I in 17.12

1823

270

I in 18.51

1824

146

I in 34.24

1825

126

i in 39.68

1826

238

I in 21.oo

New difficulties arose with some planters who had contracted for

dry culture. The planters claimed the right to plant rice under dry

culture. The Council denied this t'nder the contracts and the re

corder held in a long opinion in 1828 that parties under dry culture

contracts were precluded from planting rice by the dry culture sys

tem, as it was expressly provided in the contracts that rice culture

should not be carried on.

This opinion was evidently not sustained in the courts, as the

Legislature was soon appealed to to pass a law prohibiting the culti

vation of rice on dry culture lands, which was done. In 1829 a report

to Council showed that dry culture contracts had been entered into

with land owners aggregating $72,537.18. Scrip had only 4>een issued

to the value of $$,800, the balance being paid in cash. The'law re

stricting wet culture to beyond one mile of the city limits having

146

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

been rendered ineffective by a decision of the courts, and the City be ing unable to enforce it, an appeal was forwarded to the Legislature in 1830, asking it to enact a law that would enable the City to abso lutely stop the cultivation of rice within the desired limit. The law was especially desired to reach the Springfield plantation, owned by Mr. Stiles, with whom the City was continually at loggerheads over his dry culture contracts, until finally in 1834 suits against him suc ceeded in fully establishing the sufficiency of the contracts.
Health conditions generally were more favorable in this period. In 1821 September 15 was set aside as i day of thanksgiving for the unusual health enjoyed. December 12 was also designated as a day of thanksgiving. On July 10, 1823, an ordinance was passed to estab lish a Board of Health. Under it the Mayor appointed two citizens from each ward to constitute the Board. They were required to in spect all premises and acted in conjunction with the committee on health and cemetery. In 1823 an Act of the Legislature vested the ap pointment of the health officer in the corporation. Prior to this the governor had the appointment. Dr. Screven, the first health officer under the new method, was elected by Council on January 8, 1824.
Attention has been called to the fact that on November 14, 1809, (Chapter 3) Cor.ncil signed a petition to the Legislature for the char tering of a poor house and hospital. The next reference to the hos pital is found at the close of the war, in 1815, when the medical and surgical supplies provided for the use of the soldiers were ordered given to it by Council.
Under an Act of the Legislature of December 14. 1815, three lotteries were provided for the poor house and hospital, to be man aged and drawn publicly under the direction of John Bolton, James Johnston, John P. Williamson, George Anderson, William Gaston, Barney McKinne, A. Richards, Isaac Minis, Lemuel Kollock, Rob ert Habersham, John Lewis, William Williamson, Josiah Penfield, N. S. Bayard, John Eppinger, James Morrison and Richard Richardson.
The next allusion to the institution in the city records occurred on February 10, 1817, when L. C. Dunning, chair man of the board of managers of the hospital, petitioned for assistance to build a new hospital. Council appropriated $4,000, to be drawn when in the opinion of the city treasurer the funds of the City would admit of the expenditure. On March 10 the president and manager of the poor house and hospital were authorized by Council to sell lots 33 and 34 in Washington ward and fronting Broucrhton street, for the purpose of enabling them to add to their funds to erect a new and suitable building. These lots had been granted the hospital by the ordinance of January 12, 1791. On January 12, 1818, the managers petitioned for the gift of certain lots in Brown ward. This was followed on June 8, 1818, by the presentation to Council by

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

147

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Secretary William R. Waring, of the Georgia Medical Society, of res olutions adopted by that Society, urging Council to appropriate five acres of ground for the poor house and hospital in the vicinity of Fair Lawn, or westward and outside the limits of the city. Aldermen Kimball, Cope and Thomasson were appointed to act with the com missioners of the institution and were directed to select a site for the hospital to be paid for by the City. On June 29 the committee re ported that it had fixed on a site south of the jail and negro burying ground and bounded east by the eastern line of the city, west by a line which would be formed by a continuation of Drayton street, and opposite Fair Lawn, and to contain at least five acres, exclusive of an allowance made for streets and lanes if at any future time it should be deemed advisable by Council to lay off that part of the city into building lots, streets, etc. On this site a poor house and hospital was to be built. Two plats of the ground were ordered made, one for the City and the other for the hospital. The committee of Council paid a tribute to the value of the hospital and poor house and antici pated "a period when such beings as beggars should not be seen in our streets." A committee was appointed on November 2, 1818, to draft an ordinance for laying off the ground for this purpose. On May 3, 1819, the commissioners of the poor house and hospital were authorized to convey lot 23, then occupied by them, on condition that the proceeds arising from the sale should be applied as so much re imbursed them for advances on account of the building then being erected. On September 6, 1819, the city treasurer was ordered to pay the commissioners $500. The sickly state of the new hospital, owing to the too early removal to it, compelled the transfer of the sick back to the old hospital and the great addition to the number of patients rendered relief necessary. By an Act of December 22, 1819. the State appropriated $5,000 to the institution. On August 24, 1820. the president of the poor house and hospital re quested an advance of money by the city to relieve the embarrassment of the institution. One thousand dol lars was appropriated and the city not having funds the Mayor was directed to borrow the amount. On March 21, 1822, a letter from President Joseph Gumming was read to Council. It gave a statement of the embarrassed condition of the institution and stated that unless Council afforded relief it would fall through. May or Morrison and Aldermen Gumming and Harris were appointed to call a meeting of citizens to secure their sentiments on the subject. No relief appears to have been given, owing to the bad state of the City's finances, and a few months later (December 5, 1822), a letter was received by Council from William Gaston, president of the Plan ters Bank, stating that the Savannah Poor House and Hospital was owned by the Marine and Fire Insurance Company and the Planters

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Bank, it having been bought by them on July 8, last, the former being interested in it to the amount of $12,428.59, and the latter $9,490.93. making a total of $21,919.52. Mr. Gaston offered the City the poor house and hospital, so far as the Planters Bank was concerned, for $9,490.93, the City to pay the bank by adding the amount to the debt due by it to the bank at the rate of six per cent, per annum. He fur ther stated that the sum of $21,919.52 included the hospital furniture, negroes, etc. The communication was referred to a special commit tee, Aldermen Habersham, Davies and Daniell, to ascertain the value of the buildings and personal property, and the situation of the title to the lots, and to confer with the owners as to the terms on which they would be willing to convey the same, with all rights, to the City. The hospital, it appeared, had been sold at marshal's sale under fore closure proceedings. The committee reported back that President Gaston proposed to relinquish the claim of the Planters Bank for $3,990.94, with interest from July 8. Council (Feb. 20, 1823) called a meeting of citizens to take into consideration the propriety of making an appropriation for the support of the poor house and hospital. On April 10 the president notified the Council that the institution would close its doors on May I. On February 3, 1825, the recorder, to whom the matter had been referred, rendered an opinion that the "legal and equitable right and title to the ground on which the build ings of the poor house and hospital" stood still remained in the City. On March 31, 1825, Geo. W. Anderson, president of the Planters Bank, and J. P. Henry, president of the Marine and Fire Insurance Company, offered the poor house and hospital property to the City for $7,000, payment to be on convenient and easy terms. Aldermen Waring, Gumming and Morrison were appointed to conduct the ne gotiations, and they reported on April 14 that $7,000 was the mini mum price, payable in or within ten years, at 6 per cent, semi-annually. The committee expressed the opinion that the building was worth the amount, and that it should become the property of the City. They accordingly recommended its purchase. Their report was adopted, and on June 16, 1825, an ordinance was passed devising the mode of payment. A certificate of stock was issued for the purchase amount. In March, 1826, the hospital was leased to Drs. Danieil and Screven for $150 for a year. On January 5, 1827, a committee was appointed to examine the building and report on its condition, the amount required for its repair, and the best measures for leasing it when the existing contract expired. The repairs necessary were found insignificant. The committee reported on July 5 that there was a strong disposition on the part of citizens to place the poor house and hospital upon its original footing, and although the means for carrying into effect the benevolent object were not as abundant as in times past, the committee entertained no doubt that it was

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

149

quite practicable to do much toward accomplishing so desirable a

purpose. "Already a considerable sum has been subscribed for

meeting the expenses of the establishment, and the subscribers have

appointed a board of managers to superintend the same. Under all

the circumstances your committee are decidedly of the opinion that

if all which is desirable for the relief of poverty and disease in the

present state of things cannot be done, yet much may be accom

plished towards effecting their relief." They therefore recommended

the adoption of the following:

"Resolved, That it is not advisable to renew the lease of the

poor house and hospital, but that it be placed at the disposal and

under the management of the subscribers composing an association

lor opening and supporting the same, for the purpose of enabling

them to carry into effect their benevolent intentions, giving to them

the entire control and superintendence for that purpose, provided

that the City Council may, whenever it thinks proper to do so, as

sume the power of controlling said establishment for the purpose

of making any other disposition of it."

This report was adopted and the buildings were placed under

the direction of the managers referred to. That the City maintained

its control of the buildings, though, was shown in 1834. When chol

era made its appearance that year in the vicinity of the city Stew

ard Mills of the poor house and hospital was at once notified that

the City would require the use of the buildings if the cholera should

prevail in the city and its patients would be removed to the bar

racks-. Although the cholera did not invade the city to any extent^

the poor house and hospital was taken possession of and made the

central cholera hospital. In October the building was returned to

the managers and the patients were transferred from the barracks

to it again. On July 9, 1835, Council appropriated $500 to aid in re

lieving the poor house and hospital from its financial embarrassment.

It owed $2,800, and the county was expected to give it $1,000. The

committee of Council stated that its importance in providing for

sick paupers was too great to allow it to be embarrassed in its oper

ations. The institution continued to suffer from lack of funds and in

1838 an act was proposed levying a tax on all cabin and steerage

passengers arriving at Savannah for its support. On April 9, 1840,

Council appropriated $1,800 for repairs to the building. Other

small expenditures were also made to keep the building in proper

condition.

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The great fire of 1820 directed attention forcibly to the advisa

bility of requiring the erection of other than frame buildings, at least

in the closely built business section. On March 16, 1821, Council

asked Recorder John C. Nicoll for an opinion on the right of the City

to compel owners to erect brick improvements. In a long opinion

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

covering the constitutional points involved and defining the full pOAvers of the corporation at that time, the recorder, on March 29, held that the City had ample power. Council on November 15, 1821, required by ordinance that all bake shops, cotton gins, breweries, etc., should be built of brick, stone or tabby. This reduced the fire risk in a minor degree, as had previous ordinances requiring the sweepings of chimneys, forbidding fires on board of boats while lying at the wharves, the shooting of fire crackers, etc., in the city limits. Continued efforts were made to improve the fire department. A .clerk to the managers was provided for at a salary of $125 a year, and John Haupt filled the position for some years. In the early fall of 1821 seventy-five free men of color were allowed the Franklin Fire Engine and Hose Company and the Union Axe and Fire Com pany. A reward of $5 was given the first bell to sound an alarm of fire, the second receiving $3 and the third $2. This "was abolished March 16. 1826. Thirty dollars was allowed the first engine that played on a fire. For years Council had a regular committee on lad ders and hooks and another on engines. They were continued until 1827, when a committee on lire department succeeded them. In 1821 the managers were: No. 2, John D. Cole, Alex C. Shaw; No. 4, Philip Brasch, I. Delberghi; No. 5, Daniel Hotchkiss, Hugh Cassidy; No. 7, J. W. Long, Jacob De LaMotta. The pay of hands working engines was reduced from $i to 50 cents a day on Feb ruary 20, 1823. At this time those in charge of the engines were Samuel Howard and S. Harris, of No. i; Alex M. Ker and Peter Guerard, of No. 2; Isaac Cohen and Hanfred Knapp, of No. 3. An incendiary fire on the wharf of Archibald Smith led to the establish ing of a vigilance committee in each ward which patrolled the city for some nights and two new engines were ordered. As much diffi culty was experienced in locating fires, a watchman was ordered placed in the Exchange steeple in the event of a fire to hang "a lantern with a lighted candle therein over the side of the steeple in the direction of the fire so as to direct the engines to the place of the fire." Samuel Howard, manager of Engine N. 5, died and was succeeded by Stephen I/. Harris, and A. Wade was appointed assist ant of Engine No. I, (October, 1823.) Further attempts at incendiar ism led to a reward of $1,000 being offered on February 9, 1824. The four new engines were received in March, 1824, the two suction en gines, one to draw water from the river, the other from the wells, costing $926.30. These suction engines fed the water to the other two new engines, the cost of which was $741. The managers ap pointed this year were Engine No. I, George A. Ash and William Rahn; Engine No. 2, Isaiah Davenport and A. Maxwell; Engine No.
5, George Millen and Williato Waters. In October (1824) the com mittee on engines reported that the two suction engines, which had

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

151

been imported from Liverpool, the other two new engines, which

were manufactured in Philadelphia, and Engine No. L were in good

order. The six other old engines were out of order and three of

them were not worth repairing. They were accordingly condemned

to be broken up and sold. A resolution was adopted by Council re

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questing the Representatives and State Senator to have a law passed

exempting twenty-one men from militia and jury duty to take charge

of the engines, to be selected by Council and subject to such regula

tions as it might prescribe. This was the first step toward a prop

erly organized fire department. In the meantime the Washington

Hose and Axe Company had been organized by volunteer citizens.

In accordance with this request from Council the Legislature (1824)

passed an Act providing for a fire company of twenty-one, and on

January 21, 1825, Council resolved that the Mayor should appoint a

committee of three aldermen, each o'f whom should name ten suita

ble persons, and from these Council at its next meeting should select

the twenty-one. Under this arrangement Council, on February 3.

selected as the members of the Savannah Fire Company, as the or

ganization was named, Samuel Philbrick, John W. Long, William P.

Beers, George Robertson, Jr., John A. Beaulard, William Williams,

R. R. Cuyler, George A. Ash, Abraham Nichols, William Roche,

John Haupt, Robert Campbell, Samuel B. Parkmah, J. K. Tefft,

Isaiah Davenport, William Rahn. H. D. Green, Adam Cope, James

Roberts, L. C. Dunning and A. M. Ker. The company was to fill

all vacancies, Council reserving the right to confirm or reject. Rob

ert Campbell was chosen first fire ^hief. On February 17 (1825), two

watchmen were ordered placed in the Exchange steeple. On July 7

Mayor Daniell was authorized to procure four new engines upon

the principles recently adopted in New York, combining the suction

and propelling properties, together with 210 feet of hose for each

engine and 400 feet of extra hose, and a committee was appointed

to levy a tax on fire places and do away with the fire buckets re

quired in houses under the old ordinance. At this time, and for

several years later, the City paid for refreshments for firemen when

engaged at a fire. All the City apparatus had been placed under the

control of the new company. The "free men of color and free ne

groes between the ages of 15 and 60," were subject to the chief

fireman, and from them the number necessary to haul and manage

the apparatus were obtained. Any one of these free negroes refusing

to obey orders or do his duty was liable to a fine of $10 or to be im

prisoned from 5 to 15 days, the fire company sitting as trial judges.

Such negroes were exempted from the payment of all taxes. Slaves

were also subject to fire duty in the same way and with the free

negroes enlisted were required to drill at least once a month. All citizens were required to assist the firemen when called on and were

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

liable to arrest, fine and imprisonment for refusing. The firemen

were also empowered to enter and inspect all premises to prevent

the accumulation of inflammable materials. The military provided

the guards in the event of fire, the commander designating the de

tachment for this purpose every three'months. On March n, 1825.

a special fire tax of ten cents was levied on every $100 value of im

proved real estate or buildings erected on lease within the jurisdic-

tional limits of the city, the money so raised being appropriated to

pay for the four new engines, hose, etc., and to keep the apparatus

in order. This remained in force for.many years. The new engines

and hose were bought in New York at a cost of $4,175.

The number of free negroes not being sufficient to man the ap

paratus. Council on May 25, 1826. provided that every male slave be

tween 16 and 60 years of age, who received a badge from the Citx,

should be registered and enrolled under the Fire Company and be

subject to drills and regular duty. Such slaves were to receive 12 1-2

cents an hour for each hour so employed, and were made subject to

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penalties for neglect of duty. As an extra inducement to the negro

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firemen, free or slave, it was provided that the first one of them

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getting to a fire should receive $i, and the second and third fifty

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cents each. When the fines against one for neglect of duty reached

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the price of a badge held by the slave the badge was forfeited and

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the slave was no longer entitled to the privileges and immunities

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heretofore enjoyed. On July 20, 1826, the Fire Company was em-



powered by ordinance to distribute rewards, not exceeding in the

whole for one fire $30, among the negro firemen. The apparatus in

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use required 240 men and the new engines required 112 more, making

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an aggregate of 352 men necessary for the proper handling of all the

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apparatus. It was proposed to discontinue two of the old engines,

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reducing this to 300 men. The number .of free negroes returned by

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the marshal was but 112, and of these but 90 were effective, leaving

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the residue to be made up of hired men. The old system of 50 cents

+

an hour would have required larger expenditures than the City felt

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justified in sustaining. Under the new system it was estimated that

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a saving of $1.000 was effected. In 1826 an engine house was built in

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Franklin square. The report of Chief Fireman Parker to Council on January n, 1827, showed that the City then had two suction engines,

one suction and discharging engine, with 1,200 feet leaders; one

Philadelphia built engine, one Boston built engine, gnd one hose

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cart, all in superior order and efficiently officered and manned. There

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were also a Boston built engine in good order, and a quantity of

.

useless machinery. The effective labor required, he stated, was about

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300 men. The current expenses of the company were placed at

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$1,200. Every alarm of fire cost $25. He urged Council to impress

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on citizens the necessity of helping to get the apparatus

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

to fires quickly. Six useless engines were soon sold for $5/0. In

1828 the report to Council showed the fire department to consist of

four New York built suction and discharging engines, two London

built suction and discharging engines, two Boston 'built copper and

discharging engines, one hose cart, 1,740 feet new hose, 700 feet old

hose, 178 slaves, 96 free negroes, 274 buckets, 15 fire hooks, 44 lad

ders, 22 axes, and a white company of seventeen men. The next

year Council took under consideration the recommendation of T.

Spalding that in each square a small house be erected containing a

cart holding 100 gallons of salt pickle. Experiments in Russia under

, the auspices of Catherine, he stated, had demonstrated the effective

ness of this in extinguishing fires. Owing to the expense Council

decided not to undertake the experiment. This year Yamacraw was

the scene of a destructive fire. Charleston donated $1,000 for the re

lief of the sufferers, and other amounts were also received. In 1830

twelve large cisterns were built in the squares for the use of the

'department.

Wells continued the source of supply of water for domestic pur

poses, as well as for fire protection, until cisterns were built. The

city was ambitious to provide waterworks, but the expense deterred

it. The first proposition came from George M. Towers, who, on

February 21, 1822, submitted plans to provide the city with water

from the river. It was decided by Council that the rate was too high,

but the statement was made that at a less annual cost it might become

an object for the City to make arrangements with him. In February,

1825, a Mr. Campbell proposed to furnish the city with water from

the river, and Mayor Daniell was directed to confer with him. Noth

ing came of this. On July 13, 1826, Mayor Daniell was directed to

advertise for proposals to furnish the city with a constant supply of

water for extinguishing fires and other purposes. On April 12, 1827,

a plan was submitted by John Martineau. It provided for a site for

steam engine, for building, engine, force pumps, iron discharge pipes

and brick reservoir, at a total cost of $20,000, and for three miles of

pipe traversing the principal streets at a cost of $30,000, or a total

expenditure of $50,000. The reservoir was to be located fifty feet

above the bluff. The annual cost to the City at 10 per cent, on the

stock to be issued was placed at $5,000 and repairs, etc., $3,000, a total

yearly expense of $8,000. The expense was regarded as too great

and the project was dropped. Beyond digging a few additional wells

nothing was done toward improving the water supply until cisterns were ordered built for the fire service', except that all mulberry trees

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were ordered removed from the vicinity of wells and pumps in 1825.

For some reason these trees were considered iniurious to the purity

of the water.

154

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

While the protection from fire was increased there was but little improvement in the police department. The military was at all times in readiness for any extraordinary emergency and was the chief re liance for safety. In addition to-the local militia Federal troops had been stationed at Savannah for some years. The bulk of these hav ing been removed, Council urged upon the Secretary of War (April 4, 1823), to station more troops at or near the city and agreed to furnish land for barracks. Nothing seems to have been done on this line and in the spring of 1824 all of the United States troops were withdrawn on account of the lack of accommodations. Council on April 15 adopted resolutions appointing a committee to correspond with the Secretary of War with a view of having at least two com panies regularly stationed here. The Secretary agreed to move the troops back if suitable and healthful barracks were selected. A com mittee for this purpose was appointed by Council, but no report was ever made. In March, 1826, the Secretary of War asked that he be informed as to the most eligible site for barracks. Mayor Daniell and Aldermen Shellman and Williams were appointed and reported that a site on the Great Ogeechec road a short distance beyond the one-mile post was deemed the most eligible and could be had for $3,000. If desired to locate the barracks in the city a good situation could be selected upon the extreme southern limit of the commons (now Gwinnett to New Houston streets) and the City would yield the same to the government free of charge as long as occupied for mil itary purposes (March 16.) The government appears to have taken advantage of this, as in 1831 the proceedings of Council show that the Secretary of War was then requested to remove the troops from the Oglethorpe Cantonment and permanently locate them in the populous part of the city, and a petition was forwarded to Congress asking it to erect suitable barracks. It had been the custom to move the troops from Oglethorpe Cantonment during the summer owing to the illness that prevailed at that time. In the memorial sent to Washington it was urged that if the barracks were established in the city this necessity would disappear. Barracks suitable for 100 sol diers were asked for in order that the city might be benefited by their presence, particularly at a time when from the periodical emigration of many of the whites a military force was most needed. The use of the theatre was tendered by the owners as a barracks for this sum mer. Citizens in the vicinity protested' but Council, sustained this use of the building and granted permission to the military to fence in the space between the theatre and the Academy grounds on the north. The troops were in good health throughout the summer, sustaining the contention that they could be permanently located in the city. In November, 1832, the Mayor was instritcted to corre spond with the Secretary of War for the erection of suitable bar-

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

155

racks, and on the following February 7 a committee was appointed to designate the land and fix the price, the government having ex pressed its intention of keeping troops at Savannah permanently. On July n, 1833, "a block of lots, ten in number, directly to the south of Liberty street and east of Bull street, and opposite the centre of Brown ward," was offered for a cantonment for $12,000. The offer was accepted and here permanent barracks were built and the ground continued in use as a barracks after the civil war. The old buildings were torn down to make place for the present De Soto Hotel in i860. At the time the ground was bought by the govern ment (1833) Liberty street was ordered widened to 150 feet.
A new guard house was built by the City in 1822 at a "cost of $i,6co. The guard used the fife and drum until 1825, when they were abolished, but the calling of the hour was continued. No records appear of any increase in the watch or of changes in its management from 1820 to 1830. As the city remained almost stationary the old service was doubtless satisfactory. The old Mayor's court was abolished by act of the Legislature in 1819 and a Court of Common Pleas and Oyer and Terminer was established. Owing to the ex pense attached thereto the representatives in the Legislature were requested in October, 1822, to have repealed the law which had vested control of the jail and court house in the Mayor and Aldermen. At this time the City had under consideration the propriety of erecting a new court house in Chippewa square. On December 21, 1822, the Legislature passed a bill vesting control of the court house and jail in the Justices of the Inferior Court and the sheriff. As the property belonged to the City and it had expended on the jail and for the keep of prisoners amounts exceeding $50,000, Council refused to give up the keys until the City was reimbursed. The justices and sheriff appealed to the Superior Court and a writ was obtained directing the City t.o surrender possession. Mayor Morrison, Recorder Gor don and Mr. Nicoll were appointed to represent the City. On Feb ruary 20, 1823, a peremptory mandamus was issed by the Judge of the Superior Court and the Mayor was directed by Council to com ply with the order and deliver possession of the building to the sheriff. In 1834 the City desired to secure control of the jail again and the delegation was called on for the necessary legislation. On December 4 an Act was passed vesting control of the jail in the May or and Aldermen again, and an ordinance \vas passed constituting them commissioners of the jail. The Inferior Court and the sheriff repeated the tactics the City had pursued eleven years before and the City had to resort to mandamus proceedings to get possession. The building was found in a ruinous state. The necessity for a new court house had existed for years. On December 30, 1816, Aldermen Harden, Henry and Mclntosh were appointed a committee to report

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

ways and means to build a new court house for the county and to

j

confer with the Justices of the Inferior Court and request their co-

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operation. Again in 1819 the committee on jail and court house was

directed to obtain plans for a new court house and devise measures

for building one on a lot appropriated for the purpose in Brown

ward. It was not until 1830. though, that the court house was built,

the court being held in the Exchange temporarily. At this time the

City Council elected the clerk and sheriff of the Court of Common

Pleas, and all the presentments of its grand juries were read to

Council.

I

The lighting of the city remained poor. Street lamps were not

lighted in 1820 and 1821 from June 10 to November I. Winter

strained oil cost the City $i a gallon and summer strained oil 80

cents at this time. In 1822 -the lighting of the City lamps was dis

pensed with, except of those on public pumps and wharves. In the

next year lighting was resumed. The expense was soon regarded as

out of proportion to the value of the lamps to the public. A com

mittee of Council in January, 1826. reported that the expense was at

least $3.000 a year. The city was spread over so much ground, the

report stated, that even this expenditure afforded but a feeble light

in the extreme parts of the city and only the centre of the city re

ceived the benefit of the lamp, system. The amount paid was held to

be too large for the benefits received. Few persons were found in

the streets at night, the committee said, and it accordingly recom

mended that the contract be abandoned except for fifty lamps at pub

lic pumps and docks, two before the Exchange and two before the

guard house, with private parties allowed to use the City lamps at

their own expense. This was adopted. On July 2, 1829, lighting

again came up and a committee was appointed to see if the advan

tages offset the expense. At this time there was only sixty-four

public lamps in the city. The City's finances were at such a low ebb

that this meagre lighting was -allowed to continue and it was some

years later before there was any decided improvement. Many pri

vate citizens, though, placed lamps in front of their premises.

During this period the City financially v/as in a very unsatisfac

tory state. Back in 1804 the City's revenues were given as $15,000.

In 1814 the permanent revenues, had increased to $26,165 and the ex

penditures were about the same amount. Its indebtedness to the

banks then was $8,400. Salaries and the number of the watch were

reduced in an effort to economize sufficiently to meet the demands

upon the treasury. The extraordinary calls resulting from the war

and the necessity for loans for some public woiks served to plunge

the City further in debt. In May, 1819, the Mayor was authorized

to contract a loan not exceeding $15,000 at 5 per cent, for erecting

a powder magazine. Owing to the distressed condition of the City

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

157

an additional tax was imposed on persons and property on January 15, 1821. In July $20,000 was borrowed to meet pressing obligations. In September, 1822, a committee was appointed to inquire into what measures might be advantageously adopted to retrench expenditures and secure a better collection of revenues. Much complaint existed of the inequality of taxation. Many persons of wealth, said a com mittee's report, many engaged in business, and many who derive all benefits the City can give them, contribute in a verjr limited degree to its support. The committee suggested a general overhauling of the tax system. No reform of importance resulted. It was several years later before any successful.efforts were made to more equitably distribute the burdens of taxation.
Although embarrassed the City did not hesitate to be scrupulous as to the sources of income, -tinder a law of December, 1818, free persons of color brought into tne State were liable to seizure and a fine of $100, which if unpaid resulted in their being sold as slaves, one-half of the proceeds to go to the city treasury. Council on March 20, 1823, instructed the treasurer not to receive such monies. The City's credit appears to have been very low at this time, as in 1824 a report was made to Cduncil that it was unable to borrow $S,poo from any bank. On December 9, of this year. Mayor Daniell v was instructed to see if ninety thousand dollars could be had in any part of the United States with which to meet all debts and so con solidate the City's liabilities. The City then owed $86,000, of which $13*050 was for Exchange stock, $38,800 on dry culture contracts and the balance notes outstanding. < He appears to have been successful in his efforts, as on July 12, 1828, the City's standing financially was given as follows: Funded debt, $79,000; unfunded $19,000, total $98,ooo. Interest increased this to $105,321. Debts due the City were $26,976', and the net City liabilities were given as $78,345. Although its treasury was not overflowing the City did not hesitate to under take great works of internal improvement when the necessity arose from this time. The improvement of the harbor and better com munication with the interior became imperative. For the former State and Federal aid were asked. In October, 1825, Aldermen Gumming, Harris and Williams were appointed to enquire as to what means were advisable for deepening the Savannah river below the city in connection with the establishment of a naval depot by the general government. On December 29 this committee recommended a memorial to Congress for the icmoval of the wrecks in the.river, which had been sunk by the City. It was estimated that nothing effective could be done toward clearing the river for less than $50.ooo, which the City was not in a position to spend. Congress, it said, should be urged to establish here a naval depot for building a certain class of vessels, "which would keep the government's eyes on

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

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the river." "This preference of the government would serve," ac

cording to the committee, "to disclose new sources of wealth, open

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a demand for many of our productions, and with spirited exertions

j

in internal improvements by the State show what the emphatic

I

language of Gen. Barnard has declared, that Savannah is destined to

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become the New York of the South." The Savannahians of this time

!

had an abundant faith in the future of the port. Seven years before

:

this the value of Hutchinsons island was appreciated. In Novem-

i

ber, i8i8? Aldermen Charlton and Cope prepared, at the request of

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Council, a memorial to the Legislature to extend the limits of the

city agreeable to plans prepared by the city surveyor. In this

]

memorial, adopted by Council, they said: "On the opposite side of

that branch of the river which separ.-ites the city from Hutchinsons

island, it is proposed to erect an extensive range of wharves and

warehouses which, carrying with them a certain class of population

and other incidents of commerce will temporarily and unquestionably

require a very active interposition of city regulations." They ac

cordingly included in their plan for extended limits all that part of



Hutchinsons island lying between the lands belonging to William

!

Neyle and Ebenezer Jackson. Eighty years passed before the Sea-

;

board Air Line practically realized the anticipations of these early

\

Savannahians.

I

The memorial to Congress referred to, which was subsequently



adopted, asked for the removal--of the wrecks sunk in the channel

during the revolution,- as they were placed there for the public de-

!

fense, and included a statement of the bar and the river, showing

>

their advantages over Charleston and St. Marys, confirming the

surveys made by government officials. The memorial was success

ful. Congress appropriated $50,000 for removing the wrecks and

deepening the river, but this did not accomplish much. By March

.

24, 1830, $45,916.59 had been expended with very poor results. So

)

unsatisfactory were they that Congressman Wayne was requested to

r

get the City a statement of how the money had been expended, and

in June, 1831, a committee of Council was appointed to confer with

Henry Schultze in reference to his plan for improving navigation.

Schultze pledged himself to improve the river so that vessels draw

ing eighteen feet of water could come up to the city, at a total out

lay of $150,000, the work to be finished in two years and to be of a

permanent nature. The committee in its report spoke highly of

Schultzes ability and the success of his work elsewhere, and sug

gested that the Legislature be appealed to to make an appropria

tion for the work as one benefitting the entire State. This course

was decided on but was "subsequently reconsidered, with a view of

soliciting assistance from Congress. In September (1831; Dr.

William C. Daniell was requested by the Secretary of War to secure

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

159

from Council a statement as to the City's intention to apply for fur

ther aid from Congress, to remove the obstructions in the river. Dr.

Daniell, who had had charge of *he work under the previous appro

priation of $50,000, was requested in return by Council to advise it

of the work which had been done, the extent to which the depth of

the river had been increased on the shoals and wrecks by the dredge

boat and whether of sufficient depth and length to. justify the pilots

in taking out vessels of deeper draught than formerly, and the ex

pense incurred. He was also asked to state what it would cost to

put the dredge boat in good order. Daniell gave no satisfactory

information and Council's committee reported that it was a fact

pretty generally believed by those best acquainted with the subject

that.vessels of no* deeper draught could come over the wrecks than

formerly. The improvements in the channel had been but partial and

temporary. The river, the committee held, was. capable of great im

provement under the direction of skillful and competent engineers,

and it recommended to Council that the general government be asked

to make an appropriation to be employed by the City under the direc

tion of an intelligent engineer to be sent by Congress. Nothing

seems to have resulted. In January, 1840, Capt. J. Mackay, of the

corps of topographical engineers, prepared a plan for the improve

ment of the river and presented it to Council with a map, showing

obstructions to be put in the back river for the purpose of deepen

ing the river in the main channel in front of the city. Capt. Mackay desired the City to secure an appropriation from Congress to carry

i

out his plan and the Council adopted the suggestion.

In 1839 an appropriation was sought from the Legislature for

deepening the river and removing sand bars between Augusta and

Savannah so as to permit of steamboat navigation at low water.

Again in 1845 Savannah united with Augusta in a petition to the

State Legislature for an appropriation to improve the river between

the two cities. In neither instance do the efforts' appear to have met

with success.

In 1839 a movement was also started to bridge the river. On

May 23 Mayor R. M. Charltoii was requested to call a meeting of

citizens to receive the report of a committee of citizens which had

been appointed to examine into and report on the feasibility and cost

of erecting a bridge over the Savannah river. This committee urged

Council to build a bridge "to bring Savannah into direct communi

cation with South Carolina," and recommended that the Mayor call a

meeting of citizens to cdnsider the propriety of the City undertaking

the construction of a bridge for this purpose. The meeting was

called for May 28, 1839.

The Georgian, ofc May 28, 1839: "We hope it is not necessary to

dwell on the importance of a measure of this nature. It would pro-

160

HISTORY OF THE- CITY GOVERNMENT.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------.--

mote that social intercourse which is so desirable among- sister States. It would improve our market and it would do many other tilings of public benefit." On May 30, the day after the public meet ing, the Georgian said it was "The greatest meeting ever held in this city at this season of the year for the purpose of advancing the pros perity of our city and our State. We have been convinced \vith Mr. McAllister that 'now is the time to strike the blow; now will Savan nah, like t;he strong man whose arms were bound, arise in her might and burst her bonds asunder/ And we have been convinced with him, and every day shows the fact more clearly, that 'Georgia is the gate through which the great trade of the mighty West is destined to pass to the Atlantic ocean/ Could our fellow-citizens of the interior but witness the enthusiasm, the determination that exists in Savannah to forward the true interests of Georgia, they would shake off that apathy which seems to have made them rather indifferent to the fate of the great seaport of their State."
The speakers at the public meeting were Judges Berrien and Nicoll, R. R. Cuyler and M. H. McAllister. It having been repre sented to the meeting that a commission had been constituted under authority of a resolution of the State of South Carolina with instruc tions to enquire and report to the Legislature of that State at its next session whether in the event of the construction by the citizens of South Carolina of a road which, commencing at some point on the old C. & S. stage road should be continued to Savannah back river, opposite the city of Savannah, the citizens of Georgia would con struct a bridge across the Savannah river to unite with said road, or establish any other and what kind of communication between the said road and the city of Savannah, the following resolutions were adopted:
"Resolved, by the citizens of Savannah in public meeting assem bled, That they duly appreciate the mutual benefits which will result from establishing the communication oroposed by the citizens of South Carolina, and will cordially unite with them in the accomplish ment of that object by the construction of a bridge or bridges to con nect the road proposed to be constructed by the citizens of South Carolina to Savannah back river, with the city of Savannah.
"Resolved, That the committee appointed at a former meeting of the citizens of Savannah employ an engineer to make such surveys and estimates as they may deem necessary in the execution of the duty confided to them and that the corporation of the city be re quested to provide for the payment of the same a sum not exceed ing $500."
Robert M. Charlton was chairman of the meeting and J. S. Fay acted as secretary. No further allusion to the bridge project appears in the minutes of Council. There is no record of the $500 requested

HISTORY OE THE CITY GOVERNMENT. 161
having been appropriated by the City, so far as the corporation was concerned, and it would seem that the project was soon allowed to die.
The city's reputation for hospitality continued to be well main tained. Gen. Scott visited Savannah in 1822 and a committee was appointed to entertain and assist him in inspecting the posts in the vicinity of the city. In October, 1823, the hospitality of the city was extended to Commodore Porter, who arrived on the steam galliot Sea Gull. The Mayor and three Aldermen were appointed to invite him to a public dinner on the part of the citizens and to partake of other courtesies, and to present fruits and vegetables to the crew. The commodore declined the dinner but accepted the fruits and veg etables for his men. On November 29, 1825, Commodores Bainbridge, Biddle and Warrenton were in the city. The Mayor and Aldermen called on them in a body at the City Hotel. In April, 1827, Major General Brown arrived and was called on by them in a body. Again on December 31, 1835, Council called on "their distin guished fellow-citizen, William H. Crawford." The crowning event of this character, though, was the visit of General Lafayette. The Council on August 5, 1824, formally extended him an invitation to visit Savannah. In October the representatives from Chatham were requested to secure an appropriation from the Legislature to be placed at the disposal of Council in entertaining the distinguished French patriot. On January 29, .1825, Mayor Daniell and Aldermen Harris, Bulloch, Minis and Jackson were appointed to prepare a program for the general's reception and entertainment. The Mayor and Aldermen Bulloch and Harris were appointed to receive General Lafayette on his arrival in the city and to arrange for his reception of the City Council, at which time the Mayor was to deliver a suit able address of welcome. Col. Warren, of Pendleton, S. C., who was wounded at the siege of Savannah, became the special guest of the City. From Governor Troup came the word that Lafayette was to be considered the guest of the State from the moment he set foot on Georgia soil and should everywhere be provided with suitable accommodations at the expense of the State.
The City Council, the citizens and the military each appointed committees, which united in one body under the name of The La fayette Committee. The following gentlemen composed this com mittee: William C. Daniell, Mayor; Joseph W. Jackson, Chairman; and Aldermen Charles Harris, Isaac Minis, George Millen and Wil-* Ham R. Waring, from the City Council; George Jones. Ebenezer Jackson, Alexander Telfair, John Shellman, Sheftall Sheftall, Rob ert Habersham, and John Screven, from the citizens; and Col. James Marshall, Major William Thorne Williams, Captain James Hunter. Captain Charles A. Higgins, Captain Robert W. Pooler,

162

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

;

Captain Edward F. Tattnall and Lieutenant George Schley, from the

!

military. The arrangements were made on the most liberal scale

1

and reflected much credit upon the committee and citizens.

1

Lafayette arrived in Savannah on Monday, the IQth March, 1825.

I

"At half past five o'clock," says a pamphlet published shortly after-

j

ward, "by a signal from the Chatham Artillery, the military were

|

warned to repair to their several parade grounds. The line was

I

formed at 8 o'clock, soon after which, there being no appearance of

I

the boat, the troops piled their arms and were dismissed until the

j

arrival. At an early hour the French and American flags were

'

hoisted on the Exchange steeple, the Revenue cutter Gallatin, Capt.

I

Matthews, was also decorated with flags, and the merchant vessels

\

were dressed in the same manner. On Bay street, on each side of

|

the entrance to the city from under the bluff, were placed two French

1

brass pieces, one of which, tradition informs us, was received in this

country by the same vessel that brought over Lafayette; they were

:

manned by a company of masters of vessels and others who volun-

'

teered for the occasion. The resort to the eastern part of the bluff

was general at an early part of the morning, continuing to increase

during the day, and at the time of the arrival was crowded with la

dies and citizens, on every part which could command a view of the

landing. A temporary landing was erected at the wharf, consisting

of a flight of steps and a platform. During the morning many an

|

eye was strained in the hopeless task of transforming the fog banks

'

and mists, which hung over the low lands between Savannah and

I

Tybee, into the steamboat bearing the guest of the nation. About 9

o'clock, however, the mists dispersed, the skies were cleared, and the

remainder of the day was as pleasant and delightful as spring and a

balmy atmosphere could make it. At this time the weather cleared

up, a gentle breeze arose, blowing directly up the river, as if to add

speed to the vessel which was to land him on our shores. At an

early hour the Committee of Reception, deputed from the Joint

Committee, together with Colonels Brailsford and Randolph, Aides

of His Excellency, Governor Troup, proceeded to Fort Jackson in

three barges decorated with flags and rowed by seamen in blue jack

ets and white trousers under the command of Capts. Nicholls, Camp

bell and Dubois.

"The first notice of the arrival of the welcome vessel was by a

few strokes of the Exchange bell. A few minutes after, the volume

of smoke which accompanied her was peiceptible over the land; she

was then about twelve or fifteen miles off, but rapidly approaching.

The intelligence 'the boat's in sight,' spread with electrical rapidity,

and the bustle which had in some measure subsided, recommenced,

and every one repaired to the spot where his landing was to take

place. The troops were immediately formed and marched to the

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

163

lower part of Bay street, where they were placed in position on the green, in front of the avenue of trees, their right on East Bay. A more gallant and splendid military display we have never seen; the effect was beautiful; every corps exceeded its customary numbers; many who had not appeared under arms for years, shouldered them on this occasion, and the usual pride of appearance and honorable emulation was increased by the occasion. Those who know the Vol unteer companies of Savannah will believe this to be no empty com pliment.
"As the steamboat passed Fort Jackson, she was boarded by the Committee of Reception, and on their ascending the deck the Gen eral was addressed by their Chairman, George Jones, Esq. An ad dress was also delivered by Col. Brailsford in behalf of Governor Troup. To both these addresses the General made an appropriate reply, expressive of the pleasure he felt at visiting Georgia. The boat now came up in gallant style, firing by the way, and with a full band of music on board playing the Marseilles Hymn and other fav orite French and American airs. Her appearance was imposing and beautiful, to which the splendid and glittering uniforms of the officers from South Carolina, who attended the General, greatly added. As the steamboat came up to her anchorage, a salute was fired by the Revenue cutter Gallatin, Capt. Matthews. General La fayette was now assisted into the first barge, accompanied by the committee and others, the other boats being occupied by the re mainder of the suite. As the boat reached the shore the excitement in every face increased. A line was then formed from the landing place on the wharf, facing inwards, composed of the Mayor and Al dermen of the city, the Clergy, the Judges and Officers of the Dis trict Court, the Superior Court and the Court of Oyer and Terminer, the Union Society. Deputations from the Hibernian Society, with their badges and banner; from the St. Andrews' Society, with their badges; and from the Agricultural Society, with their badges; and citizens.
"The officers and gentlemen who accompanied the General in the steamboat from Charleston, besides the Governor of that State, were Col. F. K. Huger, Major General Youngblood, Gen. Geddes, Adjt.-Gen. Earle, Col. Keith, Col. Butler, Col. Chesnutt, Col. Brown, Col. Clounie, Col. Fitzsimmons, Col. Taylor, Major Warley, Major Hamilton, Capt. Moses and Messrs. Bee and McCord. Col. Hugef and Major Hamilton alone accepted the invitation of the committee to land and participate in the ceremonies of the proces sion; the constitution of South Carolina having prohibited the Gov ernor of that State from passing its limits, obliged him to decline the civility of the committee; and courtesy to the chief magistrate of their State, no doubt, was the dominant motive with the officers who

i tl

164

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

accompanied him in likewise declining the invitation to join in the
review and procession. "As the General placed his foot upon the landing place, a salute
was fired by the Chatham Artillery in line on the bluff, with four brass field pieces, 4 and 6 pounders, one of which was captured at Yorktown. He was here received by Dr. Wm. C. Daniell, Mayor of the city. Six cheers were now given by the whole of the citizens who were assembled on the gratifying occasion; for which the General expressed his grateful acknowledgements to those nearest him. Sup ported by the Mayor, and attended by the Committee of Reception, he now ascended the bluff, followed by his suite, the members of the Corporation, the Societies and citizens. Here he was again enthus iastically cheered. On arriving at the top of the bluff on the green he was presented to Governor Troup, by whom, in the most feeling manner, he was welcomed to the soil of Georgia. He was then in troduced to several revolutionary soldiers; among those present were General Stewart, Colonel Shellman, Eb. Jackson, Sheftall Sheftall and Captain Rees. The utmost animation appeared to sparkle in the eyes of the General at this time.
"The officers of the brigade and of the regiment were then in troduced. While these introductions were going on, a salute wars fired along the whole line of infantry. The General and suite, to gether with the Governor and suite, the revolutionary officers, May or, Committee of Reception, guests. General Harden and suite, Col. McAllister and the Field Officers for the adjoining counties, pro ceeded on foot down the front of the line, in review. After passing; the troops the General ascended the carriage prepared for his recep tion, and the procession moved up East Broad street to Broughton street, from thence to West Broad street, from thence to South Broad street, - down that street to Abercorn street, and through Abercorn street to Oglethorpe square."
F. M. Stone, marshal of the city, with staff of officers, led the procession. The marshals of the parade were James Barnard, J. Habersham, A. Cope, E. Bourquin, Samuel M. Bond, Joseph S. Pelot.
"When the procession commenced moving a third salute was hred by the marine corps. About half-past five o'clock in the afternoon the General arrived at the lodgings appropriated for him at Mrs. Maxwell's, the same in which Governor Troup resided. The time of his landing was 3 o'clock, so that the reception and procession took up about two hours and a half. The troops then filed off to the south common and fired a national salute, after which they returned to the quarters of the General, to whom they paid the marching salute. During the passage of the procession the windows and doors, as well as the spacious streets through which the procession passed, were

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

165

crowded to excess; and the expression of enthusiastic feeling was

repeatedly displayed by all, from the highest to the lowest. He was

saluted by the ladies from every place affording a view of the pro

cession, by the waving of handkerchiefs; which he returned by re

peated and continued inclinations of the head, bowing in acknowledge

ment. At sundown, another salute was fired by the marine volunteer

corps. "The dinner to him took place that evening at 7 o'clock in the

Council chamber, and was numerously attended and well conducted.

On Sunday he attended service at the Episcopal Church, and next

day, under the direction of the Masonic bodies and with Masonic

ceremonies, he laid the corner stone of the monument to General

.j

Greene in Johnson square, and of the monument designed for Count

Pulaski in Chippewa square, near the spot where the gallant Pole

fell when leading the charge at the siege of Savannah, October 9,

1779. Several other interesting ceremonies transpired during the

day and that evening, about 6 o'clock, he left the city for Augusta,

with all the civic and military. compliments due to the Nation's

guest."

Council at the request of John Shellman, chairman of the com

mittee to erect monuments to these revolutionary soldiers, on March

24, 1825, confirmed the selection of sites in Johnson and Chippewa squares. The corner stones were laid by Lafayette amid much pomp.

I

The shaft in Johnson square was the first completed and served for

many years as a monument to both Greene and Pulaski. On March

31, 1829, the committee were allowed to place the monument in the

centre of Johnson square, the original plan having provided for its

erection on one side of the square. Th monument committee was

composed of John Shellman, John Stevens, W. B. Bulloch, J. V.

Bevan, R. W. Habersham, A. Porter, James P. Screven, William

Gaston, Alex Telfair, A. B. Fannin, J. Bond Read. A lottery, the

"Greene and Pulaski Monument Lottery," was authorized by the

State under an Act of November 30, 1826. John Stevens, William B.

Bulloch, James B. Read, Richard W. Habersham, James P. Screven,

Alexander Telfair, Abraham B. Fannin, Mordecai Myers, John

Shellman, William P. Marshall, Anthony Porter, Samuel B. Park-

man .and Joseph Vallance Bevan were named in this as commission

ers to raise by lottery a fund for the erection of monuments to

Generals Greene and Pulaski. The lottery continued its drawings for

a number of years, its advertisements being found in the 4O: s. The

commissioners instead of conducting the lottery, sold the right to

private parties in consideration of the payment to the monument

fund of $1,000 a year. The State also made an appropriation to the

monument fund.

166

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

CHAPTER VII.

ERA OP INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

Forty-first Administration, September 13, 1830, to September 12,

1831: Mayor, William R. Waring; Aldermen, Thomas Clark,

}

George W. Owens, G. Shick, Isaac Minis, J. B. Gaudry, A. J. C.

Shaw, Fred. Densler, Jacob Shaffer, James Eppinger, William Mo

rel, resigned March 10, 1831; George A. Ash, A. Scudder, F. H.

Wellman, Dr. Richard Dennis Arnold, from May 5, 1831.

Forty-second Administration, September 12, 1831, to September

10, 1832: Mayor, William R. Waring; Aldermen, George Shick,

James Eppinger, George W. Owens, R. D. Arnold, Jacob Shaffer, F.

H. Wellman, resigned January, 1832; Isaac Minis, Thomas Clark, A.

J. C. Shaw, J. B. Gaudry, resigned May 3, 1832; Fred Densler, A.

Scudder, George A. Ash, William T. Williams, from February 9, 1832.

Forty-third Administration, September 10, 1832, to September

9, 1833: Mayor, George W. Owens, resigned July TI, 1833; W. T.

Williams, from July n, 1833, to September 9, 1833; Aldermen, George

Shick, Thomas Clark, James Eppinger, George A. Ash, Jacob Shat-

fer, Fred Densler, W. T. Williams, Amos Scudder, A. J. C. Shaw,

Thomas Purse, William Robertson, E. De la Motta, R. D. Arnold,

George W. Owens.

Forty-fourth Administration, September 9, 1833, to September

8, 1834: Mayor, William T. Williams; Aldermen, Jacob Shaffer,

James Eppinger, resigned Feburary 10, 1834; W. W. Gordon, Jos

eph W. Jackson, Thomas Purse, Thomas Clark, P. M. Kollock, A.

J. C. Shaw, Amos Scudder, N. J. Bayard, resigned June 12, 1834;

William Robertson, George W. Owens, George A. Ash, R. M.

Charlton, from March 6, 1834; Dr. W. H. Cuyler, from June 20,

1834-

Forty-fifth Administration, September 8, 1834, to September 14,

1835: Mayor, W. W. Gordon; Aldermen, Thomas Clark, Jacob

Shaffer, R. M. Charlton, George W. Owens, W. H. Cuyler, Thomas

Purse, Adam Cope, Henry McAlpin, Amos Scudder, C. S. Henry,

P. M. Kollock, A. J. C. Shaw, M. Hopkins.

Forty-sixth Administration, September 14, 1835, to September

12. 1836: Mayor, W. W. Gordon, resigned March 31, 1836; William

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

167

H. Cuyler, from March 31 to September 12, 1836; Aldermen, Robert M. Charlton, resigned January 7, 1836; James H. Wade, William H. Stiles, William H. Cuyler, P. M. Kollock, Jacob Shaffer, A. T. C. Shaw, Henry McAlpin, Isaac DeLyon, Matthew Hopkins, Thomas Clark, Thomas Purse, Amos Scudder, John C. Nicoll, from Janu
ary 21, 1836. Forty-seventh Administration, September 1.2, 1836, to Septem
ber n, 1837: Mayor, John C. Nicoll; Aldermen, William H. Stiles, W. W. Gordon, A. J. C. Shaw, Amos Scudder, M. Hopkins, Peter Shick, Jacob Shaffer, Aaron Champion, James H. Wade, Thomas Purse, John Millen, W. H. Cuyler, M. Dillon.
Forty-eighth Administration, September n, 1837, to September 10, 1838: Mayor, Matthew Hall McAllister; Aldermen. Amos Scud,der, Peter G. Shick, John W. Anderson, R. M. Charlton, John Wag ner, Fred Densler, John C. Nicoll, resigned April 27, 1838: W. H. Stiles, resigned May 10, 1838; William Scarborough, resigned April 27, 1838; Alex Drysdale, Michael Dillon, R. M. Goodwin, James H. Wade, R. R. Cuyler, from May 26, 1838; Joseph Gumming and James Smith, from May 26, 1838.
Forty-ninth Administration, September 10, 1838, to September 9, 1839: Mayor, Matthew Hall McAllister, resigned March 28, 1839; Robert M. Charlton, from March 28 to September 9, 1839; Aldermen, Robert M. Charlton, W. R. Waring, R. R. Cuyler, Joseph Gum ming, Fred Densler, John W. Anderson, James Smith, R. M. Goodwin, Alex Drysdale, Michael Dillon, Amos Scudder, J. F. Posey, J. Wagner, Matthew Hall McAllister.
Fiftieth Administration, September 9, 1839, to September 14, 1840: Mayor, Robert M. Charlton; Aldermen, William R. Waring, Gilbert Butler, M. H. McAllister, Michael Dillon, John Wagner, John F. Posey, Robert M. Goodwin, Frederick Densler, John W. Anderson, Alex Drysdale, Richard R. Cuyler, William H. Davis, Matthew Hopkins.

Savannah early awakened to the necessity of quicker and cheaper communication with the interior of the country if it was to prosper and develop into the great commercial centre its citizens believed its superior position entitled it to be. The diversion of some of its trade to Charleston in the early 2o's served to intensify this feel ing. Attention has been called to the early efforts to deepen the river. Following these came a movement for a canal to connect the Savannah with the Ogeechee and Altamaha rivers, the ruins of which are to-day known as the Ogeechee canal, and are controlled by the Central of Georgia Railroad. In February, 1826, a mass meet-

168

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

ing of citizens was called at the Exchange to consider the contem

plated canal, a grant of which had been made to E. Jenckes. Noth

ing definite in the way of assisting the enterprise resulted. On De

cember 2i. 1826, Council granted permission to the Commissioners

of the Savannah, Ogeechee and Altamaha Canal, as it was named,

to cut the canal through land belonging to the City. Alexander Tel-

fair, the president of the company, stated in a letter to Council re

questing financial assistance, that the canal would "open new

sources of profit to enterprising men and thus add to the aggregate

wealth of the city. It is an enterprise undertaken as a measure of

public benefit imperiously required by the declining commerce of the

city." On January 5. 1827, Aldermen Morrison, Williams and Shick

were appointed to inquire into the propriety of Council subscribing

for a portion of the canal stock. This committee reported in Feb

ruary in favor of the City subscribing for $7,000 of canal stock, or 70

shares at $100 each. About $21,000 was then said to be needed to

complete the work, and the company expected the Planters Bank

and the Bank of the State of Georgia to advance $7,000 each. The

report was adopted and Mayor Jackson was authorized to borrow

$3.500 from each of the banks for this purpose. The Bank of the

State of Georgia subsequently declined to advance $7.000 to the canal

company and the City increased its subscription to 100 shares, cr $10,-

ooo. On January 12, 1828, $7,000 was reported borrowed to pay the

first subscription. The City made no further contribution to the en

terprise until 1834, when it loaned the company $1,000 on its note.

On December 10, 1835, Mayor Gordon was instructed to advise the

president and directors of the canal company that the City would pay

an additional assessment of $17 a share if the other shareholders

would do likewise. On March 2, 1837, Amos Scudder offered to buy

the City's stock at $10 a share, and on March 16 the offer was ac

cepted, but the transaction apparently fell through, as on April n,

1839, $500, or $5 a share on the City's holdings was advanced to the

canal directors, and $367.50 to build an embankment through the

City lot. The directors designed to improve the canal from the City

to the Ogeechee river and make it navigable throughout its entire

'

length. The company, to accomplish this, had borrowed $20,000

from the banks and assessed each share $5. The canal seems from

the reports to have never been the success that was anticipated

and its usefulness as a feeder to the business of the city was much

less than had been expected. In November, 1836, the canal was

advertised for sale under <m execution. A memorial was signed by

a majority of the individual stockholders praying the Legislature

then in session to authorize the canal company to reduce the par

value of the stock held by the State and others. As, if the sale

were perfected, the City would lose its entire holdings, the Mayor

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

169

was authorized to give the assent of the City to the memorial, which seems to have been successful.
In 1840 another application was made to the City for a loan of $25,000. Council then appointed a committee to investigate the status of the enterprise. The committee reported on February 20 that the canal was constructed at a cost of about $200,000 as far as the Ogeechee river. Owing to the improper construction of wooden instead of stone or brick locks, and other injudicious operations oi" the company, the canal in a short time became of so little use for the transportation of produce, and so large was the amount expended on it that the stockholders became dispirited and suffered the work to go almost to ruins. In 1835 a few enterprising citizens purchased the stock of the State and some of the banks and largest individual stockholders, at $5 to $10 a share, and obtained from the Legislature a renewal, of the right to continue the canal not only to the Altamaha, but to the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers. They reorgan ized the company and commenced erecting a brick lock at the Sa vannah river by widening the.canal as far as the Augusta road and by raising the banks to the first lock. To do this $20,000 was bor rowed from the -banks. Finding that this "would not complete the work, and the further necessary expenditure being estimated at $25,000, the new company appealed to. the City for a loan of that amount. The City was a stockholder to the extent of $10,000 cash paid for its 100 shares, and had recently, as stated, advanced $500. The increase in the value of the City property abutting on the canal, making it valuable for wharves, it was estimated, would be equal to one-third of the loan asked for and from other sources it was held that the City's revenues would be considerably augmented. It was pointed out that food and firewood supplies would be cheapened and that there would be an immense growth- in the lumber trade of the city. The Legislature had given power to the City at this time to raise $100,000 for internal improvements at an interest not to exceed 3 per cent. The committee pointed out that by issuing certificates in sums of $i, $2 and $3, which, would circulate practically as currency, money could be raised without the payment of any interest. The necessities of the community and the whole seaboard of Georgia for some safe circulating medium under $5 were so great that the peo ple were calling loudly for relief and such certificates would fur nish it. "The means are at hand," said the report, "and the sum can be loaned at 6 per cent, and thus while giving relief to the people the City can be adding to instead of diminishing its revenues. The canal will furnish adequate security for the money loaned, there being no other incumbrance on it but the $20,000 borrowed from the banks." The report was adopted and the $25,000 was loaned to the canal company to be repaid in five years at 7 per cent. The $100,000

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of scrip certificates were engraved for the City in Philadelphia at a cost of $1,207.75 and were put in circulation in 1840-41. Some of this internal improvement fund went to the payment and extending of dry culture contracts. The $25,000 was not sufficient for the work on the canal, and on June 17, 1841, the company requested a further
loan of $3,750 from the City. The City agreed to advance $3,000 if the Planters Bank would lend $1,250, on the same terms as the former loan. The next year (1842) in reporting the assets of the City a committee said the "funds invested in the canal and the loan to that company are to be regarded as unavailable." All of these extra expenditures did not appear to improve the canal sufficiently to
make it of especial value as a medium of communication with the interior. On April 21. 1842, Mayor Williams was directed to com municate with the president of the canal company and ascertain the probable expense of putting the canal in order to make it navigable for boats and rafts. Shortly after this it was decided to have the canal examined, the banks co-operating with the City in the expense, and the City appropriated $150 as its share. The next year (May 18, 1843), a committee was appointed by Council to investigate the con dition of the canal and report upon the expediency of taking the
work under the charge of the City and completing the same. No report appears in the proceedings of Council.
Public interest in the canal diminished to a considerable extent with the projecting of a railroad from Savannah to Macon. It was evident that the quicker communication railroads provided with the interior would naturally lessen the value of artificial waterways and reduce them to minor importance. The period was one of great plans for opening up the vast agricultural and mineral sections to development and diverting their products to Savannah as the chief port of the State. Not only in Savannah, but in various communi- * ties throughout Georgia this feeling was strong. In July, 1831, Mayor Waring, under order of Council, called a meeting of citizens to encourage a spirit of internal improvements manifested by citi zens in other sections of the State. There was a hearty response.
Savannah became the chief and leading factor in the movement and but for the generous encouragement of this City several great enter prises would have failed or been delayed in completion for some years. In October, 1833, a committee was appointed at a mass meeting of citizens to request the City Council to assist in estab lishing direct communication between Savannah,, Macon and Co lumbus by rail or canal. The real estate in the city at this time was valued at three million dollars. It was suggested by the citizens that on this basis the City could, if authorized by the Legislature, borrow on advantageous terms any amount it might require. The committee wanted the City to take stock in the enterprise to the

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171

extent of a half million dollars, a subscription vastly greater in its significance at that time than it would be now. John McPherson Berrien, chairman of the committee, made a strong argument be fore Council in behalf of municipal assistance for the project. Coun cil expressed its desire to promote it as far as it legally could. A statement from the city treasurer at the time showed real estate and other assets belonging the City of the value of $412,748. At the next meeting of Council, on October 31 (1833), a resolution by Alderman Jackscn was adopted stating that the City's resources and certainty of a greatly increased value of its property warranted the expectation that the sum of $500,000 could be raised by it to aid in the acomplishment of the plan for a railroad or canal: The Sena tor and Representatives from the county were appointed agents of the City temporarily to act with the agents of Macon and Colum bus. John Millen was shortly afterward appointed Savannah's agent. On January 9, 1834, Hon. John McPherson Berrien was requested by Council to ascertain at Washington upon what terms the ser vices of a competent officer of the engineering department could be obtained for making a survey, the charter having in the meantime been granted by the Legislature, and the statement was made that the City would, if necessary, contribute liberally towards the ex penses of such a survey. A committee was also appointed by Coun cil to correspond with those interested in the Union- Railroad and en deavor to secure a concert of efforts between the two chartered com panies. Alfred Cruger, a civil engineer of repute, placed the cost of a survey and estimate for a canal or railroad between Savannah and Macon at $40 a mile, basing his figures on a previous canal survey made in 1827-28. This included all expenses. Mr. Cruger was at the time engaged by the Steamboat Company. On May 15, 1834, Council decided to contribute $5,000 towards such survey on the condition that the balance necessary would be provided by Macon or from other sources. A few weeks later (July, 1834), Major McNeill ad vised the Council that he had been called on by the topographical bureau at Washington to repair to Savannah for the purpose of mak ing the desired survey. Major McNeill was an officer of high stand ing and distinguished reputation, but it was apprehended by Council that he could not begin the survey in time for its completion before the approaching session of the Legislature when it was desired to make a report and secure necessary legislation. Accordingly the Mayor and Aldermen Jackson, Gordon" and Robertson, a commit tee acting with him, were authorized to contract with Mr. Cruger to make the survey and the expenses were ordered born^ by the City treasury "in confidence that Macon would bear its reasonable pro portion." This committee was also authorized to meet President Camack, of the Georgia Railroad, and others in a conference at Au-

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
gusta in relation to internal improvements. Mr. Cruger presented a proposition to complete a survey for. $6,000, or for $40 a day, in cluding all expenses of assistance, subsistence, etc., and $15 a day extra for any time he might be required at Milledgeville during the session of the Legislature. The survey was to afford ample data lor estimating the cost of constructing either a canal or railroad. Coun cil's committee on July 24, 1834, made a contract with him on the $40 a day basis, not to exceed a total expense of $6.000. November 15 was set as the latest date for the completion of the survey. Mr. Crugers bill for the survey was $4,700, which was promptly paid by the City. His reports an 1 estimates were satisfactory to Council and showed the practicability of the proposed work, the facilities afforded by the absence of obstructions and the great and permanent advant ages which would result to both Savannah and Macon. The sur vey was adopted and Mayor Gordon, who had been requested by Council to attend the Legislature to represent Savannah's interests in matters of internal improvements, was authorized to correspond with the City of Macon and see what proportion of stock that cor poration would subscribe for. Council proposed that Savannah should subscribe for 5,000 shares and Macon was requested to sub scribe for at least half that number of shares. Mayor Gordon was also directed on January 10, 1835, to correspond with capitalists and see on what terms the City could borrow money based on its good faith and its interest in the undertaking. On February 19, 1835, Al derman Henry introduced a resolution providing for opening a sub scription book for stock in the contemplated Central Railroad and that the Mayor subscribe for 5,000 shares for the City of Savannah.
At a public meeting of the citizens of Macon the Mayor and Al dermen of that city were authorized to "transfer all the title and in terests and control which the corporation of Macon has in and to a charter for a railroad or canal granted by the Legislature of Georgia in the j-ear 1833 to the corporation of the City of Savannah, provided that should the city authorities of Macon offer to and secure to the City of Savannah within eighteen months from the time or said trans fer a good and sufficient security, to be adjudged so by the city authori ties of Savannah, for stock in said railroad or canal to the amount of $200,000, then and in that event the city authorities of Macon shall become and be entitled to all the rights, benefits and privileges to which the corporation of the city of Macon would have been en titled under the before recited Act as though no such transfer had been made." Savannah's Council deemed it inexpedient to accede to this and Savannah secured the rights vested heretofore in Macon without the restrictions Macon desired to impose.
A special committee of Council, composed of Mayor Gordon and Aldermen Thomas Purse, William H. Cuyler and Amos Scudder, re-

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
ported the city in a flourishing condition and the time propitious "for undertaking a work which although involving a heavy expend iture in the first instance cannot fail to place this city in a high rank and to give the citizens of this State those facilities to a market which are so much needed. Macon is not in a condition to partici pate and Savannah is thrown on its own resources. It can offer to capitalists disposed to a safe investment of money such security as will insure a loan of the sum which this City is pledged to subscribe. If books are opened this committee feels assured many citizens would subscribe and sufficient soon be taken to authorize the com mencement of the work." Five dollars a share was to be paid on each share at the time of subscribing. Mayor Gordon was author ized to subscribe for 5,000 shares, on which the City's first payment would be $25,000. As soon as 7,500 shares were subscribed an elec tion of directors was to be held according to the terms of the char ter. On April 30, 1835, letters were received by Council from Curtis Boltoh and William Gibbons, both of New York, the former re commending the mode of appointment of an agent, vesting him with full power to contract for a loan on twenty years stock at 6 per cent., and also pointing out the advantages to be derived in procuring a loan if Judge Wright should be appointed engineer-in-chief. Mr. Gibbons stated that he had received no encouragement in Wall street for subscriptions on a loan. On May 4, 1835, Mayor Gordon and Aldermen Henry, Purse and Cuyler were appointed to open subscrip tion books at Macon, Milledgeville, and Sandersville on Monday, June i. Messrs. William T. Williams, W. B. Bulioch, Joseph Cumming, George Anderson, J. M. Berrien and William ,aw were ap pointed commissioners to receive subscriptions at Savannah. Books were also ordered opened in twenty-two counties and commission ers were appointed in each with an agent of Savannah's Council to attend at each county on the dates specified. On June 4 Council re ceived the^ report of the Savannah commissioners. The book had been kept open three days and 1,102 shares had been subscribed for, equal to $110,200, and $5,510, or 5 per cent., paid in cash. The com missioners recommended that the subscription books be opened again and Council granted their request. By June 25 381 additional shares had been subscribed for, making a total at Savannah,, exclu sive of the City's subscription, of 1,849 shares. On June n Mayor Gordon was authorized to borrow $25,000 and pa\r the City's first in stallment on its 5,000 shares. The money was obtained from the Bank of the State of Georgia. Capt. Pooler was appointed agent to visit the other counties. Over 2,500 shares were taken at Savan nah, Macon, Milledgeville and Sandersville. On June 25 Council adopted a resolution directing the finance committee to prepare and report at its next meeting an ordinance authorizing the obtaining of

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a loan of a half million dollars on City stock to be issued on the faith and credit of the City, the money so borrowed to be appropri ated exclusively to the payment of its subscription to the Central Railroad stock. On July 9 the Mayor advised Council that he had subscribed for the 5,000 shares as directed. William Robertson was then engaged by the City to travel through various counties and obtain subscriptions to the stock.
When the Legislature met in the winter of 1835 a bill was intro duced conferring banking privileges on the Central Railroad Com pany. Opposition to this was aroused by parties who were applying ior a charter for the "Savannah Bank." A memorial to the Legisla ture was drafted at their instance and signed by some of those who had subscribed for the Central's stock. This memorial declared that if banking privileges were granted to the Central the stock would not be taken up or subscribed for. At a special meeting of Council on November 17, Council denounced this as not founded on fact and de clared that it was at variance with the expressed will of the major-* ity of citizens. Nevertheless the memorial prevailed and on Decem ber 10 Council in resolution expressed its deep mortification and re gret that the State Senate had refused to pass the bill giving banking privileges to the Central Railroad. The Board resolved that ''it would not be deterred by opposition or defeat from persevering in the great work it had undertaken, and that it will continue its efforts for the accomplishment of the same by every means within its power or resources, and that it accepted the proposition of Mr. William Williams to commence the work of constructing the railroad and that he be requested to proceed forthwith on the same."
The Mayor and Aldermen united with citizens in a town meeting that afternoon and appointed a committee to arrange for the trans portation of a committee of citizens to Milledgeville, the City de fraying the expense. Permission was also given Mr. Williams to lay loo feet of railroad on the route tor the Central, at his own ex pense, to inaugurate the great work, and the committee on streets and lanes was instructed to designate where the railroad should commence and make such other arrangements as were necessary Efforts to secure banking privileges were renewed, this time with suc cess, as on December 14 (1835) Council met to hear read a letter from Mayor Gordon announcing the passage of a bill giving bank ing privileges to the railroad and to join with citizens in a procession to begin the railroad and celebrate the passage of the bill. The committee was also ordered to illuminate the Exchange thar night in honor of the great event. At its next meeting the committee re ported that Williams had laid one hundred feet of the railroad at the head of Bull street as far as practicable, the iron not yet being ob tained for the rail. On December 27 the amended charter of the

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
Centra! was received and read to Council m and in accordance with its provisions, commissioners were appointed for the several counties and subscription books were ordered opened on Wednesdaj', Feb ruary 10, 1836. The Savannah commissioners appointed were W. B. Bulloch, W. W. Gordon, Robert Habersham, R. R. Cuyler, J. P. Williamson, G. W. Andersori, J. Stone, S- B. Parkman, B. Bur roughs, Isaac Minis. William Taylor, G. B. Lamar and J. P. Henry. Monday, March 2&, and the City Exchange, Savannah, were set by Council as the time and place for the election of the first directors of the Central. All monies received were ordered turned over to the Savannah commissioners. In the final disposition of the stock Macon, according to the promise made by Mayor Gordon to the Legis lature, was entitled to 2,500 shares, or, if there was any scaling down, to one-half as many shares of stock as Savannah, if it desired them. Macon later announced its determination to take 2,500 shares. On January 7 (1836) the Mayor was authorized by Council to bor row $50,000 from the Planters Bank, $50,000 from the Bank of the State of. Georgia, and $25,000 from the Marine and Fire Insurance Bank to enable the City to meets its subscription. The money was obtained at 6 per cent, semi-annually, but of the amount desired $40,ooo was borrowed from the Planters and Marine and Fire Insurance Banks each, and $45,000 from the Bank of the State of Georgia.
At this time G. B. L/amar, in a letter to Council recommended the construction of a double line of tracks on River street under the bluff to facilitate the transportation of goods and the convenience of commerce, with similar tracks on Bay street, with spur tracks on the cross streets connecting the two. Mr. L,amar offered to construct the road on these streets himself if the City would give him an ex clusive control of them for 25 years, with a maximum rate of 4 cents a bale for handling cotton, and other goods in proportion. Coun cil, though, concluded that this was beyond its-power. Nearly sixty years later tracks were laid on River street, as Mr. L,amar had pro posed, and this year (1900) unsuccessful efforts were made again to secure the privilege of laying tracks on Bay street.
Under the charter granted the Central in 1833 the City each year was to elect some one to represent its interests in the railroad and was to select a ticket for directors for whom its stock was to be voted. Mayor Gordon was chosen as the City's first proxy (1836) and the directors selected by Council were W. W. Gordon, G. B. Lamar, J. P. Williamson, Robert Habersham, Thomas Purse, Freder ick Tupper, -------- Washburn, Jacob P. Henry, R. Hutchinson. Soon after, on March 31, Mayor Gordon resigned the Mayoralty. He became the first president of the Central and died in its service in March, 1842. The City Council met in special session and attended his funeral in a body.

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The directors of the road applied to the War Department for the services of Lieutenants Mackay and Williams, two natives of Savannah, in the construction of the road.* Council adopted a reso lution stating that the detailing of these officers would be highly ac ceptable to the community and the State. Livingston & Barclay, of New York, offered to secure $250,000 for the City to complete pay ment of its stock, raised on twenty to twenty-five year bonds at 6 per cent. As equally good terms could be had in Savannah the propo sition was laid on the table. The money was borrowed in amounts
of $50,000, as needed, from the Central Railroad Bank. Other railroad projects of greater magnitude were under way.
At a mass meeting of citizens Hon. James M. Wayne and Messrs.
M. H. McAllister, J. M. Berrien, J. W. Jackson, S. B. Parkman, W. T. Williams, M. Myers, W. Patterson, G. B. Gumming, Joseph Gum ming, W. Law and B. Burroughs were appointed delegates to a con vention at Knoxville, Tenn., to consider a project for building a rail road from Cincinnati to some point on the South Atlantic coast. Council appropriated $1,500 to meet the expenses of the delegates. Only Messrs. Wayne, McAllister, Jackson and Parkman attended the convention. Another internal improvement convention was held at Macon in November, the expenses of Savannah's delegates being borne by the City. On October 28 (1836) five acres of City land on Spring Hill, bounded by West Broad, Musgrove Creek, Augusta Road, and Oak street, were granted the Central by Council for a site for a depot, shops, etc. The use of the long room and an adja cent room was granted Mr. Randolph Randall and others of the
engineer corps for their headquarters. On May 26, 1838, an ordinance was passed to create stock for
purposes of internal improvement, it having been provided in the ordinance appropriating $500,000 for stock that the same should be converted into stock payable in certificates or scrip. Under the new ordinance the public land and all other property belonging to the City was pledged. On January 31, 1839, the Mayor was directed to pay the entire balance due on the Central stock out of recent loans. On December 21 another ordinance was passed authorizing the bor rowing of $100,000. In December, 1841, the directors of the road re quested Council to appoint two stockholders who, with one appoint ed by Macon and two of the directors should examine into and re port upon the current expenses of the company with a view to their reduction if practicable, and Aldermen Mills and Arnold were ap pointed. On October 6, 1843, the Mayor and Aldermen, and the citizens generally, wrere invited by the Mayor and Aldermen of Ma con to attend a festival there on October 12 to celebrate the comple tion of the Central from Savannah to Macon. A committee of Coun cil attended the festival. At this time there were five directors of

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

the Central. On November 16, 1843, Council endorsed a petition to

the Legislature to increase the number to nine and the necessary

legislation was secured. On April 4, 1844, Aldermen Jackson, Bar-

tow, Roberts, Wood and Snider were appointed to unite with a com

mittee appointed by the stockholders of the Central to arrange for

a celebration of the completion of the road.



The success, of the project to build a railroad from Savannah to

Macon led to the organization of other companies for the construc

tion of railroads. The Macon Telegraph of May 21, 1839, in an

article on the awakening of Savannah, gives an insight into the con

ditions that had existed. It said: "After a long and almost fatal

slumber old Yamacraw has at length put out her front, determined

to go head. She had slumbered so long it was almost feared by her

friends they might as well provoke the, river to run up stream as to

arouse her into action. * * * * But Savannah once aroused

it requires no mighty effort to keep her on the qui vive. Since the

commencement of the gigantic Central Railroad other works,

scarcely less imposing, have been accomplished, are in progress or

under consideration. She has erected a number of splendid public

buildings, she has put several additional steam mills in operation,

she has established various steam packet lines, she proposes to con

struct an expensive bridge across the Savannah river, etc., etc. Had

she shown the same spirit, possessed the same enterprise, twenty

years ago she would now have been at the very head of Southern

cities."

One of the new projects had in view the connecting of Augusta

with Savannah by a railroad from the Central to Augusta. On

June 6, 1839, Mayor Charlton was directed to correspond with the

mayor of Augusta on the subject of subscribing for stock in the

Waynesboro'railroad to connect the two cities. This was in accord

ance with a resolution adopted by the citizens of Savannah in a

town meeting. Council also directed that application be made to the

City Council of Augusta to unite in a memorial to the Legislature

for a loan from the State of $100,000 to each City to be invested in

this proposed railroad. Augusta agreed to this, with the proviso

that Augusta was not to invest any funds in the railroad unless its

Council deemed it expedient. Savannah agreed to this but requested

its representatives to have the bill so that the scrip could be used

for no other purpose and that if either City refused to perfect or com

mence the intended work within a specified time it should forfeit its

right to the use of such scrip which should then inure to the use of

the other City. In the fall of 1842 a meeting of citizens urged Coun

cil to aid the Ocmulgee & Flint River Railroad by endorsing the

railroad's note for $5,000. Council endorse^ the note, which had the ,

prior endorsement of the Council of Albany and was secured by cer-

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tain property in Albany. In October (1842) another mass meeting of citizens recommended that the City subscribe for $50,000 of the stock of the Monroe Railroad and Banking Company, to be paid in bonds of the City. This Monroe railroad was projected to con nect the Central with the Western & Atlantic and give direct rail communication from Savannah to the Tennessee river 420 miles, through one of the richest and most fertile sections of the United States. The majority of the finance committee, to which the peti tion had been referred, reported that the completion of the Monroe railroad was of the most vital importance to Savannah. It re commended that the City subscribe for $50,000 of the stock, condi tioned on all the rest of the stock being taken, or to loan the com pany $50,000, with such security as it could give. The report was adopted and in November an ordinance was passed to issue bonds to the value of $50,000 to aid the Monroe railroad. In November of the next year Council was advised that the Monroe railroad had been completed sixty-one miles to Griffin and needed but forty-one miles more to connect it with the State road at Whitehall. Attention was directed to the fact that from Rome to the State road a branch road was in construction, about seventeen miles in length, to a point sev enteen miles above the terminus of the State road at the Etowah river. "When the State road is extended through this seventeen miles the Rome road will be put in operation," said the report, "and this will put Savannah within sixty miles of the Tennessee river. A fair prospect is opened up of a communication with the great West, the great object of our hopes, which is to crown our labors with complete success. It becomes the City to preserve her credit by the imposition of the necessary taxation and her citizens to bear these burdens with cheerfulness under the assurance that they are but tem porary and that they have been created for the wise purpose of in creasing in the end their wealth, prosperity and happiness, and of elevating the city of their affections to the position of greatness and renown which nature intended her to fill."
On December 14, 1843, a committee was appointed to confer with the agent of the Flint & Ocmulgee River Railroad. This com pany desired to mortgage its road and pledge the receipts of the road to the City of Savannah to secure the payment of $100,000 of bonds which the City of Savannah was to guarantee. The $100,000 was to be used for the completion of the road. Council decided that it was unable to accede to this request.
The Monroe railroad was levied on in 1845 and was liable to be sold by the sheriff to satisfy executions against it amounting to $135,000. On May 15 I,. O. Reynolds, the Citys representative, re ported that it had been decided that the road should go to the pub lic sale and be re-organized and that this meant "an entire sacrifice of the amount paid by the City," $50,000.

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While canals and railroads largely engrossed the attention of Council and citizens, other public matters were not ignored or neg lected. Health and the protection of the public from depredations and fire were given proper consideration. By request of the Georgia Medical Society a committee had been appointed in 1821 to draft a memorial to the Legislature to "restrict the practice of medicine, surgery and midwifery to regularly qualified practitioners." Such a law was passed and under it the Mayor, at the instance of the Medcal Society, instituted suits at times against quacks. Smallpox con tinued to appear at intervals, but with no serious* spread of the dis ease. In November, 1824; the house at Fair Lawn was leased for a pest house. The streets and squares of the city were kept in a fairly clean condition, but the lanes, according to the report of the com mittee in 1828, were "abominable and seem intended to be deposi tories of filth." In October, 1830, small pox. having appeared Dr. R. D. Arnold was appointed public vaccinator and in three months vaccinated 624 persons. A small pox depot was established this year at Cattle Park. In 1832 the Asiatic cholera made its appearance in the North. Extra precautions to establish and insure cleanliness were taken by Council and July n was set aside as a day of prayer and humiliation. The local physicians were called in consultation and held that a general quarantine could not keep out the cholera. It was then decided by Council to quarantine against only those ves sels which had cases of the disease aboard during their voyage. On a petition from the ladies $50 was appropriated them to prepare flannels for the poor in the event that the disease entered Savannah. On November 5 it was announced that cholera had appeared in Charleston and a fourteen days' quarantine was established against that city. Messrs. Elias Reed and S. B. Parkman put Little Tybee island, with the buildings thereon, owned by them, at the disposal of
the City for the reception of the crews and passengers of vessels having cholera aboard. A vote of thanks was tendered them for their generosity. In 1833 Mayor Williams and Health Officer Habersham were appointed to select a site for a hospital and to arrange quarantine regulations for Lazaretto island. Governor Lumpkin on July 22 had given the City the use of the island for quarantine pur poses as far as his official prerogatives permitted.
On August 31, 1834, nine cases of Asiatic cholera were reported on Major Whitman's plantation, nine miles from the city. The physicians of the city were all called together by Council for con sultation. A temporary hospital was provided for City patients at the Oglethorpe barracks and President Gumming and Steward Mills of the Poor House and Hospital were notified that the City would require the use of that building if the cholera should prevail in the city, and its sick were removed to the barracks. Those taken with

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

the cholera died within three to four hours after attack. On Sep tember 2 it was reported that there were twenty-three cases on the plantations and one in the city. Three hospitals were established by the City government, one each in the western, central and eastern portions of the city, the Poor House being the central hospital. Three covered wagons were stationed continuously at suitable places with beds in them for the prompt conveying to the hospitals of per sons who might be attacked with the cholera. Fortunately, except for a sporadic case or two, the cholera did not get into the city. When the disease had subsided an application was made to the Gov ernor and the Legislature for the State to reimburse the City for the expenses of the small pox and the cholera. The Legislature passed a bill (December, 1834) reimbursing the City and in addition appropriating $15,000 for a lazaretto. Aldermen Shaw, Bulloch and Cuyler, and Citizens J. Cumming, S. B. Parkman, J. Cooper, J. P., Screven, W. T. Williams and Isaac Minis were appointed to select a site for the lazaretto. They reported on February 5,1835, in favor of lazaretto point, about three miles west of Tybee light house. In 1767 the General Assembly of the Province of Georgia bought 104 acres of land there for $270 for a lazaretto. The place derived its name from its having been appropriated by the State as a lazaretto, but the buildings which were erected by it and used as a hospital had been by neglect entirely destroyed. Chimney Creek, a small stream dry at low water, was all that intervened between it and Tybee island. The committee regarded the place as an ideal site for such a purpose and unanimously recommended that the lazaretto be built there. On investigation it was found that the expenses of maintain ing a lazaretto would be between $3,coo and $4,000 a year and action was postponed, but a plan by G. E. Williams for the building was se lected. The plan was not carried out, but in September, 1835, the health committee recommended the erection of a cheap and commo dious lazaretto at a safe distance from the city on Cottage tract, near Thunderbolt. This tract was subsequently bought from J. P. Williamson (June, 1836), for a site for an infectious hospital. Its use as such continued until 1877, when an Act of the Legislature forced its abandonment.
The $15,000 appropriated by the State in 1834 for a lazaretto was never received by the City. In 1853 Council called on the Legis lature to appropriate the principal, witl: the legal interest accrued thereon, to Savannah, for the purpose of erecting a lazaretto, and again in 1855 made similar efforts before the Legislature, but in each instance without success.
Attention continued to be paid to the beautifying of the city with trees and plants. In July, 1822, John Hunter was granted per mission to establish a botanical garden for the public on the grounds

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181

around the Poor House and Hospital, a tract 445 by 300 feet to the north and west of the building being set aside for this purpose. Ad ditional squares were enclosed. A storm in September, 1824, did great damage to the trees. All free male negroes were called on to clear up the debris and $560 was expended in replanting the trees that were considered worth saving. The Exchange and other build ings were also damaged by this blow. At this period of the city's history and for many years after, all free negroes were required to give twenty days' labor annually on the streets. On December 2, 1824, Mrs. Shaw, of Cumberland Island, Alex Telfair, Thomas Young, William P. Marshall, Thomas Spalding, John Screven and August G. Oemler were appointed with the streets and lanes com mittee to ascertain the native trees that were best adapted and the period most suited for their planting. The next year a contract was made to keep all public squares in order. In January, 1826, the streets and lanes committee was ordered to plant trees in the squares and streets. At this time the Widow's Society petitioned that mulberry trees be set out as it desired to re-introduce and en courage silk culture. In 1828 the citizens were requested to have trees in front of their premises trimmed under the direction of the marshal. In December, 1839, a committee reported to Council that the trees in the city were neither as ornamental nor as useful as they ought to be, owing to the lack of system. It was then de cided that anyone could remove those in front of his property pro vided he bound himself to plant those specified by the committee (in streets and lanes. To encourage this it was resolved that any person who should plant under the direction of the committee oaks or wild oranges or elms and care for the same so that, at the end of two years they were in a healthy, thriving condition, should receive two dollars for every such tree. The trees which could be planted, with their sizes as designated by Council, were as follows: Live oak, diameter 3 inches, height 12 feet; willow oak, diameter 4 inches, height 15 feet; water oak, diameter 4 inches, height 13 feet; laurel oak, diameter, 4 inches, height 15 feet; wild orange, diameter 2 1-2 inches, height 10 feet; white elm, diameter 4 inches, height 15 feet; china tree, diameter 4 inches, height 15 feet; American laurel, diam eter 3 inches, height 15 feet; sycamore, diameter 5 inches, height 20 feet. The city marshal was ordered to have every hew tree wa tered once a day for two months and 500 trees were ordered planted for the City.
Their heavy burdens at home did not render Savannahians un mindful of the needs of the citizens of neighboring States. When the Indian troubles occurred in Florida in 1836 the Planters Bank and the Marine and Fire Insurance Bank volunteered to advance

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the City a loan of $5,000 each to assist the Floridians in repelling the attacks of the Indians. Citizens in public meeting endorsed the City's acceptance of the loan and it was used for the equipment and support of volunteers, claims afterwards being presented to the gen eral government for the amounts expended either by citizens or the municipal corporation.

CHAPTER VIII.
COMMERCIAL AND POLITICAL PROGRESS.

Fifty-first Administration, September 14, 1840, to September 13, 1841: Mayor, R. M. Charlton; Aldermen, J. W. Anderson, W. R. Waring, resigned January 14, 1841; Matthew Hall McAllister, re signed January 14, 1841; R. M. Goodwin, Gilbert Butler, William H. Cuyler. Jacob Shaffer, John Boston. John Wagner, died June 5, 1841; John Lewis, M. Hopkins, resigned July 15, 1841; M. Dillon, James M. Folsom, J. F. Posey, fro-n February n, 1841; W. W. Gordon, from February u, 1841.
Fifty-second Administration, from September 13, 1841, to Sep tember 12, 1842: Mayor, William Thorne Williams; Aldermen, Wil liam H. Davis, William Law, Elias Reed, Alex. A. Smets, William A. Carruthers, Henry K. Burroughs, resigned March 24, 1842; Sea born Goodall, Thomas Holcombe, resigned February 24, 1842; Charles F. Mills, J. W. Anderson, Thomas Clark, John Lewis, re signed September 23, 1841; David Bell, Richard D. Arnold, from De cember 2, 1841; F. M. Stone, troin April 7, 1842; John Millen, from April 7, 1842.
Fifty-third Administration, from September 12. 1842, to Septem ber u, 1843: Mayor, Richard D. Arnold; Aldermen, John W. Ander son, F. M. Stone, Solomon Cohen, John Boston, Robert M. Goodwin, resigned May i, 1843; Bernard Constantine, William H. Cuyler, J. Washburn, Richard Wayne, John Millen, A. J. C. Shaw, A. N. Miller, George W. Owens.
Fifty-fourth Administration, September n, 1843, to December 9, 1844: Mayor, William Thorne Williams; Aldermen, Benjamin Snider, Robert A. Lewis, Francis S. Bartow, John M. Clark, Elias Reed, Asa Holt, William A. Carruthers, William B. Fleming, Noble A. Hardee, Joseph W. 'Jackson, Richard Wayne, Hiram Roberts, Orlando A. Wood.

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

183

Fifty-fifth Administration, December 9, 1844, to December 8, 1845:. Mayor, Dr. Richard Wayne, (first Mayor elected directly by the people); Aldermen, John W. Anderson, Aaron Champion, Wil liam H. Cuyler, Frederick Densler, Michael Dillon, Matthew Hopkins, Noah B. Knapp, Gazaway B. Lamar, Joseph W. Roberts, Alex. J. C. Shaw, Jacob Waldburg, Joseph Washburn.
Fifty-sixth Administration, December 8, 1845, to December 14, 1846: Mayor, Dr. Henry K. Burroughs; Aldermen, Alex. A. Smets, Robert A. Lewis, Hiram Roberts, Asa Holt, Augustus Lafitte, John M. Clark, Seaborn Goodall, Timothy G. Barnard, Thomas H. Har den, William H. C. Mills, Henry Harper, Joseph W. Jackson.
Fifty-seventh Administration, December 14, 1846, to December 13, 1847: Mayor, Dr. Henry K. Burroughs; Aldermen, Alex. A. Smets, R. A. Lewis, Hiram Roberts, A. Lafitte, J. M. Clark, S. Goodall, H. Harper, T. G. Barnard, T. H. Harden, H. D. Weed, T. M. Turner, B. Snider.
Fifty-eighth Administration, December 13, 1847, to December n, 1848: Mayor, Henry K. Burroughs; Aldermen, J. S. Fay, Rob ert A. Lewis, Thomas H. Harden, Robert A. Alien, Alex. A. Smets, Benjamin Snider, Francis S. Bartow, Seaborn Goodall, Timothy G. Barnard, John M. Clark, Henry Harper, Hiram Roberts.
Fifty-ninth Administration, December n, 1848, to December 10, 1849: Mayor, Dr. Richard Wayne; Aldermen, William H. Bulloch, Solomon Cohen, Robert H. Griffin, William H. Morgan, John F. Posey, Thomas Purse, Thomas M. Turner, Robert D. Walker, Francis S. Bartow, Robert A. Lewis. Joseph S. .Fay, Richard R. Cuyler.
Sixtieth Administration, December 10, 1849, to December 8, 1850: Mayor, Dr. Richard Wayne; Aldermen, Thomas Purse, Solo mon Cohen, Robert H. Griffin, Thomas M. Turner, Dr. John F. Posey, Robert D. Walker, Joseph Lippman, John Mallery, Mont gomery Cumming, Dr. James P. Screven, Dominick O'Byrne, died September, 1850; Dr. J. R. Saussy.
For the first fifty-four years of its corporate existence the citi zens of Savannah had no direct voice in the election of its Mayor. Under the original charter they, from 1790 to 1844, elected fourteen aldermen who, at their first meeting, elected one of their own num ber Mayor. No salary was paid the Mayor until 1823. As has been mentioned, Mayor Thomas Charlton, in view of this and the great responsibilities put upon him by the yellow fever and fire of 1820, was proffered a purse of $1,500 by the municipality. The injustice of not compensating the city's chief executive was apparent, but the absence of surplus funds in the treasury prevented any steps in that direction until the growth of the city in wealth and population

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made it imperative that the Mayor should be reimbursed in some degree for his labors. On August 13, 1821, a committee was ap pointed by Council to prepare an ordinance to allow the Mayor a stated salary yearly. After investigation this committee reported that under the laws of the State it would be illegal to pass such an ordinance, an Act of February 10, 1787, prohibiting the granting of a salary to the city's chief executive. The committee held, though, that the Mayor should receive a salary and urged the enactment of the necessary legislation. This was secured on December 3 (1821), when full power was given the corporation to allow the Mayor com pensation for his services, and on December 28 an ordinance was introduced and passed to grant a salary to the Mayor and to fix sal \. aries for public officers and abolish fees. Fees Council regarded as
a "survival of the monarchical system of government." The May- , or's salary, after much discussion, was fixed on December 26, 1822, at $1.000 a year. (On November n, 1842, it was reduced to $700, owing
to "the reduction In the prices of all articles of consumption." On October 19. 1843, it was restored to the former figures, and on Jan uary 2, 1851, was increased to $1,500. On February 10, 1853, it was increased to $2.500 and the Mayor's duties were enlarged, the ord nance making him chairman of the finance committee, requiring Him to be at his office in the Exchange from 10 a. m. to i p. m., and to superintend the work and examine the books of all officers of the Council monthly. By an amendment of December 29, 1853. the office hours were stricken out of this ordinance. On December 18, 1861, the salary was reduced to $2,000, but on January 14, 1863, was re stored to $2.500, and on December 18 of that year was raised to $4.000. After the war it was again put at $2,500. On December 29, 1875, it was increased to $3,000, when the recordership was abolished,
and remained at this figure until 1877, when it was again placed at $2.500, at which figure it remained until increased by ordinance of February i, 1882, to $3,000. At the close of the year it was reduced to $2.500 again, at which it has remained. In 1872 the fiscal year of the City was made to correspond with the calendar year and the May
or's Report was ordered made up to January I.) On November 29, 1806, the qualifications of voters had been
changed by the Legislature. Under the new law those entitled to vote at elections for members of the Legislature and who had re sided in the city for six months previous to the election were qual ified to vote for aldermen. This law also changed the date of the election to the first Monday in September. In 1821 the Legislature was appealed to to define more particularly those who should be entitled to vote for aldermen. On December 20, 1824, tjie Governor approved an Act under which the qualifications of a voter were made a residence of three months preceding the election, providing

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
he was a citizen of the United States and of the State, the making of all returns and the payment of all taxes required by the city or dinances. This year another^ petition was sent to the Legislature, asking it to pass a law that persons who had not paid a poll tax should not be eligible to vote. It was not until December 19, 1828. that this was done. The Act of that date amended the Act of 1824 so that the corporation could impose any poll tax not exceeding $1.00, and a voter was required to have paid all taxes or to have in his own right sufficient real estate to satisfy executions which might be against him. An Act of December 22, 1829, extended the jurisdictional limits of the city for one mile, parties residing therein other wise qualified being entitled to vote for aldermen as though they lived in one of the city wards, but the Council was not authorized to levy any tax on them except the licenses and fines imposed by or dinances.
The city treasurer attended all elections with his tax digest to report on the qualifications of voters. City officers were elected in September until 1808, when the time was changed to the first regu lar meeting in October, which continued until 1821, when the date was changed to the first meeting in January. The State law of 1820 made the tenure of office one year but the City passed an ordinance in November of that year making the election of the court officers for three years. This ordinance was declared illegal in 1825. The change of the date of election from September to January was brought about by the epidemic of 1820. At that time there was not a quorum of aldermen in the city in September. The election of city officers was held, though, and the Legislature was subsequently ap pealed to to make the election legal by special enactment and change the date of election to January, which was done. Elections were annually until 1873, when they were made biennial. In 1830 the Legislature again was called on to legalize acts of Council. In Sep tember of that year Dr. W. R. Waring was elected Mayor at a meeting at which there was not a legal quorum. The fear that the legality of his official acts might be called in question led Council to request the passage of a law legalizing the election and the subse quent acts of the Mayor, and to permit a majority of the aldermen in the city between July I and November 15 to constitute a legal quorum for the transaction of business. The legislation desired was secured. Eight years before this (1822) the Legislature was asked to pass a law confirming titles given by Council, fee simple and oth erwise, to any portion of the south common, questions having been raised as to the right of the City to alienate any portion of the orig inal ^city commons.
Salaries were paid quarterly until 1843, when an ordinance was passed providing for their payment monthly.

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMEN.

It was Dr. Waring who instituted the movement to place the election of the Mayor directly in the hands of the people. When in Council; on November 23, 1838. he introduced a resolution for the appointment of a committee to draft a memorial for a change in the city charter, "placing the election of Mayor in the hands of the peo ple in their primary capacity, with a term of one year and the Board of Aldermen to fix his salary/' His resolution also called for the election of the aldermen by wards instead of on a general ticket, ^his provision for the election of aldermen was amended to read that the city should be divided into fourteen districts, each to elect one alderman therein. The people were requested to vote' on the aldermanic question. The vote stood 80 for the proposed new sys tem and 103 for the retention of the old system of electing alder men on a general ticket, which has continued in force since. It was not until three years later that more definite form was given to the movement in a resolution of Alderman Carruthers (June 30. 1842). for the appointment of a committee to prepare a memorial asking the Legislature to amend the Act of incorporation and to give the people the election of Mayor directly. Finally in December, 1843. an Act was passed to alter the time for the election of Mayor and Aldermen from September to the first Monday in December, to re duce the number of aldermen from fourteen to twelve, to make the Mayor elective by the people, and prescribing his duties, and also to provide for the election of certain city officers. The tenure of office of Mayor Williams and his board was extended three months by this and on the first Monday in December, 1844, the citizens of Sa vannah voted for the first time for a Mayor of the city, and Dr. Richard Wayne w*as chosen the city's executive under the new S3'tem. The number of aldermen has remained unchanged since, although the time of election was changed in 1872 to the third Tues day in January, and again in 1900 to the second Tuesday in January, the election of officers by Council to take place on the following
Saturday.
Railroads vastly increasing the volume of goods received at this port increased the necessity for improvement of the harbor A com mittee of Council in December, 1840, said: "The constant communi cation with the interior maintained by means of the railroad has increased our prosperity, and we are now surprised at our former lethargy. Our energies have at length been aroused and we will not be laggards in the race for improvement." It was declared neces sary to bestow attention on the river to afford an outlet to foreign and domestic markets. "The floods of rains which fall during the summer and fall months," said the committee, "sweep large quan tities of sand into the river which forming bars collect the floating rubbish and matter brought>d6wn by a rapid current from above.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMEN.

187

These two accumulate at the foot of the wharves and in the public docks so that wharves which formerly accommodated at all tides vessels of heavy tonnage are now dry at low water. The use of a dredge boat, the cost of which will be considerable, is the principal instrument in effecting the object desired. The advantage resulting from it will fully repay the expense." It was suggested that the finance committee design plans to raise $8,000 by taxation to pur chase a dredge boat and machinery (December 17, 1840). Mayor R. M. Charlton was directed to borrow this amount for a dredge boat, and the Congressman from the district was urged to secure an ap propriation for cleaning out the river opposite the city.
At this time the depth of water is given as follows: On Tybee bar, spring tide, high water, 26 feet; low water, 18 feet; neap tide, high water, 24 feet; low water, 19 feet.
At 4-mile post, spring tide, high water, 18 feet; low water, 10 feet; neap tide, high water, 16 feet; low water, n feet.
At five fathom hole, spring tide, high water, 16 feet; low water, 9 feet; neap tide, high water, 15 feet; low water, 10 feet.
Through Hon. John MacPherson Berrien, Capt. Mackay was assigned by the Secretary of War to make a survey of the river, re ports of which were submitted to Council in May, 1842. In March, 1843, Mayor Arnold was requested by Council to ask the government to "send a scientific officer to make a survey of the Savannah river from the northern channel between Hutchinson and Argyle islands to the Tybee bar, and to suggest such improvements as would ob viate the present difficulty of approach of vessels to the city." The Mayor wrote the Secretary of the Treasury that vessels drawing II feet 9 inches could only get over the wrecks in the channel two .miles below the city by waiting for favorable tides, while two years before those drawing 13 feet, 6 inches, could be carried over them with ease. The Secretary replied that no appropriation had been made for such improvements at Savannah or elsewhere since 1838. The efforts at Washington to secure assistance were successful. In 1844 an appropriation was made for the removal of the obstructions in the Savannah river and on March 20, 1845, Council tendered a vote of thanks to Congressman William H. Stiles for his successful efforts. In the next Congress another bill carrying appropriations for river and harbor work was passed but it was vetoed by the Pres ident, and a convention of "The people of the United States" was called at Chicago for July 5, 1847, to protest against his action. Mayor Burroughs was instructed to appoint a committee of thirteen to represent the city and insure the representation of the Georgia First Congressional District. On October 28 the Mayor was di rected to appoint a committee to unite with a committee of the Commissioners of Pilotage and the Chamber of Commerce in a mem-

i88

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

orial to Congress for the improvement of the river. In 1850 Council approved the recommendations of Lieiit. M. L- Smith for the re moval of obstructions in the river. Lieut. Smith had been sent to Savannah to make a survey. Council called on Georgia's Senators and Representatives to urge an appropriation for carrying on tfie work on the plans laid down by him.
Capt. O. M. Carter's report of 1889-90 says that prior to 1826 an expenditure of about $100,000, raised by a tax upon shipping entering the harbor, was made under the direction of the Commissioners of Pilotage in clearing the river of wrecks and otherwise improving its condition, and between 1867 and 1871 an expenditure of $157,000 was made by the City of Savannah in dredging the shoals between the cross tides and the sea. This does not, though, take into considera tion other large expenditures made from the city treasury, which will appear in the next chapter. From 1826, the date of the first ap propriation made by the United States for the river, up to the date of beginning operations according to a 22-foot plan of improvement (1874), appropriations aggregating $667,096.64 were made by Con gress for the work, exclusive of the appropriation of 1844, which does not appear in the Engineer's summary.
Council continued to encourage and assist internal improve ments. The increase in the business of the city resulting from the building of the Central justified similar expenditures in other direc tions, even though to make them meant heavier taxes upon an al ready heavily burdened community. On March 19, 1841, taxes had been increased 50 per cent, to meet4 the interest on the public debt. A committee appointed to examine into the finances of the City re ported on December 16, 1841, that the "whole debt of the City, funded and unfunded, exclusive of current monthly expenses, amounted to $547,074.75, viz.: City scrip, in circulation. $51,739; cor poration notes, old, $2,335.75; Mayor's note, $3,000; bonds, $1,000 each, $490,000, payable 1859, interest payable semi-annually. Ordinary ex penses yearly placed at $43,632.50, which, with interest and extraor dinary expenses amounted to $81,333.87. The committee have most anxiously deliberated upon every possible means of meeting this large expenditure and it has yet been able to discover none other than the old-fashioned one of taxation. New sources of revenue may be found in the incomes of professional men and commission merchants. Present income from these sources is $1,000. Estimat ed sales of cotton for the year are placed at 210,000 bags, yielding $6,300,000, and the commissions of purchase and sale upon them at 2% per cent, will amount to $345,000. It appears how disproportion ate have been the taxes imposed upon this class of dealers compared with those paid by their fellow citizens." The committee accord ingly recommended that a half per cent, tax be placed on the incomes

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

189

of all professional men, commission merchants, brokers and dealers in rice, cotton.and lumber, which, they estimated, would give the City a revenue of $17,250, or more than sufficient to meet the appa rent deficit. The funds invested in the Ogeechee canal were regard ed by this committee as unavailable. It also advised the sale of a portion of the City domain to procure funds to meet emergencies. The City's financial condition for the year was summarized as fol lows :
Liabilities: Interest on public debt, $34,643.00; ordinary ex penses, $43,632.50; extraordinary expenses, $3,058.37; Mayor's note, $3,000; total, $84,333.87.
Resources: Taxes, according to rate for previous year, $65,701.00; taxes on incomes, $17,250; executions and sales of public do main, $3,000.00; total, $85,951.00.
The tax ordinance of 1841 placed a tax of I per cent, on realty, 21-2 per cent, on incomes, licenses were increased 25 per cent, and a 2 1-2 per cent, tax was levied on all dividends on stocks of banks, in surance or trust companies owned by non-residents. Salaries were reduced at the same .ime. Despite this money had to be borrowed to meet interest. In December, 1842, a committee reported that the "Central Railroad had paid dividends . to the City amounting to $65,416, which contributed much to pay the interest accruing on the bonds. In 1841 the City received $22,500 from the company and the calculation was that the stock would continue to pay an interest on the investment of 4 or 5 per cent, until the road was completed, but from untoward circumstances over which the directors nor the Board could have no control, the road was placed in such condition as to require all its resources to enable the directors to prosecute the work, consequently they have been unable to divide any of the profits to the stockholders. It is quite probable that after the ycaf 1843 the Central will be yielding an income to the stockholders, and as soon as that event occurs we can with propriety have a reduction of the taxes."
The City assets were placed at $1,064,012 and its liabilities at $604,864.85.
At this time there was City scrip to the extent of $47,920 in cir culation. On September i, 1843, the total indebtedness was given as $601,921, with annual revenues of $83,759 and annual expenses of $77,943. The committee on finance on November 2, said that "the pub lic debt of the City is indeed the evidence of her vitality. Divested of it her citizens might save a few dollars annually and rejoice in comparative exemption from taxation, but they would embrace a sorry equivalent in paralyzed enterprise, deserted commerce, unem ployed industry, unrewarded labor, unproductive capital and dimin ished population. Let those indulge the images of a gloomy imag-

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

ination and paint the spectre of a bankrupt people and shrink from the labors and burdens of enterprise, who prefer Savannah as she was in 1833 to Savannah as she is in 1843. Nature has been a kindly mother to us. She has made our city the gate of a commerce for a mighty State, rich in boundless resources, to be developed and in creased through the centuries to come. We must wait without too much impatience the full result of this enterprise."
A tax of 2^ per cent, was proposed on incomes of banks and other stock companies, increased taxes on slaves, etc., to meet the deficiency in revenues, and certain lots were ordered sold.
In 1844 the committee on finance was authorized to make an ex change of bonds of the Central in the city treasury for bonds of the City provided the exchange could be effected on a basis of par value. The next year (1845), the net indebtedness of the City was placed at $573.135, with its net income at $94,000. In 1848 a committee ap praised the value of the leasehold belonging to the City in lots sold within the city limits at $219,875; lots appraised and unsold, $131,400: lots not yet laid off, 212 in all. at $800, $169,600.
Early in 1849 an effort was made to reduce taxes and defer pay ing indebtedness of the City. The City debt was then less than $500,000, the amount created to pay the subscription to the Central stock. It was reasonable to expect dividends from this stock short ly, and that the stock would eventually be at par and wipe out the indebtedness entirely, and accordingly a committee declared that "it was not just nor expedient to impose a tax on the present genera tion, which has already borne so much, for the sake of paying the City debt in advance or accumulating a fund for posterity." The finance committee was accordingly directed to prepare a report on the points at which taxes could be reduced. T^ere was a decided difference of opinion soon manifested. The majority of the finance committee held that "the men of this day must toil for posterity or civilization and the improvement of the race would cease,' : and they opposed any plan looking to throwing the payment of the debt on a later generation. As a compromise, apparently, taxes on real es tate, negroes, stocks in trade and incomes were reduced 25 per cent. at the close of the year.
At the beginning of his second administration as Mayor, Dr. Wayne, in an address to Council, stated that Central stock was now near par and urged consideration of its sale and the taking up of the public debt. The committee to whom the address was referred esti mated that with interest on the loan the Central stock had cost the City $786.000 or about 57 per cent, above par. The committee held that as the City bonds fell due in 1859 the payment of them with the stock in the railroad held by the City, upon a perfect reciprocity as regards value, would be the only plan free from the various objec-

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

ic)t

tions urged to Mayor Wayne's suggestion. The present condition of the road and its future prospects left no doubt in the minds of the committee that this stock would yield an inteiest of 8 per cent, and thus offer a strong inducement, in the greater rate of interest, to the individual holders of the City bonds to exchange them for the stock.
Thus a large portion of the City debt would be paid before it fell
due. Dissatisfaction with the City's tax system had been growing
steadily. In 1850 a petition was presented Council for the abolish ment of the tax on gross commissions, professional incomes and sal aries. The committee found it inadvisable to grant the request at the time, but to "meet the wishes of the whole community and to calm all excitement and opposition," it recommended the prospective re duction of the taxes in question and a general review and reorganiza tion of all City taxes. It urged citizens to pay the taxes for the cur rent year and that Council would have a new system formulated for the succeeding year. In the meantime the legality of the income tax had been attacked in the courts. It was paid from the time it was imposed until the year 1849 regularly and voluntarily by all liable to it. In 1849 the tax was resisted and legal proceedings were insti tuted to test its validity. The tax was declared illegal under the char ter of the city. Legislation was obtained by the City to meet the de fect. Similar proceedings were instituted, however, in 1850, by those opposed to the tax and the Supreme Court, to which the case was carried, although it admitted the right of the City to impose such a tax under its amended charter, yet relieved the litigants from the payment of the tax upon the ground that no new ordinance had been passed by virtue of the amended charter. Under these circumstances the finance committee of Council in 1851 recommended that the City reimburse all citizens who had paid the tax during the years 1849 and 1850, and the income tax was temporarily abolished.
The public domain had been pledged for the public debt, but pe titions for lots for charitable and religious purposes continued and Council found it difficult to resist them in view of the numerous pre cedents. In 1845 a committee reported against further donations of this character, and in 1848 Council adopted a resolution that "no more donations should be made until the public debt is satisfied." This did not stop the petitions and in the next year a committee to which one had been referred reported adversely. "The system of such appropriations/' it held, "was bad and should be abolished. If Council may give land they may give money, and yet we are sure that the public would rise up against any ordinance appropriating money for such a purpose/'
Attention has been called to the fact that in 1842 City scrip was in circulation to the extent of $47,920. This scrip answered for all

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

* purposes as well as money. Off and on for forty years the paper of the City had been afloat as a circulating medium and meeting public requirements satisfactorily. In 1814 the scarcity of change was found extremely inconvenient in purchasing daily necessaries. Aldermen Harden. Charlton and Ash were appointed a committee to prepare and report an ordinance authorizing the issue of small bills, upon the faith of the City, for the convenience of the community. In all twen ty-four thousand 6 1-4 cent, twelve thousand 12 1-2 cent, and six thousand 25 cent bills were issued. The next year Council ordered $5,000 in small bills issued for change and then $10,000 more. At this time, as had been the case since the organization of the City govern ment, much care was enforced in the collection of the City's reve nues to receive only good money. In 1806 "owing to the influx of bank notes from the North and the inconvenience and danger result ing therefrom" the treasurer and marshal were instructed to ''receive only notes of the bank of the United States and its branches and notes of the banks of the State of South Carolina." In 1816 the city treasurer was ordered to receive only bills of the Planters Bank, Bank of Augusta, the Banks of South Carolina, and the State Bank of North Carolina. On December 19 of this year an Act of the As sembly was passed intended to stop the issuing of small bills by cor porate bodies and individuals, and Council on March 24, 1817, ordered the issuing of these bills stopped and the redemption of those al ready issued. In December of this year the treasurer was ordered to receive no notes other than those of the City and the Augusta banks, so little confidence was felt in the banking system generally. In October. 1824. Chatham's representatives were requested to have a bill passed by the Legislature authorizing the City to issue change bills. In 1838 Council resumed the issuing of small bills. A large body of citizens protested against this on the ground that it was "calculated to continue the high prices of the necessaries of life and be destructive to the interests of the poor man." It was also, they declared, "violating the laws and setting a bz-.d example." The city treasurer was accordingly directed to stop issuing the bills pending further action by Council. Some weeks later the committee reported in favor of issuing the bills. "The only means of paying amounts under $5.00," the committee pointed out, "are found in the tickets of the Central railroad, a few of those issued by the Georgia Railroad, and some of the bills of the City Council of Augusta. Until the banks of the city fully resume the payment of specie and especially the while silver commands a premium of from 7 to 8 per cent., it can not reasonably be expected that there will be other mediums for the payment of small amounts than such as the proposed City bills.
"The Central Railroad tickets now in circulation amount to about $32,000, and they are rapidly disappearing. This company does

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193

i i
i

not intend to make any further issues. Although the banks are abundantly supplied with gold coin the quantity of silver in their vaults is limited and the amount of silver change does not exceed $8,000, a sum which if it could be kept in circulation in the city would be entirely inadequate to the p'ublic wants. .Under such cirstances the committee see no other plan for supplying the wants of the daily transactions of trade than the issue of City notes/' Accord ingly a resolution -was passed that bills to the amount of $30,000 be issued, one-third of the amount received from them to be deposited in the banks for the redemption of such as may be presented in sums of $5.00 and over. In 1840, though, Council decided that to issue small change bills, would be a violation of the State law, it having been proposed to issue them for internal improvements. It was some years before they ceased their valuable functions. The people readily accepted them and found that they met their local wants as well as though they had been issued by the National government. (/ Although dissatisfied with the method of raising money and the extent to which they were taxed, the citizens generally were suffici ently far-sighted to perceive the great benefits Savannah would de rive from an extension of the railroad system of the State. Every mile of new track laid made that much more country tributary to Sa vannah. So in 1846 vhen a movement was inaugurated for a rail road to Augusta Council took prompt action to place the matter be fore its fellow-citizens. On April 30 it adopted a resolution citing that "the establishment of direct communication by railroad between this city and Augusta would tend to greatly increase the business prosperity of Savannah as well as to enlarge the value of the stock held by the" corporation and by individuals in the Central Railroad." The Mayor was accordingly requested to call a meeting of citizens to appoint delegates to "a convention at Waynesboro on May 19 for the purpose of deliberating upon ways and means for constructing a branch railroad from the 8o-mile station to Augusta." Mayor Bur roughs with three aldermen appointed by him were to represent the City in the convention.
The completion of the Central from Savannah to Atlanta was celebrated at Atlanta on August 19, 1846, and the Mayor and Alder men of Savannah attended as the guests of the railroad. The .Waynesboro convention demonstrated the great value of the pro jected road to Augusta, and in December a meeting of citizens was called to see what the City could do to assist the project. Nothing definite resulted and the movement dragged until May 16, 1848, when a mass meeting of citizens held ;t to be to the best interests of Sa vannah that a railroad should be constructed from the Central to the Georgia road, and urged the appropriation of $60,000 for a road from Washington, Wilkes County, to the Central. Council referred

194

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

the matter to Aldermen Bartow, Lewis and Smets. This committee

on May 20 reported a resolution that Council was satisfied that there

was "a general desire to have a connection between the Georgia

Railroad and the Central by way of Burke County to Augusta," and

recommended that the connection by this route be agreed upon by

all parties.

.

'.

Council further resolved to subscribe $60,000.in bonds of the

City, bearing legal interest, toward this object if the preferred route

could be obtained with the concurrence of the citizens of Wilkes

and Hancock and the other parties interested. "If the Georgia Railroad

and the citizens of Augusta shall decline to co-operate with the other

parties in interest, and the proposed compromise cannot be effected,

then Council will appropriate $60,000 to the Washington, Wilkes

County, road." "If this is built, in the opinion of Council, Davis-

boro should be the point of contact with the Central."

A convention was held at Waynesboro to consider the connec

tion and Aldermen Bartow and Alien represented Savannah. An

other convention was called at Augusta on July 13, 1848, and Mayor

Burroughs and Alderman Lewis attended it. The Waynesboro

route was finally selected to" the satisfaction of the majority of those

interested. The appropriation suggested from the City ($60.000)

was now considered inadequate and at a town meeting on August 7.

1849. the citizens of Savannah unanimously authorized Council to

appropriate $200,000 to the Augusta and Waynesboro railroad, and

on November 8 the Mayor was instructed by Council to subscribe for

2.000 shares.

In December, 1847, the citizens in town meeting recommended

an appropriation of $250,000 to the Southwestern Railroad. No sub

scription was made at that time. In January. 1849, the directors of

the Southwestern appealed to Council to subscribe $150,000 for the

purchase of iron rails. A committee of Council reported in favor of

issuing City bonds to that amount. A meeting of citizens was called

for January 22 to consider the question and it authorized Council to

grant the appropriation. On February I, Council adopted resolu

tions that in obedience to the determination of the citizens it would

subscribe $150,000 to the stock of the Southwestern Railroad, pro

vided it should be found that iron rails could be purchased at a rea

sonably low rate with bonds of the City bearing 7 per cent, interest,

payable semi-annUally. A committee was appointed which later re

ported that iron could be had at $43.50 a ton, which was regarded as

reasonable, and twenty-year 7 per cent, bonds were issued to the

amount of $150,000.'

The City in 1848 favored an increase in the stock of the Central

Railroad. It was not satisfied, however, with its vote. Although

holding 5,000 shares the City was, under the charter of the company,

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

195

only entitled to sixty votes, out of proportion to the vote of the smaller stockholders. The City held that it should have 1,001 votes to place it upon a just and equitable footing, and in 1847 a petition was sent to the Legislature to change the charter so as to allow the City to vote its stock on a graduated scale and render void the rule that no corporation should have more than sixty votes. /
Other measures of a public nature engaged the attention of the various administrations. To a great internal improvement convention at Atlanta in 1847 several delegates were sent. Agents of telegraph companies visited Sa/anriah the same year and received encourage ment. The representative of the Great Magnetic Telegraph Line, from New York to New Orleans, visited the city for the purpose of offering stock to citizens. Mayor Burroughs was directed by Coun cil to "call a meeting of citizens to adopt such treasures as the inter ests of the city might require." Shortly after came the agent of the Morse Line from Washington to New Orleans and another public meeting of citizens was called. It was on March 23 of the next year (1848) that the first telegraphic dispatch was received in Savannah. Twenty-four years after, on April 15, 1872, the citizens of Savannah, in common with those of other cities throughout the country, held a memorial meeting in honor of Prof. Morse, the inventor of the elec tric telegraph, and wired their sentiments to a similar meeting in progress in the hall of the House of Representatives at Washington.
The improvement in the fire department continued. In the early 30*5 the old small frame engine houses began to give way to larger brick houses, some two stories in height. In the latter the apparatus was stored on the ground floor and the upper story was devoted to the uses of the members of the fire company. One of this class was built in Johnson square, in the shadow of the Greene monument, and another in Columbia square. In 1834 an ordinance was passed regu lating the. erection of frame buildings. This ordinance was imme diately unpopular and citizens promptly petitioned for its repeal. The marshal was directed to take a vote of the lot owners, one vote to a full lot, and on this ballot the ordinance was repealed. This and many other instances showed how Council endeavored to accede to the public's wishes. [For the first seventy years Savannah prac tically enjoyed the initiative and referendum system. Any special tax was generally referred to the people for their decision. Early in 1839 the citizens were called on to vote on the propriety of establishing a tax to raise funds for paving sidewalks between East and West Broad and Bay and South Broad streets and on their action were predicated extensive improvements of this nature, 1840-42 being marked by the laying of considerable sidewalks, a work which was continued from that time in a greater or less degree yearly^In 1834 another engine costing $700 was bought to be placed in thenorthern

196

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

part of Oglethorpe ward and a brick engine house was ordered built there. In the spring of 1839 more trouble was experienced from incendiaries and Mayor Charlton was directed to appeal to citi zens to form themselves into ward committees and exert vigilance at night. Liquor was furnished slaves and other persons employed during or after fires. This was done away with in 1839. Different building ordinances were at times adopted to decrease the fire risk and the fire limits were gradually extended to include the entire bus iness section and eventually, for a time, practically the entire city. In 1845 it was provided that no wooden building should be erected on Bay street or under the bluff from East to West Broad street. In 1850 this was extended to include any wharf lot between the eastern limits of the city and the Ogeechee canal. In 1852 the limits in which wooden buildings were prohibited included the territory be tween the river and Gwinnett street and East and West Broad streets.
In the latter part of the 30*5 the City began the building of cis terns in the different squares and elsewhere for the use of the fire fighters. Thirty of these cisterns were in existence in 1841, ranging in depth from 9 feet 2 inches to 13 feet 5 inches. They were kept well filled with water and materially increased the protection afforded by the department. Weekly reports on their condition and the depth of water in them were made to Council.
On March 11, 1841, the Savannah Fire Company requested Coun cil to make provision for the ringing of the loudest church bells in the event of fires, and Council authorized it to make the arrange ments. In February, 1843, Alderman Boston proposed that when forty citizens, permanent residents, raised by subscription or other wise $450 for the purchase of a fire engine, etc., Council should ap propriate the balance needed, the apparatus purchased to be manned and worked by white men and be under the command of the chief fireman. This suggestion was not acted on at the time, but it bore fruit later. On February 19, 1846, a committee of Council reported favorably on a memorial from a number of young men to the Super ior Court to grant them a charter as the Oglethorpe Fire Company of Savannah. Council consented. The number of members was limited to forty, they were to supply their own apparatus within a year, were to work it themselves, were to enjoy the same privileges as the Savannah Fire Company and be under the chief fireman. In the spring of 1846 a number of fires occurred. All suspicious per sons in the city were ordered arrested and a military patrol was put on. Shortly after, the committee on fire department was ordered to buy a new first-class engine with hose, etc. In August of this year an ordinance was passed dividing the city into five fire districts. The watchman stationed in the cupola of the Exchange on the occurrence

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

ig;

of a fire was to give a general alarm by ringing the Exchange bell continuously for a space of two minutes and then designate the dis trict in which the fire was by tolling the bell for the first district, striking two, three, four or five times, according to the other dis trict, repeating for a space not exceeding1 thirty minutes. In the meantime the bell of the guard house was to be rung continuously "from the discovery of any fire until the same shall be subdued/' A sentry box with glass windows was built on the southern front of the belfry on the Exchange. In February, 1848, the city marshal was ordered to arrange for ringing the Independent Presbyterian Church bell in the event of fire. The committee on fire department was in structed to buy a new engine and thoroughly overhaul the old appa ratus. It was also directed to report an amendment for furnishing the watch with firearms suitable for giving fire alarms. At this time, and for a number of years later, the watchmen fired their weapons in the air on the announcement of a fire and cried it throughout their beats. Pistols were provided for this purpose after the muskets had been done away with, but the report from them was not sufficiently loud, and in 1850 the fire committee requested that the watchmen have muskets instead of pistols and that one of them be .stationed in the steeple of the Independent Presbyterian Church at night. May or Wayne was directed to make application to the Governor for thirty-two pairs of horsemen's pistols for the City guard. They were secured and the watch was armed with them with instructions to dis charge them in the event of fire and to cry the alarm from one end of their beats to the other. Between the bells, the firearms and the cries of the watch the citizens were well aroused to the danger. In 1846 a brick engine house was built in Pulaski square, and in 1848 a new two-story engine house of brick was ordered built in Washing ton square and the old engine house of the Oglethorpe Company in Liberty square was removed and a brick one succeeded it. In 1849 a second story was added to the fire house in Franklin square. Some dissensions arose between the companies at this time. The Savannah Fire Company adopted resolutions to allow the colored firemen to wear uniforms. The Oglethorpe and Washington companies pro tested against this as degrading to the white firemen and Council di rected Mayor Burroughs not to permit it. Subsequently Council re scinded this action and the matter was left to the discretion of ,the Savannah Fire Company which held that its acts had been misrep resented. In 1849 another engine and 1,000 fe*et of hose were or dered. Up to this time Council had made no direct appropriation for the fire companies. On July 8, 1850, the fire committee recommended that an appropriation be made in proportion to membership, and the Oglethorpe company was granted $150 annually and the Washington company $100. The end of this period found the fire department greatly improved in every respect.

io8

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

With the increased efficiency in the fire department came a cor responding improvement in the police department. In January. 1838, eight men were added to the watch. From their organization the watch were armed with muskets and bayonets. These were re garded by the men as cumbersome and efforts were made to secure a change. In July, 1844, a petition from the guard requested the sub stitution of a sword or club with a pair of pistols. Council refused to grant it. The watch persevered in its effoits and finally in July, 1^47, * committee reported in favor of arming them with bayonets as side arms and with a white belt to distinguish them as watchmen, to which should be added the watchman's club. The muskets were to be kept in the guard house for use in an emergency. Subsequently, as has been stated, large pistols were given the watch, not so much for their protection as a means of alarming the community in the event of fire. Another increase in the watch was made in February, 1848, at the expense of the old members, their pay being decreased at the same time. This was but temporary, though. The City watch was established in 1793 with eleven men and in 1817 was increased to twenty-six men, who were paid $20 a month. In 1839 the pay was increased to $25 a month, at which it remained until 1848, when for a year it was dropped to $23, the old rate then being restored. In 1852 fourteen men were added, making the number then eighty, there having been minor increases in number during the intervening years. The men were only required to do service half of a night, leaving them able to follow their usual avocations in the day time.
In the spring of 1847 the Grand Jury of the Superior Court called for the establishment of a marine police force, and Mayor Bur roughs and a committee of aldermen conferred with the justices of the Inferior Court as to their number and compensation. In 1848 a marine police was organized as part of the City watch. City con stables had previously been added to the protective force of the mu nicipality. On July 30, 1840, Mayor Charlton was directed to employ six City constables pending the passage of an ordinance creating a force of constables. These constables were hereafter elected annu ally by Council along with the other City officers.
During nearly all of this decade (1840-50) contracts were ma"3e with an apothecary to furnish medicine to the poor under the direc tion of the Board of Health. In 1843 an effort was made to change the system and an ordinance was passed on January 26 requiring the Health Officer to put up prescriptions and deliver them, according to the orders of physicians attending the poor under the direction of the Board of Health, with the restriction that no prescription was to cost more than 50 cents, according to the regular druggists charges. The Health Officer's salary was increased $250 on account of this ex tra work. The next year a contract was again made with a pharma-

D fi

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

199

cist. It would seem that the Health Officer's opposition to the work

led to the repealing of the ordinance on November 30 (1843). A vac:

cine agent continued to be appointed by Council, and vaccination was

enforced more or less according to the proximity of small pox. In 1846 small pox appearing in a number of cities north a general vac

i

cination was again ordered. In April of this year a long report was

presented by Alderman Barnard, chairman of the health and ceme

tery committee, on the subject of re-vaccination. The report fav

ored a policy of re-vaccination every eight or nine years. A sewer

age system was recommended as likely to greatly increase the

healthfulness of the city, and in 1847-48 the Perry and West Broad

street sewers were under construction.

Cholera in 1849 caused great anxiety and Council ordered a day

set aside for supplication to God. The scavenger service was per

fected during the latter part of the decade, and the offal from the

city was sold to gardeners at $3 a load, not to be deposited in the

city limits.

In 1846 trees were ordered planted around the old cemetery to

protect the citizens from the poisonous effluvia arising therefrom.

Suggestions continued to be made for a new public cemeterj' from

time to time, but no definite results were reached until 1851. In Au

gust, 1845, Jos. Gumming suggested the purchase of Bonaventure as a

public cemetery. Council declined to do this, but two years later (De

cember 1847) this old seat of the Mullryne and Tattnall families was

purchased by the Evergreen Cemetery Company. The need of a new

cemetery became more pressing'yearly. On April n, 1850, citizens pe

titioned Council to establish a new cemetery, it being impossible to

dig a grave without disturbing the remains of those already in

terred. On June 6 the committee to which the petition was referred,

Aldermen J. R. Saussy, John Mallery and R. D. Walker, presented

an exhaustive report on the dangers to health from cemeteries in

cities and introduced this resolution:

"Resolved, That a graveyard within the limits of the city is prej

udicial to the health of the citizens thereof, and that it is right and

proper at an early date to close the old cemetery against all deposits

or burials of the dead.

"Resolved, That his Honor, the Mayor, appoint nine gentlemen

as a committee on the part of citizens and they be requested to unite

with the committee on health and cemetery and proceed to select and

lay out a suitable site on the Springfield plantation for a City burial

ground."

The early history of Laurel Grove cemetery is given in the suc

ceeding chapter.

Another health measure of a very different nature was the re-

establishment of the assize of bread on July 29, 1841. This was

200

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

brought about by the bad quality of the bread served by the bakers. This assize of bread, prescribing the weight and quality of the loaves, dated to colonial days. Many efforts were made by the bakers to have the law rescinded on the ground that it was impossible for City officers to justly determine the proper weight of the loaves when flour, labor and other factors entering in their production fluctuated. In August, 1819, a new ordinance was passed modifying the old. P'inally Council accepted the bakers' views of it and repealed the law on February 28. 1839. Two years later at the solicitation of citizens, it was re-established.
As revived in 1841, the assize, which seems to have been contin ued for a number of years, probably until the civil war brought new conditions, provided as follows:

Price

Baker's

4

of Flour

Profit

lo-cent Loaf to Weigh

5-cent Loaf 3-cent Loaf to Weigh to Weigh

$20 oo 19 oo 18 oo 17 oo 16 oo 15 oo 14 oo 13 oo
12 OO
II 00
10 00
9 oo 8 oo 7 oo
6 50 6 oo 5 50 5 oo 4 50

$4 50 4 50 4 50 4 50 4 50 4 50 4 50 4 50 4 50
4 50 4 50 4 50 4 50 4 50 4 50 4 50 4 50 4 50 4 50

I Ib. o oz. i Ib. % oz. i Ib. \yz oz. I Ib. 2j oz.
i Ib. 3 oz. i Ib. 4 oz. i Ib. 5% oz. i Ib. 7 oz. i Ib. 8 oz.
i Ib. 9^ oz. i Ib. n)4 oz. I Ib. 13 oz. 2 Ibs. o oz. 2 Ibs. 2)4 oz. 2 Ibs. 4 oz. 2 Ibs. 6 oz. 2 Ibs. 8 oz. 2 Ibs. 10 oz.
2 Ibs. 12 OZ,

o Ib. 8 oz. o Ib. 8^ oz. o Ib. 8| oz. o Ib. 9# oz. o Ib. 9j oz. o Ib. 10 oz. o Ib. 10% oz.
o Ib. n)4 oz. o Ib. 12 oz. o Ib. 12^" oz. o Ib. 13^ oz. o Ib. I4> oz. i Ib. o oz. i Ib. i^ oz.
I Ib. 2 OZ.
i Ib. 3 oz. i Ib. 4 oz. i Ib. 5 oz. i Ib. 6 oz.

4^ oz. 5 oz. 5# oz. 5K oz. 5# oz. 6 oz. 6# oz. 6)4 oz. 7 oz. lYz oz. 8 oz. 8^ oz. 9# oz.
10 OZ.
10)4 OZ.
11% OZ.
12 OZ.
12)4 OZ.
13 oz.

Extensions to the dry culture lands were made on all sides of the city, improving the health conditions materially. The committee on health and cemetery at the close of 1850 reported the "welcome and pleasing intelligence that with an increased and increasing popula tion the health of Savannah will compare favorably with the most favored cities of our confederacy. It is fair to conclude that much of the healthfulness of our city is due to the extension of the dry culture system, or the reclaiming and drainage of that large body of low and wet swampy land on the southwestern portion. When the system of drainage which has been so diligently prosecuted on these

l\

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

201

swamp lands shall have been fully carried to a successful comple tion, which may be expected at an early day, the citizens of Savannah by a rigid enforcement of the dry culture system over the low lands which have been brought under their, corporate jurisdiction, will have a sanative cordon that will be effectual in securing them against the malarious disease to which they have heretofore been exposed." The committee recommended a system of surface drainage in the city in preference to underground sewers.
Savannah continued to honor the illustrious, living or dead. On the death of Commodore Decatur, in March, 1820, Council donned mourning for thirty days. On July 2, 1821, Council extended a vote of thanks to Charles Harris for his "long, useful and arduous ser vices as an alderman." On the death of Alderman Harris, on March 17, 1827, Council adopted resolutions stating that he had been for over twenty years a member of Council and was veritably the father of that body. "During that long period none can accuse him of wil ful wrongdoing and all of us can bear testimony to his excellence, to his ability and to the purity of his motives." Each member wore crape on his arm for two months as a tribute of respect. On the death of Jefferson and Adams, on July 4, 1826, Mayor Daniell was di rected to call the citizens together to express their feelings, and $250 was appropriated to defray expenses of a committee of citizens pay ing funeral respects to the ex-Presidents. On the death of Lafayette in 1834 a special meeting of citizens \\as called for July I by Council. The Board called on all citizens to honor his memory by uniting in a civic and military procession afl'd attending religious services. Rev. Dr. Capers, son of a revolutionary soldier, was invited to pronounce an eulogium. Aldermen Cuyler, Ash and Shaffer were made the committee on arrangements. All citizens were requested to wear crape on the left arm for thirty days as a "badge of mourning for the loss which the cause of liberty throughout the civilized world has sus tained." On the death of President Harrison in 1841 the Aldermen united with citizens in passing resolutions and in attending funeral services, the eulogy being delivered by Hon. John MacPherson Berrien. On March 21, 1844, the long room of the Exchange was placed at the disposal of Henry Clay to receive his fellow-citizens and for the Mayor and Aldermen to pay their respects to the great Kentuckian. On November 29, 1844, a flattering testimonial was bestowed on Mayor Williams.
What may seem to some extravagant expressions of praise and of sorrow were adopted on the death of Andrew Jackson. Council, on June 26, 1845, adopted resolutions declaring him the "most extra ordinary man of the age, the patriot in whom was more of the Ro man, more of that spirit which in the love of country forgets self, than in any other man of the era which he signalized." Every alder-

202

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

man, "as a feeble testimony of grief," wore crape for sixty days and all citizens were requested to don the same badge of mourning for the same period. The walls of the Council chamber were draped for tfie same period, all business was requested suspended on the occasion of the obsequies, and the Board attended the eulogy in a body.
On March 18, 1848. Council attended the funeral of Col. James S. Mclntosh, who had been killed in the Mexican war. On May 25 to 28, 1847. Daniel Webster was an honored visitor, being entertained at a public dinner by citizens on May 27, and at another dinner by the Savannah Bar on the succeeding day, at the Pulaski House.
On March 10, 1849, ex-President Polk visited the city. Alder men Griffin. Cohen and Fay met him at Charleston and extended him the official invitation to Savannah. On his death in the June follow ing, the Council chamber was again draped in mourning for sixty days and all citizens were requested to wear the badge of mourning for the same period. The following year, on April n, Council "rereceived with the deepest regret the intelligence of the death of Hon. John C. Calhoun and mourn over him as over one whose lofty genius and impassioned patriotism are unsurpassed in the history of our country, and whose long and illustrious career from its auspicious beginning to its glorious close is the property of the whole American people, but the peculiar treasure of the South in whose services he sacrificed his life." For thirty days the Council chamber was draped and citizens again displayed the token of mourning. Later this year (August 8) the city was in mourning for President Zachary Taylor, and Council heard the funeral oration delivered at the M. E. Church by Francis S. Bartow.
"Honor to whom honor is due" was the motto of the City. In 1841 it appearing to Council "that Sheftall Sheftall, Esq., one of tHe oldest citizens of Savannah and a relic of the revolution, a pensioner of the United States government for services rendered in the war of the revolution, is in arrears for taxes due the City, resolved, that all back taxes be remitted and the treasurer directed not to require any returns of taxes during his life, and resolved further, that Sheftall Sheftall be and hereby is entitled to all the privileges of a citizen in every respect the same as if his taxes had been returned and paid into the City treasury."
This is the only instance of this kind in the history of Council. When the war with Mexico broke out the Irish Jasper Greens were selected to represent Savannah in the field. On May 29, 1846, Mayor Burroughs and Aldermen Jackson and Clark were appointed to confer with the officers of the company in relation to the further amount of money necessary for the full equipment of the company. A committee of citizens had already subscribed a large sum. The City

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

203

appropriated $700 and presented a claim to the general government. On June n the Mayor was directed to" ascertain what families of members of the Greens were in destitute condition and provide measures for their relief. A committee of three aldermen was ap pointed to visit the families and arrange for j;he collection of funds and supplies and the establishment of a central place where they might apply for assistance.

CHAPTER IX.
THE BUILDING OP THE GULP ROAD AND THE INTRODUCTION OP GAS, WATER AND PREE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Sixty-first Administration, December 8, 1850, to December 8. 1851: Mayor, Dr. Richard Wayne; Aldermen. Thomas Purse. Solo mon Cohen, Robert H. Griffin, James P. Screven, Thomas M. Tur ner, Joachim R. Saussy, John Mallery, Robert D. Walker, Joseph Lippman, John F. Posey, Montgomery Gumming, John F. O'Bryne.
Sixty-second Administration, December 8, 1851, to December 9, 1852: Mayor, Dr. Richard D. Arnold; Aldermen, Dr. James P. Screven, Robert D. Walker, Thomas M. Turner, Samuel Solomons, Dr. Cosmo P. Richardsone, died February, 1852; John W. Anderson, Francis S. Bartow, Richard R. Cuyler, Robert A. Alien. Dr. William G. Bulloch, Alex. A. Smets, John B. Gallic; John Mallery, from March 25.
Sixty-third Administration, December g, 1852, to December 12, 1853: Mayor, Dr. Richard Wayne; Aldermen, John A. Lewis, T. Holcombe, J. McMahon, Charles Ganahl, R. D. Arnold. James P. Screven, William G. Bulloch, C. A. L. Lamar, J. Harris, Isaac Brimner, John Mallery, John Riordon, resigned July 14, 1853; Robert D. Walker, from August n, 1853.
Sixty-fourth Administration, December 12. 1853, to December n, 1854: Mayor, John E. Ward; Aldermen, Isaac Brunner, resigned February 23, 1854; Solomon Cohen, Montgomery Cumming, Charles Ganahl, Edwin E. Hertz, Alex. R. Lawton, John N. Lewis, John Mallery, Dominick A. O'Bryne, James P. Screven, Samuel Solomon, resigned April 6, 1854; Robert D. Walker; Charles Van Horn, from March 9, 1854.

IF

204

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Sixty-fifth Administration. December n, 1854, to December 10, 1855: Mayor, Edward C. Anderson; Aldermen, John Mallery, Gil bert Butler, Alvin N. Miller, Robeit A. Alien, Thomas H. Harden, resigned August 9. 1855; Peter W. Alexander, Edwin E Hertz, James G. Rogers. John N. Lewis. Dr. Charles W. West, John R. Wilder, George \Y. Garmany.
Sixty-sixth Administration, December 10, 1855, to December 8, 1856: Mayor, Edward C. Anderson; Aldermen, Richard Bradley, Robert A. Alien, Aaron Champion, Robert Lachlison, William S. Basinger, John M. Cooper, Robert D. Walker, Richard D. Arnold, Dominick O'Bryne, Solomon Cohen, John J. Kelly, John F. Posey.
Sixty-seventh Administration, December 8, 1856, to October 19. 1857: Mayor. Dr. James P. Screven; Aldermen, Richard D. Arnold, William S. Basinger, Aaron Champion, Solomon Cohen, John G. Falligant. James B. Foley. George A. Gordon, Robert Lachlison, Alvin N. Miller, Thomas Purse, John F. Posey, Robert D. Walker.
Sixty-eighth Administration, October 19, 1857, to October 18, 1858: Mayor. Dr. Richard Wayne, died June 27, 1858; Thomas M. Turner. Mayor from June 27 to October 18, 1858; Aldermen, Thornas M. Turner, George A. Gordon, John G. Falligant, William R. Symons, Noah B. Knapp, Dr. John F. Posey. John Richardson, Claudius C. Wilson. James B. Foley, William Wright, James E. God frey. Francis Blair; Thomas Holcombe, from August 5, 1858.
Sixty-ninth Administration, October 18, 1858, to October 17, 1859: Mayor, Thomas M. Turner; Aldermen, John Boston, John G. Falligant, died September 22, 1859; Martin J. Ford, Thomas Hol combe. Noah B. Knapp, John F. Posey, James B. Foley, died April -1. 1859: George W. Wylly, John P. Delannoy, John M. Guerard, Francis Blair. John F. Tucker; John C. Ferr:ll, fiom April 28, 1859.
Seventieth Administration, October 17, 1859, to October 15. 1860: "Mayor, Dr. Richard D. Arnold; Aldermen. Robert Lachlison, Charles C. Jones. J. Frederick Waring, Abraham Minis, Wallace Cumming. resigned January 24, 1860; Jourdon P. Brooks, Dr. Phineas M. Kollock, William M. Davidson, John P. W. Read, John Rich ardson. Francis M. Stone, John F. Wheaton; E. A. Soullard. from March i, 1860.

Six things stand out with especial prominence in the history of the municipality during the years from 1850 to 1860. They are:
(1) The establishment of a new public cemetery, Laurel Grove. (2) The introduction of gas as an illuminant. (3) The building of waterworks, supplying the city with water from the river for domestic, industrial and fire purposes, leading to a partial abandonment of the wells and cisterns.

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(4) The building of the Savannah, Albany and Gulf Railroad, later the Atlantic and Gulf, the failure of which, twenty years later, so greatly embarrassed the impoverished city, and the effects of which are still apparent in the public debt of Savannah.
(5) The introduction of the public school system. (6) The yellow fever epidemic of 1854. The need of a new cemetery had been felt for many years and pe titions had been presented to Council by citizens desirous of having a new, larger and better located place for the interment of the dead. On June 17, 1849, the Board of Health urged the opening of a new ceme tery as a health measure. The purchase of the Springfield planta tion by the City made this possible. This plantation had long been a menace to the health of the community. A proposition to lease it to the City for dry culture purposes was made early in 1850 and on March 28 of that year the committee of Council to whom the pro position had been referred reported that it was no longer an opinion limited to the medical faculty, but one that pervaded all classes of cit izens that dry culture had exercised a salutary influence upon the health of the city. Convinced of its value Council had never ceased in the efforts to extend the benefits of the system to every portion of the city and had succeeded in surrounding it by a considerable space of dry culture land in every direction except the southwestern, where the rice lands lay which it was now proposed to sell or lease to the City. A purchase in fee simple of the plantation, which comprised 960 acres, at $29 an acre, was offered by the trustees for the minor children of Joseph Stiles, Jr. Council's committee recommended the purchase of the rice lands, including 145 acres, to be drained by the City for truck farms and gardens, and of the high lands lying be tween the rice lands and the Ogeechee road. The owners asked $100 an acre for the rice lands and $60 an acre for the highlands. As This amounted to $27,840, only $8,540 less than the entire plantation at the original offer of $29 an acre, the dry culture committee and Mayor Wayne were authorized on April n to accept the first proposition, the plantation to be paid for in bonds of the City. Bonds were soon after issued and the transfer made and on June 10. (1850), Aldermen Griffin, Screven, Purse, Turner and Citizens R. R. Cuyler, Robert Habersham, F. M. Stone and William Duncan were appointed as a committee on the disposal of the plantation. A large canal was or dered dug to drain the low lands and the plantation was divided into lots, appraised and offered for sale except the high land. This the committee recommended should be laid out for a cemetery, and that families having dead in the old cemetery should be given lots free in the new cemetery on the condition that they removed their dead there, the other cemetery lots to be sold at nominal prices.

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In its report at the close of the year the committee on health and cemetery reported "the welcome and pleasing intelligence that with increasing population the health of Savannah would compare satisfactorily with that of the most favored cities of the country." "It is fair to conclude that much of the healthfulness of our city," the report continued, "is due to the extension of the dry culture sys tem, or the reclaiming and drainage of that large body of low and swampy lands on the southwestern portion. When the system of drainage which has been so diligently prosecuted on these swamp lands shall have been fully carried to a successful completion, which may be expected at an early day, the citizens of Savannah, by rigM enforcement of the dry culture system on the low lands which have been brought under their corporate jurisdiction will have a. sanative cordon which will be effectual in securing them against the malarious diseases to which they have heretofore been exposed." The commit tee in addition recommended a system of super-surface drainage in the city in preference to underground sewers.
In January, 1851, Council offered $100 for the best plan for the laying out the new cemetery. J. O. Morse, a Northern engineer then in the city in connection with the movement for waterworks, was the successful contestant, his plans being accepted. Morse was paid $200 for surveying the cemetery and William George, a land scape gardener, was employed to carry out his plan. On June 5, Council named the new cemetery "Laurel Grove," and in August a building was ordered erected there for a keeper. Between then and November 29 Springfield plantation lots, including 127 acres, were sold for $25.5/1, leaving the remainder costing the City but $2,269. For cemetery purposes 100 acres were appropriated. In the follow ing year (February, 1852) the City subscribed $5,000 in bonds to the capital stock of the Ogeechee Plank Road Company, on condition that no tolls should ever be collected from vehicles going to or re turning from funerals at Laurel Grove. The directors of this plank road company were unable to keep it in good condition, owing to the insufficiency of the tolls and the debts that accumulated, and in 1859 recommended to stockholders to transfer their stock to some person to be selected by the directors who, in consideration, would agree to pay or compromise all the debts and shell the road. The City agreed to this provided that that part of the Ogeechee road lying north of the toll gate was relinquished to the City. (June 23.)
One-fifth of the cemetery was offered to the Catholic Church for a burying ground at one-fifth of the total expense. Bishop Gartland declined to purchase the section proffered unless it was unfettered by restriction and placed solely under the control of the church. He of fered to purchase fifteen or twenty acres outside of the cemetery en closure for a private cemetery, but nothing resulted. In June, 1853,

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the section south of Pine, Locust and Jessamine avenues was set apart for Catholics. Mr. Prendergast in the meantime had given Bishop Gartland fifteen acres of land on the White Bluff road for a cemetery, and as Council declined to confer special privileges in Lau rel Grove the second offer was likewise declined.
By October, 1852, 280 lots in the cemetery had been sold. On July i, 1853, the old cemetery, the potter's field and the negro ceme tery, were closed against interments. Four acres were originally set apart for negroes in the new cemetery, which was increased in 1857 to fifteen acres. A contract was made with Adam Short for the erec tion of the necessary buildings in Laurel Grove for $6,600, and with Thomas White for a reception vault at $300. In November, 1853, a portion of the cemetery was set aside for Hebrews. The next year the City went out of the undertaking business, Council in April (1854) ordering the City hearses sold to the highest bidder. Lots in the cemetery were placed at $10. Early in 1855 all bodies in pot ter's field and the negro cemetery were ordered exhumed and re moved to Laurel Grove. Many bodies were also removed from the old South Broad street burying ground. The fear that the old ceme tery might be, in the end, utilized for other purposes, led Christ Church to memorialize Council on November 27, 1856, setting forth its claim to a section of the ground 380 by 210 feet, and requesting that it be entered on the minutes of Council. The matter was re ferred to Corporation Attorney E. J. Harden, who, on September 3,
reported to Council as follows: "By reference to the memorial it will -be seen that the claim
extends to 380 feet by 210 feet of ground in the old cemetery, bound ed on the north by South Broad street, and on the west by Abercorn street, and on the remaining sides by the public burial ground of Sa vannah, and the memorialists state that 'the establishment by the City Council of Savannah of Laurel Grove cemetery and the abandonment for the purposes of burial of the old or brick cemetery affords in their judgment a proper occasion for putting on record their claim, and altho' they ask nothing more of Council at present, than their claim be spread as of record upon the minutes of your honorable body, yet it is proper that the claim be investigated and the rights of all parties in the premises considered.
"The earliest public recognition of a burial place or cemetery at Savannah of which I have any knowledge, is the provincial act of 1758, Watkin's Digest, pages 52, 53, 54, and is entitled 'An Act for constituting and dividing the several districts and divisions of this province into parishes, and for establishing of religious worship therein, according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of Eng land, and also for empowering the church wardens and vestrymen of the respective parishes, to assess rates for the repair of churches, the

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relief of the poor and other parochial services,' by which it is in the first section enacted that the town and district of Savannah, extend ing up the river Savannah, including the islands therein, as far as the southeast boundary of Goshen, from thence in a southwest line to the river Great Ogeechee, and from the town of Savannah east ward as far as the mouth of the river Savannah, including the sea islands to the mouth of the river Great Ogeechee, and all the settle ments on the north side of the said river, to the western boundaries thereof, shall be and forever continue a parish, by the name of the Parish of Christ Church/ and by the second section of the same Act it is enacted that from and after the said seventeenth day of March, J 758, the church already erected in the town of Savannah and the ground as now used for a cemetery or a burial place thereto, shall be the parish church and cemetery of Christ Church.
"The next Act in point of time is that of April 17, 1763, Watkin's Digest, page 85, by the second section of which it is recited and en acted as follows: 'And whereas the cemetery in the parish of Christ Church belonging to the said parish is become too small for the oc casion. Be it therefore enacted by the authority aforesaid, that the said cemetery be enlarged and extended to the line of Abercorn street to the westward, and 100 feet to the southward, the whole to contain 210 feet square, and the church wardens and vestrymen of the said parish are hereby empowered at their discretion to agree with and hire workmen to complete, enclose and finish the same/ The next Act in order is that (Watkin's Digest, 149-50) which reciting 'That where as the cemetery or public burial ground of the parish of Christ Church, notwithstanding the addition made thereunto by an Act of the Gen eral Assembly passed on the seventeenth day of April, 1763, is ap parently too small to answer the purposes intended thereby, and it appearing necessary to make a further addition thereto/ enacts that 'immediately after the passing of this Act it shall and may be lawful to and for the church wardens and vestry of the parish of Christ Church aforesaid, for the time being, and they are hereby authorized and empowered to lay out an addition of one hundred and seventy feet in length, of and from the common of the Town of Savannah and adjoining to the eastward the present cemetery or public burial ground, and that the addition so laid out, made and extended shall from thenceforth and forever be and remain as part and parcel of the said cemetery or public burial ground and that the church wardens and vestry of the said parish church for the time being shall be and they are hereby empowered to enclose the same accordingly, at their discretion, anything in any law heretofore enacted to the contrary notwithstanding/
"By the constitution of Georgia adopted in 1777 the parish of Christ Church and the lower part of St. Philip were created into a

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
county to be known by the name of Chatham, and, so far as I have found by any public record," the cemetery or public burial ground for the parish of Christ Church, as it is called in the provincial act of 1768, remained a public cemetery or burial ground as" far down as the year 1789. In that year an ordinance was passed by the Board of Wardens of the Town of Savannah, entitled 'An ordinance for en larging the cemetery or public burial ground, and for laying off a burial ground for negroes,' and reciting that 'Whereas the public bur ial ground or cemetery of the parish of Christ Church in the Town of Savannah, notwithstanding the several additions which have, by Acts of the General Assembly under the provincial government been made thereto, containing in the whole 210 feet in width and 380 feet in length, is found too small to answer the purposes intended, and whereas it hath been represented to the Board of Wardens that it is necessary a further addition should be made thereto' it was then or dained that 'the County Surveyor be authorized and required to ad measure and lay off from the lands being the commons of the Town of Savannah 120 feet to the eastward and 290 feet to the southward to be added to the present cemetery or burial ground, so that the whole be 500 feet square/ and it was further 'ordained that the ad dition of 120 feet eastward and 290 feet southward, so laid out, added and extended, shall from henceforth and forever be and remain a public burial ground for the interment of Christian people of what ever denomination, and not to be considered as belonging or apper taining solely to the Episcopal church of Savannah, commonly called Christ Church/ Another section provides 'that with the consent of the vestry of Christ Church, a proper person shall be appointed to superintend the digging of graves in the said burial ground, to pre vent the deposit of the dead being disturbed/ and that the person so to be appointed shall be entitled to demand and receive fees for diging the graves and closing the same. Pursuant to that ordinance the County Surveyor returned a plat of the burial ground as laid off by him, and within the .area of five hundred feet square is marked the location of the 'old cemetery/ 210 by 380 feet. The old or brick cemetery as it now stands, was then laid out by said extension, and contains 500 feet square, including the said area of 210 by 380 feet claimed by the wardens and vestrymen of Christ Church, and it only remains to be seen whether the claim is exclusive of other denomi nations or the public.
"The memorialists state that 'they are advised by counsel that the title to the aforesaid portion of the old or brick cemetery is now, and has always been in the wardens and vestrymen of the said Christ Church/ By this term title, I suppose is meant a claim to the free hold or fee in the soil, but I will consider the claim as grounded also on a supposed dedication of the soil as a place of sepulture for the

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dead of a particular denomination of Christians, and this I propose to consider first. I have already had occasion to consider and ex press to your honorable body, in the case of a highway, that the easement or right of user in the public is perfectly consistent with the existence of the freehold in the owner Or owners of the adjoining land. In this case the claim is against and not by the public. The Acts and ordinances already referred to show that the dedication was not by a private owner of the soil, but by authority of the public in whom the freehold is supposed to have have been at the time of the dedication. But I do not regard the question of original ownership as at all varying the principle. Humanity forbids that the state of the case, that is, the original ownership being private or public, should practically offset the result.
"A dedication by public authority for public or charitable pur poses is or ought to be irrevocable, ceriainly as long as the original object of the dedication remains; and I have no idea that the Mayor and Aldermen can revoke the dedication made by the ordinance of 1789, and I am clear in the opinion that they cannot revoke that made by authority of the General Assembly, to-wit: of the 210 by 380 feet. It cannot be necessary to anticipate the time, probably a very remote period, when there shall be no living person to claim a re pose in the old cemetery for the ashes of those who have been de posited there by such claimant or his ancestors, nor is it necessary now to enquire whether, on the supposition that such time will come when that cemetery shall no longer be considered as consecrated ground, municipal or State authority will be required to divert the soil to purposes other than those of the repose of the dead then lying there. I propose, then, to consider the claim of the wardens and ves trymen to the land itself, simply remarking that so far as the dedica tion for charitable and religious purposes is concerned, a dedication to the congregation of Christ Church exclusively, if such ever was made, would have been as good without as with an Act of incorporation. But I do not think there was ever any such exclusive dedication, as I shall endeavor to show in considering the question of title to the soil.
"By an Act of the General Assembly of Georgia passed on the 23d of December, 1789, about five months after the ordinance of the Board of Wardens of the same year, Christ Church wss incorporat ed; that is, certain persons named in the Act and their successors in office, by the name and style of the Church Wardens and Vestrymen of the Episcopal Church in Savannah called Christ Church. Crawford's Digest, 144, and the Act declare that they, the said wardens and vestrymen, shall be invested with all manner of property, both real and personal, all monies due, donations, gifts, grants, hereditaments, privileges and immunities whatever, which may belong to the said Church; all monies that have been granted for rebuilding the said

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church or for building a new church, or which may hereafter be given, granted, conveyed or transferred for rebuilding the said church or for building a new church in Savannah, or which may be made or transferred to them or their successors in office, to have and to hold the same for the proper use, benefit and behoof of the said church, and the said church wardens and vestrymen, and their successors in office shall be and they ar hereby declared to be capable of suing and being sued, and of using all ne :essary legal steps for recovering and defending any property whatsoever which the said church may hold, claim or demand, and is herein secured or otherwise. In this Act, which is the only one I find on the subject of the church prop erty in Christ Church, no direct reference is made to the cemetery, and we are then thrown back upon the provincial Acts already cited and the ordinance of 1789 and subsequent ordinances. The Act of 1758 created a parish by the name of the Parish of Christ Church, and declares that 'the church already erected in the Town of Sa vannah and the ground as now used for a cemetery or burial place thereto, shall be the parish church and cemetery of Christ Church.' By the third section of that Act Episcopacy was made the established religion of the province and one of the purposes for which that Act
was established and passed, as its title declares, was 'for empow ering the church wardens and vestrymen of the respective parishes to assess rates for the repair of churches, the relief of the poor and other parochial services/ and it is worthy of remark that the next Act in order (of 1763) further authorizes the assessing of rates for 'enlarging the public burial ground at Savannah and enclosing the same.' Although in our compilations the several enactments con ferring these powers are omitted as repugnant to our form of gov ernment, which succeeded the Revolution, yet it is believed that no classes of British subjects were exempt from such assssrnent, dissen ters as well as members of the established church contributed to the objects and were all entitled to interment in the parish cemetery, un less at their death laboring under some special ecclesiastical disabil ity. The Act .of 1768, both in its title and body, speaks of the ceme tery at Savannah, as 'the cemetery or public burial ground,' and I am forced to the conviction that neither the provincial nor State Legis lature regarded it as a place for the interment exclusively of any denomination of Christians; that it was originally a part of the com mons appertaining to the said town and that, as such, it was, under the Act of 1760, to be and continue the 'common property of the lot holders in the said town,' and that it could 'not be claimed or granted away for any purpose whatsoever than by an Act of the General As sembly,' that the General Assembly did, by the subsequent Acts al ready cited, dedicate 210 by 380 feet of said commons to the purpose of common sepulture, with an addition afterwards by the Board of

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Wardens of an area sufficient to make a square of 500 feet. It may be said that the ordinance of July 29, 1789, already referred to, re cognizes the title of Christ Church to the said area (210 by 380 feet) and thereby removed any doubt as to the legislative or municipal in tent. I think the answer is plain and obvious: ist. That the sup posed recognition is too equivocal to be interpreted as an admission of an exclusive right even for burial purposes; 2d. That if it is to operate as an admission of the exclusive right of Christ Church for purposes of interment, such admission goes no further, and cannot have the effect of turning an easement into a grant of the soil; and with the easement the Mayor and Aldermen do not propose to interfere as against any person whose dead have been buried there;
3d. That the admission, if it operates at all, is to be considered with reference to the time when the ordinance was passed, soon after the period of our Revolutionary struggle, when the people of Georgia, accustomed previously to a mild but regal government, had hardly ceased to remember the established Church as the only one sup ported under the laws of the province, and when it is probable most of the dead who reposed within the limits of the old portion of the cemetery belonged to Episcopal families, or had been buried accord ing to the rites of the Church of England, and when also, as the or dinance itself shows, there could have been little room for further in terments within such old portion; 4th. That no ordinance of the Board of Wardens in whatever terms coached could alien or convey title to the soil, the fee to which was not in them at best for the pur pose of alienation.
"I would not be understood as aying that the parish church was not capable, even without a special act of incorporation, of taking a grant of land for parochial purposes, nor do I mean to say that the change in our form of government would have divested the title to lands so granted, but I put my opinion on the distinct ground that no such grant of the soil in the cemetery was ever made, and that al though in one sense the division of the province into parishes was an ecclesiastical division, yet as the provincial Acts gave no dis tinct or exclusive right in the soil to the parish church, the change in government took away all pretense for supposing a cemetery which had before been dedicated to the burial of persons of all Christian denominations, was not by the act of revolution itself op ened as a place of sepulture for all persons entitled to burial under
any rite or* form. "The foregoing views render it unnecessary to examine particu
larly the various ordinances, since that of 1789, recognizing the old cemetery as a public burial place, regulating the appointment of the sexton, the digging of graves, etc. If, as I think, the fee in the soil could be granted only by legislative action, or during the provincial

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government by the authority of the Crown, and no such grant can be shown, no action of the wardens and of the Mayor and Aldermen could amount to more than a dedication of the land for purposes of sepulture."
At the suggestion of the corporation attorney Council adopted a resolution allowing the memorial from Christ Church setting forth its claim to be spread upon the minutes without acknowledging or admitting its justice or equity. On March 15 1871, the wardens and vestry of Christ Church petitioned Council to vest in them and their successors the superintendence of the old cemetery and grant them the right to erect a chapel or other edifice therein. At the same time Bishop Persico, of the Catholic Church, petitioned for a suf ficient portion of the old cemetery on which to erect a cathedral and Bishop's residence at a cost of $200,000, pointing out that members of his faith held a portion of the ground and had their dead buried there. Subscriptions to the amount of $50,000 were in hand for the cathedral, and this and the proceeds of the sale of property of the church assured the success of the undertaking. On April 26 Council, acted adversely on both petitions. Both were then referred to a spe cial committee, Aldermen Dillon, Basinger, Schwarz, Hayvvood, Nichols and the corporation attorney, who reported an May 27 that they had good reasons to believe that neither of the denominations desired "anything further than forever setting at rest that the old or brick cemetery shall never hereafter be used for or appropriated to secular purposes, inconsistent with the original purpose of a grave yard or place of sepulture." They accordingly reported an ordinance to that end, defining the rights and duties of the City to preserve the cemetery, in whole or in part, from appropriation for purposes inconsistent with its original dedication and to provide for keeping it in a suitable manner. This ordinance was passed June 7, 1871. On December 23, 1872, the care of the old cemetery was turned over to the City by the Old Cemetery Association and it was placed under the committee on squares. Prior to this Council had made appro priations at intervals to put it in proper order. On December 20, 1871, the area of Laurel Grove was ordered extended. In Septem ber, 1881 the section reserved for Hebrews was increased.
On June 24, 1868, an offer was made to convey Evergreen Cem etery (Bonaventure) to the City, one-quarter of the proceeds of the sales of lots to go to the City, and three-fourths to be paid to the present owners. Council declined the offer. Again on January 14. 1870, another unsuccessful effort was made to sell this cemetery to the City, the claim then being made that there were no more desira ble lots in Laurel Grove. The owners asked too much and no sale was effected. Other efforts were similarly made in more recent years with the same result.

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In 1846 only sixteen city lamps were reported fit for use. For some years the burden of lighting the streets in front of their houses and places of business had been thrown largely upon the citizens. Each year the system of oil lamps grew poorer and less adequate for the needs of the com munity. At the close of 1848 Council's committee on lights reported that the existing mode of lighting the city was defective and dim. and that the time had arrived "when measures should be adopted for the formation of a company to light the city with gas, a mode which experience has attested as much cheaper and more ef fective than oil." The following year a committee on gas was ap pointed by Council to procure a charter from the Legislature for a gas company to be located here. It reported that during the coming year (1850) a company could be organized with adequate capital. In December (1849) a meeting of the citizens was called to consider the propriet3* of the City taking stock in a gas company. This meeting authorized Council to subscribe to $25,000 of the stock, and a larger amount if it deemed it necessary. The stock of the company was placed at $125.000 and Council instructed Major Wayne to subscribe for $25.000. It also accepted a resolution by the citizens that the streets should be lighted with gas, and the committee suggested the use of 200 lamps costing about $7,000. The committee later con tracted for 225 lamp-posts at 2 1-2 cents a pound, and 225 lanterns, the frame work of galvanized iron, at $5 each. On May 23, 1850, it was reported to Council that the gas works was ncaring completion and a contract was entered into between the City and the company at $33 a lamp for gas from dark to daylight, or from the going down of the moon to daylight. This did not include the cost of lighting the lamps, etc. Early in 1851 the committee were authorized to pur chase 200 additional lamps and posts and Council decided to allow a post and lantern free to every owner of a house provided he lighted the same at his own expense. Soon after the Mayor was authorized to sell the shares held by the corporation iu the gas company if not below par, and in February 500 shares were ordered sold. At the close of the year (1851) there were 330 gas lamps between Bay and Taylor and East and West Broad streets. In 1853 the City received seventy-five shares of gas company stock as a dividend and subscrib ed for 225 shares of a new issue. In 1854 all of the stock was di
rected sold. In 1859 a new contract was made for ten veers at $33 a lamp,
gas, lighting and repairs being included at this price. The service by the gas company appears to have been satisfac
tory until the war came, bringing with it difficulty of securing fuel and proper labor, and resulting in serious deterioration of the plant. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities the company laid in a supply of

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!f
coal which it considered adequate to carry it until the end of the war. This was exhausted by the fall of 1862, and it then resorted to wood with poor results. For a time the city was badly lighted and then came a period of no lights at all. After peace had come fur ther difficulties were experienced by the City. The gas committee of Council in February, 1866, reported that the company had failed to execute its part of the contract. "While our houses, churches and stores are brilliantly illuminated, the streets border on Egyptian darkness." At the same time the committee deemed it inexpedient for the City to either build, lease or "own gas works. A private party had recently visited the city, with ample capital and had been desirous of erecting gas works at his own expense. The committee accordingly recommended that advantage be taken to put the question of light on a more favorable and permanent basis. The old gas company then made a proposition to lease its works to the City or to annul the existing contract and make a new one. Aldermen Gue. Cunningham, Schley and Messrs. Stoddard and Hunter were appointed a committee to report on the propriety of establishing a new com pany. The old plant was dilapidated and inadequate. Night after night whole wards were without lights. The company claimed that the war had put the plant in bad condition and that arrangements had been made to improve it. Council s committee, however, re ported in favor of a new gas plant and that steps be taken to secure a charter for a new company, the control to be vested, in the City. President Willis, of the gas company, then offered to lease its plant at a reasonable price, or that the City take charge of its lamps, the company merely to supply the gas at $3.00 per 1,000 feet. The im provement made by the old company led the City to abandon its in tention of owning its own plant. The contract expired in 1868, but a new contract was not entered into at once, Council looking further into the question of a superior quality of gas. In this connection the scientific section of the Georgia Historical Society made a report on the manufacture of gas on September 14, 1870. A new contract for gas was entered into December 16, 1870, at the rate of $53 a lamp, lit every night from dusk to daylight. In 1873 there were 560 street lamps, costing $29,680. In January, 1874, a new contract was made for five years at $44 a lamp. /S~ Attention has been directed to the propositions of 1821 and 1827 to establish waterworks. On June 6, 1850, Council received a com munication from C. P. Richardsone and Hiram Roberts, relative to establishing waterworks under an Act of the last Legislature. It was referred to Aldermen Scfeven, Turner and Walker. On September 30, $300 was appropriated to employ ah agent to visit Northern cit ies and examine works for introducing water and obtain general information as to their expenses and the best mode of effecting this

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object. Under the next administration, Aldermen Screven. Purse and Griffin were appointed to resume consideration of the question. As a result J. O. Morse, an hydraulic engineer, made a survey for water works which was submitted on February 13, 1851, and Mayor Wayne was then instructed to call a meeting of the citizens to consider the question of establishing a plant. Mr. Morse reported that the Savannah river water was of remarkable purity when the earthy matter which it held in suspension was removed. "The purity of the water," said he. "is owing to the fact that the river rises in a region of primitive formation, the turbidness due to the mere me chanical admixture of clay taken up by the river in its course through the low country. This clay is very speedily given up in the form of sediment when once the water is allowed to remain for a shurt time unagitated. Earthy particles are readily precipitated in two days, leaving the water clearer than that of the Croton or the Schuylkill. A gallon. 44.08 grains, in a normal state contains 7.6 grains of solid matter, the greater part of which is alumina or clay, a minute trace of carbonate of lime and magnesia constituting the remainder. Of the solid matter 60 per cent, is held in suspension in an. insoluble form, leaving but three grains of soluble matter in the clarified water after three days repose." Estimating thirty gallons to the in dividual, 480,000 gallons would be required for 16,000 inhabitants. The engineer suggested a capacity of 600,000 gallons daily.
A public meeting of the citizens endorsed the waterworks project and $300 was paid to Morse by the Council for his preliminary sur vey. Dr. C. P. Richardsone, James S. Williams, Edward C. Anderson, Robert Lachlison, Hiram Roberts, Charles Wilson, and Alder men R. D. Walker, John F. Posey, James P. Screven, Thomas M. Turner, Robert H. Griffin and Thomas Purse were appointed as a committee to consider proposals and select a plan. They reported on December 4, 1851, in favor of the plan of Worthington, Baker and Morse, as embracing the advantages of greater certainty and quantity of supply with cheapness of cost and economy in current expenses. On February 26, 1852, the committee on waterworks was authorized to engage the services of an engineer of ability and ex perience in the construction of the works and A. W. Craven, chief of the Croton waterworks of New York City, was engaged as consult ing engineer. The waterworks committee was authorized to nego tiate for the purchase of a lot of land west of. the canal belonging to Messrs. Smets, Sounder and Lachlison, as a site, for $22,000, and to make necessary contracts for the work. Mayor Arnold and Al derman Screven visited New York and closed the contract with Worthington & Morse. Bonds were issued to pay for the site. It was decided to locate the distributing reservoir in Franklin square. This reservoir remained until 1900, although its use had been abandoned long prior to that. It was then sold and removed.

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217

Bonds were directed issued to pay for the waterworks which were to be completed by March i, 1854. The total cost outside of the mains and land appears to have been $122,055. Several important changes were made on the advice of Mr. Craven, increasing the ca pacity of the works far beyond the original intentions. On the com pletion of the works an ordinance was passed placing them under the care and control of five commissioners, two aldermen and three citi zens. On June I, 1854, Aldermen J. P. Screven and A. R. Lawton and Citizens William Duncan, John S. Montmollm and R. D. Arnold assumed charge in that capacity, to hold office until December, 1855, commissioners then and thereafter to be appointed for one year. Charles Van Horn was the first superintendent. Citizens quickly availed themselves of the opportunity to introduce water into their buildings and petitions were constantly made to Council for the ex
tension of the mains. The water, though, at times was unfit for drinking and experiments in filtration were begun in 1855. At this time the commissioners in a report on the financial results said: "The value of the waterworks should not be estimated in dollars and cents .only but in the security they give to property and the comfort they bestow upon the citizens." Several reports on filtering were made, the chief that of Engineer Schwaab on June n, 1870, and on August 23, of that year, there was an interesting discussion before Council on the subject. Some illness being attributed to local im purities in the water a plan was prepared 'in 1872 to get water from a point a mile further up the river. Iron pipe 3 feet in diameter to the length of 6,900 feet was required, the cost of which was placed at $57,589, with an additional expense of $7,500 for land. The cost debarred the City from the undertaking. The necessity of increasing the pumping capacity of the works also confronted Council. The daily pumping of water had been increased from an average daily of 198,296 gallons in 1856 to 1,610,303 in 1873.
The waterworks had been in constant service for nearly twenty years. The wear and tear incident to long use and the increased de mand for water, requiring an average daily supply of nearly two million gallons, had very nearly worn out the pumps. One million, five hundred thousand gallons was the maximum supply estimated in the contract made with the builders. During the summer of 1874 the consumption of water reached two million, three hundred and four thousand gallons a day. This was the full limit of the works and more than they could be relied upon to do. Only under the most favorable circumstances could the two pumps together fill the reser voir and meet a demand of this kind. The pumps had been running night and day since their erection in 1854. Superintendent R. D. Guerard brought these facts before the Aldermen. Upon the strength of his statements Council directed the water commission-

218

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

ers to enter into a new contract with Mr. Worthington for the pur chase of one of his improved double cylinder duplex engines, capable of delivering three million gallons a day, and in case of necessity of fifteen per cent, additional, the City to pay for the same, after erectio'n and completion, the sum of $25,000 at its convenience, provided the time should not exceed twelve months thereafter, with interest on unpaid balances of 7 per cent. The new work was commenced on October 26. 1874, and the engine was running May 26, 1875. The old pump had required the consumption of 125 to 145 cords of wood a month, while the new one used but sixty cords. The old engine?, etc., were also overhauled and were relied on to give an additional supply of a million gallons daily, making the total capacity of the works 4.500,000 gallons daily.
Savannah was the first city where Mr. Worthington had put up one of his engines. In a letter to Council, after the making of this second contract he expressed the belief that this would be the last contract he would make anywhere, and spoke of the pride and pleas ure given to him by the reminiscences of this business association with Savannah which had no equal in his experience.
In 1876 the project for obtaining a water supply from a point in the Savannah river sufficiently distant from the city to escape the washings from the streets and sewers, the filth from the shipping and the swamp water from the canal, that flowed into the river in the immediate vicinity of the existing source of supply, had the earnest attention of Council. All were impressed with the importance of a change, but no plan could be agreed upon that seemed to promise certainty, strength and durability, and that would be sufficiently tight not to admit the water from the lowlands through which it would pass imess at an expense far in excess of the City's ability to pay in its embarrassed condition. Information came to the committee hav ing the matter under consideration that a wooden box conduit simi lar to that proposed to be put down for the purpose, had been tried at Brookline, Mass., and proved an utter failure. It was accordingly unwilling to recommend a wooden box conduit. In 1879 the com mittee continued its investigations on this line, but without reach ing any conclusion. Doubts were entertained whether a supply of water from a point higher up the river would be any purer than that already obtained, some maintaining that it would be even more objectionable owing to" its contamination by the discharge of foul water from the rice fields. Mayor Wheaton in his report at the end of the year stated that from the most careful consideration of the subject and from the best information at his command he was in clined to the opinion that a system of artesian wells, sunk a sufficient depth to escape the surface impurities, would furnish the purest water obtainable and when established could be operated at a less

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

219

cost than the existing system. This is the first official mention of ar
tesian wells for Savannah. By an ordinance adopted February 18, 1880, the control of the
waterworks, which had been vested since their construction, in a commission, was transferred to Council and by it placed under the charge of a Committee on Waterworks. By this time the consump tion was fully up to the capacity of the works and $20,000 was placed in the budget for the year 1881 for the purchase of additional pump ing machinery. The State Board of Health and other competent au thorities had declared that the source from which the city was supplied with water had its purity impaired. On March 2, 1881, a communication from the Georgia Medical Society was read, stating that weekly reports showed that in the last fifteen years great changes had taken place in the prevailing types of disease. Since the inauguration of the drainage system the malarial element had very much diminished and from the time of the adoption of the pres ent system of sewers with house connections the class of filth dis eases had been on the.increase. In this connection it was pointed out that water was one of the best disinfectants and purifiers known and should be supplied in sufficient quantity and with sufficient pres sure to cleanse the water closets and drainage pipes. As the facts showed that the supply of water was not sufficient to serve its full purpose at any inconsiderable distance from the reservoir, and as this insufficiency was a source of great danger to the public health, the Medical Society recommended a full examination of the subject by Council. Council, as its predecessors for three years had done, took into consideration the establishment of new waterworks further up the river. It was decided to buy a new pumping engine, of the capacity of five million gallons daily, to erect a standpipe of sufficient height to ensure the pressure necessary to distribute a full supply of water in all parts of the city, and in view of the many serious objec tions to the situation of the existing works it was decided to abandon the water basins then in use and locate new works on the McLeod mill property, recently purchased for $4,c6o and located two miles above the city. It was determined to locate the engine there and lay a 24-inch iron pipe from thence to Franklin square, and when these were completed to remove the engine built in 1876 to the new works. A contract was entered into with Mr. Henry Worthington (the third made with this firm) for the new pumping engine to be placed in position by May I, 1882, and with the Gloucester Iron Works for the pipe. It was estimated that the cost of the mains, the building and the new pumping engine would amount to $80,000, of which $20,000 was available, having been provided for in the tax levy for 1882. The building of .the standpipe was deferred until 1883 in order to avoid placing the entire burden on the taxpayer in one year.

220

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

_____ ___ ___



The removal of the works was successfully accomplished in 1882. The

old works, built in 1852-54. just west of and adjoining the Ogeechee

canal, near Canal street, were abandoned and the new works, now

known as the old works, constructed on the site two miles up the

river. The auxiliary engine bought in 1876 was removed there and

the new Worthington engine erected, with a capacity of five million

gallons daily. An engine house, 53 by 53 feet, 20 feet from floor

to ceiling, with a cellar 6 feet in the clear, and a boiler house 43 by

73 feet, with a brick chimney stack 20 by 20 feet at the base and 100

feet high, were built. The water was drawn through a cast iron suc

tion pipe, three feet in diameter, from a well 15 by 15 feet, sunk

inside the wharf line to a depth of 10 feet below mean low water,

fitted with screens and gates and covered with a substantial building.

A cast iron main 24 inches in diameter conveyed the water to the

water tower in Franklin square. The new pump was started on Sep

tember 20. The tract on which the second waterworks were located,

the McLeod mill site, contained seventy-eight acres, with a frontage

of 642 feet on the river, and cost the city $4,060. The total cost of all

improvements, not including land, was about $i8o,coo. These works

continued in use until the establishment of the present waterworks

on Gwinnett street in 1892 and are now retained as a reserve works.

,f The City's active interest and co-operation in the building of

new railroads and extension of the old ones continued. In 1851 an

ordinance was passed authorizing and directing the Mayor to sub

scribe for i.ooo shares, at $100, of the stock of the Southwestern

Railroad, to be used exclusively in building and constructing twenty-

one miles of road from Fort Valley to the eastern terminus of the

"Muscogee Railroad, and to authorize the issuing of bonds of the

City to pay the subscription. In 1852 the City was appealed to to

subscribe to a branch road from Columbus to Opelika, and on May

6 Council decided to subscribe $100,000 payable in twenty year bonds,

provided the citizens of Savannah in town meeting endorsed its

doing so. It was not until April 3, 1854, that an ordinance was

passed to issue $100,000 of bonds to cover this subscription.

In the summer of 1852 a railroad was also projected to connect

Savannah with the southern and southwestern counties of the State

and with Mobile Bay and the Mississippi river, to promote the in

terests of the State and city. Council regarded this with favor and

j

on August 12 announced that it would cheerfully co-operate in ac

complishing it when authorized to do so by the citizens. On Octo

ber 21 the City wras requested to provide funds for the instrumental

survey and location of the route of the proposed railroad to Albany

and to subscribe to $500,000 of the capital stock of the company.

Council made the subscription with the usual provision that it was

subject to the endorsement of the citizens in town meeting. Coun-

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

221

cil also advanced money for the survey, looking to the company for

repayment. Six hundred dollars was advanced F. G. Holcombe, en

gineer, for the purchase of instruments, camp equipments, etc., for the

survey, and $8,500 was paid him later to cover the expenses cf the

survey.

On May 27, 1853, a railroad was projected to connect Savannah

with Pensacola. Fla. A mass meeting of citizens requested Coun

cil to engage Franklin P. Holcombe, civil engineer, to survey the

route from the west side of the Altamaha southward to a junction

of the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers, but willing to meet the in

habitants of middle Florida at a fair point on the boundary be

tween Georgia and Florida and to .see the road run to Tallahassee

if at least $800,000 was subscribed in Florida for that purpose. This

i

mass meeting resolved that the corporation of Savannah should

agree to subscribe one million of dollars as soon as the new com

pany was chartered, upon the following conditions:

"That at least one-half million dollars be subscribed by other

persons."

"That the City of Savannah be repaid out of the first install

ments for all monies advanced for the surveys. That the City and

all subscribers be allowed interest on all installments until the rail

road shall be finished and in operation between Savannah and the

station next west of the Altamaha at the rate of 3 1-2 per cent, per

aUnum.

"That the subscribers under the new charter meet June 8, 1853,

to elect a provisional board of directors."

R. R. Hilton and F. S. Bartow were sent as delegates to the

Florida railroad convention at Tallahassee. Council, on June 2,

(1853) authorized the Mayor to subscribe $1,000,000 on these terms

and conditions. On June 30 $1,000 was appropriated to promote a

survey of the Savannah and Pensacola Railroad with F. P. Hol

combe as chief engineer. On June 9, 1853, a public meeting selected

as a provisional Board of Directors James P. Screven, President;

John W. Anderson, William Duncan, Hiram Roberts, Henry S.

Weed, Richard Wayne, Thomas Purse, Francis S. Bartow, and John

Stoddard, to procure subscriptions, superintend the survey of a

route, procure the necessary charter, collect all information, corre

spond with the citizens of Florida and give information to the public

on the progress of the work, etc.

These movements culminated on September 8, 1853, in the in

troduction of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to subscribe *for

one million of the stock of the Savannah and Albany railroad and

to issue bonds of the City for the payment thereof, to run thirty-five

years. The ordinance was passed September 2-2, Alderman Lamar

alone voting in the negative. Early in the year 1854 the City re-

222

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

quested the location of the depot of the Savannah & Albany rail road at the eastern side of the city as most conducive to the interest of the general public. Although it had appropriated one million dol lars to the building of the road and was the largest shareholder, the City had no direct representation on the board'of the road. In De cember, 1854. Mayor Anderson was directed to confer with the pres-' ident of the Savannah. Albany & Gulf road, as it had then become known, and ascertain the present condition and the future plans and prospects of the company. A detailed statement was received from the President, stating that it was expected to have the road open for business to the west bank of the Altamaha river early in January, 1857. It was stated that the State of Florida contemplated a system of railroad improvements from Pensacola to Fernandina and from Fernandina to Cedar Keys. It had appropriated eight million acres of land worth $3,000,000. "A judicious connection between these lines of roads and ours will inure to the vast benefit of our road and Savannah.*'
Council recommended that the railroad restrict its expenditures as much as possible during the year 1855 owing to the stringency of the times. It had estimated for that year's service expenditures of $424.800. of which the City furnished in cash $150,000. The City had found it difficult to realize on bonds and urged that nothing should be done to commit the company beyond the west bank of the Alta maha except on condition of large contributions from other parties interested in the enterprise and the most ample security given to the company that such contributions would be forthcoming. When a sum sufficient to join the Gulf connection should be obtained, either from the people of southwestern Georgia or from the Legislature or other sources, then the City of Savannah would readily agree to a vigorous prosecution of the work. The directors did not heed the advice of Council and a resolution was introduced soon afterward condemning them for letting new contracts and refusing to recog nize the authority of Council to purchase iron. The censure was laid on the table and the contracts approved. In May (1855) it was reported to Council that the City's subscription and those from private individuals were sufficient to build and equip the Gulf road for operation from Savannah to the west bank of the' Altamaha and leave $183.000 for further work. The fall in the price of iron led Council to leave the matter of purchases entirely in the discretion of the directors. At the time iron cost $50 a ton delivered in Sa vannah and the cost of laying track v.as estimated at $600 a mile. The cost of putting the road in complete running order to the Great Ogeechee was placed at $311,000, thence to the west bank of the Al tamaha at $579.000, total $890,000. Rolling stock, depots, rights of way, etc., $130.000. Besides the City's one million there were other bona fide subscriptions aggregating $310,000.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

223

The Mayor had been directed by Council to vote for himself as a director. The rules of the road required each director to person ally own ten shares of stock and he could not be elected as the City's representative on that account.
On September 4, 1856, a railroad convention was held at Thomasville, Savannah's delegates being A. R. Lawton, R. R. Hilton, J. G. Rodgers, W. H. Tison and G. A. Gordon. The result was seen October 6, when, in accordance with the wishes of citizens, Council subscribed $500,000 to the Atlantic & Gulf road, to be organized at Milledgeville, on October 22, the subscription to be good as soon as $400,000 was subscribed by other parties. The next year aid was asked for a railroad from Griffin to North Alabama, but Council declined, owing to past heavy expenditures.
Fifty-eight miles of the Savannah, Albany & Gulf road were completed in October, 1857, and it was expected that seventy-two miles would be in operation by 1858. In that year the City com pleted its payments of the one million dollars subscribed to this en terprise. It then began its payments to the Atlantic & Gulf road. In December (1857) Mayor Wayne was directed to sell $20,000 of Southwestern stock and apply it to a payment on the Atlantic & Gulf stock. A meeting of the citizens v/as called to devise ways of raising $200,000 for this purpose. The meeting directed Council to borrow $40,000 for the first payment and if it could not do so to sell stocks held by it to that amount. The money was borrowed. In April, 1859, the Savannah, Albany and Gulf road applied to the City to endorse an issue of $300,000 of bonds to take up debts and con tinue work. On April 28 Council authorized the Mayor to endorse the bonds in behalf of the City, and on May 14 the citizens author ized this course. (It was these bonds that the United States Su preme Court held the city liable for in 1883.) On May 30 the Mayor and Aldermen accompanied the Governor on a trip of inspection over the road. S
In October, 1862, Mr. Lamar and others offered to purchase the stock of the City in the Savannah, Albany and Gulf road. The com-

mittee to whom their proposition was referred reported on Decem ber 3 that the shares were pledged to meet the bonds issued by the City, not falling due until 1868, and it could not recommend the ac ceptance of the offer. The next year came the movement to con solidate the Savannah, Albany and Gulf and Atlantic and Gulf roads. The Atlantic and Gulf declared a dividend of 8 per cent, out of its earnings for the last six months of 1863. President Screven hailed this as the "first substantial evidence of the successful condi tion of the latest enterprise in which Savannah had engaged." The line suffered during the war but by 1865 the whole road had been re stored and placed in running order and forty-eight miles of new

224

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

road had been constructed. There were then 200 miles in operation. On December 20, 1867, Council attended a celebration at Bainbridge on the completion of the road to that place.
In 1868 a second proposition to buy the City's stock came. On December 23 a proposition was made to purchase from the City all the railroad shares held by it, viz: 12,383 shares Atlantic & Gulf, 307 Montgomery & West Point, 424 Augusta & Savannah, and i South western.
The Southwestern Railroad, with the guarantee of the Central attached, offered to take these stocks and pay the bonds of the City at maturity and semi-annual interest on same, as follows: Atlantic & Gulf, due in twenty years, $944,000; Southwestern, due in one year, $117; Augusta & Savannah, due in two years, $174,500. The resolu tion adopted by the Southwestern said: "The consummation of this proposition contemplated in amicable and just settlement of the present unhappy and ruinous competition on the part of the Atlan tic & Gulf road for the business legitimately belonging to the South western and Central railroads." A condition of the proposition was that "the City of Savannah would not contribute aid to any railroads which would have the effect of injuring the established system of railroads in beneficial and successful operation."
A resolution was adopted by Council accepting the proposition and directing the finance committee to have the legal papers drawn and Mayor Anderson to sign same. Mr. W. B. Hodgson, the prime mover in the plan, said in a letter to the Mayor: "By this the City will be relieved of more than a million dollars of debt, our mu nicipal authorities will now be relieved from depressing anxieties and will recover the faculty of promoting the material and moral improvement of our city."
The sale was to be made on a basis of $04 a share for all of the stock. A report to Council said it vas a bona fide sale on advant ageous terms. The stock was unproductive and the interest charge was $86,450, a heavy burden at the time. The object of the City was accomplished in the building of the Gulf road, and it was held that it should now secure freedom from connection with the enterprise and be freed from the burden of debt. If the sale had been perfected the bonded debt of the City would have been reduced from $2,048,700 to $816,880. The sale was not consummated, much to the after dis tress of Savannah. Stephen Collins and other residents of Macon, claiming to be stockholders in the Southwestern and Atlantic & Gulf roads, applied to Bibb County Superior Court and secured an order on January 5, 1869, restraining the City and the railroads from taking further steps to complete the deal under penalty of $50,000 fine. Collins, et al., assumed that the proposed sale was con trary to public policy and that the railroads had no legal rights to

1:

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

225

purchase such stock. Judge Cole refused to dissolve the temporary

order. Messrs. Hartridge and Chisholm, representing the City, car

ried the case to the Supreme Court, where the opinion of the Court

below was sustained by a vote of 2 to I. It was decided on April 20,

1870, to have the case again heard on its merits on the application

to make the injunction permanent, and to carry it again to the Su

preme Court, if necessary, in the hope that a new Judge soon to be

placed on that bench might lead to a reversal of the former judg

ment. Judge Cole adhered to his .former ruling and the case was

again carried before the Supreme Court. The City failed to secure

legal authority to complete the transaction and continued the owner

of the stock and liable for the bonds issued for it. In 1876-77 came

ii

the end of the financial embarrassment of the Gulf road, the ap

pointment of receivers and its sale under foreclosure, wiping out the

City's investment and leaving it a burden of debt that it is still car

rying. If either of the two offers to sell had been accepted and con

summated Savannah's financial condition would to-day probably be

better than that of any other American city.

Council assisted no more railroad enterprises. Efforts were

made in 1871 to induce the City to subscribe to a projected road

known as the Savannah & Atlantic. Hiram Roberts, President of

the company, on March 9 of that year petitioned Council for an elec

tion at which the citizens could pass on the question of the munici

pality aiding the enterprise. A meeting of the citizens was held and

requested Council to have an election on May 25 to decide whether

the City should subscribe $500,000 to the road.

Another large body of citizens protested against this and Coun

cil decided to have nothing further to do with the matter.

Returning to the other railroads in which the City was inter

ested, it is found that on October 7, 1852, a resolution was adopted

that sales of Central railroad stock should only be made when ad

visable for the interest of the City and in no instance under the

current market value, and the proceeds to be always applied exclu

sively to the payment of the City loan for improvements contracted

in 1839. In January, 1855, Mayor Anderson was authorized to sell

Central stock at par or exchange at equal value for bonds of the

City falling due in 1857. By December, 1856, only 1,968 shares of the

Centra! were held by the City, and Mayor James P. Screven was then

instructed to sell as much of it as he deemed advisable or necessary

to pay the bonds of the City issued in payment of the stock. The

bonded debt of the City on account of its subscription to the Cen

tral railroad was at this time $198,000. Mayor Screven sold soon af

terward 1,651 shares at par value, with interest, receiving a total of

$176,060.10, $10,960.10 above the par value of the stock, which was

applied to the further redemption of the issue of bonds. By Febru-

226

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.



ary, 1857, all City bonds issued for Central stock except $5,000, had been redeemed. In his annual report for 1857 Mayor Screven an nounced that "all of the bonds issued by the City for the Central railroad have been presented and paid at the treasury. After liqui dating the entire indebtedness of the City on account of the Central she has left and is now the owner of 200 shares of stock of the par value of $20.000, paying annual dividends of 10 per cent." These 200 shares were sold in 1858, to repay money borrowed for the At-^ lantic & Gulf road, and the City's long and eminently gratifying
connection with the Central railroad ceased. At this time the City owned 2,500 shares of the Southwestern, of
the par value of $250.000, with a similar indebtedness en account of the stock. -The company paid 8 per cent, dividends, and the City 7 per cent, on the bonds issued on account of the stock, and it was the gainer annually of $2,500. In 1858-59 773 shares were sold and by 1860 through other sales but 731 shares were left in the City's possession. In the Augusta and Savannah railroad in 1857 it owned 2,517 shares, of the par value of $100 each, with an indebtedness on account thereof of but $200.000. The cc-mpany this year paid its first annual dividend. 21-2 per cent., but none for several years after. In the Opelika branch of the Montgomery & West Point it held stock to the value of $105,800, paying no dividends that year, but 6 per cent, later. Stock dividends increased the City's holding of this security to 1,189 shares in 1860.
In March, 1862, Mayor Thomas Purse was authorized by Coun cil to exchange any stock owned by the City for bonds at par. In compliance with this sales of Augusta & Savannah stock were made as follows: March 17, 1862, Marine Bank,
600 shares; March 17, W. P. Hunter, 400 shares; March 19. Central railroad, 358 shares; March 19, George A. Cuyler, 542 shares; total 1,900 shares. On March i, the city had owned 2,517 shares. This left in its possession but 617 shares. All the shares sold were at par. On April 28, six weeks after the sales, the Au gusta & Savannah directors publicly announced a dividend of 40 per cent, payable in stock. Savannah's stock had been transferred prior to this. President F. T. Willis, of the Augusta & Savannah, was at once requested by Council not to issue scrip for the dividend on this stock until the question of the time the dividend was really declared could be made known, and the legality of the transfer of the stock
9
settled. President Willis replied that the dividend had been de clared on March 26, but the fact had been kept secret until April 28. The City's stock had been sold from March 17 to 19, or seven to nine days before the 40 per cent, stock dividend had been de clared. In not issuing notice of the dividend until a month later. President Willis stated that he had acted under the instructions of

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

227

the directors. Council directed Corporation Attorney Walter S.

Chisholm to investigate the legality of the sale and transfer of the

stock under such circumstances. Immediately after the sales, it ap

peared, the Augusta & Savannah had also been leased to the Central

railroad. The corporation attorney recommended that the matter

be carried into a court of equity. If a suit was instituted the pro

ceedings of Council contain no record of it. The uncertainties pro

duced by the war probably led to its abandonment.

In 1862 160 shares of the Augusta & Savannah and 400 shares

of the Southwestern were also exchanged for bonds of the Savannah,

Albany & Gulf. A statement at the close of this administration

showed the City the holder of 10,383 shares of the Savannah, Al

bany and Gulf, 457 shares Augusta & Savannah, 331 shares South

western, 1,189 shares Montgomery & West Point, and 2.000 shares

Atlantic & Gulf. In 1863 a stock dividend increased the holding of

the Montgomery & West Point to 1,307 shares.

In 1860 the Central railroad depot was erected at West Broad

and Liberty streets. During the war a railroad was laid on Liberty

street connecting the Central and Gulf roads for convenience in

moving troops and war supplies. It remained there'for some years

after the war.

The Mayor and Aldermen of Columbus were invited to Savan

nah in May. 1853, to celebrate the opening of the line of railroad

between the two cities. Aldermen Mallery, Arnold and Lewis and

Citizens John W. Andrews, John R. Johnson and Moses S. Cohen

were appointed to arrange for their reception. It is needless to

say that they were hospitably entertained.

If On November 8 and 9, 1853, a convention was held at Charles

ton, S. C., to consider the connecting of Savannah and Charleston

by rail. Messrs. Solomon Cohen, William D. Hodgson and John

Screven represented Savannah. While the city authorities and the

people in general welcomed the new project no financial assistance

was given to the enterprise by the municipal corporation, and as far

as the minutes of Council show, none was asked. In 1855 the

Charleston & Savannah contracted with the Central for the use of

its tracks between the Augusta road and the Ogeechee canal and

of its depot for three years at $10,000 a year, and for three years ad

ditional, if desired, at $15,000. Council as a stockholder gave its con

sent to this. In October, 1860, the Mayor and Aldermen were in

vited to exchange courtesies with the Mayor and Aldermen of

Charleston on the completion of the road. On November i the Sa

vannah avithorities entertained those of Charleston and on Novem

ber 9 they visited Charleston, accompanied by the president and the

directors of the Central, Savannah, Albany and Gulf, Augusta and

Savannah and the Main Trunk Railroad.

*

228

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

In 1857 a committee of Council was appointed to attend the cele bration at Memphis (on May I and 2) of the opening of the Mem phis & Charleston railroad. The Mayor and Aldermen of Mem phis visited Charleston on May 27 and the Council of Savannah ac cepted an invitation to visit that city and participate in their enter tainment. An invitation was then extended by Savannah to the Mem phis delegation, the Mayor and Aldermen of Charleston, and also the officials of Huntsville, Nashville, Atlanta, Macon and Augusta, who accompanied the Memphis party to Charleston, to visit Savannah, which was accepted. On June 3 the representatives of the several cities were received by the military and a committee of aldermen and citizens. At the Exchange the visitors, seventy-one in num ber, inscribed their names in a minute book of Council "as an en during memorial of the kind and friendly feeling which has been created by this happy meeting." That Savannah was not meagre in its entertainment may be judged from the fact that the bills amounted to $9,651.18.
On July 22, 1858, Council attended the celebration at Davidson, Ga.. of the opening of the Southwestern railroad to that point.
The corner stone of the present admirable free public school system of Savannah was the bequest by Peter Massie, a citizen of Glynn County, Georgia, of $5,000 to the city of Savannah. On April 8. 1841, Mayor R. M. Charlton laid before Council the last will of Mr. Massie, which contained this clause: "I give and bequeath for the education of the poor children of the city of Savannah the sum of $5,000, to be applied for that purpose in such a manner as the corporate authorities of said city shall direct."
The executors of the Massie estate refused to pay the bequest. No direct action was taken by Council to obtain the money until January 9, 1845, when Alderman Waldburg offered a resolution to require the payment of the amount to the City. On April 17, 1845, Messrs. John E. Ward and George W. Owens were appointed coun sel for the City to prosecute the claim and at the April, 1846, term of the Superior Court of Glynn County a decree was obtained in favor of the City of Savannah, directing the executors of the Massie estate to pay over to the Mayor and Aldermen the sum of $5,600 with in terest from the I4th of August, 1841. On March 29, 1849, Mayor Wayne reported to Council that he had received as full settlement of the claim $2,115.33 in cash and an accepted draft for $5,400, payable twelve months after date. On May 6, $2,000 was invested in the guaranteed 8 per cent, stock of the Central railroad, and on the payment of the draft $5,500 was invested in the stock of the Sa vannah Gas Light Company. These stocks constituted the invested fund of the bequest, no further investment being made for some years, the interest lying in the city treasury and with the dividends

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

229

declared amounting to $1,100.46 in 1852, making the total fund at that time $8,750.46. In 1853 the fund received thirty-four shares of the Gas Company stock as a dividend and subscribed for ninety nine shares additional.
In 1849 when the money was received by the City a committee was appointed to prepare a plan to invest the legacy as a foundation for an asylum or work house for indigent children. It reported that it could not be diverted from the education of poor children. In December, 1852, a committee of Council favored spending $3,750.46 for a school building and retaining the original $5,000 un touched, the interest to be applied to the payment of teachers. An ordinance was passed under which the Mayor and two aldermen to be appointed annually constituted the Massie Poor School Fund Committee to control and manage the fund so far as the past and future interest was concerned. They were to have power to asso ciate with them the Poor School Commissioners who might be ap pointed by the Justices of the Inferior Court and any other commit tee that might be appointed for similar purposes by the Savannah Poor School, and the said committee were given power to select a location and erect the Massie Free School House from the pro ceeds of the Massie Fund, and any other school houses for which funds might be furnished from other sources.
On January 27, 1853, Messrs. A. Porter, Francis S. Bartow, Solomon Cohen and J. P. Tustin, who had been appointed a commit tee at a meeting of citizens for the purpose of establishing a public school system, presented a communication to Council recommending a plan to that body and the Justices of the Inferior Court for this purpose. They suggested that two schools be established so as to provide for the present population and the increase, and that a lot of land be granted at South Broad and Habersham. streets, not less than 70 by 120 feet, for the location of the Massie School, which should be built with the accrued interest of the Massie Fund; also that a lot near West Broad and Liberty streets be set aside for a school to be called the Chatham County Free School. This com mittee proposed that the Judges of the Inferior Court grant the interest for one year of the funds held by them for educational pur poses, and also the proportion for one year of the State school tax for Chatham County, or such as should belong to Savannah, the re mainder necessary to build this second school to be raised by sub scription. Two buildings, 60 by 40 feet, two stories high, with two equal apartments on each floor, were suggested. The Justices of the Inferior Court were requested to appoint three school commis sioners to be charged with the disbursement of the school fund un der the control of that court, and the Board of Aldermen to appoint a committee of three, who should direct the application of the Mas-

230

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

sie Fund, the two forming one joint committee for consultation, se lection of plans, course of instruction, teachers, etc.
The income from the State school tax was $250, interest on funds held by the Inferior Court $1,400, and interest on Massie Fund $300, giving a total fund annually of $1,950.
The committee of Council to which this plan was referred re ported on March 10, (1853) against mixing the Massie Fund with that of any other. The fund then amounted to $9,500, of which $2,100 was in the Central railroad stock, $1,000 in the Southwestern railroad bond and $6.400 in gas company stock. The committee considered it too small an amount as yet to put up a building and support teachers. "By careful investment," said it, "in a few years it can be so increased as to found and maintain a school which will be an honor and advantage to the city." It recommended that the fund be preserved until it reached a principal of $20,000, but re commended setting apart a lot at South Broad and Habersham streets for the Massie School when wanted, and presented an ordi nance for that purpose. The Judges of the Inferior Court ap pointed Messrs. H. Porter, John Stoddard and Josiah P. Tustin school commissioners. They reported to Council on April 21, that the funds under the Court's control were adequate to defray the ex penses of one large school with such subsidiary aid as might be given it. A lot was needed and they asked Council for it and to appropriate $2,000. On May 5, the $2,000 was appropriated to these commissioners for a school in the western part of the city provided the Inferior Court granted a like amount. Soon after, lot 14, Chat ham ward, was freed forever from ground rent for school purposes.
In 1854 the Massie School site ordinance was repealed, the lot having been selected for police barracks. On March 22, 1855, School Commissioners A. Porter, J. Stoddard and Solomon Cohen, petitioned Council to erect the Massie School. Council's committee on public education reported favorably on April 5 and recommended an apropriation of $9,000 for the erection of a school to be known as the Massie School, the money to be applied $4,000 in 1855 and $5,000 in 1856, and work was begun on the building on a new lot ap propriated by Council at Gordon andAbercorn streets. The balance of the Massie Fund was held subject to the order of the school com missioners for payment of paving, furniture and hire of teachers, and in 1856 the Massie School accounts were closed on the books of the City and a $1,000 Southwestern bond and 188 shares of gas company stock were transferred to the school commissioners. On November 26, 1857, the commissioners reported to Council that the fund was exhausted. To support the school, $4,500 was required an nually. From pay scholars.$i,000 was received and the City was asked to appropriate $3,500. Council declined to make an appro-

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

231

priation and turned the school over to the Judges of the Inferior Court to be maintained by the State funds for school purposes. On December 26, 1857, an ordinance for Massie School commissioners was passed under which the Mayor, four aldermen and four citizens were appointed in that capacity. The City then assumed an in debtedness incurred by the school of $1,286.63. The report of the commissioners showed that they had received from the City in all $14,200.33. The building cost $9,ooo: teachers' salaries had absorbed $3*635 and the balance, $1,565.33 had been expended for furniture, etc. In December, 1859, the lease of the lots 17, 18 and 19 Brown ward to the trustees of the Chatham Academy was renewed for as long as they were used for educational purposes, provided they edu cated free at least five scholars, to be known as. City scholars and to be taken from the Massie School, the lots to revert to the City when the trustees refused to do this or failed to use them for educa tional purposes. The annual report of the commissioners for 1859-60 showed 59 paying and 211 gratuitous pupils in attendance at the Massie School. The school was well attended each year. In the Fall of 1864 B. Mallen, principal of the Massie School, together with W. S. Bogart, principal of the Chatham Academy, J. S. Lancaster, of the Armory Hall School, and J. F. Cann, of the Public School, were all doing military duty under the call of Governor Brown. Council, on October 5, adopted resolutions asking him to exempt these parties in order that the schools might re-open under proper auspices, and the educational interests of the city not suffer.
By ordinance of May 16, 1866, the commissioners for the Mas sie School were made three in number, "one of whom shall be the Mayor, when he is not otherwise a member of the Board of Edu cation," the others to be appointed by the Mayor at the first regular meeting of Council in January, and all three to represent the Massie School in the Board of Education.
On May 25, 1881, this was amended to provide that one of the commissioners be one of the Board of County Commissioners, pro vided the said commissioners were not already represented on the Board of Education, to be appointed on the recommendation ot the Board of Education, and the third to be selected from the alder men or citizens at large on the recommendation of the Board of Education. Under this ordinance the Board of Education practically selected two of the three Massie commissioners. On March 13. 1895, an ordinance was passed changing the date of appointment of the commissioners from January to the first regular meeting of Council in February of each year, one commissioner to be the Mayor when not a regular member of the Board of Education; the other commissioners to be selected from the aldermen or the citizens at large, subject to the confirmation of Council.

I

232

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.


Health conditions had seemingly been good in Savannah for some years. No reference to any unusual state of the public health is found prior to the outbreak of the yellow fever in 1854. Even in that year, up to August, the conditions did not apparently impress the authorities or citizens as auguring such a catastrophe. Mayor John E. Ward in his report says: "After an exemption from epi demics unknown in any other city, and the enjoyment of unexampled health for almost half a century, in the month of August our citizens were startled with the announcement that the yellow fever had made its appearance as an epidemic. The first case occurred on Au gust 5, in a house situated at the southwest corner of Lincoln and Broughton streets. Regarded merely as a sporadic case it was not reported as yellow fever. Between that date and the middle of the month a few more cases occurred, but nothing to excite any alarm or create any apprehension of an epidemic among us. About that date it manifested itself in an epidemic form and swept with a fear ful desolation over our city." The total number of deaths for the months of August, September and October was 1,040, of which 934 were whites and 106 blacks. The bulk of these deaths was the re sult of the epidemic. The disease was exhibited in its greatest vio lence from August 20 to September 20. Having commenced in the northeastern part of the city it advanced directly to the southwest, then spreading north and south until its influence was felt in every part of the city.
It was on August 10 that the first reference to the fever was made in Council. Chairman William P. Bowen, of the Board of Health, then appeared before that body and made a statement rela tive to the condition of some of the inhabitants of Gilmersville and Washington ward, and $500 was appropriated at once for their re lief. On August 21 Council adopted a resolution that no more pa tients would be moved from one section of the city to another, citi zens having protested against this as a means of spreading the dis ease, and that it would do all in its power to have the cases confined to the section where they originated or sent to the Marine Hospital. The fever spread rapidly until all sections of the city were infected. Two-thirds of the population, it was estimated, left the city. On September 12. the day of greatest mortality, there were fifty-one interments. Among those who fell victims to the epidemic were Right Rev. F. X. Gartland, Roman Catholic Bishop, ten physicians and three medical students.
The City Council of Augusta appropriated $1,000 and many con tributions in money and supplies came from other sources, aggre gating probably $100,000. Governor Herschel V. Johnson assumed the responsibility of tendering aid from the treasury of the State, but the City was saved from the necessity of accepting this by the

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

233

t

munificent assistance from corporations, business bodies and private

individuals. Several officials who were on leave of absence and re

mained away, or otherwise absented themselves, were removed by,

Council.

The first cause assigned for the epidemic was the introduction

of the germs of the fever from the Danish brig, Charlotte Hague,

which put into Cockspur roads about June 29, bound from Havana

to Copenhagen. There were two cases of sickness aboard, but no

proof was ever presented that *t was yellow fever. The next cause

assigned was the removal of mud in dredging the river. It was

shown that the mud was not exposed to the atmosphere and this

theory was likewise dropped. Then the condition of the rice lands

in the vicinity of the city was put forward as a plausible cause. But

these were reported as never having been in better condition. "Veg

etation was not decaying, and there was no adequate cause for the

disease to be found in them." Mayor Ward and others ascribed it to

Providence, and he states that "before the middle of October, with

out any frost or other agency, the fever ceased to exist as an epi

T.

demic." L The deaths during the existence of the fever, not all of which,

however, were due to the epidemic, were as follows:

Month. Whites. Negroes. Total.

i

August

235

22

257

September 591

55

646

October

108

29

137

834

106

1,040

During the height of the epidemic, on September 8, the city was

visited by a great storm which swept away everything from the laza

retto, destroyed the Fig island light, which stood on an acre of

ground at the east end of the island, sold by the City to the United

States government for this purpose for $100 in 1847, and flooded

Hutcbinson's island as well as many small islands in the vicinity of

the city. Many persons were drowned. On October 19 Council ex

tended thanks to all who had by their generosity or personal labors

assisted the city; "to the resident physicians for their noble conduct

during the epidemic and the transient physicians, who, with profes

sional gallantry and disinterestedness came to the relief of the sick

when our devoted physicians were falling victims to the faithful

discharge of their duties; to our- devoted clergy, who have without

exception, pursued their holy calling, dispensing charity, minister

ing to the sick and comforting the afflicted, and to the devoted

Young Men's Benevolent Association of this city for their active

benevolence and distinguished services to the afflicted, and for the

benefits they have thereby conferred upon this community."

234

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Five shares of Central railroad stock were presented to Fran cis M. Stone, "as a small token of the high appreciation entertained by Council for his valuable services freely rendered during the epi demic/' as superintendent of the watch.
The Young Men's Benevolent Association raised in cash $24,396.63 and a large amount of food, clothing and other valuable sup plies. "So important a factor was this Association in the operation of the public benevolence that it received more than forty per cent, of the whole money fund contributed by the public at home and abroad for the relief of the community." After the epidemic the Association was incorporated under the name of "The Savannah Benevolent Association." Its history in 1854 and since then is well known to the world.
In its report at the close of 1854 the committee on health stated that "whatever conflicting opinion there may be relative to the cause of the late epidemic, there appears to be no doubt in the mind of any that its virulence was greatly increased by local causes. The unaccountable amount of filth about the domiciles in the eastern part of the city is believed to have been a fruitful source of disease. At all events it is well known that the intense rays of the sun never do produce putrefaction and infectious malaria when act'ing upon a purely clean surface." The committee accordingly strongly urged upon the ward committees of the Board of Health strict attention to the condition of their several wards. The fever also directed at tention to the need of sewers, and on April 19, 1855, City Surveyor Hogg was ordered to make an estimate for a proper sewerage sys tem. The epidemic also had another effect, that of leading a sister city to introduce the quarantine system as a means of preventing the introduction of fever. Charleston passed a quarantine ordinance and called on Savannah "to take a similar step of safety." "We," said its representatives, "have ceased all dispute and discussion in the mat ter. We have neglected the exclusion of disease for fifty years and. have had the disease oftener than was beneficial to us. We have now decided, no matter what the result may be, to keep it in the laz aretto, to try the experiment of preventing its entrance from abroad and if it arises then among us we will be satisfied that quarantine is useless." Mayor Anderson replied that there was no disposition to change the regulations at Savannah and that vessels from any port coming into the river with no disease aboard would be permitted to come up to the city without detention at quarantine. Council con firmed this statement from the Mayor and Savannah established no absolute quarantine for many years later.
In 1858 there was a.recurrence of the yellow fever and in t?ie nine weeks from September 7 to November 9 there were 106 deaths from this cause, all of which were whites. In all, the deaths during

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

-235

this period were 266, and many of the additional 160 were doubtless attributable to the effects of the fever. The epidemic was not of a serious character and no mention was made of it in Mayor Turner's report for the year.
Savannah was not unmindful of the assistance rendered it in its time of distress, and in 1855, when yellow fever raged in Norfolk, Council appropriated $500 and sent six physicians there for five weeks each, paying Dr. J. B. Read, after some controversy, $2,000; Dr. R. J. Nunn, $300; Drs. J. E. Godfrey, J. F. McFarland, K. W. Skinner and Thomas J. Charlton $250. each.
At the opening of 1859 a commission composed of Mayor Tur ner, Aldermen Guerard, Holcombe and Posey and Drs. Richard D. Arnold, Josiah Harriss and Yonge was appointed to inquire into the local causes to which yellow fever was attributable and whether any remedies could be applied thereto. By Act of Assembly Council was authorized to institute a drainage system and a town meeting was called to consider the expediency of issuing bonds for this pur pose. The citizens met on January 17 and failed to authorize an issue of bonds. Council then decided to do all in its power by drain age and otherwise without resorting tc a loan, and on March 17 passed an ordinance dividing the city into three health districts and elected L. Solomons, Dr. M. J. Gallagher and Dr. Samuel A. T. Lawrence as inspectors. The ward committees, which had for many years constituted the Board of Health, were abolished. The new commissioners of health received salaries and it was the opinion of Council that the duties would be discharged more systematically. The next year (1860) though, the old system was returned to.
In July, 1853, an ordinance was passed to divide the city into four dispensary districts and to provide for a physician in each to prescribe for the poor. This system failed to give satisfaction to either the recipients of the City's bounty or to the medical pro fession. A committee in June, 1854, recommended allowing any pharmacist to put up the prescriptions of any graduate of medicine and charge to the City, furnishing the prescription and the physi cian's and patient's name to the City as vouchers. This was tried and likewise found wanting. -In 1859 a dispensary system was estab lished to provide the poor with medicine and with brief interrup tions has continued in force ever since.
The investigating committee referred to reported on April 28, (1859) recommending a system of sewerage, none to empty into the river above or opposite the city, but into smaller streams crossing the Thunderbolt road; that all low places in the streets should be filled in and the streets properly graded; that upturning of the soil should not be allowed in the summer; that the scavenger service should be improved an,d the drainage of Springfield plantation and

236

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Hutchinson island completed. The value of sewers was appreciated and in 1858 one was directed built in Liberty street, 5,800 feet long, 3 by 4 feet, at a cost of $13,200. In 1859-60, $17,600 was expended on a sewer in Perry street lane, eastward from Whitaker street.
As throwing a side light on the existing aspect of the city, it may be stated that in 1857 the Board of Health requested Council "to allow cows to roam at large until October, owing to the high grass in the streets."
In addition to the increased efficiency of the fire department re sulting from the building of the waterworks and the placing of mains in the principal streets of the city, the department was also im proved by the purchase of more and better apparatus. In 1851 two engines and a hose cart were bought in this country and two Phil lips Fire Annihilators were ordered from England. An extension ladder was also ordered. The following year an engine house was built in LaFayette square. Later in the year, though, in reporting on a petition for an engine house in Ch'ippewa square the committee stated that these houses were "ugly excrescences, spoiling the much admired picturesqueness of the squares, which should be abated." It recommended that one lot in each ward be reserved for an engine house and declined to allow the building of the desired house in Chippewa square. The time had now come, it held, when the Pulaski monument could reasonably be expected to be erected. From the sum collected the committee had reason to believe that the monument would be one of the finest ornaments of the city. ''The sense and good taste of the community would be shocked by the repetition of the unsightly exhibition in Johnson square, where the Greene monument (then without any memorial tablets) is in juxta position with the shapeless, dwarfish, nondescript building which is a puzzle to every stranger visiting the city." It suggested as a site for a building for the Savannah Fire Company the eastern part of the city pound lot in the rear of the old cemetery. Later in the year the erection of new engine houses in the squares was forbidden and no more money was allowed to be expended in improvements or ad ditions to those already there, the object being to do away with them as quickly as possible. Lots 66 Crawford ward, 13 Caihoun ward, and 18 Forsyth ward, were set apart for sites for engine houses. This year the amount of property destroyed by fire was greater than in any previous year since 1820.
On petition of the Savannah Fire Company Council on March 10, 1853, granted the open space on South Broad street west of the old graveyard for the erection of a fire house and firemen's hall. The committee on fire department was directed to build a two-story
structure, not to cost over $5,500, and a contract was made with Gilbert Butler for $5,480. In June, 1853, trouble occurred between

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

237

the Savannah Fire Company and the Oglethorpe company over the

latter s alleged mistreatment of negroes working for it. An appeal .

was made by the Oglethorpe to Council which was unable to inter

fere. These and other dissensions led Council's committee on fire

department to report at the close of the year the utter disorganize-

j

tion of the department. The Oglethorpe company had been given

control of its engine by Council and permitted to appoint its two

head foremen subject to the Mayor and Aldermen, instead of to the

!

Savannah Fire Company, as had been the custom. This the latter

[,

claimed put the Oglethorpe company beyond the control of the chief

ji1j

M'

fireman. The members of the Savannah Fire Company all resigned,

publishing their letter in the newspapers before sending it to Coun

cil. "In pursuing this course," said they referring to the acts of the

Mayor and Aldermen, "Council has pronounced against the pre

viously existing system and in favor of a change of organization,

such as we can not sanction or submit to." Council declared this

groundless and only existing in the minds of the firemen. At this

time the department had eight fire engines and a hose cart in ser

vice. The resignations were accepted on November 19 and a new

fire company was appointed by Council at once. Thomas Purse was

made chief fireman and was authorized to purchase two new engines.

The committee shortly afterward reported against one central place

holding several engines and with a firemen's hall above it, and called

for three or four small engine houses in different sections of the city,

but Council was not guided by its suggestions. Gilbert Butler, in

the meantime, had declined to carry out the contract for a firemen's

hall and new bids were called for. The bid of J. & E. Scudder to

erect a hall for $6,425 was accepted on June 29, 1854, School and Fay

being the architects. In April, 1855, William Robertson died and

bequeathed $5,000 to the Mayor and Aldermen for the use and bene

fit of the fire department. This money was used in the construction

of the firemen's hall, and the purchase of new equipment.

Water hydrants were painted white at the top and black below,

so that firemen could easily find them. At the close of 1855 the de-

!!

partment was reported to Council as "in excellent condition both as

regards machines and hose." The extended hook and ladder, bought

in 1851 for $400, had never been used, not even having been put to

gether. In 1856 the LaFayette Hook and Ladder Company was or

ganized, the first of this character in Savannah. The extension lad

der was turned over to it and others were also provided. In June

the German Fire Company, which had only a hose cart, was gi anted

a fire engine.

This year, 1856, brought more trouble with the Savannah Fire

Company. This company, asserting its rights under its original

charter, took the engine from the Young America Company on the

238

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT

charge of insubordination. The latter appealed to Mayor Anderson, who insisted that the Savannah Fire Company had forfeited its ex clusive rights in 1853 on the surrender of its charter and had never applied for their application to the new company. When carried before Council it sustained the Savannah Fire Company and disap proved the course of the Mayor, who had ordered the engine re turned to the Young America Company. For four consecutive months of 1857 there was no fire or alarm of fire in the city. In this
year the department was composed as follows: ^glethorpe Fire Company, No. I, engine house in Liberty
square, engine and two hose carts, 800 feet hose, 35 active mem
bers. Washington Fire Company. No. q. Washington square, engine
and hose carriage. 700 feet hose, 52 active members. German No. 10, St. Julian street, near Franklin square, hose
carriage. 600 feet hose, 48 active members. Axe. Hook and Ladder Company. Firemen's Hall, truck for lad
ders, 26 axes and belts, two white officers and 50 free men of color. Engine No. I, Reynolds square, engine with hose carriage at
tached. 400 feet hose, two white managers, 80 slaves. Engine No. 2, Pulaski square, engine with hose carriage at
tached. 450 feet hose, two white officers, 79 slaves. Hose carriage No. I. Columbia square, hose carriage, 400 feet
hose, white manager, 21 slaves. Hose carriage No. 2, Firemen's Hall, hose carriage, 300 feet
hose, white manager. 25 free men of color. Engine No. 3, Franklin square, engine with hose carriage at
tached. 400 feet hose, two white officers, 60 slaves. Engine No. 4, Wright square, engine with hose carriage at
tached, 300 feet hose, two white officers, 65 free men of color. Engine No. 8, Firemen's Hall, engine with hose carriage at
tached. 600 feet hose, two white officers. 78 slaves. Engine No. n. Johnson square, engine with hose carriage at
tached, 650 feet hose, two white managers, 96 slaves. In addition the department had 28 ladders, 23 hooks and three
hook ropes!) The free men of color were exempt from taxes and the slaves^vvere paid 12 1-2 cents an hour when engaged at a fire.
In 1860 the bell was removed from the engine house in Pulaski square to the jail. This year the City bought the eastern half of lot 27, Franklin ward, for $1.500 for the house of the Germania Fire Company and the committee was authorized to build an engine house for the company not to cost over $700. An agitation also be gan in 1860 for the establishment of a he me fire insurance company. Citizens in mass meeting called on Council to appoint a committee to inquire into the expediency of establishing a city fire insurance

'1
f
t
ii

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT

230

company. The matter was entrusted to Aldermen Davidson, Read, Jones, Lachlison and Minis. They presented a report on September 27, concluding with a resolution that a bill be submitted to the Legisislature to incorporate a fire insurance company, to be called the Fire Insurance Company of the City of Savannah, with a capital of not more than $500,000, nor less than $200,000, to which capital the City should subscribe five-twelfths, the remainder to be taken by private parties. The city attorney was instructed to secure the char ter. The war prevented the consummation of the plan. In Janu ary, 1861, a bell tower was erectejd in the center of West Broad street at the intersection of Wayne street, with room for a hose cart in the basement.
During the war the fire department was on the qui vive, there being fears of incendiaries, and danger at any time of an attack on the city and shells igniting buildings. Engine No. 8, with a large quantity of hose, was at Fort Pulaski when it surrendered and was lost to the City. On July 30, 1862, 120 men of the First Regiment of Georgia Militia were detailed "to serve as firemen. On January 5, 1863, a reward of $1,000 was offered for the capture of any incen diary and on June 17 the pay of negroes working the engines was in creased to 20 cents an hour. In August, 1864, the fire committee was instructed to import hose from England, and in November the old engine house in Columbia square was ordered sold and re moved.
This period also brought a re-organization of the police force and the abolition of the old and incompetent night watch.
In January, 1851, the Governor was applied to for sixty mus kets for the watch. In 1852 the watch was increased from 66 to 86 men. The drum was still beat and the bell rung at the change of the watch. Four men were taken from the night watch in January, 1854, to act with the city constables and the marshal as a day police force. In May the police committee recommended that a watch house be erected in the central section and that the watch be re-or ganized. The expenses of the watch were then as follows: 97 watchmen, $29,100; superintendent, $1,200; two lieutenants, $1,200; five sergeants, $1,800; total, $33,300. Five constables, $2,400, total $35>7- Under the proposed re-organization the force would be 50 watchmen at $300, $15,000; 20 mounted men at $500, and care of horses, $16,500; captain of the watch, $1,500; two lieutenants, $2,000; four sergeants, $500, $2,000; total $37,000, an increase of $1,300. On June i, 1854, an ordinance was passed re-organizing the department and the committee on guard house was directed to secure plans for a guard house to be erected on the lot east of the old burying ground, formerly known as the Massie school lot. On June 22 May or Ward nominated as captain of police Joseph Bryan. Arrange-

240

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

ments were made with the United States government to temporarily accommodate the police at the Oglethorpe barracks. A contract was made with D. L. Cohen to build a guard house for $22,984. Ow ing to the City's somewhat demoralized finances work was not be gun under the contract and the police temained quartered at the Oglethorpe barracks. The police received one-half of the fines im posed in the Mayor's court on those against whom they lodged com plaints.
Mayor Ward in his annual report referring to the abolishment of the old guard system, said: "That the present system has defects may not be questioned, but in enforcing the ordinances, in detect ing crime, and in the security which it gives to our property it is far superior to the old system. The exemption of our city from fires, thefts and other crimes during the existence of the pestilence may, in a great degree be attributed to the faithfulness with which the officers and men have discharged their duties. No officer or pri vate resigned or asked leave of absence except from sickness of himself or family, three out of twenty mounted men died and sev enteen of their number, with every officer but the captain, was at one period or other stricken with yellow fever.
"If the old system had been continued the expense must neces sarily have been increased from year to year, for in some of the wards there was no watchman, whilst in others where their constant presence was most needed the tour of duty was so extensive that in walking from one point to another a large portion of the city was left entirely unguarded. By the new ordinance the number of foot men was reduced from 86 with 6 officers, to 50 required to protect those parts of the city where a close watch was most needed, and their places elsewhere were supplied by 20 mounted men." In 1855 the force consisted of 82 men, or one to every 329 inhabitants, and the expense of the department ran to $25,463.32. This year Mayor Anderson said that through ''their energy and zeal in the discharge of an arduous and oftentimes desperate duty, the forcible abduction of seamen from merchant vessels on the river--that foul plauge spot on the fair escutcheon of our seaport--was suppressed, if not eradi cated." "During the year that pandemonium of darkness after sun set, the river front, has been lighted with gas and made passable and safe." In 1857 the expenses of the department had run up to $43,344, and in June of that year the number of sergeants was reduced from five to four and mounted men from twenty-four to eighteen, effecting a saving of about $5,000 a year. Mayor Screven in 1857 recommended that the City endeavor to purchase the Oglethorpe barracks for police quarters, they having been used by the police since 1854 through permission of the government, the troops having been removed to Fort Pulaski.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

241

l:

On the secession of Georgia the Oglethorpe barracks were re-

i

quired by the Governor as a rendezvous for troops and the quarter-

j

ing of officers and men being mustered into the Confederate service.

*

The police were accordingly transfetred temporarily to the City Ex-

}

change until arrangements could be made for barracks for them

f

at South Broad and Habersham streets. Contracts were let and a

!

stable and guard house or jail were built, the intentions being to

?

erect an additional building containing offices and sleeping quarters

for the men.



;

In December, 1858, Mayor Turner and Aldermen Falligant, Bos-

j

ton, Tucker and Holcombe were appointed to remodel the police

}

force and reduce the expenditures. In October of the next year

j.

Mayor Arnold and Aldermen Cumming, Read, Jones and Wheaton

j"

were appointed to recommend further changes in the system. They

j:

reported against the dual system of night watchmen and special po

licemen for day duty. The night watch being inadequately paid were

employed in other occupations during the day and repoited at night

fatigued and unfitted for active service. They recommended aban-

,,

donitig this system entirely and in accordance with their suggestion

with the double system and providing for a regular police force by

night and day. Mayor Arnold was given until March to reorganize

the department. On February 27 he announced appointments on the

police force under the reorganization of 41 privates, 5 sentinels and

steeple men, and on March i of n others, with 6 supernumeraries.

On June 21 Lyde Goodwin was elected the first chief of the modern

police force of Savannah.

A special committee on August 16 reported in favor of abolish

ing the system of giving half of the fines to the police or informers.

"It holds out a temptation to men of weak principles to a tyrannical

abuse of the power placed in their hands," said the report. "A vigi

lant and efficient police corps is of vital importance to the city but a

band of mercenary spies whose main object is to ferret out petty

violations of the ordinances for the purpose of filling their pockets

with the wages of the informer is calculated to prove a nuisance of

the worst kind. If the present pay is deemed insufficient without

these rewards then it should be increased not to exceed $100 a

?

month." The system, bad as it appeared to the committee, contin

ued for a number of years, despite repeated efforts to abolish it. It

was not until May 13, 1872, that it was wiped out by Mayor Screven.

Contrary to the expectations of many, the number of arrests did not

decrease as a result.

On December i, 1860, the members of the Executive Council

and the captains and lieutenants of the home guard were constituted

special policemen. Temporary barracks were provided for the po

lice on lots east of the old cemetery, and the Savannah Artillery

3

242 HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
were granted a lot bounded by the rear wall of the police barracks and on the west by the wall of th.j old cemetery, running to the lane north of Liberty street, to erect thereon buildings for gun sheds and other military purposes. The police were furnished with muskets and drilled as an infantry reserve. On February 25, 1862, the State was asked to accept the service of the police at the expense of the City, and that Gen. Jackson be instructed to detail them for special defense of the city under the direction of the Mayor and Aldermen, except in case of an actual attack on the city, which was done.
An incident that attracted much attention at this time was the trial and removal from office of Jailer Waring Russell. Mr. Russell had been elected jailer on September I, 1859, his term to expire Jan uary, 1862. On November 14, 1859, a special meeting of Council was held to try him on the charge that "on November n he sent and had delivered to Hon. John M. Milieu, when in the court house on his way to take his seat as Judge of the City Court, a challenge for a duel." "As Judge Millen is a judicial officer and sworn to maintain the laws, and Mr. Russell is the official keeper of all such as may be convicted thereof and confined to prison when the offense had been committed in the city or county." Mayor Arnold considered this action as a piece of official misconduct and brought the matter be fore Council. John M. Guerard, S. Yates Levy and Martin J. Ford appeared as counsel for Mr. Russell. The trial brought out that the challenge had been sent through William H. Hansman. "The grievance." the charge stated, "occurred on September 27, forty days previous to sending the challenge, thereby showing a disposi tion and intention to postpone the settlement of any differences until the regular term of the said Court." After hearing the case Coun cil declared the jailer guilty of official misconduct and removed him from office on November 14, electing Charles W. Stone as his suc cessor. Waring Russell certioraried the case to the Superior Court. In September, 1861, Judge Fleming reversed the action of the Coun cil and ordered Mr. Russell re-instated. "The jailer of Chatham county," said he, "is responsible to the Mayor and Aldermen for the faithful discharge of his duties, and to the laws of the country for the discharge of his duties as a citizen." Mr. Russell called on Council to reinstate him and pay $3,415 due him as salary and also fees which the city books might show to be due him. He had earned $636 while out of office and this was deducted from his salary, leaving due him $2,779 and fees. On September n, 1861, he was re instated by Council and as a settlement of all claims $3.007 was paid him. Council also paid Mr. Stone full salary for the entire term for
which he had been elected. The tax rate in 184^ had been reduced to 3-4 of one per cent.
But after that heavy subscriptions had been made to railroads, $S<V

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

243

ooo to the Monroe, which was lost by its failure, $250,000 to the Southwestern, $200,000 to the Augusta & Savannah, $100,000 to the Opelika branch, and $1,000,000 to the Savannah. Albany & Gulf. "Whilst," said Mayor Screven, "the City was thus liberally aiding enterprises external to her limits, her material progress demanded improvements within her borders." These improvements consisted of sewers, plank roads, pavements, waterworks, retaining walls for the bluff, the grading of streets, etc. In consequence of these heavy expenditures the tax of three-quarters of one per cent, proved wholly inadequate to supply the necessities of the City, every admin istration leaving to its successor a considerable amount of indebted ness. It became evident that in order to sustain the credit of the City a new scheme of taxation must be devised. The City Council in this emergency, in December, 1856, invited citizeps representing the various interests of the city, to deliberate and advise with the finance committee as follows:
Mercantile, Andrew Low and Edward Padleford. Shipping, John B. Gallic arid Henry Brigham. Professional, John E. Ward and Dr. John G. Howard. Salaries, Anthony Porter and George W. Anderson. Mechanical, Henry Stibby and William Warner. Merchandise, Joseph Johnston and John W. Nevitt. These with the finance committee prepared a new ordinance which was adopted December 22. This new ordinance temporarily furnished ample revenues and restored the City's finances to a sound condition, 1857 closing with $23,864 in the treasury and "the unusual condition of no indebtedness to the banks." It did not provide suf ficient means to meet the expenses of the City a few years later, however, and in referring to the increasing indebtedness in 1861 Mayor Jones stated that "the elevation of taxes with a view to the liquidation of the present floating debt and the defraying of the an nual wants of the City appears to be the proper and legitimate course to be pursued." From then through the war and until after the public debt was refunded the city fathers were sorely pressed to keep the city government out of bankiuptcy. On June 3, 1851, a resolution was adopted that a committee composed of Mayor Wayne and three aldermen be appointed to ex amine into and report on the propriety -of appropriating $100,000 from the city treasury for the improvement of the river and harbor, to be expended under the direction of such officer of the United States as might be charged with such duty and ''in the just and rea sonable expectation that Congress will pass a law to return the same with interest from the national treasury," and that a memorial be sent to Congress asking for such an appropriation. Aldermen Cuyler, Screven and Bartow were selected to act with the Mayor. Two

!

I-

2,14

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

years later, on May 4, 1853, citizens in mass meeting endorsed the issuing of $160,000 of bonds for the improvement of the river and an ordinance was passed accordingly. Prior to this, on August 30. 1852, Congress had appropriated $40,000 which had been expended under the direction of Lieut. J. F. Gilmer, U. S. A. This appropriation of $40,000 was made for "the removal of obstructions in the Savannah river at a place called 'The Wrecks/ and the improvement of said river." At the request of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, a commission composed of Prof. A. D. Bache, Capt. A. H. Bowman, and Captain (formerly Lieutenant) J. F. Gilmer, was appointed by the Secretary of War to devise a project for the improvement of the river. This commission met in December, 1852, and after full and careful study, reported a plan, with estimates of cost, which were ap proved by the department and the work ordered to be commenced. In general terms the plan recommended and approved was to deep en the front river over The Wrecks, along Garden Bank, and over two shoals above the city by dredging, and at the same time to throw sufficient water along the branch of the river to preserve the depth attained. To accomplish the latter object, timber jetties and closing works were to be constructed at the upper end of Hutchinson's island, across Fig island channel, and at the lower end of the last named island. The approximate cost of the works above indi cated was estimated at $201,427. As the appropriation made by Con gress was only $40,000, and it was considered essential to successful results that the operations for closing Fig island channel should progress simultaneously with the working of the dredge upon the Wrecks and Garden Bank, the City decided to advance the requisite means at once, trusting to the future action of Congress for reim bursement. With funds thus provided the pile work across Fig island channel was established, while the cost of preliminary sur veys and of working the dredge machines along the Garden Bank and over The Wrecks was paid out of the Government appropriation of 1852. The whole of the $40,000 was thus applied. By request of the city government the War Department permitted Capt. Gilmer to remain and supervise work done by means of appropriations from the City. At this time a convention at Memphis -called on Congress to clean out the mouths of the Southern rivers. Up to 1855 the dredges had removed from the front river 102,500 cubic yards of earth, giving a channel full ten feet at mean low water, or sixteen feet, six inches at mean high water. This was a deepening of the front channel about two feet and it was held that this im provement would be of a permanent nature, being due in a great measure to the volume of water turned from the Fig island to the front channel.



HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

245

On March 3, 1855, Congress made an appropriation of $160,000

for the removal of the obstructions in the Savannah river below the

city, placed there during the Revolutionary war for the common de

fense. On March 7 instructions were issued to Capt. Gilmer, in

charge of the work, to proceed at once to a study of the subject

and present as soon as possible a project for the execution of the

work. "The people of Savannah," said Mayor Anderson, "are un

der lasting obligations to that able and judicious officer for his un

tiring efforts in their behalf." On March 24 a report, with the nec

essary maps, was forwarded to the War Department, recommending

that the original project of the Commissioners should be carried

out, with some slight modifications in the details of construction;

experience having demonstrated that their plans were the best that

could be devised. It was shown that up to that date the City of Sa

vannah had advanced nearly $49,000 for the purchase of materials

and machinery, and for wages paid to mechanics and laborers, and

that a considerable portion of the timber needed for the continuation

of the pile work was still unapplied, which it was proposed should

be purchased from the City on government account. Inquiry was

also made whether the outlay for material and workmanship already

advanced from the city treasury could be refunded out of the new

appropriation.

The decision of the War Department, under date of May 26, was

that the appropriation was specific and could be applied to no other

purpose. Its use, the Department held, was strictly limited to the

removal of obstructions sunk during the Revolution, and the plans

for dredging were consequently not approved. The matter of dredg

ing was again taken up by the City, it being pointed out that dredg

ing was necessary for the removal of the extensive banks of mud

and sand covering The Wrecks and caused by their presence. The

Chief of Engineers endorsed this view and finally the Secretary of

War gave his consent and dredging began on August 6. A draft

of a change in the Act making the appropriation was prepared and

forwarded to Washington to permit a more liberal interpretation of

t

the uses to which the money could be put, making it applicable for

the removal of bars, banks and other impediments in the river

caused by the original obstructions. The existing condition of the

front river was held to be the inevitable result of the sinking of six

vessels across its outlet. They were scuttled across its lower en

trance in the year 1779 for the purpose of closing the channel

against the approach of naval vessels to the city, and so completely

blocked the outlet that the currents above were deadened by the

damming back of much earthy matter and other substances which

the natural flow had previously swept onward to the ocean. Such

was the origin of the Garden Banks.

246

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.



The desired amendment to the Act of Congress was secured making the unexpended balance available for the removal of all im pediments to navigation caused by The Wrecks. Work was vigor ously prosecuted under direction of Capt. Gilmer. By October, 1856, the work of dredging had so far advanced as to give a channel way over the obstructions about 250 feet wide, and eleven feet deep at low water, or 17 feet at high tide. Soundings made throughout the extent of the excavated channel showed tat the depth remained about the same as when the dredging was completed. Four cuts had been completed through the upper part of Garden Banks, with a view to giving the same depth at that locality as had been pre viously gained over the obstructions below, and the result was a channel at that point of about no feet in width, with a depth of over 17 feet at high tide. A deflecting work was placed just above King's island to give permanence to the channel opened through The Wrecks by turning a part of the water from the back to the front river and dredging was also carried on at other points in the river. Shortly after this the work was suspended under orders from the Secretary of War, who was of the opinion that the Act of Congress did not authorize the plan of operations adopted by the Engineer de partment. The matter was referred to President Pierce" for his de cision. No decision, however, could be obtained, although the pro priety of an early and favorable one was strongly urged by the City. Immediately after the inauguration of President Buchanan the mat ter was taken up with him and a favorable opinion received and work ordered resumed under the plans prepared by the Engineer department. Capt. Gilmer was removed to San Francisco in 1858 and was succeeded by Lieut. W. H. C. Whiting, under whom the re mainder of the appropriation was expended in new dredging and maintaining the channel already created.
In 1856 the City itself undertook the work of removing the ob struction known as the Knoll, an impediment of sand, mud and shells, two and a half miles above Tybee light in ascending the river, stretching away across the entrance from Cockspur island. At low water it was a serious hindrance to vessels of heavy draft bound in, affording as it did only the insecure anchorage of an open road stead. To remove this obstacle application was made to the Legisla ture for State aid to the extent of $25,000. A bill to this effect was lost in the House of Representatives. As the Federal government could not remove the Knoll under the terms of the Act appropriat ing $160.000, Mayor Anderson recommended that the City pay the necessary expenses out of its treasury. By dredging over the Knoll, he pointed out in a communication to Council, there would be at once obtained a channel deep enough to admit vessels drawing 21 to 22 feet of water from the mouth ol the river to Venus point

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

247

f|

anchorage, or within six and a half miles of the city. The govern

ment had ordered a powerful dredge, the use of which could be had

by the City for the removal of the Knoll, provided it bore the oper

ating expenses, which were estimated by Capt. Gilmer at $25,000.

Council authorized the necessary expenditures and the work was

done under Capt. Gilmer's directions. On the completion of this

work Capt. Gilmer said in September, 1857, the outlet of the Savan

nah river would be better than that of any harbor south of Norfolk.

Over the sea bar the water was abundant, the depth at that time

being 19 feet 6 inches at mean low water, or fully 27 feet at mean

high water. In three years the City paid out $11,581 on this work,

with satisfactory results. In 1858 the government also placed a

beacon light at the east end of the Bay, with an elevation of 77 feet

;

above the mean level of Savannah river, to serve as a guide to ves-

',

sels in passing Fig island and over The Wrecks. It was a dark

j

bronze green and fitted with a sixth order Catadioptric apparatus on

jj

the system of Fresnel, giving a red light. It was "altogether a beau-

a

tiful and graceful structure and served as an ornament for that part

of the Bay.*' Little work was done at the general government's

)

expense in 1859 and 1860, the small unexpended balance of the ap

propriation being used in dredging at various points. Mayor Arnold

noted in September, 1860, that vessels drawing eighteen feet of

water had come up to the city wharves.

On March 4, 1853, a public meeting of citizens was held relative

to the contemplated visit of Millard Fillmore, late President of the

United States. Council extended the official invitation and Mayor

Wayne and R. R. Cuyler, R. D. Arnold, John N. Lewis, Robert H.

Griffin, J. M. Berrien and Thomas Holcombe were appointed the

committee in charge of the reception and entertainment. B^-^resi-

dent Fillmore was the guest of the City April 21 to 25.

On January 22, 1857, a resolution was adopted by Council invit

ing President Franklin Pierce to visit Savannah, there being reason

to believe he would visit the South at the expiration of his term of

office. "His administration has been such as to endear him to the

heart of every lover of the Union, every friend of the Constitution,

and every true-hearted Southerner," said the resolution. "In ex-

i

tending the invitation" Council believed it "reflected the wishes of

every citizen, irrespective of party affiliations." In reply President

Pierce said: "It would afford Mrs. Pierce and myself great pleas

ure to visit a city so distinguished for its attractions and especially

for the hospitality of its people as Savannah, but our pleasant an

ticipations must be abandoned." In April, 1858, Council tendered

the hospitality of the City to Edward Everett and appointed a com

mittee of aldermen to present the resolutions to him.

f

248

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

As in the past, Council paid its tribute to the illustrious dead. On the death of Henry Clay, in June, 1852, it passed resolutions ex pressing its sense of national berea\ement. "Such men and-such actions." said it. "swell the pages of national glory and immortality, should be admired by all and transmitted as examples to those who must hereafter sustain the priceless blessings of republican institu
tions." On the death of Ex-Governor Troup in June, 1856, the citizens,
called together by Council, adopted resolutions and the Chatham Artillery, of which he was an honorary member, "fired minute guns corresponding with the number of years of the deceased."
Mayor Richard Wayne died in office June 27, 1858. He had served six terms as Mayor. Council adopted resoluticns and at tended the funeral in a body and requested the military, fire depart ment and civic societies to participate in the services. On the day of the funeral citizens closed their places of business, all the church bells tolled during the hour of the funeral and flags were 'displayed at half mast on all the shipping in- port. The funeraL of Mayor Wayne "was confessedly the greatest funeral pageant ever witnessed in our city and was participated in by all classes of citizens." Bishop Elliott conducted the services. The procession was a mile long and the sidewalks were thronged with people. At the cemetery the con gregation of the First African Baptist Church, of which Mayor Wayne had been a trustee, sang the funeral hymn. Council sent the salary for the remainder of the year to the widow.
Ex-Mayor Dr. James P. Screven died in Virginia in April, 1860, and Council adopted appropriate resolutions on April 6 and attended
the funeral.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

249

CHAPTER X.
DAYS OP CIVIL WAR AND Of3 RECONSTRUCTION.
Seventy-first Administration, October 15, 1860, to October 21, 1861: Mayor, Charles C. Jones; Aldermen, John P. W. Read, Wil liam M. Davidson, John F. Wheaton, John Richardson, Henry Brigham, E. A. Soullard, John W. Anderson, Solomon Cohen, W. F. Brantley, resigned January 16, 1861; John McMahon, George W. Wylly, Isaac Brunner; J. L. Villalonga, from January 16, 1861.
Seventy-second Administration, October 21, 1861. to October 20, 1862: Mayor, Thomas Purse. (No candidate before the people received a majority of the votes cast and the election was thrown into Council, which chose Mr. Purse); Aldermen, George W. Wylly, E. A. Soullard, Isaac Brunner, John Williamson, John L. Villalonga, A. A. Solomons, resigned July 2, 1862; John F. O'Byrne, James M. Schley, John F. Tucker, Robert Lachlison, Francis L. Gue, Hiram Roberts; William Hunter, from July 16, 1862.
Seventy-third Administration, October 20, 1862, to October 19, 1863: Mayor, Thomas Holcombe; Aldermen, John Williamson, Robert Lachlison, Thomas M. Turner, Edward C. Wade, Henry Brigham, John F. O'Byrne, Hiram Roberts. Isaac Brunner, resigned December 31, 1862; Francis L. Gue, Joseph Lippman, John L. Villalonga, Edward A. Soullard; George W. Wylly, from January 14, 1863.
Seventy-fourth Administration, October 19, 1863, to October 17, 1864: Mayor, Dr. Richard D. Arnold; Aldermen, George W. Wylly, John F. O'Byrne, Henry Brigham, Edward C. Wade, Henry C. Freeman, John Williamson, John L. Villalonga, Robert Lachli son, Joseph Lippman, Francis L. Gue, Hiram Roberts, C. C. Casey.
Seventy-fifth Administration, October 17, 1864, to December n, 1865: Mayor, Dr. Richard D. Arnold; Aldermen. John Williamson, George W. Wylly, John F. O'Byrne, Henry Brigham, Edward C. Wade, C. C. Casey, F. L. Gue, John L. Villalonga, Joseph Lippman, Hiram Roberts, Henry C. Freeman, died in October, 1865; Robert Lachlison; John Cunningham, from November 2, 1865.
Seventy-sixth Administration, December n, 1865, to October 15, 1866: Mayor, Edward C. Anderson; Aldermen, George W. Wylly,

250

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

resigned July n, 1866; John F. O'Byrne, Robert Laclilison, Francis L. Gue, resigned August 8. 1866; John Cunningham, John Williamson, John McMahon. John C. Ferrill, John R. Johnson. Edward A. Soullard, James M. Schley, Christopher C. Casey, George C. Free man, from July 25, 1866; H. A. Crane, from August 22, 1806.
Seventy-seventh Administration, October 15, 1866. to October 16. 1867: Mayor, Edward C. Anderson; Aldermen, Martin J. Ford, John L. Villalonga, William Hunter, Alvin N. Miller, William H. Burroughs, Mathias H. Meyer, Henry Brigham, Edward C. Wade, Francis L. Gue, George W. Wylly, James J. Waring, Charles C. Millar.
Seventy-eighth Administration, October 16, 1867, to October 17, 1868: Mayor, Edward C. Anderson; Aldermen. Martin J. Ford, John L. Villalonga, William Hunter, Alvin N. Miller, William H. Burroughs. Mathias H. Meyer, Henry Brigham, Edward C. Wade, resigned April 15, 1868; Francis L- Gue, George W. Wylly, James J. Waring, Charles C. Millar; Frederick W. Sims, from September 16, 1868.
Seventy-ninth Administration, October 17, 1868, to October 18, 1869: Mayor, Edward C. Anderson; Aldermen, Martin J. Ford, re signed December, 1868; John L. Villalonga, William Hunter, Alvin N. Miller, William H. Burroughs, Mathias H. Meyer, Henry Brigham, Francis L,. Gue, George W. Wylly, James J. Waring, Charles C. Millar. Frederick W. Sims; E. A. Soullard, from January 20, 1869.
Eightieth Administration, October 18, 1869, to October 17, 1870: Mayor. John Screven; Aldermen, Alfred Haywood, Samuel T. Scranton, died May 19, 1870; John O'Ferrill, R. J. Davant, John Schwarz, Moses J. Solomon, Andrew M. Sloan, William H. Tison, Michael Lavin, George N. Nichols, James O'Byrne, William M. Davidson; Augustus P. Wetter, from May 23, 1870.

(Mayor Anderson's second term as Mayor began on October 15, 1866. No election for Mayor and Aldermen appears to have been held until 1869. when Col. John Screven was elected. Mayor Ander son and the same Board of Aldermen, with two exceptions, contin ued in office the full intervening period. Alderman Edward C. Wade resigned on April 15, 1868, and Frederick W. Sims was elected to fill the vacant seat on September 16. Before accepting the resig nation and electing a successor Council, it appears, had to com municate with the military commander of the district. Alderman Ford resigned in December, 1868, and was succeeded by E. A. Soullard. The city was passing through the tribulations and dangers of the reconstruction period. Political feeling ran high. Twelve

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

251

hours' notice subsequently increased to twenty-four, was required of any political meeting, to be given both to the Mayor and to the of ficer commanding the military post, so that proper arrangements could be made to preserve the peace. The negroes under Bradley, were a constant menace to the public peace. On one occasion (Sep tember 30, 1867) they held a meeting in Chippewa square. The city and military authorities united to prevent disorder and a'riot was averted. The thanks of Council were extended to Capt. H. C. Cook, military commander, and the Mayor issued a proclamation forbid ding gatherings and processions in the streets at night. Ort April i, 1867, a mass meeting of citizens was held in Chippewa square in favor of reconstructing the State in accordance with the provisions of the Sherman Military Bill. Several aldermen attended. A com mittee composed of Dr. L. A. Falligant, Col. C. H. Hopkins, W. G. Dickson, Dr. F. Y. Clarke, A. N. Wilson, Col. A. W. Stone, H. Brigham and Col. G. I. Taggart, drafted resolutions which were adopted, requesting Maj.-Gen. Pope to order a registration of vot ers and an election to reorganize the State.. Col. Stone was chair man of the meeting with Dr. J. J. Waring, Edward Padelford, J. G. Mills, Edward C. Wade, F. S. Hesseltine and George W. Wyljy as vice-presidents. Nothing was done on this line at the timfe and on August 5, 1868, Council adopted resolutions stating that .from the military control of the State of Georgia the registration of voters had not taken place according to the law, and there was not suf ficient time for the increased number of voters to register by the first Monday in September for an election to be held on the second Monday in October, and in view of the fact that many citizens of Savannah were absent and would be deprived of the right and privi lege of being registered, it was, in the opinion of the Board, the de sire of all good citizens of Savannah that a day be fixed by the Leg islature, at such time beyond the second Monday in October, say the first Monday in December, as would afford all the voting inhab itants of Savannah a fair opportunity to register as voters. At this time the Radicals introduced a bill in the Legislature to extend the limits of the city four miles in all directions except north. There was great danger that if passed this would result in placing the city in the hands of irresponsible parties through the negro vote thus brought in. This scheme was defeated in the Legislature, largely through the efforts of Col. William N. Nicholls. A bill was carried through the Legislature providing for a municipal election, but Governor Bullock vetoed it. Col. Nicholls then secured its passage through the House by a two-thirds vote over the Governor's veto, but it was allowed to drop in the Senate, so that the existing Board of Aldermen and Mayor would hold over for another year.

-52

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

It was on the last day allowed by the existing law for registration that this bill came up in the Senate.)

"The present year (1861)," said Mayor Charles C. Jones, Jr.. in
his annual report to his fellow-citizens on October i, "will remain forever memorable in the history of our State and Confederacy. The ties which so long bound us to the old Union have been forever sun dered, and Georgia has proudly and cheerfully united with her sister Southern States in the formation of a new and more glorious Con federacy, based upon the eternal principles of Truth, of Liberty, of
Equality, of Justice and of Religion. In this struggle for national repose and national independence, our especial thanks are due to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for His marked interposition in our behalf, infusing into the hearts of our people a generous high-
toned patriotism, touching the lips of our clergy with a live coal from off the altar, presiding over the deliberations of our primary
assemblies and of our general Congress; enlightening the under standing of our statesmen; giving wisdom to our rulers, imparting skill and intrepidity to our generals, inspiring cur soldiers with
valor, and granting us the fruits of victory upon the field of battle. "It is meet that we here record the prominent part borne by our
State in this vindication of our inalienable right of civil and religious liberty, of personal security and of private property; but justice that we pay a heartfelt tribute to the memory of the brave, who from our midst have fallen nobly in the support of our national honor; and I would here most earnestly suggest for the consideration of the citizens of Savannah, when the storm clouds of war which now
hover around us shall have been driven back to their Northern homes, when peace shall again spread, her white wings over our land, smiling in the full enjoyment of plenty, of prosperity and of happiness, the propriety of erecting in Wright square a monument to the memory of Col. Bartow and his hero associates who by their chivalrous conduct illustrated the dignity and the manhood of our State, and by the generou., outpouring of their life blood consecrated
their devotion to the interests of our Southern Confederacy. Lifting its pure head from out the shadows of those beautiful oaks which adorn that square, it will tell to coming generations the story of de parted greatness, and stand amid the changes of years a monument of a peoples gratitude, more vocal in the undying memories which
cluster around it than the fabled statue of Memnon. "While so many of our brave men, our fathers and sons and
brothers, are cheerfully enduring the privations of the tented field, let those of us who remain at home look well to the security of the

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city. L,et each, young and old, see to it that he has within his reach some trusty weapon, with ready ammunition, which may be brought into service at a moment's warning. The heroic days of 1777 are come again, and it may happen in the progress of the present most unrighteous war that we, like our forefathers, will be called upon to rise up, one and all, on this very soil, in sacred defense of this, our beloved city. God grant that its generous homes, its beautiful squares and its holy temples may never know the pollution of the enemy's presence. Encourage the formation of all legitimate organizations, with a view to the acquisition of military knowledge and proficiency in the use of the weapons of war."
It was with this spirit and these sentiments that the citize'ns of Savannah entered upon the four years of civil warfare. While the City records do not enter into details as to the patriotic zeal with which the men of Savannah responded to the call to arms., there are glimpses here and there of the unwavering determination to exert every energy and exhaust every resource in defense of the city, the State and the Confederacy. More companies Avere recruited here for the Confederate service than in probably any other city of the South, and hundreds of its young men left home never to return. The city authorities acted promptly when it became apparent that hostilities between the South and North were inevitable. On November 7, 1860, Council ordered the purchase of a suitable quantity of fixed am munition for each active member of the volunteer companies, to 6e paid for out of the City treasury. Lot 63, Springfield plantation, was selected as a site for a magazine. In March, 1861, the State conven tion met here, on the invitation of the City which entertained the members. On May 22 Council adopted resolutions directing the Mayor to call a public meeting of citizens for the purpose of organiz ing a committee to receive donations for the benefit of such of the volunteers as might be called into active service, and to consider the propriety of levying a tax for raising the amount necessary for the support of such families as might be left in destitute condition. At the same time the City appropriated $2,500 to such a fund. The May or on June 5 was instructed to advertise that, during the continuance of the war, all coupons payable in New York would be paid at the City treasury in Savannah. June 13 was set aside as a day of fasting and prayer, in accordance with President Davis's proclamation. On July 25 a special meeting was called to take action relative to the death of Col. Francis S. Bartow, killed at the battle of Manassas. The Council chamber was ordered prepared for the reception of the honored remains, that they might lie there in state as long as might be agreeable to the family and friends, and the military of the city were requested to unite in the funeral cortege. Aldermen Cohen, Wheaton and Villalonga were appointed to meet the remains at

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Charleston and escort them to Savannah. The Mayor and Aldermen attended the funeral in a body.
At the election for Mayor in October no candidate received a majority of the votes and the selection of a Mayor was left to Coun cil, which elected Thomas Purse. On November 8. he was author ized to consult and co-operate with the commanding officers of the army and navy of this district in any measure that they might advise for the protection of the city against invasion by the enemy. Alder man Lachlison was authorized to confer with Gen. Lawton in refer ence to obstructing the river approaches to the city. Aldermen Villalonga. Tucker and Soullard were appointed to confer with the mil itary authorities respecting the propriety of closing all the bar rooms in the city. As a result they \vere closed from 5 p. m. to 8 a. m. Gen. G. P. Harrison, who had about 6.000 men in camp seventy miles from the city, was requested to remove them to the vicinity of Savannah. Aldermen Roberts, Lachlison and Tucker were appoint ed (November 26) a committee on public safety to confer with Brig.Gen. Lawton. Under his advice the City engaged a clerk to issue passes and citizens were called on to do patrol duty. Troops were passing through the city off and on and various sums were appro priated to feed and otherwise care for them while here.
In December Dr. J. J. Waring, who was serving on the staff of Brig.-Gen. A. C. Gatlin, commanding the department of North Caro lina, as medical director and purveyor of the State, gave the rents of his stores to the City for the purpose of purchasing underclothing and overcoats for the volunteers. In the next July the amounts of the rents were returned to Dr. Waring for him to dispose of as he saw
fit. On January 15, 1862, the offer of the Olm stead Rifles to act as
an escort of honor to the remains of the late members of the Oglethorpe Infantry \vas accepted. The other volunteer companies of the city were requested to co-operate with them. A committee of alder men was appointed to meet the bodies, those of J. S. Branch, W. H. Crane. George Butler, B. Morel, Julius Ferrill and Thomas Purse, Jr.. at Charleston, and escort them to Savannah. Aldermen Villalonga, Soullard and Solomons were appointed to arrange for the recep tion and funerals, which were attended by the Council.
On January 29. Council decided to bear $2,000 of the expense of putting up defenses for the city. Mayor Purse had an interview with Gen. Lee in reference to the defenses. The General asked for from 200 to 300 men to throw up breastworks in the neighborhood of Ft. Jackson. Council on January 30 authorized the military committee to engage 300 or more men if necessary. The fire department was ordered to be in readiness to flood the city in case of an attack. At the request of the ladies a day was set apart in February for humilia-

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT. 255
tion, fasting and prayer. On February 20 a plan for a battery de fense was submitted by G. W. Garmany and was adopted by Council, which agreed to pay for labor in erecting it provided guns could be obtained.
In March $2,000 was appropriated for the relief of families of sol diers and the Justices of the Inferior Court were requested to levy an additional tax to raise sufficient inoney for the relief of the fami lies of soldiers in active service. A meeting of the citizens was also called to consider an appropriation by the City to build a gunboat for the. river. James W. Spratt was thanked for giving his services free as superintendent in the erection of coast batteries for the de fense of the city. The books of the City were ordered sent to Milledgeville when necessary, and later were removed to that place. In August, 1864, an agent was appointed by the City to go to Milledgeville and bring them back to Savannah.
On April 29 Brig.-Gen. A. R. L,awton, commanding, notified the City that in the event the Federal gunboats passed the batteries and reached a point opposite the city and demanded its surrender he would, unless restrained by orders from his superior officers, refuse and resist to the last extremity, regardless of the consequences to city or its inhabitants. Council then adopted a resolution approving his decision and expressing its determination to aid him all in its power. Soon after, Gen. Pemberton, then in command here, asked Council to request the Secretary of War to declare martial law in Savannah. Council declined his request, not considering it necessary, or advisable. Perfect peace and good order existed then and throughout the war. Gen. Pemberton also asked to have the women and children removed and the buildings on the bluff torn down. Council in addition to expressing doubts of its legal rights to destroy the buildings, did not deem such a step necessary unless an attack on the city was imminent. At the same time it acknowledged the right of the military to remove the buildings if the General regarded it a necessary measure. On May 21 Gen. Lawton advised Council that in the event of a probable attack on the city and the possibility of its capture the City should organize a body of men, not a military force, to properly protect and police the town. Council the same day adopted resolutions stating that while it had an abiding confi dence in the ability of the military to defend the city, in order to pre pare for any attempt to reduce the city, it invited all citizens to en roll themselves and prepare to aid the military to successfully defend the city and save it from the degradation that might be inflicted on its citizens in the event of the enemy's success, a reference brought about by news of the conditions existing in New Orleans after its capture by Gen. Butler.

256 HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
General Pemberton withdrew nearly all the troops early in June, leaving Savannah in nearly a defenseless condition. Governor Brown was wired to on June 9 for assistance and a telegram was also sent by Acting Mayor George W. Wylly to President Davis protesting against the course pursued by General Pemberton. A strong direct protest was also made to Gen. Pemberton with the request that he state his intentions as to the protection of Savannah. Gen. Mercer, who succeeded in command, adopted more vigorous sieps and a more thorough system for the protection of the city. Requiring iron he relied on the use of some, then in the possession of the Atlantic & Gulf railroad. Col. G. J. Minor, agent of the Navy department, seized this iron, in all 1,076 tons. Council requested him to allow the iron to remain here until the decision of the President could be ob tained and a memorial was sent on to Richmond asking the assign ment of a sufficient quantity of it for the completion of the defenses planned for the city. Before the President could act, under instruc tions from the Secretary of the Navy the iron was forwarded to At lanta. The brig Santa Clara, the ship Sebasticook and the ship A. B. Thompson were sunk in the river so as to obstruct the channel. The stone paving in the streets was partly torn up and used in the river obstructions. On October 8 the Mayor was directed to correspond with the Secretary of War and ask that an efficient force be sent for the protection of the city.
In his report to Council on October I Mayor Purse said: "The proportions of the revolutionary struggle in which we are now en gaged to secure our independence and a place among the nations of the earth, have assumed during the current year a colossal form, and the depressing influences of the war are more or less felt from the center to the circumference of our infant Confederacy; but our sol diery, with stalwart hearts and patriotic devotion, have thus far demonstrated by their patriotism that they fully appreciate the mag nitude of the contest.
"We have abundant cause to be grateful to a kind Providence for His manifold blessings, even in the midst of the severe ordeal through which we are now passing as a people. First, because of the signal success which has attended our arms in the field, victory after victory having perched upon our standard. Second, because as a city we have been comparatively more exempt from the desolating ef fects of the war than many of our Soul hern seaports more exposed to the vandalism of the enemy; and third, because we have not been visited with any fearful epidemics, other than those of an endemic character, and common to this latitude.
"The revenue of our City is dependent upon the peaceful relations of society and the prosperity of commerce; these potent sources have been interrupted in their wonted course by the war, and we have

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suffered some diminution in our annual revenue, say $24,966.98. No new system of improvement has been initiated during the war; our object has rather been to keep intact what had been done, so far as this has been practicable/' His report showed incidental expenses during the year of $20,269, of which $10,000 was appropriated to Charleston on December 31, 1861, to relieve its citizens as far as pos sible from the effects of a disastrous fire. The remainder was largely expended in feeding troops and providing assistance to their families and to the orphan asylums of the city..
Thomas Holcombe was the next Mayor of the city. Conditions were more critical than they had yet been when he assumed the reins of government. In February, 1862, the Union vessels had passed through Wall's cut and entering the Savannah river above Ft. Pulaski had cut it off from communication with the city. On April n, after a vigorous defense by its garrison, the German Volunteers. Oglethorpe light Infantry, Washington Volunteers, Montgomery Guards and Wise Guards, the Fort surrendered. Fort McAllister garrisoned by the DeKalb Rifles, had successfully resisted an attack on June 29, which was followed by other unsuccessful bombardments on November 2 and 19, and January 27, February i and March 3, 1863. At any time an attack might be made on the city. On October 20 Gen. W. H. Mercer recommended to Council that arrangements be made for the removal of the women, children and other non-com batants from the city and the providing of them with food and shel ter. Aldermen Roberts, Villalonga and Gue were appointed the mil itary committee of Council. It was proposed to put the women and children at the race course in tents. Gen. Mercer was unable to fur nish tents, not having enough for the men under him, and he suggest ed that the race course was too close to the city and that they be lo cated in the vicinity of Marlow. Provisions were becoming scarce in the city, the number of the destitute was increasing, and the prices of food were high and steadily advancing. The enforcement of the law against forestalling, the buying and reselling at large advances in prices of food supplies, was rigid. The previous March the railroads had been requested not to move any salt or provisions out of the city except such as were shipped by the military authorities or for family purposes. They complied with this, but on September 10, (1862) the restrictions were removed. On February 25, 1863, Council appropriated $1,000 to buy soup meat for the poor and on March IT the Marine Bank loaned the City $10,000 without interest "to buy provisions to be sold to the poor at prime cost.'* A committee was appointed to devise ways to get provisions into the city and prevent unnecessary shipments out of it, and the railroads and steamships again gave their valuable assistance. Further loans without interest were obtained of $10,000 from the Merchants and Planters Bank, $10,-

258

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

ooo from the Bank of Commerce, $10,000 from the Bank of Savannah, $10,000 from the Central Railroad Bank, and $5,000 from the Farmers and Merchants Bank. The railroads agreed to furnish transportation free for all food brought into the city by the municipality. Aldermen Gue, Brigham and Lippman were appointed to select agents to pur chase provisions, and Aldermen Villalonga, Wylly and Roberts to ap point agents to sell the same, the aldermanic committee to superin tend the store to be established for this purpose. This store was eminently successful in preventing extortionate prices by private dealers. In his report at the close of his administration Mayor Hoicombe said of it: "It is somewhat anomalous that our authorities should establish a City store, and thus become a competitor and dealer in articles of prime necessity; but the exigencies of the times demanded that an effort should be made to mitigate the sufferings of the indigent and those in more moderate circumstances. The spirit of speculation generated by running the blockade, both by sea and land, accompanied with enormous gains, soon produced an inflation of prices and an extraordinary demand for gold, silver and State bank bills to supply the vociferous calls of the speculator. This state of things superinduced a gradual depression of our currency and a marked appreciation of every article of subsistence. Much of this suicidal trade was carried on with our enemies, and thus giving aid and comfort to those seeking our subjugation.
"Gold and silver constitute no part of our currency in the exist' ing status of our country, but have become articles of traffic, and therefore the present relative standard of value between gold and the currency is entirely suppositious to promote the schemes of the spec ulators. In view of the existing fabulous rates of every article of consumption, our banks generously proposed to loan to the City $75,000, for a reasonable time,'and without interest, to aid in estab lishing a City store, to check as far as possible the spirit of extor tion; $50,000 of which has been accepted, and the store has been in operation for the past five months.
"The plan adopted has been the retailing system, selling at cost, and thus giving to the consumer the advantage of all possible gain. To say the least, we feel assured that some sufferirg has been re lieved by keeping a supply at reduced rates. The following is the re sult of our operations for the past five months: We have purchased provisions, such as bacon, rice, flour, molasses, meal, sugar, peas, etc., amounting to $113,418.18; outstanding debts, $838.10, total cost $114,256.28; received from store as per cash sales $85,777.12; amount refunded by F. L,. Gue, chairman, $9,125.00; received net proceeds of 158 barrels flour, $6,253.41; resulting balance in the hands of purchas ing committee, $5,000; stock on hand City store September 21, $5,042.92; total, $111,998.45; resulting loss, $2,257.83."

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259

The loss was caused by a lot of 165 barrels of flour costing $59 a barrel, which proved unmerchantable. Otherwise the store showed
a profit of $1,223.76.
There had been bought and placed at the race track provisions for the women and children, in the event of an attack, of the value of $11,854.47, of which $8,074.05 was transferred to the City store. In addition, $22,878.11 was expended in providing food and fuel for tfie destitute, $500 was used in purchasing vegetables, etc. for Georgia troops, before Charleston, then being bombarded by the enemy; and $1,000 had been appropriated for two druggists, sent to Wilmington, N. C., where yellow fever was raging.
On April 22, 1863, on motion a resolution by Alderman Lippman was passed by which the "City Council of Savannah, in behalf of the city and the State, do hereby tender our heartfelt gratitude to the im mortal defenders of Fort McAIHster and Fort Pulaski for their manly courage and exalted heroism displayed during the bombard ments of said forts by our vengeful and impotent enemy." A com mittee of which Alderman Gue was chairman examined the obstruc tions being put in the channel and reported on June 3 that they would not injure the river. On July 14 a committee was appointed to see Gen. Mercer relative lo the defenseless condition of the city, and on July 20 a resolution \vas~adopted that "whereas the large ma jority of the forces, a large number of the guns and considerable of the ammunition have been removed to Charleston, and it becomes a matter of doubt whether it is the intention of the military authorities to defend or surrender the city of Savannah, the Mayor be directed to correspond with Gen. Beauregard and ascertain his intentions, so that the Council may take such steps as circumstances may re quire." Lieut.-Colonel H. D. Capers was shortly after placed in charge of the completion of the works about Savannah, with the di rection to impress the labor necessary. Council called on slave own ers to send such of their slaves as were capable of doing the work and relieve the Lieut.-Colonel of the unpleasant necessity of seizing them for the purpose. The families of some soldiers "battling for the lib erty of their country" having been put "out of their houses owing to their not being able to pay rent," a resolution was introduced in Council to publish the names of all owners and agents guilty of such unpatriotic acts. The resolution was lost, but evidently had its effect, as no further reference was made to the eviction of the families of soldiers at the front. In addition to food large quantities of wood were brought in for the poor. The Central Railroad gave the City permission to cut 1,000 cords on its property at No. i and agreed to transport the wood free. In November $5,000 was appropriated to buy wood for those in distress.

260

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

At the close of his administration a resolution was adopted ex pressing high appreciation of the valuable services of Mayor Hoicombe and the "very able, dignified and impartial dischage of his official duies."'" As he had been subjected to much personal loss through the attention given to the work of the City, Council, as "a slight appreciation of his services" tendered the retiring Mayor $1.000. In closing his work Mayor Holcombe said: "It may not be inappropriate to advert to our national surroundings, inasmuch as our interest as a community is so intimately involved with each and every indication pointing to the great result. In the inception of this sanguinary struggle, the avowed object of our enemy was the restor ation of the Union, and thus incidentally and presumptiously seeking to cherish and restore, if possible, the supposed Union sentiment ex isting in our fostered Confederacy. This proved a fallacy. This vis ionary hope having failed, the indomitable will nothing abashed they resorted to the illusive doctrine of reconstruction, thus hoping to regather the centrifugal forces of our dismembered Union into one harmonious bod\\ This device also proved a phantom. The last of all. and the apex of delusive hopes, is the alternative of our subju gation, and the equality of the negro and the white race. Are we prepared for such an alternative? This is the great problem sub mitted to us now for solution. . Let patriotic devotion to the South respond. Never! no, never! Annihilation rather than submit to such an alternative We claim as an inherent right, to choose our own Government. We have during the past few months met with some disasters. These reverses, however, should not produce despondency as to the ultimate result, but should tend to awaken the moral and physical energies of our countrymen to the magnitude of the con
test and the great principles involved in the issue--that is, liberty and a position among the nations of the earth; or subjugation and the loss of everything dear to freemen."
The third and fourth years of the war Dr. Richard D. Arnold was Mayor of the city. . During his first administration (1863-64) $30.500 was appropriated for food and fuel for the poor .nd orphans. A benefit by the manager of the theatre netted $1,100.50, which was also expended in caring for the impoverished. In July the Mayor was directed to borrow $5,000 in gold or silver, to be paid back in the same coin, with 7 per cent, interest, after the war, to buy supplies for citizens. While hundreds of its own citizens were in distress Council was not deaf to the cries for relief elsewhere, and on July 17 appropriated $5,000 for the refugees at Macon. The City store con tinued its beneficial operations, bringing supplies into the city, and to some extent, preventing extortionate prices. 'For a week," said Mayor Arnold in a letter to General Beauregard, who was in the city in January (1864) "hardly a house in Savannah had even its supply of

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261

grits, that necessary article of consumption having risen as high as $16 a bushel." The Mayor then complained of the action of the mil itary in refusing to allow corn purchased by the City in South Caro lina, to be transported to Savannah. General Beauregard issued the following order at once:

HEADQUARTERS DEPT. OF S. C., GA. AND FLA.,

Savannah Ga., January 24, 1864. Any corn purchased in the vicinity of either bank of the Savan nah river under the direction of and by agents designated by the Mayor of the city of Savannah will not be disturbed in transit to Sa vannah by any officer of the quartermaster's or subsistence depart ment.

By command of

GENERAL BEAUREGARD,

THOMAS JORDAN, Chief of Staff.

Capt. A. P. Wetter came to the assistance of the authorities In their struggle for cheaper food and the thanks of the Council were extended to him on June i for maintaining a depot *to supply meal and grits from his mills to citizens at greatly reduced prices, "there by aiding the City materially in its efforts to supply the people with cheap food."
On October 29. 1863, word was received that President Davis would visit Savannah on his way to Richmond, and Aldermen Villalonga, Williamson, Roberts, Lippman and Lachlison were appointed to tender him the hospitality of the City. In December, as the float ing debt of the City was accumulating in the shape of unpaid interest coupons and had then reached the amount of $65,000, the making ol lots fee simple was stopped by Council unless the applicants pre sented in payment thereof obligations of the City in the shape ol bonds or interest coupons or other valid claims.
On the night of March 9, 1864, Council attended a public address by Gen. Howell Cobb. Under a resolution of Council on May 21, 1864, Aldermen Brigham, Freeman, Villalonga, Roberts, Lippman, Wylly and O'Byrne and Citizens John Stoddard, G. B. Lamar, W. H. Stark, William Duncan, W. W. Lincoln, Francis Sorrel, E. J. Purse, W. H. Davis," A. Einstein, and J. P. Bartlett were appointed a com mittee to purchase supplies for the sick and wounded soldiers of Johnston's army in the upper portion of the State and to appoint a sub-committee to distribute such articles as were bought or contrib uted. In December it became apparent that the Confederate troops would probably be removed from the city without giving battle to Sherman's forces then advancing toward the city. Word was given Mayor Arnold on December 19 that the evacuation of the city was about to begin. An extra meeting of Council was at once called and certified copies of their election as members of the Board were or-

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

dered served on each alderman by the Clerk of Council. The mar shal was directed to secure carriages in which the Mayor and Alder men might proceed to meet the Federal troops and place the city in their charge for the protection of its inhabitants. On December 2ti the Confederate troops retreated into South Carolina. The story is best told in the following resolution adopted by Council on January 23, 1865:
"Whereas, by the evacuation of Savannah by the Confederate troops on the night of the 2Oth of December, 1864, the city was left in a defenseless position and from the military the right of govern ment devolved on the city authorities, and
"Whereas, the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah in Common Council assembled, had previously resolved that when that contingency should occur they would immediately proceed to Maj.-* Gen. W. T. Sherman's headquarters and ask from him protection for the lives and private property of the citizens, and
"Whereas, it was our good fortune on the morning of the 2ist of December 1864, to meet Brig.-Gen. John W. Geary, who was leading the division of the United States army which was the first to enter Savannah, and the said request was made of hirn, and
"Whereas, he promptly granted it and took all necessary means to afford protection by sending a brigade into the city, in advance of his troops, under the command of Col. Barnum, who displayed his own efficiency and the admirable discipline of his troops, by preserv ing an order and quiet perhaps unparalleled in the annals of warfare where a victorious army entered a capitulated city, and
"Whereas, the conduct of Brigadier-General (now Brevet Major General) Geary from that until he was relieved for his post in the field, carried out to the fullest extent the expectations raised from our first interview with him.
"Resolved, That the thanks of the Mayor and -Aldermen of the City of Savannah for themselves and in behalf of their fellow-citizens be, and the same are hereby tendered to Brevet General Geary for the uniform courtesy extended by him to all who came into ofiicial contact with him, and for his great judgment in the conduct of all his business transactions, and that we will ever ht>ld him in re membrance as the embodiment of the high-toned gentleman and the
chivalrous soldier. "Resolved, That to his staff individually and collectively we here
by return our thanks and those of our citizens for the able, impartial and courteous manner in which they performed their various du
ties." In transmitting this Mayor Arnold added as follows: "It affords
me great pleasure herewith to transmit to you an official copy of the resolution passed by the City Council of Savannah in relation to you

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263

and your most acceptable administration of affairs while our city was under your command."
On his entrance into the city Gen. Sherman directed that all the rice and other provisions captured from the Confederate government should be placed at the disposal of the Mayor and Aldermen for the purpose of feeding the destitute citizens and that any guards placed over such stores should be removed from time to time at the request of the Mayor. Gen. Sherman also expressed the wish that the city authorities would take possession of all the provisions belonging to private individuals lying in the warehouses and mills in the city and use them for a like distribution to the destitute and poor, and that Council adopt some plan by which the owners might receive compen sation from the City treasury for their property taken in this way for the public good. All public and private stores of this character were accordingly received by Council which appointed D. H. Baldwin as its agent to exchange a portion of the stores for such other articles as were needed for the wants of the people. (December 30, 1864.)
By request of Gen. Sherman the Mayor and Aldermen continued their functions. They adopted a resolution on January n (1865) that all City officers and employes ceased to be any longer in its service and the Mayor was requested to appoint such officers as he might deem necessary to continue the City organization.
The distress of the citizens soon brought a response from the North. On January 18, twenty-live days after the entrance of the main body of the Union troops into the city, the steamer Rebecca Clyde arrived with a cargo of breadstuffs, provisions and other neces saries of life "as a good will offering from their fellow-countrymen of the city of New York." The Chamber of Commerce, the New York Commercial Association, and the Produce Exchange were the active agents in organizing and forwarding the relief supplies, but the contributions represented all classes of the community. The steam ship was donated for the trip by its owners, the New York and Washington Steamship Company, and Archibald Baxter, C. N. P. Babcock and Frank Lathrop were in charge. Council decided to dis tribute through ward committees and appointed prominent citizens for the work.
In Boston a public meeting was held at Faneuil Hall on January 10, as a result of which a large quantity of supplies was forwarded to Savannah and an autograph letter was sent to Mayor Arnold by the relief committee, of which Mayor T. W: Lincoln, Jr., of Boston, was the chairman. This letter was read before Council and appears in the minutes of January 20. It was in part as follows:
"The history of former days is not forgotten. It has rather been deepened by the late trials of our nation. We remember the earlier

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

kindness and liberality of the citizens of Savannah towards the people

of Boston in the dark colonial days.-^ We recall the meeting held

there on the loth day of August, 1774, --when a committee was ap pointed to receive subscriptions for the suffering poor of Boston, as

to which it is recorded 'that there are large donations of rice for the

sufferers in Boston and had we the means of sending it to them, with very little trouble much more would be collected and sent. Few

have subscribed less than ten tierces of rice.' The rice was sent to

New York and sold there and the proceeds, 216 pounds, were remitted

to the Boston committee and by them applied to the relief of the

poor here.

^ "

"We remember that Nathanael Greene, the noble son of Rhode Island, sleeps in your beautiful cemetery.' . We recall the scenes on

the banks of the Savannah river when the military and the municipal

ity met the mournful procession at the landing in your city, the whole body of citizens joining with one accord in this last demonstration of respect to him. who, of all those who had distinguished themselves

during the War of the Revolution, was, next to Washington, the one who held at this moment the highest place in the public esteem.
"The memory of past days of common danger and common suf

fering of an united people struggling to be free, stands before us.

The annals of the South and the North engraved together upon the tablets of memory still live and we believe that neither the South nor

the North will permit .them to die." ~ Large supplies were also received from Philadelphia, and to the

citizens of each city Council returned thanks. In March, 1867, a din

ner was tendered by the City to Lieutenant Commander H. H. Gor-

ringe and other officers of the United States Steamship "Memphis," which had brought supplies from New York for the destitute poor

of the South. On April 9, a dinner was tendered the officers of tfie "Purveyor," which had also brought in supplies for the same pur

pose. At the upper rice mills the City had found 56,975 bushels of rice,
of which 20,133 had been the property of the Confederate govern

ment. At the Habersham mills there were 1,153 casks, of which 363 were Confederate property. For the property of private citizens

Council later paid at the rate of 8 cents a pound for whole and 4 cents a pound for broken rice. Col. Julian Alien tendered his ser

vices gratuitously and was sent to New York to negotiate the ex change of some of the rice for other provisions. Gen. Sherman gave

him the necessary authority and requested the collector of the port

to grant clearances for provisions for the use of the people of Sa

vannah. The city then, and for some months after, had no privileges as a port of entry and was cut off from communication with the in

terior; leaving it largely dependent on charity for the relief of its

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

265

t

poor, who were vastly increased by the number of refugees from the country, and the freedmen unable to find work. The City store \vas continued, and in addition to bringing in food the City sent North for d cargo or more of fuel which was sold at almost cost. The Fed eral government furnished supplies for the distressed until July 31. It then became necessary for the City to provide to meet the de mands of five hundred additional families. It was impossible for it to meet the burden and after some correspondence the freedmen's bureau was directed to feed the white and black refugees while the city authorities directed their energies to the relief of the regular residents.
Alderman Villalonga ha*d acted temporarily as City treasurer. On May 18 R. T. Gibson was made Clerk of Council and acting treas urer. On May 18 a meeting of citizens was called by Council to ex press their feelings of indignation at the assassination of President Lincoln and the action of the meeting was forwarded to Acting Sec retary of State Hunter, who gracefully acknowledged it. On June i the City treasurer was ordered by Council to pay the expenses oi Mayor Arnold and a committee of Aldermen who were to visit Wash ington and see President Johnson in relation to the condition of the city and county. On June 30 Hon. James Johnson, Provisional Gov ernor of the State, arrived in the city. Council adopted resolutions expressing its pleasure at his coming and requesting him to address the citizens of Savannah on the succeeding night, an official invita tion at the same time being extended to the military and naval com manders and their staffs, to be present at the public meeting. The Mayor and a committee- of aldermen were also appointed to prepare for a celebration of the Fourth of July, a time-honored custom in Savannah and one which even the fact that the city was under the control of an armed force representing an erstwhile enemy could not destroy. On August 27 by proclamation of Governor Johnson all civil officers were ordered to resume the functions of their respective offices. P. M. Russell and Charles J. White were at once elected to their old offices as clerk and sheriff of the City Court, Judge Chisholm being also continued.
While in the city in July, Governor Johnson had stated that no election for Mayor and Aldermen could be held until the State had resumed civil government. He apparently changed his mind, as on September 30 he wrote Mayor Arnold that the election could and should be held as heretofore, pursuant to the charter of the city, and that no interference or difficulty could be reasonably apprehended. Legal advice was sought by Council. Under the opinion of Thomas E. Lloyd. Esc-, who was consulted, under the statutes of the State any Board of Mayor and Aldermen must hold their offices until their successors had been duly elected and qualified. No ejection was ac-
\

266

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

cordingly held in October, the Mayor and Aldermen holding over for two months longer than the term for which they had been elected. On October 20, Brevet Major General Brannan, commanding, noti fied Mayor Arnold that on November i he intended turning over to the Mayor and the Aldermen the entire civil affairs of the city, as he believed it would be to the great advantage of the community. "The military," said he, "are gradually relinquishing jurisdiction to the civil authorities throughout the country, and I think it is the duty of the civil authorities to resume control over the city. It is the only city in the State of Georgia where the civil officers do not exercise their functions. The expenses of the city will be defrayed to the end of the month." Mayor Arnold was directed by Council to notify General Brannan that Council would be prepared to resume the exercise of its full civil functions on November i. The taxes of the city had up to this time been collected and -iisbursed by the military. "All the affairs of the city except in cases of jurisdiction as to blacks, which would be adjudicated by the provost marshal until the convention should determine their status," were to be surrendered by the mili tary to the civil government. Mayor Arnold and Aldermen Viilalonga, Wylly and Casey were at once appointed to reorganize the police force for duty by November i. Judge Harden was made corporation attorney, and on October 26 other city officers were elected, so that on November i the various departments would begin with a proper organization. About this time the convention of the State in session at Milledgeville ordered an election for Mayor and Aldermen to be held on the first Wednesday in December. Some members of Covincil entertained the opinion that it was advisable to leave the control of municipal affairs in the hands of the military until after that elec? tion and allow the newly-elected board to organize the government anew. The military authorities were not desirous to continue the management of the city's affairs and after some discussion Council decided to assume control, as Gen. Brannan had requested. At tfiis time small pox existed in an epidemic form, and Gen. Brannan loaned the City a number of tents to provide temporary shelter for those afflicted with the disease. The government had buildings at Whitesville. which were also placed at the City's disposal, to be moved a mile from the city's limits. On November i the jail was not surrendered to the civil authorities. Council made application to the President of the United States to have the jail returned to the City but it was not until December 19. 1865, that it again secured control of the property, and it was granted on the condition that military prisoners be kept there on the same terms as other classes of pris oners.
No Mayor's report appears to have been published in 1864 or 1865. In his report for 1866 Mayor Edward C. Anderson.. who had

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

267

been elected in December, 1865, said: "The regular election for

Mayor and Aldermen in October last having gone by default in con

sequence of the occupancy of the city by military forces of the United

States, the present Board came -'nto office under an ordinance of the

convention of the State of Georgia, ordering an election to be held

on the 6th of December last. At that time our city had been set

back in her progress by the vicissitudes of four years civil war. Her

finances were disordered and her revenues appropriated by the mili

tary tax gatherers then domiciled in our midst. There were then but

$2,000 in the treasury and the outstanding accounts for past due cou

pons alone amounted to $371,570. Of this there was funded in new

I

bonds to run twenty years $227,094.90 and redeemed for taxes and

|

ground rents $68,048.35, leaving outstanding $76,426.75." Much of this

j

Mayor Anderson believed to have been destroyed or lost in the war

|

and would probably never be presented. This year cholera broke out

'

in the city. So many calls were made on the Mayor for aid that at

'

the close of the year Council donated him $1,000 voluntarily to reim-

.

burse him for money paid out personally to charity.

i

For the first year after the civil authorities resumed complete

;

control, taxes upon sales, freights and passage money were called in

j

monthly to meet current expenses. At the close of the year the finan-

l

cial condition of the City being better, a quarterly collection was

I

adopted. It was estimated that after the sum total of coupons due in

<.

1866 and interest and bills payable were settled the City would have

*

left to defray current expenses $231,000. At the close of the year

there was a cash balance of $29,285.26. with $76,426.75 past due cou

pons unpresented and unpaid. In J?nuary, 1867, under an amicable



arrangement entered into between William B. Hodgson, John Stod-

dard, et al., complainants, and the Mayor and Aldermen defendants,

a bill was filed in the Superior Court to restrain the City from selling

stocks remaining from original subscriptions to railroad companies,

except to meet corresponding bonds, or to sell new stocks or other

property which had been acquired by a sale of the original trust

stocks, all such new stocks and property to be held upon the trusts

attached to the original stocks. The complainants alleged that the

Mayor and Aldermen had no right under the laws of the State to en

gage in any of the railroad enterprises in which they had participated

without the authority of the citizens in public mass meeting assem

bled, that such meetings were held upon the occasion of every sub

scription for stock in such enterprises and the necessary authority

given upon the condition that the necessary money should be raised

by an issue of bonds, and not from any other resources of the City,

and that the stocks so secured should be held to meet the bonds so

issued when due and should not be diverted to pay any other pur

pose. A trust accordingly, it was claimed, arose for the benefit of

268

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

the citizens on one hand and for the holders of the bonds on the other, and the Mayor and Aldermen as the trustees had no right to dispose of any part of the stock other than for the payment of the corresponding bonds, so long as such bonds remained unpaid. In all. the City subscribed $1,750,000 to railroad enterprises, and had issued bonds for all except $200,000 subscribed to the Atlantic and Gulf in 1856, when the funds were secured by the sales of City property, in cluding a large amount of Southwestern railroad stock. Other stock had been sold to meet floating debts and the stocks held as a trust fund had dwindled below the bonds they were intended to pay. This balance to be secured was $120,000, and the surplus stock of the At lantic & Gulf and Montgomery & West Point was appropriated to protect it. In 1869 came the movement to transfer various stocks to the Southwestern, with the guarantee of the Central that the South western would pay the bonds at maturity and the coupons as they fell due. details of which are given in the preceding chapter. Mayor Anderson remarked in this connection that "an evidence of the ap preciation of the public of the wisdom of the transaction was clearly evinced by the enhanced value of the Atlantic & Gulf Railroad stock upon the market. Immediately upon the sale of the City stock be coming known the price of the same advanced from $40 per share to $50." Of the bonds that were to have been taken care of by the Southwestern if the transfer had been effected were $117,000 due No vember i, 1869, and $174,000 due February i, 1870, both falling due in Mayor John Screven's first administration. The bonds of the City at this time rated 15 per cent, below par and naturally holders of the old bonds would not exchange for new at par. It was therefore necessary to provide for a larger amount of bonds to meet the dis count as well as the sum required for 'those who demanded the re demption of their holdings in cash, and the funded debt of the City, by the two resulting issues of new bonds for this purpose and to meet floating liabilities, was increased $174,000. In 1870 (ordinance October 18) there was also another issue of $500,000 of bonds for public improvements, including the building of the new market, the paving of streets and the construction of sewers. In three years there had been an increase in the valuation of taxable real estate of $3,359*960. In the ten years, from 1861 to 1871, the taxable values had increased from $10,757,751 to $15,579,100, or nearly 50 per cent., the ground rent lots at that time not being included in taxable values.
The close of the war found the channel of the river choked to some extent by the vessels sunk to prevent the passage of the Fed eral vessels. The obstructions are mentioned by Mayor Anderson as follows: First in order, blocking the approach from the sea, were the hulks of two large ships and a smaller vessel sunk in the channel near Fort Pulaski in 1861. Next came the impediments at Four

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

269

Mile Point, consisting of cribs, piles and sunken vessels. These ob structions extended across the river from the Elba island to the Car olina shore and to Mackay's point across the south channel, and were composed mainly of cribs built of yellow pine timber, forty feet square, filled with paving stone, live oak and brick. Each crib had two floors with ballast in each. Sixteen vessels were sunk in the north channel, contiguous to and below these cribs. On the capture of the city by the United States forces three cribs and one sunken vessel were removed by the Quartermaster's Department at a cost to the government of $30,000 and an expenditure of four weeks time. Next in order were the obstructions near Fort Jackson, consisting of an irregular line of nine cribs, sunk between Fort Lee and the Marsh island opposite. Two others were sunk a short distance above the moorings for the floating battery Georgia. This vessel was scuttled on the night of the evacuation and lay with her armament, machinery and appointments precisely as when she went down, a most danger ous obstacle to navigation. There were said to be 500 tons of rail road iron covering her shield. Previous to the commencement of the war vessels drawing 17 1-2 feet .of water passed easily to and from the city, whilst at this time the best water reported by pilots was 13 1-2 feet at mean high water within narrow lines. In addition there was a wreck of the ram Ogeechee sunk near Willink's shipyard and an old hulk in the vicinity of the Ferry wharf, with a shoal forming at each point. On August 30, 1865, a Mr. Webster, a Northern man, made an offer to the "City to remove all artificial obstructions in the Savan nah river and harbor and all the creeks and channels connected therewith forming approaches to the city of Savannah for $115,000 in twenty year bonds. The City was too embarrassed by political and financial conditions to take advantage of the offer. Webster then of fered to do the work and leave the matter of compensation to be fixed by mutual agreement between him and the aldermen the City to pay nothing, all materials entering into the obstructions to be come the property of Webster as full i enumeration from the City. On completion of the work a petition to the Legislature of Georgia from Webster praying for compensation for the money and labor ex pended was to be approved by the authorities of Savannah. If the Legislature failed to grant this the City of Savannah was not to be liable for any further remuneration than the materials referred to. The committee of Council reported on September 20 that in confer ence with Mr. Webster the work to be done had been amplified to include the removal of sandbars, accumulations of mud, limber, etc., and recommended the acceptance of his proposition, the obstructions to be removed under the supervision of a competent engineer. Web ster agreed to employ Edward C. Anderson as engineer.

270

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

At this time Charles O. Boutelle, agent of the United States Coast Survey, wrote from Cambridge, Mass., recommending that the City go slowly in moving the obstructions until the question was thoroughly studied. He was of the opinion that some of the impedi ments in the river improved rather than injured the channel. He concluded: "Are you aware that vessels drawing 17 feet of water may enter at Warsaw sound and come directly up to Thunderbolt; only a short horse railway would be required to open up the deep channel of Wilmington to the commerce of Savannah/ The war department consented to Websters agreement with the City. A bond was drawn up but he was unable to give the necessary security in Savannah and went North to execute it. Letters were later re ceived indicating that he was endeavoring to transfer his right. Noth ing- further resulted from the negotiations with him and the wrecks remained in xthe river until the government began their removal. In May. 1867. the treasury department revoked the authority which it had conceded to the City to enter into engagements for clearing out the impediments in the river and entered into a contract with Henry S. Welles, of New York, to raise and transport to the city of Savan nah such portions as might be valuable of the following wrecks: Tne Savannah, the Ogeechee, the Georgia, the wrecks of vessels sunk be low the obstructions, the dry dock sunk in St. Augustine creek, the wrecks sunk near Fort Pulaski, and such other vessels as might be discovered in and near said river and harbor. Welles entered into a bond for $30,000 for the execution of the contract. This contract was regarded as manifestly unjust to Savannah, providing, as it did, only for the removal of such parts of the wreckage as the contractor might regard as valuable to him, and a committee was appointed by Council to proceed to Washington and ask the intervention of the President and praying that the City might be allowed to perfect its own arrangements then in process of completion with Mr. Andrew Hartshorn. The President responded to the petition by directing the Treasury Department to extend Welles contract to include the re moval of all cribs, piles, boats, scows, vessels and other obstructions in the channel at his own expense and risk. Mr. Welles was required to further stipulate to pay $5,000 from the proceeds of said property to be used in dredging the channel and enter into a bond of $50,000 for the performance of the contract. At the close of 1867, the work was well under way under the auspices of Mr. Henry F. Wiliink, Jr., the dangerous wreck in the channel near Ferry wharf had been re moved and workmen engaged on the sunken ram Ogeechee. The boats Isondiga and Firefly had also been raised and brought to the city from Back river, and the contractor had ordered out a powerful steam tug, with pumps, cranes, etc., to be used expressly in the re moval of the obstructions. Mayor Anderson was very confident that

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

271

the river would be speedily cleared, but in his annual report on Octo ber i, 1867, stated these hopes had not been realized. The ironclad gunboat Milledgeville, one sunken light ship, renovated and sold to the government, and the hulks of four pilot boats, with some minor obstacles had been taken up, but the timber cribs obstructing the main channel remained intact, lightened by the removal of the brick and stone which ballasted them but still firmly imbedded where they were originally sunk. The course of Mr. Welles was satisfactory to {he Secretary of the Treasury, to whom the City had made complaint of the slowness with which the work was progressing. Appeals were made to the engineer department to send engineers to blow up the cribs, the City to remove the debris. A committee of five, the May or, two aldermen and two citizens, which had been appointed under a resolution adopted in October, 1866, advised the purchase of a dredging machine for the City and the matter was referred to the Commissioners of Pilotage, the Council pledging itself to pay for the dredge. The dredge machine made by Morris & Cummings was se lected as best adapted for the work in contemplation. This machine was capable of excavating i,coo cubic yards of mud in ten hours and cost $20,000, one-half of which was payable in City bonds at par. The hull of the dredge boat was built at Willink's yard and the whole ap pliance was turned over to the City in March, 1867, the total cost of the plant being $72,496.29, including three scows, a steamer for tow ing, etc. Of this $30,196.29 was paid in cash and bonds were issued at par value to the extent of $42,300.00. This dredge was put to work at once at the expense of the City, under the direction of the Commis sioners of Pilotage, and by October had dredged a channel through "the wrecks" of 455 yards in length by 120 feet in width, with a depth of water at mean high tide of 18 feet in the center and not less than 17 feet on the margins. In all 34,000 cubic yards of sand had been removed up to that time. Capt. J. S. Kennard was in charge of the work. A channel of similar dimensions was under way at the crib ob structions above Elba island, and i8,coo cubic yards had been re moved there. "The dredge," said Mayor Andersbn, "has demonstrat ed the value and advantage of our harbor, by enabling us to compete successfully with the strenuous efforts which other cities on the At lantic seaboard are now making to secure the large exporting and importing trade which will be established on the southern coast at no distant day; to fix a point for the convergence of those great internal lines of commerce which the powerful West is projecting in this di rection, and to reap the profit of a great South American and West Indian trade which ere long will be looking for a lodgement upon our coast."
In the following year ending October, 1868, the City expended $21,259168 in the work of improving the river. Several sunken flats

272

HISTORY OF THE ClTY GOVERNMENT.

were raised and a great amount of dredging was done, the details of which Mayor Anderson gives in his report to Council. In the fol lowing year there was a further expenditure of $20,238.41. In his re port Mayor Anderson expressed the belief that the government would pay back to the City, on a proper presentation of the results obtained, the amounts expended by it in the past three years. In ac cordance with this belief Col. Edward C. Anderson, then ex-Mayor, was shortly afterward sent to Washington as a commissioner charged to platre the facts before Congress and secure an appropria tion repaying the City its expenditures, or at least an appropria
tion for the continuance of the work. He was enabled to report upon! his return that "there was every reason to believe that the sum of $200,0000 recommended by the Chief of Engineers would be incor porated in the general appropriation bill." Later in Col. John Screven's first administration, finding that no action had been taken by Congress, Council united with the Chamber of Commerce in memor ializing Congress and again asked an appropriation of $200,000, urg ing that "the inhabitants of Savannah should not alone and unassisted sustain the whole burthen of the restoration and improvement of a harbor now the second in importance in the whole Southern States and of such general value to the commerce of the country that it may justly claim the fostering care and liberal consideration of the general government."
"Although the appropriation asked for included the repayment of $120.000 already expended by the City, Council declined to receive the sum in compensation and expressed its assurance that the entire appropriation would be applied to the improvement of the harbor and to no other purpose." But these representations failed to meet with a favorable consideration. "Large appropriations," says Mayor Screven, "were made for Charleston, Mobile and other cities not known to have made any expenditures for the improvement of their harbors, while Savannah was left unaided after her people had ex pended more than the large sum already stated, not merely for their own benefit but to the advantage of the national commerce." The expenditures by the City on the river this year (1869-70) aggregated $30.529.84. During the next year the improvement of the harbor by the City was steadily pursued, the expenditures being $24,347.36. The government still failed to come to Savannah's relief although the at tention of Congress was called to the matter. A survey of the har bor, though, had been ordered made by Col. Ludlow, of the United States Corps of Engineers, and this encouraged the hope that the City treasury would be speedily relieved of a burden regarded by Council as unjustly borne.
Capt. Kennard, who continued in charge of the work, prepared a statement which gave the expenditures on the river by the City from its beginning, March 27, 1867, to October i, 1871, as follows:

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

273

Dredge, original cost ......................................$ 29,500 Three flats ................................................. 12,000 Tender .. ........................ ,\........................ 15,000 Flat, new, ................................................... 2,400 Current expenses, .......................................... 106,000 Interest on original outlay.................................. 15,680 Interest on current outlay.................... ;.............. 15,176
$iQ5,756 The average expenditure of dredging per cubic yard, at the smallness of which Col. Ludlow had expressed great surprise, was given as follows: Sand, 29 cents; sand and clay, 23 cents; mud and clay, 18 cents; very hard bottom, 60 cents. Inspector Patterson, of the Coast Survey, made a report in 1870, in which he said: "In 1865, immediately after the close of the \var, a re-survey of the Savannah river from the vicinity of the city to the sea, was made by the Coast Survey, from which it was shown that only vessels drawing eight feet at mean low water and fourteen feet at mean high water could be brought over the bar below the city ir respective of the obstructions placed during the war. These obstruc tions have apparently had no effect upon the channel and bars of the river except at their immediate locality. By correspondence with this office and other means the authorities of Savannah endeavored to induce the government to undertake the needed deepening of the channel over the bars. The only action, to our knowledge, taken by the government, was to make a contract with Henry Welles of New York, to remove the obstructions placed during the war. This work was but partially executed and I understand the contract is still alive but not enforced. The government, taking no action, the City of Sa vannah, unlike all other Southern cities, with a wise liberality, un der the energetic lead of its Mayor, undertook the work of deepen ing and straightening the channel from the city to the mouth of the river and after the skillful expenditure of about $120,000 has succeed ed in opening a channel by which 12 feet at mean low water and 18 feet at mean high water is secured up to the city. These depths, how ever, can be maintained only by further improvemnts of a more per manent character and giving such depth to the channel as will enable vessels which can cross the outer bar going direct to the city. This depth is 19 feet at mean low and 26 feet at mean high water. The amount required for this purpose will probably not exceed $200,000. The small city of Savannah, with an amount of taxable real estate of less than $10,000,000 when this work was begun, has shown a liber ality worthy of all praise and Which should shame her richer sister cities of the South, of which not one has expended a dollar, as far as this office is informed, toward the improvement of its harbor. The

274

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

official returns show that in the year ending June 30, 1869, the total exports coastwise from Savannah were $26,304,996, foreign $22,031,498, total $48,336,494; amount of tonnage, American 987,513, foreign 142,321, total 1,129,834.
Hon. Charles O'Neill, of Pennsylvania, introduced a resolution in the House to appropriate $200,000 toward deepening the Savannah harbor, and a vote of thanks was tendered him by Council. The resolution proved of no avail. It was not until 1872 that Congress made an appropriation of $50,000 for work on the Savannah harbor. As a result Council on September 10 of that yeai entered into a con tract with the United States government to carry on the work. The contract provided for dredging by the City under the direction of the superintending engineer to a depth of 12 1-4 to 12 1-2 feet at mean low water, with a bottom width of channel of 125 feet. The work was.to be paid for at the rate of 35 cents a cubic yard excepting at the northeast of Fort Pulaski, where the rate was to be 75 cents. Under this contract work was begun on October 12 and by December 2 the channel had been dredged out and the operations of the dredge turned to the removal of wrecks and other obstructions. On Sep tember 25, 1872, Council returned thanks to the Board of Pilot Com missioners for their efficient management of the improvements while the work was under their charge, the United States Engineers having then assumed control. Capt. J. S. Kennard, who had charge while the City's money was being expended, was continued superintendent of the dredging operations by the City under the government appro priation. On October 23, 1873, the contract with the government was completed and the plant laid up for repairs, which were com pleted in December, and on the 8th of that month it began work un der a new agreement between the City and the government, dredging for an additional depth in the channel, through the upper flats near Elba island. Thereafter the City made no further expenditures on its own account and the work remained under the direction of the United States engineers. The Georgia Assembly at its Winter ses sion of 1871-72 passed a memorial to Congress to re-imburse Savan nah to ^the amount of $218,547, including interest, expended by the City in dredging the river and harbor.
As soon as the immediate effects of the war had passed away and the City departments had been properly reorganized steps were taken for the improvement of their service. In February, 1866, Chief Fireman C. C. Casey submitted a report and inventory to Council and recommended the substitution of steam engines for the hand en gines then in use. The total cost of a steam engine, including horses and stable, was put at $8,000. By selling six old engines $7,200 could be raised. The fire committee of Council made a favorable recom mendation. On May 2 the City donated $500 to complete a fund in

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

275

the hands of the Metropolitan Fire Company to buy a steam engine The fire limits at this time were made from the River to Gwinnelt and East and West Broad streets. Chief Casey soon after this re ported that five hand engines could be dispensed with without risk to property, leaving five good engines of this class in the City's service. The sale of all the hand engines would provide sufficient funds to buy two steam engines, and he recommended that this be done. The committee directed the sale of five engines and the purchase of one steam engine. The Germania Fire Company, Henry Blun foreman, sold its apparatus and bought a steam engine, the City appropriating $1,500 to enable it to meet the payment. In September all the hand engines were ordered sold, but the order was not carried out, some being in the City's possession two years later. With the proceeds of five hand engines, though, a steam engine was ordered from Poole & Hunt, Baltimore, and named the John W. Anderson, and Gen. James M. Anderson, William Wilson, Jr., Henry Spellman, Thomas M. Johnson and George W. Webb were named ES its managers. When the steam engine for the Germania Company arrived it was named the John J. Waver.
New trouble arose at this time between the Savannah Fire Com pany and the other companies in the department, which resulted eventually in an appeal to the courts and the removal from the Sa vannah Fire Company of the last vestige of the powers it had origi nally possessed. The feeling existed among the other firemen that the Savannah Fire Company had not dealt justly with them, and that no redress was to be expected from it. The Oglethorpe, Wash ington, Germania, Mechanics and Metropolitan made friendly pro positions to reorganize the Savannah Fire Department on a just arid equitable basis, which were repulsed. They then addressed a petition to Council, and notified it that thereafter their officers, as ex-officio members of the Savannah Fire Company, would cease to represent them in that company unless guaranteed equal rights and privileges with other members of the company. They would continue to obey the Chief Fireman or Assistant Chief, but urged a reorganization of the department. When read in Council, some of the Aldermen asserted that politics was behind the attack on the Savannah Fire Company, and that they had been threatened with political death if they did not accede to these requests. The committee of Council to which the pe tition was referred declared that the statements were not justified by any evidence adduced, and were not sustained by the previous record of the fire department. It was the part of wisdom, they held, to up hold the existing fire department and recommended that no action be taken in the matter. A reorganization to some extent of the de partment, though, was rendered obligatory by the freeing cf the ne groes, who had furnished the labor force to a large extent. An Act

276

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

,

to reorganize it was drafted and forwarded to Senator George W.

]

Owens, who refused to endorse it. After meeting his objections the

measure proposed that the department should be composed of all or-

i

ganized. incorporated white fire companies then existing or which



might thereafter be organized. A Board of Fire Commissioners was

to be in charge, consisting of the chief fireman, the first and second

;

assistant chiefs, and the first two officers of each company in the de

partment. This Board was authorized to make all rules and regula

tions. The chief and assistant chiefs were to be elected by a major

ity of votes of all active white members of all the companies. These

officers were required to have been members of some fire company.

The special powers of the Savannah Fire Company were repealed and

it was put on the same footing as the other companies. The fire com

missioners were subject to the control of Council and all elections

were to be confirmed by Council. The Savannah Fire Company,

through a committee consisting of C. C. Casey, F. Blair. James L.

Haupt. John P. Hamlet, at once issued a letter to'the public stating

that "even the incumbent Council, writh hands uplifted to stab it to the

heart proclaims its efficiency." They protested against the proposed

reorganization and insisted on maintaining their company's rights and

privileges. There was nothing In the past or present, they declared,

to invite the contemplated changes, and they were "full of danger

for the future." They quoted Council's statement that "there is no

doubt that the Savannah Fire Company has efficiently and ably con

trolled the fire department of Savannah under the advice and sanc

tion of the City Council." "Calmly but unswervingly," they contin

ued, "has it been faithful to the grand end of its existence, the pro

tection of Savannah from fire. And our beautiful city, in her almost

every street, bears conclusive testimony to its success." They insist

ed on the full responsibility for the results of the proposed changes

being placed directly on Council.

Council decided that all steam engines should become the prop

erty of the City by purchase and appointed a committee on Decem

ber 26 (1866) to arrange for this. The corporation attorney was also

instructed to prepare an ordinance to place each incorporated com

pany on the same footing as to the formation and regulation of the

fire department, in conformity with the Act of the Legislature. This

ordinance, when passed, constituted a board known as the Savannah

Fire Department, composed of the first two officers of each com

pany, who were to elect the chief and assistant chiefs, the elections

to be approved by Council. On the reorganization under this system

Col. J. F. Waring was elected *hief in February, 1867. In the in

terim the City had bought the steam engine John J. Waver for

$3.509.15. The steamer John W. Anderson on its arrival was tested

and through a 7-8 inch nozzle under a pressure of 60 pounds threw

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

277

water 175 feet; with a nozzle I 7-8 inches, under a pressure of 80 pounds it threw a stream of water 200 feet. Sixty pounds pressure was obtained in ten minutes after lighting the fire. So satisfactory was the test that Council ordered the surplus hand engines sold and the proceeds used in the purchase of a steam engine for the Wash ington Fire Company, the John W. Anderson being given by Coun cil to the Oglethorpe Company. When the Anderson was turned over to the Savannah Fire Company, however, it gave the steamer to the Washington Company. Council then ordered the city mar shal to take possession of the engine. This and other differences led the Savannah Fire Company to take out an injunction in the Super ior Court restraining the newly elected officers from assuming their duties or interfering with it in control of the department. The Sa vannah Fire Company contended that its old powers continued to ex ist and that the Board to be known as the Savannah Fire Depart ment was illegal. Judge Fleming, after hearing argument, set aside the injunction. He held .that the private assets of the Savannah Fire Company, aggregating over $10,000, were its property absolutely and could not be interfered with. The Firemen's Hall, he held, was un der the control of the fire department as a whole. The Savannah Fire Company could make no claim to absolute ownership or control of it. The $5,000 bequest from Mr. Roberts had gone into the con struction of this building, but Judge Fleming held that this bequest was to the entire department and not for the sole benefit of the Sa vannah Fire Company. He sustained the right of the Council to pass the ordinance organizing and regulating the fire department. The Savannah Fire Company then relinquished all control of the engines and other apparatus but continued its organization as a chartered company, and Col. Waring was sworn in as chief fireman. Under the reorganization the colored fire companies were continued and a colored axe company was formed. An engine costing $4,850 wa.; bought for the Washington Company. In September, 1867, the com mittee on fire reported that Savannah would soon have four steamengines, besides five hand engines and two hose companies. Taking the experience of other cities it seemed to it that already this de partment had more organizations than the city actually needed. Be tween March, 1865, and November, 1867, over 5,000 feet of hose was bought for this department. The engineers of the fire department were at first paid $100 a month, but this was soon reduced to $50. Early in 1868 the engine house was removed from Reynolds square. Efforts were again made at this time to have the funds of the Savannah Fire Company paid over to the City for the use of the depart ment as a whole. Steps were taken to institute a suit for this pur pose, but the City refused to be a party to it and the movement fell through.

27$

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

At the close of 1868 the department was composed as follows: Steam engine John W. Anderson, with hose, hose cart and coal wagon; steam engine Washington, with hose carriage, jumper and coal wagon; steam engine John J. Waver, with two hose carts; steam engine Francis S. Bartow, with hose carriage, jumper and coal wagon: Mechanics, hook and ladder truck with ladders, hooks, chains, etc., complete: Marshall hose company, with two hose car riages. These were all white companies. In addition there were the following colored companies: Hand engine No. 3, (Pulaski) with jumper; hand engine No. 4 (Franklin) with jumper; hand engine No. 5, (Columbia) with hose carriage; hand engine No. 7, (Tomochichi). with jumper. The department had 2,000 feet of India rubber hose and 2,000 feet of leather hose. There were also three hand engines offered for sale, and a quantity of condemned leather hose. The ex penditures for the department for the year were $12,715.94.
The department included the following companies: Oglethorpe Fire Company, Washington Fire Company, Germania Fire Com pany, Metropolitan Fire Company, Mechanic's Fire Company, CoImtibia Fire Company, Warren Fire Company, Pulaski Fire Com pany, Franklin Firev Company, TomochicTii Fire Company, Pulaski Branch Hose Company, Marshall HoSe Company, Axe Company No. i. Axe Company No. 2.
On June 23, 1869, a committee of Council appointed to confer with the fire department reported that "The fire department is a vol untary organization which has always, with commendable public spirit, supported itself by private contributions and unpaid labor." Council then agreed to pay each steam fire engine company $110 per month for current expenses. In 1870 the engine house was ordered removed from Pulaski square. The Screven, Russell and Clebtirne Hose Companies were organized this year, and new hose wagons were bought for the Screven and Metropolitan Companies. On June 8, Fire Chief Roberts recommended the introduction of a police and fire telegraph system, and the committee on fire reported favorably on it. An ordinance to establish a Fire and Police Telegraph Alarm was passed July 20 and a contract was soon after made with the Gamewell Company of New York for its installation. The Germania Fire Company's building being in a bad condition the company pro posed putting up a new one on the lot assigned to it some years be fore, on the south side of Congress street near Montgomery, lot 27, Franklin ward. The southwestern part of lot, letter E Percival ward, was granted the Metropolitan Fire Company (at Whitaker and President streets) with buildings thereon, as long as the company continued a part of the fire department, otherwise to-revert to the City or to be sold to the company at a fair valuation.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

279

On the reorganization of the police after the war the force con sisted of a captain or chief, one first lieutenant, one second lieuten ant, six sergeants and 100 men, ten of whom were classed as super numeraries. There was also a special force of one chief (Wray) and six assistant detectives, two of whom were employed on the river, making in all 116 effective men, maintained at a cost to the City dur ing the year 1865-66 of $79,412.03. The officers were elected by Coun cil and held their positions for three years unless sooner removed for inefficiency or improper conduct. The privates were appointed by the Mayor for a like term of three years, conditioned upon good con duct, fidelity and efficiency. The entire force during this year was thoroughly reorganized, equipped and uniformed in gray, the cost of the uniforms being deducted from the men's pay. "Our citizens," said Mayor Anderson, "may look with just pride upon the or ganization as being confessedly one of the very best in this country." The pay of the privates at the co.nmencement of the year was $50 a month. It was then increased to $60 and later to $75 a month. "The expense of their maintenance has teen heavy," said Mayor An derson, "and must continue to be so, for in the changed circumstan ces that surround us, with a vagabond freed element in our midst, and constantly pouring into the city, together with an influx of roughs coming by every steamer, it is a matter of necessity to keep up at any cost an efficient police force for our protection." For the next twelve months (October 1866-67) the pay roll of this depart ment amounted to $107,251.02, with an incidental expenditure of $4,149.58 for forage, horses, repairs, etc., an aggregate of $111,400.60. On April i, 1867, and thereafter, reductions were made in the num ber of privates until the force was down to 90, this number being re garded as sufficient to preserve good order in the city during the in terval of the summer season when there was little business doing. In the fall and winter the force was raised to its maximum strength again.
At this time none of the city south of Gaston street between Tattnall and East Broad, including Bowenville, the portion west of Fahm and between Canal and New streets, west of West Broad south of Roberts, and east of Reynolds, between Liberty and the gas house, was provided with any police protection whatever. No pat rolmen were stationed there. In these sections were collected a large numbers of worthless refugees and vagabonds, principally ne groes, without visible means of suppoit and a terror to the more re spectable white and colored neighbors. In January, 1868, the pay of the privates was reduced to $60 a month, the number being kept the same, and the expenses for the year were reduced to $94,108.05. Many of the most efficient men resigned on this i eduction of pay and in his annual report to Council Mayor Anderson

280

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

strongly urged an increase in pay to maintain the high

personnel of the force. Later in the year their pay was

!

restored to $70 a month. In 1869 mounted patrolmen were placed

j

in the southern section, from Gaston south to Anderson, then for the

j

first time guarded at all. In November, 1868, at the national election

i

a riot occurred at the polls at which two policemen, Samuel Bryson

',

and R. E. Read, were killed and two others severely wounded. On

August 20. 1870, the new police barracks was first occupied by the po

lice force. It had been completed and thoroughly furnished at a cost

|

of $28.504.81. City Surveyor Hogg prepared the plans and superin

tended the erection of the building, and Council appropriated $1,000

to compensate him for his services. This year, and for some years

later, part of the force was detailed in the summer to act as sanitary

inspectors. A census was also taken by the police in 1870, verifying

that taken by the Federal enumerators, the latter calling for 28,235

and that of the police for 28.155. Mayor Anderson recommended an

annual census by districts. The force remained numerically as in

1868 and 1869. In 1871 the City began paying for the uniforms for

the police.

A system of public schools for Savannah had been suggested a

number of times prior to the taking of practical steps for its con

summation. Mayor Charles C. Jones had strongly -urged that when

the war had ended additional public schools be opened. "Educational

expenditure," said he in his report on September 30,

1861, "'realizes always an abundant harvest in the increased intelli

gence and good order of the community." The war had hardly ceased,

the city had been released from military control but a few months,

when, in the early part of February, 1866, an application was

made to the State Legislature for an act incorporating a Board of

Education for the City of Savannah. Under this Act Dr. R. D. Ar

nold. John Stoddard, Solomon Cohen, Edward C. Anderson, John

C. Ferrill. John Williamson, John L. Villalonga, Henry Williams, and

Alexander M. Winn were appointed, and James B. Read, Sylvanus

M. Landrum and Bernard Mallon chosen under ordinance of the city

as representatives of the Massie School, to form a Board for the

control and management of the schools. The Board was fully or

ganized by October, 1866, and had arranged to inaugurate a com

plete and thorough system of public instruction under the direction

of competent and experienced teachers. It was proposed by the

Board to establish free tuition and appeal to the City Council for an

annual appropriation of $5,000, which in connection with the special

county tax of $5,000 awarded for the purpose of education by the In

ferior Court, and the educational fund of $4,000 from the State for

the county, was expected to fully meet the estimated expenses of the

project. Under the plan of the Board at this time an education was

to be provided for 500 to 600 children. Dr. Arnold, as President of

the Board, made a formal application to the City for the use and

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

281

control of the Massie school building, pledging the Board of Educa tion would keep it in good condition and insured. The building was then transferred by the City to the Board and $500 was appropriated by Council for the purchase of school books. Five thousand dollars was also appropriated for public schools for the scholastic year 1866-67. In J86? an application was made to the Board of Education by Bishop Augustin Verot, of the Roman Catholic Church, asking it to introduce three additional members in the Board, who should be representatives of the Catholic population, and one of whom should be a Catholic priest. The Board of Education on November 19 de clined to accede to this request. "No member of this Board hoFJs his seat in any similar capacity," said it, "nor is any sect or' faith specially represented in it. The Board does not approve the policy you suggest upon this subject, believing it to be impracticable and calculated to produce discord rather than harmony in their opera tions. Besides, the Board has power under the acts of the Legisla ture to fill vacancies only and not to increase the number of its mem bers. To grant your application would be to establish a precedent, which if followed, would result in destroying the unity of the public school system in Savannah and Chatham county as established by the Board, by creating an inner jurisdiction independent in many re spects of the general authority of the Board, and by producing an indefinite number of separate denominational schools under the nominal but powerless control of a body intended to be general, comprehensive, conservative and practical in its operations. To grant it at the present time would be to involve the Board in con tracts and pecuniary obligations which they have no right to assume. For these reasons the Board finds it impracticable to comply with your requests in the shape and upon the terms expressed in your present application." On October 28, 1868, Bishcp Verot and a num ber of the most influential Catholic citizens presented a petition to Council to divide the fund allotted by it for. the public schools in the proportion of free scholars found in. each school. This was referred by Council to the Board of Education. In a letter to Council, (min utes December 9, 1868) Bishop Verot, explaining why the Catholic schools had been established, said: "We have done so because we believe it is far the better plan to teach children the elements of lit erature and science under the influence and shelter of the religion which they profess, as has always been done in times past, and we would consider it an infringement on the true liberty of conscience if we were obliged to subject our children to the influence of a relig ion which they do not profess or of no religion at all. We, there fore, submit to your honorable body to consider whether it is proper to make us pay taxes for schools which we do not patronize, and whether it would not be better and in accordance with equity and genuine liberality to divide the fund allotted for free schools in the proportion of the free scholars found in each school.'*

282

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

The Board of Education reported back to Council, that it did not "desire ana does not feel authorized to mingle in the practical ar rangement of the public school system the doctrines or tenets of any particular faith or creed with the general topics of school education in this country. Teachings upon subjects of religious concern are, according to the Constitution of the United States, left to the con sciences of individuals rather than the arrangements of corporations or institutions. They would seem to be more appropriately left to the private control of household or spiritual advisers. The Board regrets that any persons iri the community should decline to accept the opportunities afforded by the public school system. They do not, however, acknowledge any blame or fault in themselves or their school system upon that subject or on that account. Nor can they recognize any right in individuals or associations to claim any pro portionate part of the public educational fund on account of a volun tary refusal, from peculiar religious motives, to partake of its bene fits. As well might the Board acknowledge a similar right in all who, from personal reasons, should prefer to send their children to private schools or not to send them to school at all. The educational fund is certainly produced directly or indirectly from general taxation, but the liability of a taxpayer is not to be proportioned according to the direct benefit he may derive from the expenditure of the fund thus raised. Nor has he any right to demand on any such account the re payment to him of his supposed share of such public fund.
"The Board has no right to make discriminations or distinctions among pupils or to classify them according to the religious tenets in which their guardians may desire them to be instructed. Any exclusiveness upon such subjects must be chargeable to those who as sert and practice it and not to any conduct, rule or principle of the Board of Education, or to any Act of the Legislature or municipal authority."
The agitation continued, and on August 18, 1869, majority and minority reports were presented to Council with a plan submitted by the Board of Education, all being given in full in the minutes of that date. On August 25 the report of the m?jority and the following res olution by Alderman Burroughs were adopted:
"Resolved. That the Council adopt the majority report of the committee on education, and that the same be referred to the Board of Education, with the recommendation from Council that the children of our Roman Catholic fellow-citizens be received under the charge of the public school system at the earliest day practicable, and with the further recommendation that as vacancies occur in the Board of Public Education such vacancies be filled so that all classes of our community now entitled to be educated under the charter of the Board of Public Education may be fairly and indiscriminately represented in said Board of Education."

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

283

In 1866-67 there were 705 children admitted into the public
schools with an average attendance of 550. Mayor Anderson in his report for that year says: "The condition of these schools in regard to the system of instruction, discipline and general character, is good, and under the efficient management of the Superintendent, Mr. B. Mallon, they are constantly improving." The expenses for that year were $14,628. The next year the Board, he stated, intended organiz ing a Boy's Grammar School and a new primary school in the east ern portion of the city. This additional outlay could only be pro vided for by a donation from the Peabody fund, or some other quar ter outside of the regular resources. . The $4,000 expected from the
Sta*te had not materialized and during part of the year it had been necessary to charge a small tuition.fee. In the following year (1867-68) there were 1,074. children enrolled in the schools and the expenditures were $20,119.37, of which the City appropriated $8,500. The Peabody fund gave $1,500 and from tuition in the High School there came $1,925, the balance being from the State and county funds. In 1868-69 the appropriation for the schools was $10,000, and in 1869-70 it was $21,357. "This liberal appropriation,'"' says Mayor John Screven on September 30, 1870, "was made in view of the prob able addition of the Catholic schools to those already under the jur isdiction of the Board of Public Education. The number of scholars enrolled for instruction during the past year has been 1,754. Of these 669 were Catholics. It should be a subject of congratulation that the claims of the Catholic inhabitants of the city to a share of the benefits of public instruction have been satisfactorily adjusted. The following extract from the annual report of the Superintendent of the Public Schools sufficiently explains the basis of settlement:
" 'There was no compromise of principle on either side. If mu tual concessions were made they were only such concessions as hon orable men are ever ready to make to accomplish a great and good end. In order to satisfy our Catholic fellow-citizens that there was no intention or desire on the part of the Board of Public Education to interfere with their religious faith, the Board was willing to elect only Catholics to positions as teachers in the schools which are com posed of Catholic children. At the same time, to prevent the em ployment of incompetent teachers, it very properly reserved the right to examine into.the qualifications of all applicants for places. By the terms of agreement, the introduction into these schools of books containing anyching inimical or prejudicial to the Catholic faith was prohibited. On the other hand it was agreed and distinctly understood between the two parties that religion was not to be taught in the schools during the hours which, by the rules of the Board, are set apart for proper school work. After the work of the session is completed there could be no objection to the room being used for religious purposes, provided no compulsion was used to se
cure the presence of such Protestant children as may be in the

284

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.



schools. I believe these are the main features of the plan adopted; in all other respects these schools are subject to the same control with the other schools under the supervision of the Board."
"The results of this settlement." said Mayor Screven, "is a uni form and inexclusive system under which all children in the commun ity may enjoy the advantages of this great j-ublic beneficence. On education must be founded the standard of the intelligence and virtue of the people, and in proportion to its expansion over every class, the peace and good order, the happiness and wealth of the commun ity must be promoted."
On May 1.2. 1869, Council attended r. supper given in the new building of St. Patrick's school in celebration of its completion. In March. 1871. Council passed a resolution asking for a report on a system of prizes for proficiency ?n the schools. Superintendent Ba ker held that this would be prejudicial to the prosperity and character of the schools and Council's committee reported adversely to it. This year (1870-71) Council made an appropriation of $35,000 for the pub lie schools: in 1871-72 of $36,000: in 1872-73 of 27.500; 1874 $32,700; 1875 $26.600: 1876 $12.200; 1877 $30.000: 1878 $15.000; 1879 $15,000; 1880 $10,000: 1881 $2,359.
In 1878 the appropriation for schools was reduced one-half. Mayor Wheaton in his report for that year says: "Upon the acces sion of the present administration to office educational interests were most carefully considered, so far as concerned the annual appropria tion for that purpose from the City treasury. It is to be regretted that much diversity of opinion exists among our citizens as to the maintenance, at the public expense, of the High schools, which are considered an essential part of the present system of public educa tion, and the keystone of the arch. After mature deliberation, how ever, and in deference to the opinions and wishes of a large number of taxpayers, combined with the recognition of an impaired and em barrassed financial condition of the City, Council determined that its appropriation should be limited to such a figure as would not be in consistent with the public interests, and the amount applied for in struction in a plain English education only." It was also recom mended by Council that the Board of Education make the High schools self-sustaining in such manner as their judgment might in dicate.
In 1870 an offer was made to sell to the City for school purposes the property of the Georgia Medical Institute. Messrs. Lloyd and Norwood, to whom certain legal aspects of the matter were referred, reported that the members of the late Savannah Medical College In stitute could make a title to the leasehold interest in the lots on which the Medical College stood, and to the building subject to an equita ble interest of the State of Georgia for the sum of $15,000 received by the Institute through the Savannah Medical College, unless the college was kept open. It was also subject to any general liens upon

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

285

the personal property of the members of the Institute. The City de clined to make the purchase. At the next session of the Legislature a bill was passed relieving the property of the Savannah Medical In stitute from any lien on account of a gift of $15,000 by the Slate. The property was valued by the assessors at $50,000 and was then offered to the City at that price. It was on November 22, 1838, that a petition was presented to Council from Doctors W. C. Daniell, William Alex. Carruthers, Edward Coppee, W. B. Ste \ ens, C. P. Richards, Theodore Bartow, R. D. Arnold, J. Morel, W. R. Waring, J. F. Posey, A. H. Bailey and W. H. Cuyler, asking for a site for a medical college. They had petitioned the Legislature for a charter and proposed opening a subscription among the citizens to provide money for the building. No lots were apparently granted them, as in 1853 the college building was erected at Taylor and Habersham streets on lots purchased from the city the previous year and exempted from ground rent and taxes.
Council referred the matter of a purchase of the property to be converted into a school to the Board of Education, which did not re gard the purchase as necessary or advisable, but requested instead $10,000 with which to improve the existing buildings or erect new ones. The City declined to make the appropriation or to purchase the medical college property, which was subsequently converted into the St. Joseph's Infirmary.
In 1872 the benefits of the public school system were extended to the colored children. In his report for that year Mayor Screven said: "The President (of the Board of Education) remarks that the subject of schools for colored children in the city has long excited the interest and attention of the Board. As the State has contributed no funds to the county for educational purposes it has been entirely out of the power of the Board tq take any steps in the premises here tofore. But as it is hoped and expected that funds will be procured from the State during the ensuing year, it was determined to make a commencement. An effort was made to secure suitable buildings, but it failed. There are no buildings fit for school houses, but the Board has been actively engaged in endeavoring to obtain buildings \vhich, by proper alterations may answer the purpose."
"These wise and just efforts of the Board of Education," contin ued Mayor Screven, "which has encountered embarrassments not to be expected in a cause so fruitful of public good, have been finally as successful as the circumstances of the case would allow. In these it was aided by intelligent and worthy colored citizens, who, appreciat ing the benefits of well-directed instruction, contributed their own earnest efforts to the inauguration o.f a domestic system of educa tion fitted to assure to the community a future class, of colored citi zens inspired by correct views of their public as well as private du ties. There are now 220 colored children in regular attendance at tTie public school at the corner of Macon and Lincoln streets, under the

286

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

instruction of four teachers, employed by the Board of Education, and it is gratifying to be able to state, on the authority of the Super intendent of Education, that the behavior of the children is good and their progress is promising."
From that time until the present the facilities for the education of the negro children have been steadily improved until at the j-resent time there are upwards of 2,200 in attendance in the schools pro vided for them in the city. The Citys connection with the public schools, so far as direct appropriations are concerned, ended in iSSr. The growth of the system is well shown in the following table, from a report by Superintendent Ashmore. of the number of children in attendance each year since its organization:

YEAR No.

EXDIXG

TEACH
ERS

1866......... 10 1867......... 16

1868......... 18 1869......... 25 1870......... 40

1871 .......

4*3\s

1872*........ 47

i 1Q a8*/*7-4*M3j..................

*5j3j 66

ITSQ/D_ . ........

74

1876 ........

7* %3j

1877...-..."

76

1878.........

76

1879 "......

/

l880.........

77

1iS8S8i2................

77 80

1TQ00<*3.........
11888854..................
1886.........
11888887.................

7/ 9s 8*3j
ft-r W
Q^4t 106
107

1889......... H3

1890 ........ 122

1891......... 127

1892......... 140

11889S9*4J3................

141 151

1118889S99*6J57........................

160 164

1898 ........
n1j8<0.0fy... ......
1900.........

117740
177

CiTY

Coui*fTRY

White Colored White Colored

5f>2/"0\

705

964

1,001

130

1,604

150

2,276

2 to1W O7
2,39 J 2,385

2^j^TO17/

2,082

2,184

2,170

2,187

2,240

2,199

2 211

2,287

2,449 2,582 26"7/ 2*
2_ ,7.8O3A

2* .Qv4to5 3,164
v*
3,350
3 ^O1O2^
3,656

3,781 3*

,

71 2*7!
.QT

j1j.j0j5i7

3,680

3,851

4,048

v3>5J4"
OSQy4r
1,186 1,046 1,034 1,019
988 940 970 915 964 952 923

1,120

1,126

1,141

1,073

1,442
Ii,,44f7Q84i7f 1,501

jT.,/7^2-T1

2,141

2

-7-17
,OO/

2,189

2,148

2,164

2,229

no

152

650

91

904

157

814

7_8o

8o3^2

112

806

114650

07076"
V080*0-*

164
184
21165\3J

^Q*/M7 1,146
1,178
1,267

310

1*,3+J71 8

O307/

1,258

368

1,450

4A JT 7*T

1,606

"4*SJOS
^A^A*Ar
4QS *T7J
608
O C~QvCJ

1,566 i,659 1,672
AT O52^CO
I.Q-. ,4 5

OS4fQy

1,489

*SJQ;^4r

1,665

636 607 615 673
* *J
657

1,564
1,666 1.723
9 i +J
1,680 1,693

TOTAI,

705520 f S\j-\
964
1,131

I

F+f M ,754

2,438

/ w^v

^ODCTA-*7J

2*,17A4f\

3,603

_F 7

_f

4,5P^7T/2>

4,402
4,081 4,oi9 4,328

4,235 ~7 V*/
4*4T.,f24j4Qo"vS5*r
44,,657064 4,898 5.134 J t^T

5,526

5,836

5,877
6,49 6,805 6.970 7 , AiiA Oi
7/ |.3J24 8,127
8,318
8,419
8,166 8,368 8,697

* Colored Schools organized December, 1872.

POLICE BARRACKS.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

287

CHAPTER XI.
THE REFUNDING OP THE PUBLIC DEBT, THE EPI
DEMIC OP 1576, AND EXTENSIVE
LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS.
Eighty-first Administration, October 17, 1870, to October 16, 1871: Mayor, John Screven; Aldermen, Robert H. Footman, Moses J. Solomons, George N. Nichols, Alfred Haywood, John Oliver Ferrill, Michael Lavin, John Schwarz, Edward C. Andcrson, Jr., Mathias H. Meyer, John T. Ronan, Christopher C. Casey, John R. Dillon.
Eighty-second Administration, October 16, 1871, to January 27, 1873: Mayor, John Screven; Aldermen, Alfred Haywood, Robert H. Footman, John Schwarz, John O. Ferrill. resigned January 31, 1872; Marmaduke Hamilton, George Cornwell, William Hunter, resigned August 28, 1872; Francis J. Ruckert, William McLeod, William S. Basinger, Christopher White, Michael Lavin, A. G. McArthur, from March 13, 1872.
Eighty-third Administration, January 27, 1873, to January 25. 1875: Mayor, Edward C. Anderson; Aldermen, John A. Douglass, John McMahon, Edward Lovell, Thomas H. Harden, resigned May 27, 1874; Henry Brigham, August'P. Wetter, resigned December 17, '873; John Cunningham, Mathias H. Meyer, John L. Villalonga, Francis Blair, Isaac Brunner, resigned December 17, 1873; R. D. Ar nold, G. Moxley Sorrel, from June 18, 1873; S. H. Eckman, from December 31, 1873; Thomas Ballantyne, from January 28, 1874.
Eighty-fourth Administration, January 25, 1875, to January 24, 1877: Mayor, Edward C. Anderson; Aldermen, John McMahon, John L. Villalonga, Francis Blair, resigned June 2, 1875: Mathias H. Meyer, Edward Lovell, Henry Brigham, resigned September 8, 1875; Thomas Ballantyne, John A. Douglass, Richard D. Arnold, died July 10, 1876; Samuel H. Eckman, John Cunningham, G. Moxley Sor rel, resigned September 8, 1875: John M. Williams, from July 3, 1875; Fred M. Hull, from October 6, 1875: James F. Watkins, from January 26, 1876.
Eighty-fifth Administration, January 24, 1877, to January 27, 1879: Mayor, John F. Wheaton; Aldermen, Samuel P. Hamilton, John

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Schwarz, William H. Tison, died November 24, 1877; H. F. Willink, D. G. Purse, James H. Johnston, Edward Lovell, C. E. Groover, died July 5. 1877; William Duncan, James J. Waring, John R. Hamlet, J. K. Reilly, J. C. Rowland, from July 25, 1878; George C. Freeman,
from January 23, 1878. Eighty-sixth Administration, January 27, 1879, to January 24,
1881: Mayor, John F. Wheaton; Aldermen, Elias A. Weil, Henry F. Willink. John R. Hamlet, John Schwarz. Dr. William Duncan, Daniel G. Purse, Daniel O'Connor, Edward Lovell, Thomas Ballantyne, resigned November 26, 1879, and re-elected by Council imme diately; George C. Freeman, Henry Blun, t,ewis H. deMontmollin.

The decade, 1870 to 1880, was marked by:
The refunding of the public debt;
The yellow fever epidemic of 1876; The building of the police barracks and city market;
The building of sewers; The placing of the fire department entirely under the control of Council, with a nearer approach to an absolute pay system: The assuming by the United States government of charge of the river and harbor improvements and the adoption of the plan to give
a channel of 22 feet depth to the sea. The City's finances had been more unsettled with the passage of
each year after the war. Early in 1872 it was evident that there was a deficit apparent for that year of $260,000, and that it would be neces sary to issue bonds to the extent of $300,000 to $350,000 to meet the public improvements then under way, the interest on public debt, and the regular running expenses of the city government. Sewers were being built, the new market was under construction, streets were be ing improved, and it was necessary to expend large sums of money. Maj'or Screven at the close of September, 1872, said: "After the city government had undertaken and was urging forward the great mass of public improvements the receipts from taxation had fallen short. This grew out of the abolition of the tax on gross sales and the substitution of a tax of 3-4 of I per cent, on all goods, wares and merchandise held as stock in trade, and the failing off of the receipts from the tax on commissions and sales and other subjects of minor taxation. The deficit of receipts from these deprived the treasury proportionally of the means of liquidation. These results should be a subject of grave concern. To correct them by immediate taxation would impose an injurious, if not intolerable, burthen on the com munity, not justified by the objects of the expenditui es, which, for the most part, are improvements of a permanent nature, the cost of

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which should .be extended into and shared in the distant future." Council accordingly convened a meeting of freeholders of the city regarding an issue of bonds sufficient to fund the floating debt, which led to the issue of $400,000 more of 7 per cent, bonds, from which the City realized but $324,730. This was done under a new Act of the Legislature restricting the power of Council in issuing bonds. This Act of August 24, 1872, required that the freeholders of the city should have an opportunity, through proclamation of the Mayor, published for ten days, to express an opinion, favorable or unfavora ble, to any proposed issue of bonds. If favorable, then the issue of bonds was to be further sanctioned by a ballot of citizens at the court house, the majority of votes controlling.
Mayor Screven presented this graphic picture of the condition of the city in 1871: "It is not to be denied that the public expenditures have been large, but it is not intended to offer excuses for outlays which have brought proportional good to the community. Up to the year 1869 the public improvements within the limits of .the city had been meagre from necessity. They had been entirely suspended dur ing the war, and, indeed, up to 1869, when the new police barracks were commenced, no improvements comparatively extensive had been attempted within the limits of the city. The public buildings were not generally in good condition. The Exchange building was in a condition actually dangerous to its occupants. The principal high ways of transportation presented half completed or much worn pave ments and the old macadamized roadway on Bay street had become irreparably worn and could scarcely be considered a facility to trans portation. River street was in many places almost impassable. In nearly every part of the city were to be found ponds without drain age and many of them foul and offensive. The outskirts in nearly every direction were not merely inperfectly drained, but, to a large extent, remained almost in their natural state and the more danger ous to the public health because denuded of the tree growth. The Bilbo canal had until recently, when its .improvement had been con summated, continued to cost the City an amount for damage claims sufficient to meet the cost of widening the canal and raising the em bankments beyond probable chances of overflow. The Springfield plantation was but partially drained and indeed is not yet in such P condition of drainage as the public welfare and the intrinsic value of the property demand. The water and gas mains required to be greatly extended and the public convenience and safety also required that the public lamps should be lit at all times of night and not be extinguished when the moon was supposed to be shining. The rapid expansion of the public school system called for greater appro priations. The enlargement of the building area of the city com pelled the opening of new streets and lanes and corresponding grad-

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ing. The establishment of the new system of fire alarms and the

extensive equipment appurtenant to it, necessary for the prompt and

efficient moving of the apparatus and its adequate protection, also

added another new call upon the public funds. ***** To

these ends the efforts of the city government were unhesitatingly

and energetically applied, and their results are apparent in nearly

every locality within its jurisdiction. The aspect and actual condition

of the thoroughfares has been greatly improved. In addition to ex

tensive paving, new crossings and gradings, a comprehensive system

J--

of sewerage, constituting a permanent foundation for future enlarge

ments as the wants of the community and its resources expand, has

been established and attendant upon it extensive open drainage and

leveling."

In 1870 the City's expenditures were $1,178,589.91; in 1871 they

were $1,807.741.52, including $823,113.12 of Mayor's notes; in 1872

$2.568.817.19, including $1.199,383.06 of Mayor's notes; in 1873 $894,-

506.37: in 1874 $988.320.65. including $98,500 of bonds paid; in 1875

$7i5.i33-04: in 1876 $672.760.86, "ncluding $49,000 of bonds paid.

In 1870 the City received from discounting Mayor's notes $394.-

462.25. and from the sale of bonds $242,279. its investments in rail

roads apparently yielding no income. In 1871 it received from dis

counting Mayor's notes $841,496. iS, from the sale of bonds $397,534,

and its railroad securities brought it in but $7,135.01 in dividends. In

1872 by discounting and renewing Mayor's notes it added to its credit

$1,444.185.40. received from the sale of bonds $481,665. and received

in dividends but $4,411.50. In 1873 there was received from discount

ing Maj-or's notes $255,000, and from sales of bond? $73,085, and its

dividends had dwindled to $2,940. In 1874 $111,224.65 was icceived

from Mayor's notes and $251,645 from the sale of bonds. In 1875

$134.601.69 from Mayor's notes and $5,125 from the sale of bonds. In

1876 $226,891.01 was received from Mayor's notes. In the four years,

1870 to 1873, there were probably greater expenditures in local im

provements than in any other like period in the city's history. In round

figures they were as follows: Police barracks, $36,000; market, $155,-

ooo: magazine. $3,600; river work. $107,000; sewers, $325,000; street

opening and improvements, $502,000; Bilbo canal improvements,

$50.000: a total of $1,178,600. Sewers were placed on Abercorn,

Barnard. Bolton, Broughton, Bryan. Canal, Charlton, Drayton,

Duffy, East Broad, Farm, Gordon street lane, Houston, Jones, Jef

ferson, Margaret, Perry, President. Pine. Price. Randolph, Sims,

Waldburg, West Boundary, Williams, Zubly, and street paving was

done on Bay. East Broad, Broughton, Joachim, Randolph. River arid

around the market. The magazine on the eastern side of the city

was abandoned, having become unsafe and the old Confederate mag

azine on the Springfield plantation was bought for $1,005 (1870) and

a keeper's house erected at a cost of $2.607.

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291

In addition there was appropriated to the public schools $113,000. The funded debt had in the meantime increased from $2,052,380 on October i, 1869, with an interest charge of $143,666.60, and a float ing debt of $47,212.50, to a funded debt in 1873 of $3,700,140, with an interest charge of $255,527.30, and a floating debt of $30,500. In four years the borfded debt had been increased by $1,647,760, and the an nual interest charge by $111,860.70. In the meantime the assessed valuation of property had increased from $12,219,140 in 1869, to $17.415,015, yielding about $70,000 more income yearly. The income from business taxes and other sources was not adequate to make up the deficiency. The time when a crisis would be reached could not be long delayed. The panic year, followed by the yellow fever, inter fering with the collection of taxes, and litigation in the courts, re sulting from what was decided to be illegal taxes, with the failure of the Gulf road, precipitated it. In 1874 the bonds issued for the Opelika branch road, $99,500, came due. The City's holdings in the Augusta & Savannah railroad, 419 shares at this time, were sold for $35,148.50, and with receipts from ground rents and rentals, set aside as a sinking fund under the ordinance of December 31, 1874, amounting to $41,169.66, were ap plied to their redemption. Even with the proceeds of the new $400,ooo issue of bonds it was found necessary to resort to loans from the banks to meet the floating debts and current expenses. At the close of the year Mayor Anderson expressed the hope that "under the tax ordinance recently passed, with judicious economy on the part of the next administration, all the probable expenses likely to accrue in the next two years can be met." The funded debt at this time was $3.600,140, all at 7 per cent., with an annual interest charge of $252, 009.80. The next administration, of which Mayor Anderson contin ued the head, doubtless exercised "judicious economy" in an endeav or to meet obligations, including for 1875 Springfield plantation bonds $27,340, and in 1876 Muscogee railroad bonds $99,00/0. This ex pectation, Mayor Anderson said on January I, 1876, would have been realized "had it not been for the paralyzing action of some of our fellow-citizens, who, in a thoughtless, deceived or disaffected mo ment, not only refused to pay their taxes, but also by injunction ob structed the City in enforcing her claims, and thus temporarily tied up a large amount of revenue; as a consequence, it being impossible to avoid the payment of her debts, either bonded or floating, by the same easy method, the difference had to be provided for as best could be done, i. e., by running Mayor's notes in the banks." The amount of Mayor's notes outstanding was then $147,826.69, an increase of $36,468.04. The taxes uncollected amounted to about $150,000, and ground rents uncollected about $7,000, a total withheld from antici pated revenues of about $157,000.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
Mayor Anderson pointed out that the maturing bonds and other obligations had to be met and if by dilatory legal motions delinquent taxpayers deprived the City, even temporarily, of her proper reve nue, he could see but one or the other of the following ways left open to meet the emergency: An increase of taxes, an alternative not to be considered save as a last resort; or by renewing bonds, an alternative to be avoided if possible; or by obtaining from the Leg islature the repeal of the law which exempted from taxation the property of many corporations within the city, the proceeds of their taxation to increase the sinking fund already established. In this connection he presented a statement of property exempt from city taxes, showing an aggregate vested in churches, benevolent associa tions, military, etc., of $1,406,500.
In 1875 a committee on retrenchments recommended a general reduction of salaries, and abolishing the office of Recorder. This was an expedient that accomplished trifling results. Finally the grav ity of the City's financial condition forced the finance committee of Council to prepare a statement and submit it to the Board in Novem ber, 1876.
By strict economy and a reduction of expenditures, the commit tee stated, the City had endeavored to make its resources equal to the demands upon it. The object in view, though, was defeated by the action of citizens. The system of taxation which had been pur sued by different administrations for many years as apparently satis factory to the public, had been continued by the present Board when it assumed charge. It was unexpectedly discovered, late in 1874, to be in conflict in its principal feature with one of the provisions of the State Constitution of 1868, and proceedings were commenced by sev eral citizens to obtain an injunction against the City to prevent the collection of taxes alleged to be thus illegal. It was then too late to correct the defect in the tax ordinance already passed or to provide new taxes for the year 1874. And as it was absolutely necessary to meet the current expenses of the City, Council continued to receive taxes under these ordinances from all that would voluntarily pay, but was obviously unable to enforce payment from any. Thus not only those who had applied for the injunction, but all who would not vol untarily pay, withheld their taxes from the treasury, thereby entailing great actual loss, and resulting finally in compelling the administra tion to stop the payment of its coupons, increasing the public debt, and forcing a condition of things in the highest degree detrimental to all private as well as public interests. In framing the tax ordi nance for the year 1875, the illegal feature of the previous ordinance was abandoned. But similar litigation was commenced with regard to that ordinance also, which remained pending in the courts at the close of 1876. The Supreme Court decided during the progress of
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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

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the litigation that the collection of City revenues could not be thus interrupted by injunction, but this decision was announced late in 1876, so that the pendency of the controversy had the same effect upon the collection of the taxes for 1875 and 1876 as in 1874.
The city government was scarcely set free from the operation of the temporary injunction thus disapproved by the Supreme Court, than the yellow fever appeared. The ravages of this scourge had a disastrous effect upon all pecuniary interests. Distressed as the treasury was, it was no time to pursue the unfortunate citizens with demands for taxes, whether for other reasons they had merited clem ency or not. Forbearance was imperatively demanded by a decent respect for the common misfortune. By these means the revenue of the City unexpectedly fell short in the following amounts: Taxes for 1874 $io837-69, taxes for 1875 $51,602.28, taxes for 1876 $200,619.01, a total of $263,058.98, to which there was to be added $27,103.30, due from Chatham county on jail account and $3,201.60 due by other counties, making a total due the City from these sources of $293,363.78 in three years. Had the large sums due been collected, the commit tee held, the reasonable hopes of Council would have been realized and the floating debt of the City reduced to an inconsiderable sum notwithstanding the paralyzing effects of the epidemic.
On the following February 21 (1877) Alderman J. J. Waring in troduced a resolution in Council declaring the City bankrupt and di recting the suspension of the payment of all outstanding liabilities ex cepting current expenses until such time as the debts could be ar ranged in a manner satisfactory to the creditors and the people of Savannah. This was referred to the finance committee which re ported back on March 7 that the facts and figures did not bear out Alderman Waring's allegations that the City was bankrupt, and it unanimously recommended that his resolution be not adopted. The City, according to the committee, was seriously embarrassed, but "this was due almost entirely to the resistance to the tax ordinance upon mere technicalities of law." Council adopted the report, only Alderman Waring voting in opposition. The finance committee at the same time asked the patient indulgence of the City's creditors with the assurance that the utmost good faith and candor would be observed in all dealings with them. At this time the funded debt and floating debt exceeded $4,000,000, and the marketable value of all the real estate in the city, it was claimed, was not over $8,000,000. The Atlantic & Gulf road had become bankrupt and the approaching sale of the road under foreclosure would force the City to pay $300,ooo of bonds endorsed by it. Council called on all good citizens to pay on account that part of their taxes not in litigation and contrib ute to aid the City in its embarrassment.

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Enough having developed to show the necessity of an early con ference between the City and its creditors to give shape to some "plan for securing relief from present embarrassments and guarding against a recurrence of the same/* the committee recommended that the Mayor "be instructed by resolution to place himself in corre spondence with the creditors in such a manner as to bring the sub ject of the City's financial embarrassments before them generally and arrange for a conference between them and the constituted au thority at the earliest practicable day, and to particularly request a full representation on the part of the creditors in any conference con vened." A resolution of this nature was adopted at once. In accord ance with it Mayor Wheaton went to New York and met the bond holders at the office of J. B. Manning on May 26. In a letter from the finance committee presented to this meeting it was stated that the taxpaying population of Savannah did not exceed 15,000 whites and 9.000 executions had been issued against them. The bonds, which had stood for a long time at 91 and 92 were now down to 55 and 59. Judge Schley of Savannah presided at the meeting. Alayor Wheaton made a statement and on motion of James M. Shannon the bond holders present agreed to compromise on a basis of 80 cents on the dollar for bonds drawing 6 per cent, interest. The City had proposed an issue of 3O-year bonds, with the interest graded, the first ten 3*ears at 3 per cent., the next five years at 4 per cent., the next five years at 5 per cent., and the last ten years at 6 per cent. This was not ac ceptable to the bondholders who practically declined to consider it.
The bonds outstanding at this time were as follows: "Construc tion of Waterworks, $198,000; Savannah Gas Light Company, $5,000; Savannah River Improvements, $64,500; Savannah, Atlantic & Gulf, $937,000; Funding Coupons, etc., $368,800; Redemption of Bonds due in 1869. $117,000: Redemption of bonds due in 1870, $349,500; Im provements in City, $534,000; Harbor and Other Improvements, $500.000: to meet outstanding indebtedness, $400,000; a total of $3,473,800."
On May 31, 1877. the finance committee composed of Aldermen W. H. Tison, D. G. Purse. C. E. Groover, James H. Johnston and Samuel P. Hamilton, presented a report, after a thorough investiga tion of the City's financial condition, which left no doubt in the mind of any one that the City could not continue to bear its burden of debt and that some arrangement on a new basis was necessary to protect its citizens and its creditors.
The finance committee in its report said that the bonded debt of the City was $3,473,800, Mayor's notes were outstanding to the ag gregate of $219.871.82, there was due H. R. Worthington on the new pump at the waterworks $25,000, coupons past due and unpaid $72,175, and interest on past due obligations $7,500, a total of $3,798,346.82

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

295

direct liabilities, with contingent liabilities consisting of the City's endorsement on the Atlantic and Gulf railroad bonds then in default $300,000, and interest on them due and unpaid of $10,500. making the grand aggregate of liabilities $4,108,846.82.
Against this were assets regarded by the committee of the value of $584,585. Prior to this it had been the custom to show assets in the Mayor's reports of over $4,300,000, which was made up by includ ing 12,383 shares of the Atlantic & Gulf stock of the par value of $i,238,300; 1,307 shares of the Western Railroad of Alabama, which had been sold out under foreclosure two years before, of the par value of $130,700; $2,015,000 as value of ground rent lots, which the commit tee reduced to $540,000 balance unpaid on them; and the values of the market, barracks, waterworks, fire department apparatus, etc., which, as the committee said, "were necessaiy and inseparable equipments and integral parts of a complete organization and not entitled to a place in the list of assets along with property not required for the public service." Reducing the assets down to their proper propor tions the committee found them of the aggregate value of $584,585. In addition to this, should the decision of the courts, to which the legality of the ordinances imposing the taxes had been appealed, be favorable to the City, <it was prob.ible that $100,000 more covld be realized from the $163,000 of unpaid taxes.
For the year 1877 the income of the City from the various sources of taxation was estimated at $376,650, with expenditures for its current expenses, exclusive of interest, of $219.450. leaving a bal ance of $157,200. Besides the annual interest charges there were pressing for adjustment matured obligations, Mayor's notes, coupons, etc., of $317,046.82, with obligations about to mature of bonds and coupons amounting to $628,754. The probable income for 1878 was placed at $300,000 and current expenses, exclusive of interest, for that year at $180,000 leaving $120,000 that year to apply to other obliga tions, leaving at the close of 1878 a deficit of $668,600. In addition there were maturing in 1879 bonds to the value of $117,000 and also the bonds of the Atlantic & Gulf, endorsed by the City, with accrued in terest, amounting to $342,000, making an existing deficit and ap proaching indebtedness of $1,127,600.82.
In forming estimates for income, the committee continued, the valuation of real estate of former years and the average receipts from other sources had been taken as a basis, and in the same man ner expenditures had been predicated largely upon the average of preceding years. Another year, they stated, it would be absolutely necessary to reduce valuations. Real estate was, for taxable purposes, valued fully 33 per cent, above a fair marketable price, and tfie specific and other taxes imposed upon mercantile callings would have to be greatly lightened. "To increase or attempt to maintain our

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

present rate of taxation, depressed as our community is now and has been for several years past," said the committee, "must work infinite detriment to every interest, creditor as well as debtor, be oppres sive in the extreme to those owning real estate, and paralyzing to bus iness enterprises and general prosperity. It is proper to remark, however, that many of the departments of the city government are now being carried on at a minimum rate of expense, as low as ef ficiency and safety will warrant; still there are departments in which savings can be accomplished sufficient probably to bring the current expenses to about $180,000 for future years. But this will afford only $120,000 excess of receipts over expenditures for interest. If this amount were adequate for the interest now amounting to $285,000, the available assets of the City could be diverted to the creation of a sinking fund for gradually extinguishing the obligations of the City until more prosperous times would permit an increase of taxation, or naturally swell the volume of our net income. From the figures, the burden of the present and prospective debt of the City is quite doufile the ability of the community to sustain. How to adjust this to the exigencies of the case and meet all the complicated questions likely to arise under any plan that may be devised, the committee think had better come of a joint conference of the creditors and authorities such as is arranged for June 6, proximo, and therefore refrain from submitting any plan."
On June 6 (1877) a meeting of bondholders was held at the Ex change. $1,387,700 of bonds being represented. Gen. Henry R. Jack son presided. A committee was appointed consisting of Henry Blun, J. L. Hardee. Henry Hull, Henry R. Jackson, John McMahon, of Savannah, and George M. Williams, Henry Buist, C. A. Chisholm, A. B. Rose and J. T. Welsman, of Charleston. This committee re ported in favor of the appointment of a special committee of seven bondholders by the chairman to examine into the bonded indebted ness of Savannah and confer with the City Council with a view of as certaining whether an arrangement could be arrived at for the settle ment of the indebtedness. This committee of seven recommended
the following proposition: "To fund coupons maturing up to July 2, 1878, in long bonds at 5
per cent, interest, on these conditions: 1. The City to pay interest on all its bonds after July 2, 1878. 2. To create a commission of sinking fund, composed of persons
unconnected with the city government, who shall fill their own va cancies.
3. The rents of the City to be paid to the commission, which shall invest them in City bonds only.
4. The City to levy a tax sufficient to pay the interest and its current expenses.

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5. Legislative sanction to be obtained whenever necessary to perfect this arrangement."
This proposition was considered impracticable and was declined by the City authorities. The finance committee then presented a counter proposition recommending the acceptance by the bondhold ers of 3O-year bonds to draw 3 per cent, interest for the first ten years, 4 per cent, for the next ten years, and 6 per cent, for the last ten years. The Legislature to be applied to for consent to make this issue, and surround it with every reasonable and "proper safeguard to provide against future defaults, and also provision for a sinking fund and a separate and perpetual commission for its management. Cou pons to January i, 1879, to be funded along with the bonds.
The creditors committee declined this proposition. A settlement was effected with banks and private parties holding Mayors notes aggregating $180,170, by which taxes due the City by these parties, under the tax ordinance of 1877, were first to be credited on the notes and a reduction of 30 per cent, to be made on the balance.
An ordinance was next passed in Council December 26 (1877), offering a compromise settlement as follows: To create a sinking fund of its fixed sources of revenue for the redemption and retire ment of bonds; to take past due coupons at the rate of fifty cents on the dollar in payment of past due taxes; to resume the payment of interest upon the funded debt on and after January I, 1878, at 3 per cent, for the first ten years, 4 per cent, for the second ten years, and 6 per cent, thereafter until the payment of the principal.
"It is believed," said Mayor Wheaton, "that such a compromise will result to the benefit of both creditors and debtor. There can be no question if an attempt is made to force full payment of the full debt with 7 per cent, interest, that the City will be unable to pay, and that such a course would be disastrous to all interests concerned."
Under this scheme $50,000 was to be set aside from the fixed sources of income each year for five years, $65,000 each year for the next succeeding ten years, and $75,000 a year for the succeeding fif teen years. This plan met with general disfavor among the bond holders. Suits were instituted in the courts by many of the creditors and almost interminable litigation, and a general wasting of the City's resources in costs and fees, seemed to a majority of Council the only result likely to be attained, with no immediate prospect of reaching a settlement of the debt. Under these circumstances the Council, considering the condition and ability of the people, and de siring to pay as much of the debt as in their judgment could in rea son be expected, made a careful review of the situation and the con clusion was reached that it would be possible for the City to accede to the wishes of the owners of a large majority of the bonds and fix 5 per cent, as a uniform rate of interest for the new bonds. Accord-

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

ingly on July 24, 1878, a new ordinance was passed accepting the pro position of the holders of the bonds to the amount of $1,000,000 to re ceive in exchange for their bonds new bonds for the same amount having thirty years to run from February i, 1879, with quarterly cou pons for the interest at 5 per cent, per annum, all bonds and coupons to be exempt from taxation and to be received by the City as they matured at their face value as cash for all taxes and debts of every description due and to become due, or to be paid in cash at the op tion of the holder; authority to be secured from the State for the issue of the new bonds and for the appointment of sinking fund com missioners, the sinking fund to be not less than $10.000 per annum for each of the first five years, $25,000 for each of the next succeed ing ten years, and $40.000 for each of the succeeding years until all the new bonds and bonds issued in renewal thereof are satisfied. All bonds to be registered at the option of their holders by the cify treasurer, after which they were to become transferable only by en dorsement. In full payment of all interest coupons and fractional parts thereof due to February i, 1879, holders were to receive 58 per cent, of their face value, at which rate they were to be received for one-half of any tax or other debt due the City, anrl paid in cash in the order of their maturity, as rapidly as practicable, until June I, 1879. and after that date on presentation. The sinking fund commis sion was to consist of five members, serving ten years, elected by Council, a two-thirds vote being necessary for a choice, no mayor, alderman or other city official being eligible, and each owning $5,000 of real estate at City valuation. These commissioners were to apply the fund entrusted to them in the purchase of outstanding bonds, to be cancelled, and to make an annual report to be published with tHe Mayor's report. The agreement was not to be binding unless ac cepted by bondholders representing $2,500,000 on or before July i, 1880.
The assessors of real estate had made a report showing a greater amount of taxable property than had been anticipated, thus making it possible for the City to accept such a proposition. Alderman War ing alone opposed this compromise measure. The Mayor and the finance committee were instructed to secure the consent of the re quired bondholders. An enabling act was passed by the Legislature December u. 1878. and owners of the required amount of bonds hav ing subscribed to the plan the Mayor and finance committee were di rected to have the new bonds engraved.
Pursuant to the requirements of the ordinance, which was amended December 17, but not changed in any important particular, Council at its regular meeting December 25, 1878, elected Messrs. John Flannery, S. Guckenheimer, C. C. Casey, Joseph D. Weed, and D. R. Thomas as sinking fund commissioners. The commission

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299

organized by electing Captain Flannery as chairman and D. R. Thomas as secretary. By the close of 1879 new bonds had been is sued in exchange for old to the value of $3,015,100, leaving not yet exchanged $403,900, of which it was estimated $55,000 had been stamped with the compromise agreement, leaving outstanding of old bonds but $348,000.
At the close of 1880 the report showed that there had been is sued of the new bonds $3,341,400 and there were old bonds outstand ing to $187,200.
In the opinion of Corporation Attorney W. D. Harden serious doubts existed as to the legality of the City's endorsement on the Atlantic & Gulf bonds to the extent of $300,000, and he advised Coun cil not to take any action toward paying or refunding them until the points in dispute had been settled by courts of competent and final jurisdiction. The City acted under his advice and the bondholders promptly carried the matter into the courts. In April, 1880, writs of mandamus were issued by the United States Circuit Court to compel payments of judgments amounting to $23,912.50, with interest, in suits brought by Eugene Kelly and A. M. Martin to enforce payment of bonds of this class held by them. This rendered it imperative for the City authorities to pay the judgments or give security for their payment pending the appeal that had been taken to the Supreme Court of the United States. By agreement an arrangement was made whereby the City, instead of giving the usual supersedeas bond, de posited new City of Savannah bonds of the face value of $33,000 with Mr. T. M. Cunningham, as trustee, with power to him to sell and pay the judgments against the City in the event that the judgments of the Circuit Court were'affirmed by the Supreme Court. Other suits to enforce payment had been commenced and by mutual con sent the parties to them agreed to abide the decision of the Supreme Court. In the spring of 1883 the City was confronted with the decis ion of the Supreme Court of the United States holding it liable for the payment of these bonds and it was obliged to make some effort to provide for the payment of the obligation. A compromise, some what similar to the compromise of the debt of the city in 1878, was agreed upon in July of that year and an ordinance was passed to carry the compromise into effect. The terms of this compromise of the Atlantic & Gulf (or Albany & Gulf) bonds were as follows: "That the Mayor and Aldermen shall issue for exchange, and exchange new bonds for each $1,000 of said bonds so guaranteed, and all coupons on the same due January and July, 1877, January and July 1878, and January, 1879, and all interest due thereon up to the first day of July, 1883, $1,300 of said new bonds, which said new* bonds shall be come due and payable thirty years from and after the first day of July, 1883, and shall bear interest quarterly at the rate of 5 per cent.

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per annum." The compromise was not to go into effect until hold ers of $200,000 of bonds agreed, which was speedily secured. The amount of bonds to be issued if all holders of the old Atlantic & Gulf bonds accepted the compromise, would be $390,000. The annual interest charge on their account would be $19,500, and a sinking fund of $6,000 annually was to be provided. At the close of 1884 only about $9,500 of the old Atlantic & Gulf bonds remained outstanding. At the close of 1885 there wrere outstanding only $2,500 of Atlantic & Gulf and $24,400 of bonds issued prior to 1879 and not disposed of under the compromise of 1878. The price of the new issue of 5 per cent, city bonds had been steadily advancing and at this time they were at par. "The causes that have contributed to this," said Mayor Lester in his annual report, ''are not altogether those which our vanity would suggest. While the public confidence in our securities has increased, it must not be forgotten that quarterly the sinking fund commissioners are required to buy bonds in considerable quantities for cancellation and it is easily seen how this demand for the bonds at stated times tends to increase the price. The low rate of interest which now obtains for Government, State and other firstclass securities, which are usually sought for investment, give to our 5 per cents, a prominence which they would not otherwise perhaps have." A complete statement of the bonded indebtedness of the City for the different years is appended to this sketch of municipal af fairs.
The centennial year brought the third serious epidemic of yellow fever to Savannah. Between July 30, when the first death occurred, and November 14. when the epidemic was formally declared at an end, there were 896 deaths from the fever, of which 771 were white and 125 colored. The deaths from other causes, many of which were doubtless attributable to the effects of the epidemic, were 455, of which 160 were whites and 295 colored,,a total mortality of 1,351 in a period of about fourteen weeks. After this date (November 14) there were seven additional deaths from the fever among the whites and two among the colored population, and the last recorded death occurred as late as December 5.
The year 1875 was peculiarly free from miasmatic diseases and showed a mortuary report signally smaller than any one of the five previous years. "This only increased the public unconsciousness of the impending calamity of 1876." The history of the Savannah Benevo lent Association states that the first announced case of yellow fever was on August u. The interments officially given by the Board of Health for the week ending August 28 numbered 29 whites, of which 17 had died from fever classed as malarial, congestive, pernicious and yellow. Committees appointed by the Benevolent Association made a canvass of the city which showed that there were 49 cases of yellow

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

301

fever in the city on August 29 and a large number of cases of other fevers. On September i, there were 136 cases. Soup houses were opened by the Association for the relief of the destitute. Daily re ports were received by it which showed a totaji number of cases from August 31 to October 15, or 46 days, of 5,542 and at times dur ing that period there were fully 4,000 persons prostrated by it. "The ordinary population of Savannah in the summer was estimated by the Morning News at 30,000, 16,000 whites and 14,000 blacks," of whom 12,000 could not obtain work and were dependent on charity. The burthen falling on the Association was severely increased, in contrast with 1854, by the addition of the blacks, who in 1854 were provided for by their owners, but in 1876 were the most numerous claimants for the public benevolence, and yet from racial reasons were seldom subjects of yellow fever. But it is a triumph of devotion, selfsacrifice, and industry, that the Benevolent Asociation took under its direct active care, as patients, not less than one-third of the actual population of the city."
Anterior to this invasion of yellow fever, the city, of Savannah had been signally healthy. At great expense an extensive system of sewers had been completed only three years before, which, it was be lieved, had gone so far toward public sanitation that the scenes of 1854 could not be repeated. The advent of yellow fever, was, there fore, a matter of such public surprise as to require investigation, and the Benevolent Association, declaring that the public happiness and welfare demanded that the cause should be diligently sought and clearly ascertained, with a view to its future prevention, requested the Mayor and Aldermen to appoint a committee to be selected from their own body, the Georgia Medical Society, and the citizens at large, to inquire into the cause of the epidemic and to recommend such measures as might be expedient to prevent its recurrence. The City Council accordingly appointed Messrs. John Screven, George L. Cope, Dr. T. J. Charlton, Dr. John D. Fish and Aldermen Edward Lovell and F. M. Hull.
This was on September 6. On September 20 Dr. J. J. Waring presented a long communication to Council claiming that yellow fe ver was due to living organisms called cryptograms, characterized by intense vitality of growth and reproduction and their spores being intensely dangerous to the human body. These spores, he asserted, followed currents of air and were made rapidly harmless under the drying influence of the sun. The trees, houses, ponds and swamps in and around the city, he claimed, were green with cryptograms. Given 300 negroes and 300 hoes, with a whitewashing brigade, Dr. Waring said, he would eradicate these cryptograms in twelve days and the fever would be eliminated by October 15. Council presented the letter to the Georgia Medical Society, which referred it to a com-

302

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

mittee whose report was forwarded to Council on October 4, pro testing against Dr. Waring* s views concerning the origin of yellow fever and his proposed method of suppiessing it. Dr. Waring had begun work on the line of his theory, but it was at once stopped and the Mayor, agreeably to the request of the Medical Society, ap pointed Doctors J. T. McFarland, A. A. White, J. D. Fish, William Duncan and E. Yonge to ascertain the proper sanitary measures to be taken. This committee reported on October 18 that they were of the opinion that nothing they could advise at this juncture could have any effect in destroying the germinal principle of yellow fever. The history of all epidemics, they stated, proved that the disease must run its course until checked by natural causes. The condition of the low marshy lands which immediately surrounded the city as factors of malarial poison contributed largely to the causes which generated malarial or autumnal fevers. To this and the condition of Bilbo canal was largely attributed the epidemic, but it was considered inadvisable to attempt to remedy them while the fever existed as only tending to increase its virulency. A census taken on October 25 showed a total population in the city of 18,967. The first committee appointed (September 6) had also proceeded to its investigation without delay. "Personal inspections were made in and about the city," says the history of the Benevolent Association, "which did not, however, authorize any definite conclusions. The testimony of irre sponsible witnesses was crude and untrustworthy; reliable testimony was beyond the reach of the committee, which had no legal jurisdic tion. The medical members were embarrassed by extraordinary pro fessional demands on their time and attention. Finally the chairman was prostrated by the prevailing disease and the work of the com mittee, thus frustrated and delayed, was abandoned as impracticable. But it is probable that no other epidemic of yellow fever was ever more thoroughly investigated than that of Savannah in 1876. Experts at home and from every quarter eagerly pressed their researches." The Benevolent Association, which had handled all donations, adopted the following:
"When the people of this city bowed trembling under their re cent dreadful calamity; when thousands fled for safety; when indus try was paralyzed; when want, pestilence and famine joined in their ghastly and unsparing work;-when tenderness failed to soothe and skill to save; when the strong grew weak and the timid quailed; when the brave were resigned, and only the reckless defiant;'
"Then came citizens and strangers fiom far and near, a noble band with ready hearts and hands, came unsolicited upon this scene of desolation, pain and woe, proffering their devoted services, some sacrificing their lives to the needy, the sick and suffering and the dead.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

303

"Then, too, from the North, the East, the West and the South,

even from beyond seas, came an inpouring of benefaction, universal

and so lavish that, leaving no room for want. Religion blesses, and

Gratitude reveres Humanity so supreme.

"Therefore, resolved, That the thanks of this Association, and of

its members individually, and in the name of our grateful people, be

and they are hereby tendered to all those who, whether citizens or

strangers, gave their personal service in any capacity, and also to all

those in Savannah, in the State of Georgia, elsewhere in the United

States, and in other countries, who contributed money or supplies to

the relief of the needy, sick and suffering in the late epidemic in this

city."

Mayor Anderson in his report for the year said: "As soon as it

became apparent that yellow fever was epidemic in Savannah almost

the entire population whose circumstances permitted withdrew from

our limits, leaving only those who, from the requirements of official

position or an elevated sense of duty, felt constrained to remain.

The small white population possessed of nny means r or experience

were at once burdened with a large mass of their fellow-citizens,

both white and colored, entirely dependent upon their daily labor and

who at once lost their only means of support upon the sudden pros

tration of all business. The cry of humanity went up from our

gloom and desolation like a wail of woe, and the health and life of

large .numbers awaited the response of the good and generous in

other communities. From every quarter of our broad land the relief

was prompt and ample. Our brethren cast their bread upon the -

f

waters, and charity and kindness in copious streams flowed into our

city. The terrible voice of the pestilence that stalked through our

midst could not drown the softer notes of human sjrmpathy and ten

derness and the holy ministrations of a divine charity with the cheer

ing radiance of hope and brotherly love pierced the thick darkness

that enshrouded us. To the prompt and liberal response of our

Northern brethren and our sister communities, we owe the lives of

hundreds of our people. We thank them for the alleviation of thou

sands of cases of sore distress, of consolation to the dying, for hope

!

and encouragement to all. The links of human charity are stronger

j

than political connections, and the influence of such sympathy and

j

kindness unites us in a common brotherhood."

.

|j

The Benevolent Association received $16,000 from the City of

Savannah and $82,867.82 from various sources. "In considering some

of the characteristics attending this epidemic, attention is drawn to

the fact that while there is no evidence whatever that the epidemics

of 1820, 1854 and 1858 originated in imported or exotic infection, the

evidence that the epidemic of 1876 originated in that source is not

positive, and while emphatically denied by others, the Mayor of the

304

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

city, the Hon. E. C. Anderson, whose personal experience and pe

culiar facilities for official observation are entitled to high considera

tion, declared that 'the origin of the epidemic is involved in obscur

ity/ The Health Officer, Dr. J. T. McFarland, affirmed his disbelief

that yellow fever can 'ie imported, did not think that the quarantine

would keep it out. and defied anyone to prove that yellow fever was

ever brought to this port, but proceeded to express the belief that

'everything should be done in the way of purification of vessels from

infected ports and in rigid quarantine so that there may be no error

on the wrong side/ Of eight physicians, some of whom were present

during the epidemic, and six of whom were resident practitioners,

six subscribed to the local origin of the epidemic and only two to

the theory of importation. The State Board of Health in its report

on the subject declared that it was strongly of the opinion that to the

excessive charging of the atmosphere, to the miserable sanitary con-

f

dition of the city and its surroundings, is to be attributed the intensity of the epidemic influence. But they failed to find any evidence

which did away with or invalidates the circumstantial evidence in

favor of the importation of the disease."

"Setting aside administrative and meterological causes as indi

rect or proximate causes not in themselves capable of producing an

epidemic, Dr. James J. Waring, in his very able and explicit report

on the subject, adopted by the City Council, ascribed the direct

cause of the epidemic to the foul condition of the Springfield lands

from neglected drainage and scavenger deposits." The material loss

to the city and State from the epidemic was placed at $6,000,000.

"The defective sanitation, internal as well as external, of the city

was now recognized, and the municipal authorities were not slow in

corrective measures, so far as the crippled public means would per-

mit." A memorial to the Legislature for assistance in draining the

county, prepared by F. M. Hull, W. S. Lawton and John M. Guer-

ard, endorsed by the County Commissioners, was likewise endorsed

by the City Council. The State appropriated under an Act of the Leg

islature one-third of the State tax for the year 1877 for the County

of Chatham, amounting to $27,633.75, for this purpose and appointed

as drainage commissioners to expend this fund Dr. J. G. Thomas,

Gen. J. F. Gilmer, Mayor J. F. Wheatorf, Capt. C. C. Casey and Col.

John Screven. In May, 1877, these commissioners began work on the

drainage of Springfield plantation and other low lands and expended

the entire amount on this work. They made a full report to Council

on October 16, 1878.

Doctors William H. Elliott and Easton Yonge were also sent as

delegates to the Public Health Association at Richmond and present

ed a report to Council on December n, 1876. In 1876 and 1877

small pox existed in almost an epidemic form. Vaccination was

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

305

pushed as far as possible under the existing laws, and the results were very satisfactory considering the popular prejudice still exist ing against this measure of prevention. Health Officer McFarland at this time and for several years after advocated compulsory vacci nation under State laws, the vaccination of all children before they could enter the public schools, and a general movement among house keepers not to employ servants who had not been vaccinated, it hav ing been shown that servants were wide disseminators of the germs of the disease. In 1881 the Legislature conferred power upon the Board of Education to make such regulations as it might deem best for the public health and with the beginning of 1882 vaccination was made a prerequisite to admission to the schools. In 1877 a law was passed allowing the City to enforce vaccination.
An Act of the Legislature of February 24, 1877, required the re moval of the smallpox hospital from the William son tract near Thunderbolt, purhased by the City in 1836. The old site was sold for $3>oso and the Timber Landing property was bought for $3,000 and the pest house established there. This year vaccination was vigorously pushed, the City furnishing the best vaccine virus free and physicians giving their services gratuitously. "The scheme," said Mayor Wheaton in his report, "resulted in the entire suppression of the smallpox, which had prevailed in the city for three years, within the short space of forty-five days."
A Board of Sanitary Commissioners was appointed on February 21, 1877, under an ordinance of Council, and held its first meeting on February 26, and immediately took steps toward an improvement of quarantine by establishing rules and regulations concerning the de tention of vessels from infected or suspected ports. On October 31, 1877, Council adopted resolutions recommending that a commission be appointed to visit New Orleans and report upon the system of marine and intra-mural quarantine and disinfection there practiced for the prevention and arrest of \ellow fever and to contract for the purchase of the best kind of apparatus in use at New Orleans or else where for the disinfection of vessels. Mayor Wheaton and Doctors J. C. Habersham and William Duncan were appointed and presented a report, published in the Council proceedings of March 6, 1878. As a result of their report the sanitary commissioners recommended that a wharf be built near the quarantine station, also a hospital build ing, and that two of Girardy's patent fumigators costing $525 each, be bought, one for the station and one for use in the city. In accord ance with these recommendations a hospital 16 by 40 feet, with a water cistern, a house for the quarantine officer 16 by 30 feet, and a wharf 100 feet long, with a platform extending 100 feet back, were constructed on the oyster beds directly north of Fort Pulaski at an expense of $4,567.29. In April Commissioner William Duncan of-

306

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

fered a resolution in Council that the Board of Sanitary Commis sioners be authorized to employ a quaiantine officer and such assist ants as might be required, to remain at the quarantine station from May i to November i, and to carry out such regulations as the com missioners might prescribe. The necessary power was granted and on May i the first regular quarantine notice was published. Dr. Joseph A. Huger \vas elected Savannah's first quarantine officer .un der the new regime. Quarantine as the established policy of the city may be said to have gone into effect on May i, 1878. On May 29 Council adopted a resolution that the City of Savannah would con sent that the United States authorities should assume the manage ment of quarantine regulations of this port provided the system of quarantine adopted should be uniform and apply alike to all South ern ports. Prior to this, in February, delegates had been appointed by Council to attend a convention to be held at Jacksonville, Fla., to consider the best methods of securing a more efficient quarantine along the Southern coast. The action of the convention was report ed to Council on February 20, and in accordance with the suggestion contained therein Council appointed delegates to proceed to Wash ington, who, in conjunction with delegates from other cities were in structed to present the views of the quarantine convention to Con gress and urge upon the general government the adoption of a uni form system of quarantine along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. In 1880 the Sapelo Quarantine Station was opened by the national gov ernment.
Those who have served the City as quarantine officers are as fol lows:
Dr. J. A. Huger, May i, 1878, to February 23, 1887. Dr. J. A. N. Wegefarth, February 23, 1887, to October 31, 1888; Dr. E. G. Lind, October 31, 1888, to May i, 1891; Dr. J. G. Keller, May i, 1891, to June 25, 1892; Dr. J. A. Huger, June 25, 1892, to September 25, 1892; Dr. St. J. B. Graham, September 25, 1892, to September 22, 1895; Dr. W. J. Linley, September 22, 1895, to April 18, 1899, when the control of the station passed into the hands of the Marine Hospital Service, which retained Dr. Linley in charge. The details of the transfer of the station are given in the succeeding chapter. In 1879 an odorless excavating plant was introduced, W. J. Cleary being appointed superintendent. The upheaving of the soil in the summer time was also limited this year and thereafter, and made subject to permission from the Sanitary Board. A proposition at this time to transfer the Oglethorpe barracks at Bull and Liberty streets to the Marine Hospital Service for a Marine Hospital, was vigorously opposed by Council as detrimental to the public health. Congressman Nicholls was called on to oppose the project and it was

POLICE STATION HOUSE.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

307

defeated. Council also opposed bills introduced into Congress by Representatives Harris and Young, giving additional powers to the National Board of Health. Alderman Duncan presented a resolution on March 31, 1880, opposing these measures as revolutionary in their tendencies and prejudicial to the interests of seaport cities. The bills proposed to allow the National Board to close any State against intercourse with the rest of the world whenever an epidemic of con tagious or infectious diseases prevailed within it. The project was also defeated. On August 27, 1881, Savannah was visited by the most violent hurricane in its history to that time. Over 200 persons were killed in the city and vicinity. The destruction of public and private property was immense. The quarantine station was destroyed and the officer and his assistants narrowly escaped. Great damage was done to the banks of the river at both ends of the city and on Hutchinson's island and health conditions were bad for a couple of years after as a result.
Occasional references to the hospitals are found in the Council proceedings in the decades preceding this period. In 1852, in order to carry out the plan of Forsyth ward, it became necessary to ex change some land for other. As a result on May 6 an ordinance was passed to exchange certain parts of the public domain then occupied by the Savannah Poor House and Hospital for an equivalent on certain conditions. Mayor Arnold was authorized to execute a conveyance to the Poor House and Hos pital of the domain between Gaston street on the north, Huntingdon on the south, Abercorn on the east, and Drayton on the west, in consideration of the relinquishment of all and every claim by it on any portion of the public property or do main of the City of Savannah, and on the express condition that the lands thereinbefore described and directed to be conveyed should never be improved or used for the purpose of pecuniary profit, or for any other purpose than the care and comfort of the poor and sick according to the charitable intentions of the founder's of the Poor House and Hospital and on the further condition that the said land should not be in any manner subject to the debts contracted or en gagements of the said Savannah Poor House and Hospital, but in case that corporation should at any time attempt to sell or in any way en cumber the said lands, or in case of the insolvency or dissolution of the said corporation, the said land and all the improvements thereon should at once revert to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah.
In 1855 the City was applied to by the managers of the hospital to defray the expenses of the interment of paupers dying at the hos pital. The hospital was receiving from the City, as it had done since 1835 the State tax on auction sales, amounting to between $500 and

3o8

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

$1,000 a year, and had other sources of income. The committee of Council to whom the petition was referred was apparently given but little satisfaction in its quest for information. It reported back to Council that the hospital was a close corporation and that it had been unable to ascertain its condition and the City accordingly re fused to pay for the burial of the paupers, holding that that fell to the hospital as a part of its work.
During the war the hospital continued its work until the occu pancy of the city when it was taken possession of by the Federal troops. In June, 1866, William Duncan, in behalf of the Savannah Hospital, requested an appropriation of $4,000 to enable the directors to open the hospital at once, the amount to be secured by a deposit of City bonds to the amount of $5,000. Owing to the financial condi tion of the institution the burial fees of paupers interred at Laurel Grove, which had hitherto been borne out of its funds, were remitted by Council temporarily. Further applications being made to the City for assistance, on January 20, 1869, Aldermen Waring, Gue and Wylly were appointed to obtain all information possible as to the origin, organization and conduct of the hospital and the amount of relief afforded by it. On March 3 they presented a report through Chairman Waring, as follows:
"The Savannah Poor House and Hospital is the only institution in the city of Savannah which affords charitable hospital relief to the sick poor within its limits. It is also the only institution which is able to and does afford relief to sick seamen, a class of relief very import ant at a commercial port of the magnitude of Savannah. The hos pital is in charge of a president and six directors, with a medical staff of surgeons and physicians selected in a spirit of fairness from the list of physicians who are most likely to have the time to devote to the wards. The number of beds is: Male, 83; female, 25. Number of patients admitted to hospital from January I, 1868, to January I, 1869, 625; number remaining January I, 1868, 68; total treated, 693. Num ber of patients treated since the restoration of the hospital by the United States authorities, July I, 1866, to February i, 1867, 452; to February i, 1868, 673; to February i, 1869, 627; total, 1,752. Of these 1.050 were paupers and 702 seamen. The income for the present year has been: Interest on stock and bonds, $3,534.00; paid by the Collector of the Port for American seamen, $7,566,28; paid by the British consul for British seamen. $1,822.85; paid by the State tax (auctioneers' fees) $527.83: total income, $13,450.96.
"A charity in this city with an annual income of $10,000 must be admitted to be a subject of congratulation to the people.
"Real estate property, five lots fronting on Gaston street, and be tween Drayton and Abercorn.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

309

"Improvements, a large hospital building, its exterior neat and plain, but tasteful; in its interior, however, very inferior in accommo dations and aspect to modern requirements or expectations.
"Funded property, 270 shares Central railroad stock, $27,000, at $132; 52 shares Southwestern railroad stock, $5,200, at $108; 9 City bonds, $4,500, at $90; 19 shares Augusta & Savannah railroad stock, $1,900, at $90. Total, $38,600; market value $47,216; market value of buildings and lots, $53,000; total value of all property, $100,216.
"In a few words, the Savannah Poor House and Hospital posses ses property of the value of $100,000, has an income of $13,000 and in two years has admitted and treated 1,050 paupers.
"The charter of this hospital admits'any person whatsoever to the privileges of corporators or electors by the annual payment of a subscription of $5.00. For the present year the number of subscri bers is 178. These corporators have just held an election under the charter and elected the following gentlemen as directors, viz.: Wil liam Duncan, R. D. Arnold, Charles Green, J. W. Nevitt, John J. Kelly, .N. B. Knapp, J. H. Johnston. This interesting charity ex isted anterior to 1827 but all its early records are lost. The book of records and minutes dates back only to 1836. It originated as a pri vate charity, but who the good men were who associated themselves to this end is not positively known. In 1827 the Association under went a reorganization, and at this time their building was a long and uncouth building, built in the woods without stockade or fence.
"It is very plain by the records of transfer in 1852 that the City erected this building and set apart certain grounds south of it for hospital purposes. In 1836 Joseph Gumming was president; in Feb ruary, 1838, Holmes Tupper was president, and in April 1838, Wil liam Duncan became president. From that date to this our fellowcitizen has been continuously president, and his fidelity, devotion and ability is well attested by the present prosperous condition of the hospital. Upon first taking charge he at once set to work to give the building an air of comfort, he surrounded it with a fence and put up the necessary outbuildings. It was at a later date, 1856, that the present improved aspect was given to the building. Up to August 7, 1852, the titles to this property were vested in the City, but at this date an exchange of ground to the north side, 300 feet on Gaston street, was made and the City gave its right and title to the lots and
1838. ; improvements to the Association which had been incorporated in
"The charter of 1830, citing the corporators and the purposes and terms of incorporation, is found in Wilson's digest.
"In 1835 the Legislature gave to the hospital a State tax on auc tioneers, and provided that the City should collect the fund and turn it over to the hospital.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
"At some time previous, in 1835, Thomas Young gave $5,000 to the hospital, and in 1841 James Wallace by residuary bequest, gave $12,000.
"In a few words, the City of Savannah erected the present hos pital known as the Savannah Poor House and Hospital (succeeded by the present remodeled structure in 1877) and the City of Savan nah gave the valuable lots adjacent and fronting on Gaston street. But the Association itself originated the enterprise and the Associa tion gave it and its incorporation to all the people as a useful leg acy."
(William Duncan was succeeded in the presidency on his death in 1879 by Mr. James G. Mills. He died the following year, and was succeeded by Mr. George J. Mills, the present incumbent. Dr. Wil liam Duncan was superintendent of the hospital from 1879 to 1900. On his death he was succeeded as superintendent by Dr. Thomas J. Charlton. On August 23, 1872, the name of the institution was changed by Act of the Legislature from the Savannah Poor House and Hospital to the Savannah Hospital).
City finances were approaching a state where public donations were out of the question and .he hospital was deprived of assistance from that source, although it was acknowledged that its work was public in its nature and relieved the city government of an expensive item of charity yearly. Finally, on March n, 1874, Messrs. William Duncan, Charles Green, N. B. Knapp, a committee representing the hospital, presented to Council resolutions adopted by the Board of Managers of the hospital, stating that the resources and income of the institution had been reduced by the loss of its bank stock, the results of the war, the spoliation of Shermans army, the loss of in come from the Marine department, which had been transferred else where, the failure of the City to collect the State auction lax as pro vided by law, and by the non-receipt of dividends on the Central rail road stock. The hospital, it was stated, could not be kept up except by parting with its invested funds at prices below their value and if this were done in a few years the funds of the hospital would be en tirely expended in the maintenance of the City poor. It was accord ingly considered eminently proper that the City should have a hos pital for this purpose and the managers tendered the Savannah hos pital to it for this purpose on the following terms:
"The City to receive the institution with all the property con tained therein, on the first of May next, together with the inmates then in the building, and to maintain and use the same as a City hos pital. That the income from the present investments belonging to the hospital shall be paid to the City as they become due, if the City shall receive and carry on the hospital as heretofore, and the mana gers bind themselves and their successors to turn over and resign to

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311

the City, as soon as the City shall have built a hospital adequate to the wants of the city, and as shall be approved by the managers of the Savannah hospital, all right and title to the present building and grounds, and make over to the City in perpetuam all the property, real and personal, that the institution may then be possessed of, viz.: 303 shares Central railroad stock, par value $30,300; 19 shares Augusta and Savannah railroad stock, $1,900; 46 shares Southwest ern railroad stock, $4,600; State bonds, City of Savan nah bonds, and Atlantic & Gulf bonds, $5,200: house and lot north east corner Jefferson and Liberty streets, $12,000; rental, $1,200 a year."
This proposition was referred to the finance committee of Council. Mr. Duncan had also stated that the managers would pros ecute the claims for the State auction tax if the City would allow them to do so in its name. This was referred to Aldermen Sorrel. Douglass and Ballantyne. On May 20 the finance committee, through its chairman, Alderman Villalonga, recommended the acceptance of the proposition as soon as the financial condition of the City war ranted an expenditure adequate to the construction, equipment and support of a new hospital suitable to the wants of the community and in accord with the requirements of the managers of the existing in stitution. The indefiniteness of this report led the managers of the hospital to withdraw their offer and the straightened finances of the Association then led them to limit the number of beds for paupers to thirty, that being as 'many as the available income would support. At the close of 1875 a bill was presented to the City by the hospital for the care of paupers. The auctioneers had found some legal means to avoid paying the auction tax that went to the hospital. It was work ing on a limited income, resulting from the judicious investment of the legacies of Thomas Young and James Wallace, two adopted citi zens of Savannah of Scottish birth, and it was necessary for the City to assist it if it was desired to have a place where the indigent poor could receive medical attention. Aldermen McMahon, Hull and Douglass were appointed to arrange the matter with the hospital and after conferences with Managers William Duncan, James G. Mills and R. D. Arnold, they recommended that the City arrange with the hospital for the treatment of City patients not to cost over $6.co a week, no case exceeding two weeks, except in cases of convalescents, when the period of care at the hospital might be extended two weeks on the recommendation of the attending physician. (December i, 1875.)
In 1876 the City paid for board of pauper patients and coffins for those who died $1,032.58. Nothing appears charged to account of board for the poor sick in either 1877 or 1878. In 1879 Dr. R. J. Nunn presented recommendations to Council for the amelioration of

312

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the condition of the poor. They were referred to the committee on health and cemetery, which, through Alderman William Duncan, chairman, recommended that the City elect two City physicians to attend the sick poor, with power to send them to the hospital at 50 cents per diem, to be maintained not longer than one week, except on renewal by authority from the Mayor. Doctors Frank Lincoln and T. B. Chisholm were elected on May 28, 1879, as the first City physicians under this system. Since then City physicians have been regularly provided for the poor by the city government. This year (1879) the City expended $638.75 for board for poor patients. On March 17. 1880, the Georgia Infirmary was appropriated $150 a month in lieu of the 50 cents per diem. This institution would have been forced to close its doors at this time but" for this assistance from the City. This year the total expenditures for the sick poor at the hos pitals were $5,427.67, in 1881 $6,184.50, and in 1882 $7,307.00. T? the treasurer's report the amounts paid to the several hospitals are not given separately until 1883, when such statements began. For that and the succeeding years the amounts paid to the hospitals for the care of the poor sick have been as follows:
1883: Savannah Hospital, $3,338.50; St. Joseph's Infirmary, $3,151.50; Georgia Infirmary, $2,350; Sisters of Mercy, $186.50; total, $9,030.50.
1884: Savannah Hospital, $3,649; Georgia Infirmary, $2,400; St. Joseph's Infirmary, $3,742; total, $9,791.
1885: Savannah Hospital, $3,600;" Georgia Infirmary, $2,400; St. Joseph's Infirmary, $3,561.50; total. $9,561.50.
1886 and 1887: Savannah Hospital, $3,600; Georgia Infirmary, $2,400; St. Joseph's Infirmary, $3,600; total, $9,600 each year.
1888: Savannah Hospital, $3.600; Georgia Infirmary, $3,200; St. Joseph's Infirmary. $3,600; total, $10,400.
1889, 1890 and 1891, each year, Savannah Hospital, Georgia In firmary and St. Joseph's Infirmary, $3,600 each; total, $10,800.
1892: Savannah Hospital, $3,900; Georgia Infirmary, $4,800; St. Joseph's Infirmary, $3,600; total, $12,300.
1893: Savannah Hospital, $3,600; Georgia Infirmary, $3,750; St. Joseph's Infirmary, $3,600; total, $10,950.
1894: Savannah Hospital, $4.599.96; Georgia Infirmary, $3,600; St. Joseph's Infirmary. $3,600; total, $11,799.96.
1895: Savannah Hospital, $4.600; Georgia Infirmary, $3,600; St. Joseph's Infirmary, $3,600; total, $11,800.
1896, 1897, 1898, 1899 and 1900: Savannah Hospital. Georgia In firmary and St. Joseph's Infirmary, $3,600 each; total yearly appro priations $10,800.
For IQOI the appropriations have been fixed at $300 monthly for the Georgia Infirmary, $250 each monthly for the Savannah Hospi-

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
tal and St. Joseph's Hospital, and $250 monthly for the Park View Sanitarium, a new institution, and $100 monthly for a Children's Hospital, not yet established.
(On April 17, 1901, the appropriation for the Children's Hospital was withdrawn, it not having been established, and the appropriation for the Georgia Infirmary was increased to $350 a month.)
The change from the system of paying for patients at per diem rates to a regular appropriation was made for two reasons: that the hospitals might be assured of a certain fixed income for work of this nature, and that the City would be in a position to know at the be ginning of a year exactly what its expenditures would be. At the rate the population was increasing, and with the larger number of indi gent persons requiring free medical attention, it was apparent that the old system of per diem charges would speedily become too oner ous on the City. The appropriations have been paid monthly and the system bids fair to be continued for some years to come at least.
Up to 1870 Savannah possessed no hospital for the reception and treatment of negroes exclusively. Prior to the war the slaves were cared for by their owners, and the free negroes, who formed but a small proportion of the population, were given proper attention when ill by their friends among the whites. After the war the newly freed slaves were, in many instances, in a deplorable condition, with out means of a livelihood, with the industries from which they had derived their support in a ruined condition, and with the means of the whites so reduced as a result of the destruction and neglect of property that they were unable to give aid as freely as before. To render conditions in the city worse, hundreds of negroes flocked in from the country, expecting to be supported by the general govern ment, and were speedily reduced to a destitute state. The number of indigent negroes found sick in the streets, some in a dying condi tion, attracted the attention of the City Council, and measures were taken to establish a Freedman's Hospital. On March 12, 1870, in pursuance of an invitation from Mayor Screven, a number of phil anthropic citizens assembled in the long room of the Exchange to confer with a special committee of Council consisting of Mayor Screven and Aldermen M. J. Solomons and A. M. Sloan. A resolu tion was passed to apply for a decree to incorporate a hospital, there being eighty signatures to the application. On March 15 there was a second meeting, and on March 19 at an adjourned meeting the peti tion for a charter and the rules for the government of the Oglethorpe Hospital Association, as it was named, were adopted and nine trustees were appointed, with Mr. John Stoddard as chairman. At this meet ing it was announced that Mr. Padelford had donated $10,000 in cash to the proposed hospital. Chairman Stoddard applied to the "City to apropriate to the hospital two lots in Crawford ward, which had pre-

314

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viously been set apart for a similar purpose, and also for an appro priation of money to enable it to carry on its work. Forty years be fore this the Georgia Infirmary had been incorporated and owned thirteen and one-half acres of land on the White Bluff road, south of the toll gate. The Oglethorpe Hospital Association shortly after its incorporation was merged into the Georgia Infirmary which proceed ed to carry out the plan.
The City had granted lots 13 and 14 Crawford ward, at East Boundary. Reynolds and Perry streets, on condition that no hos pital be built thereon. On June 22, 1870, permission was given by Council for the sale of these lots and the use of the proceeds in the erection of the Infirmary. Mr. Marquand of New York, and others gave to the building fund and the trustees erected a substantial brick building on its lands near the southern limits of the city. On Feb ruary 15, 1871. Council was notified that the Georgia Infirmary was completed and ready for occupancy and an appropriation of $1,000 was asked for and granted. In 1872 a special appropriation of $2,200 was made. In all $4,200 in cash was given by the City between February, 1871, and November. 1872.
On May 8, 1872, the directors of the Infirmary requested the City to buy a portion of its land on the White Bluff road, and give City bonds in payment from which the institution could derive a stable in come. They also requested an appropriation of $3,000 a year by the City that being about one-half of the running expenses. The com mittee of Council reported favorably only as regarded the purchase of the land the money therefor to be paid in monthly installments. On May 21, 1873, the City agreed to buy 8 1-2 acres of the tract for $8,957-94, without interest, and pay for it at the rate of $350 a month, and the offer was accepted and the transfer made. On April 3, 1889, $600 was appropriated the Infirmary to build a house for the steward, and other improvements. On January 20, 1802, $1,500 was appropriated to assist in repairs and improvements, in addition to the regular appropriation for the year.
In 1895 the point was raised by Health Officer Britnner that the City was entitled to vote at the annual election of directors of the Savannah Hospital and deposit one ballot for every $10 donated by it. the charter of the hospital then providing that any subscriber to the extent of $10 should have a vote. With the consent of Mayor Myers Dr. Brunner proceeded to make^a test of this alleged right The mana gers of the election after seeking legal advice refused to entertain this claim and the Citys vote was refused. To some extent the feel ing existed that the City should have representation in the manage ment of the hospitals to see that the funds donated by it were prop erly applied. Professional differences among the physicians of the city, a number of whom claimed that the hospitals were conducted

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

315

too much as "close corporations," to the privileges of which they were in some degree denied, led in the latter part of 1899 t a niovement to secure representation through the City on the Board of Managers of the several hospitals. A public meeting was held at the City Exchange to discuss the conditions existing in the hospitals, especially in so far as they affected the medical fraternity and the poor receiving the benefit of the City appropriations. Representa tives of the hospitals and of those agitating for a change were then heard by Council. On January 10, 1900, a communication was re ceived by Council from Dr. William Duncan, representing the Sa vannah Hospital. Bishop Keiley, representing St. Joseph's Infirm ary, and Henry C. Cunningham, Esq., representing the Georgia Infirmary, suggesting that the Mayor and Health Officer be elected members of the boards of managers of the several institutions as the solution of the issue. On January 24 a petition from sundry citizens was received by Council requesting that a City hospital be estab lished with the assistance and co-operation of the county authorities, to be under the control of Council and the County Commissioners. This was referred to a special committee of five aldermen, with Al derman Graham as chairman, to consider and report as to the feasi bility and expediency of the establishment by the City of a public hospital and to report cost of erection, equipment and maintenance. This committee never presented a report. In the meantime each of the hospitals elected the Mayor and Health Officer as members of their directorates for six months. Here the matter ended.
This period brought with it decided improvements in the fire de partment, the result of its reorganization on a nearer approach to a pay system throughout.
On March 29, 1871, $1,500 was appropriated to the Germania Company to assist it in erecting its new engine house. Council's committee also reported favorably on buying the two-story brick building, on a basement, on lot No. 34, Charlton ward, for the use of the Oglethorpe Fire Company, at a cost of $6,000. The building, it was stated, could be remodeled into a fire house at a cost of $500. The building and refitting cost $6,682.85. In this connection the com mittee recommended the sale of lot No. 23, Forsyth ward, which was being held in reserve for the fire department. A police watchman was again stationed in the Independent Presbyterian Church to ring the bell in the event of fires.
The next improvement in the department came In the purchase of horses for its sole use. Much delay had been experienced hereto fore owing to the firemen having to get horses.from the public sta bles to pull the engines. They accordingly petitioned Council to pro vide horses for the department. An ordinance was passed for this purpose early in 1872 and ten horses, harness and stables were pro-

316

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

vided at a cost of $3,882. By this means the time required to answer alarms was materially reduced. "While up to this time," said Chief Roberts. "it required from 12 to 20 minutes to bring a steamer into action, an engine now may in from 2 to 5 minutes be reported lor duty at any one of the alarm stations. This gain of 10 to 15 minutes at the outbreak of a fire is an advantage which can hardly be over estimated; it is sufficient under favoring conditions to decide the fate of the entire city." His private business interests and the condition of his health led Chief Roberts to resign at the close of the year (1872) and he was succeeded for a year by William Swoll, he giving way to F. Blair.
On November 18, 1871, the City decided to buy the Metropolitan Company's engine, the Francis S. Bartow, for $4,000, the money to be expended on the company's new building. A further appropria tion of $1,500 also appears to have been made to assist the Germania Company in completing its builriing on its lot on the south side of Congress street, between Montgomery and Jefferson streets. In December the fire committee was authorized to buy half of lot 37, Washington ward, on Bay street near East Broad street, on which to erect an engine house and hall for the Washington Company and the old engine house in Washington square was ordered removed. The lot cost $3,000. On January 17, 1872, the old engine house in Indian street was ordered torn down. The Bay street lot for the Washington Fire Company not being secured the western one-half of lot Xo. 3 Crawford ward, was bought for $2,762.50 for that purpose, but this lot apparently not being satisfactory the following May a resolution was passed to purchase the west half of lot 37, Washing ton ward, for $3,000.
The drivers of steam engines, who were receiving $50 a month from the City were required on alternate days if not actually in fire service to be subject to the orders of the street and lane committee as drivers of the carts of that department. Some of them declined this dual service and there was some difficulty experienced in keep ing competent drivers. On July 17 (1872) a resolution was adopted to put the fire alarm bell in the pound lot. The bell, which weighed 5.500 pounds, had been bought this year from Jones & Co., Troy, N. Y., for $2.353.14. It lay there of no service to the department and in July, 1873, Council was asked to put it up but the City at the time was unable to spare the money. At this time the fire department still depended, to some extent, on cisterns.
The system of a few paid men, with a large force of volunteers, lacked the efficiency, that Council believed the department should have. The fire committee reported early in 1875 that the fire de partment as it was constituted seemed to be an unfortunate compro mise between a regular and a volunteer department and gave neither

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
the discipline, drill and trained professional skill of the one, nor the numbers, enthusiasm and rivalry of the other. The partial pay sys tem was condemned and the committee suggested a paid fire depart ment under the chief of police, with the police force acting in co operation with a small regular fire force permanently engaged, the police and firemen being interchangeably firemen and policemen, and vacancies on the police force being filled with especial view to the usefulness of the men as firemen also. The fire department now in cluded four steamers, five hose carts, one hook and ladder and ten horses, with annual expenses of $15,000. The police force cost $85,ooo, making a total for the two departments of $100,000. Under the combined department proposed the expenses would be $y5,45o. Council declined to accept this recommendation, and an ordinance was introduced to change the system of the department and put it largely on a paid basis. A meeting of the Fire Department was held on May 7 and a committee of three appointed to request Council to bring the matter to an issue in thirty days. The several volunteer companies at this time expressed their unqualified disapproval of the course Council proposed to take and notified that body that if car ried out they would disband at the expiration of the thirty days' no tice.
The ordinance in question proposed for a paid fire department to consist of a chief, assistant chief, secretary, three engineers, three drivers of engines, three drivers of hose carriages, one driver of hook and ladder, one tillerman, one superintendent of fire alarm. The chief was to receive $1,000, assistant chief $500; clerk $150; engi neers $1,000; drivers $720; superintendent of fire alarm $360. The Cleburne and Mutual Protection Hose Companies were to be re tained in the service of the City as auxiliaries. On June 2, under this reorganization, Francis Blair was elected chief, with John R. Dillon assistant chief. Mr. Dillon declined and Osceola Butler was elected assistant. The volunteer companies met on June 4 and formally dis banded after expressing their disapproval of the acts of Council and their willingness to respond to any call made upon them for the pro tection of public interests. A resolution was unanimously adopted to dispose of all property and turn over the proceeds, with what funds remained in hand, to the Abrams Widows* Home. The Washington Fire Company decided not to disband and remained in the City's ser vice. The committee on fire presented a report, which was adopted by Council, to build this Company an engine house and hall on the lot on Broughton street, which had been purchased by the former Council, and to remove the old engine house in Washington square. The Metropolitan Fire Company bought from the City the portion of the lot in Percival ward on which its hall stood.

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

On February 23, 1876, a bid from J. R. Strata to erect a bell tower for the department for $593.96 was accepted. The tower was built at the police barracks. During the epidemic the department at times was depleted by sickness to less than twenty men, but it still managed to meet every emergency. Every call was responded to. Eleven members of the department died from the fever. The publication of annual reports frojnT'tlie chief fireman began with that for the year 1875, under an ordinance passed June I, of that year. Chief Blair then reported the department as composed of 157 officers and men, divided into three steam engine companies; one hook and ladder company, three hose companies. The apparatus included four steamers, one hook and ladder truck, three one-horse hose reels, two hose carriages. The two hose companies only acted as auxiliaries.
The expenses of the department that year were $9,852.03. The appa ratus was all in good order, the repairs being made by the engineers of the steamers at a great saving to the City, they overhauling and repairing the machines at the Firemen's Hall, instead of sending to private shops. Three steamers were always ready for duty, the fourth being held in reserve to take the place of any one undergoing re pairs. At all times one engine, the hook and ladder truck, and the horse reels, were ready for duty at a moment's notice. When an
alarm was sounded the two steamers not on duty -immediately got ready and waited for the call; if :heir services were not required in twenty minutes they were relieved. Great complaint was made of the firemen not hearing the alarms and the chief recommended that the large bell be placed in position at the Police Headquarters or some central portion of the city. In 1878 and 1879 the department continued without change. In 1880 Chief Blair reported that the en gines, which had been in constant service for many years, were be ginning to show the effects of age and could hardly be expected to last longer than four or five years. Chief Blair recommended an annual appropriation to each company of volunteers, they receiving no compensation, and being subject to expense for uniforms, etc. The chief's recommendations, however, were not acted upon and conditions generally remained unchanged during the remainder of his term of office, to 1882. In 1880 one-half lot on which the Germania Fire Company was situated was sold to it for $1.000. Tfiis year the Georgia Steam Fire Company was organized for service in the southern part of the city and was granted the use of the old Oglethorpe engine house. The department was poorly equipped as to horses, there was no swinging harness as provided in many other cities, the apparatus was in constant need of repair, and the volun teer companies remained without compensation. Under Blair* s ad ministration the expenses of the department were held down, the
highest for a year being $19,310.08. From 1882, when he was sue-

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319

ceeded by A. Fernandez, there was a constant and considerable in
crease in the expenses of the department. While the tendency of the fire department was toward more and'
better paid help, there was a decided decrease in the police force and a corresponding reduction in the expenses, which had probably been the highest of any city of the size of Savannah in the country. Op ening in 1870 with an aggregate strength of in men and expendi tures of $106,323.83, the decade closed in 1880 with a force of 56 men and a total expense of $46,395.98. In 1871 the force was 114, but Chief Anderson did not consider this sufficient to cover the suburbs and built up sections of the city properly, and he urged an increase In the number of privates from 100 to 125, ten of whom should be mounted. He also urged the establishment of half-pay pensions for those policemen who had served the City faithfully for twenty-five years. His report for this year was the most complete up to this time and entered into details not given prior to or afterwards, set ting forth among other things that there werd "but n houses of illfame in the city, containing 65 women, 50 street walkers, and 150 kept women, a total of 265 prostitutes/') The force of privates was made up of the following nationalities: Irish 57, American 36, German 4, English 2, Hungarian I. The total number of arrests was 2,824. In 1872 the force included 107 men in all. In 1873 it was decreased to 76 men, with expenses of $88,512.92. The detective department was abolished this year. In 1874 the force had a total strength of 87, in 1875 of 74, in 1876 of 61, in 1877 of 55. In the judgment of Mayor Wheaton the force was then reduced to the lowest point compatible with the safety and good government of the city. In addition to their regular duties as police officers the men continued to perform the duties of sanitary inspectors and were called on in every other emergency that arose to assist the officers in other departments. Chief Anderson said that the morale and discipline of the force was most excellent and he was proud to assert that the department mer ited the esteem, confidence and encouragement of the Council and of the citizens. The force remained at 55 in 1878, was 57 in 1879 and 56 in 1880, and in 1881 was back to 57 again, consisting of the chief, two lieutenants, four sergeants and fifty privates. This year occurred the labor troubles in September, lasting five days. On September 19, when they began, Sergeant Habersham H. Harvey was shot by strik ers and killed. The police force was constantly under arms for the entire period and acquitted itself most satisfactorily. The Georgia Hussars were also sworn in as special policemen and rendered valuble assistance. Council on September 28 adopted resolutions recog nizing "with approval and gratification the ^efficient and satisfactory manner in which their duties" had been performed. At the request of Col. William M. Wadley, president of the-Central railroad, Chief

320

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Anderson, acting under an ordinance passed by Council for the pur pose, organized the Central railroad police force with three ser geants and 18 privates. The City force continued at 60 or less for some years later. In October, 1881, another effort was made to con solidate the police and fire departments. The joint committee on po lice and fire reported in favor of combining the two departments under one general command. "It is not practicable to make all po licemen firemen," said they, "but it is an easy matter for those se lected for the latter duty to act as patrolmen, which does not require any mechanical training or skill." An ordinance to this effect was introduced but the discussion that ensued seemed to convince the Board that it would be poor policy to cripple the efficiency of the firedepartment in this manner and the effort to unite the two depart ments failed again. Sergeants of police were elected by Council from 1875 to 1882, when they became appointive by the Mayor on the recommendation of the Chief, subject to the confirmation of Coun cil, to hold office on good behavior and to be removed only with the consent of Council.
On June 29, 1854, the Committee on Market recommended the removal of the old market as being entirely too small and the erec tion of a new and more suitable building. In the following May the committee was instructed to get designs for a new market house to occupy the same site or such other location as might seem desirable, and on August n the finance committee was directed to provide for an issue of $40.000 of bonds for the building. John B. Hogg prepared plans which were adopted. The movement fell through, the finance committee of the succeeding administration- (1856) reporting against building the market that year. The old building, with repairs, con tinued in service for many years later. In 1869 the matter of a new building was again broached. On February 15 plans and estimates for a market with a City hall attached were ordered advertised for. On November 24 the market committee was again directed to adver tise for plans and bids, each proposal to state the proportion of City bonds that would be accepted in payment. The matter was again dropped for a few months, the cost under Hogg's plans being too great. On July 20, 1870, the market committee was again directed to advertise for bids for the erection of a market under plans prepared by Schwaab and Muller, not to cost over $60,000. On, July 28 this amount was increased to $75,000. Sheds were ordered erected tem porarily in Barnard and St. Julian streets. On September 28 the bids were received and contracts awarded as follows: Excavating, J. McCrohan, 73 cents a cubic yard, estimated at $6,570; brick work, J. M. Williams, $43,200; carpenter work, James C. Suiters, $13,700; tin work, John J. Maurice, $4,720; stone work, R. D. Walker & Co., $2,400; iron work, S. W. Gleason, 5 1-2 cents a lb., for cast, and .10

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

3~i

cents a Ib. for wrought iron, $5,000. The expenditures were to be met from a new issue of $500,000 of bonds for local improvements. The total cost of the building was put at $75,590. Its erection began in November, 1870, and it was not until June, 1872, that it was ready for occupancy. The cost vastly exceeded expectations.
The report of the treasurer shows expenditures on account of it as follows: 1870-71, excavating and drayage, $5,769.12; bricklayer's work, $34,045.00; carpenter's work, $13,400.00; tinner's work, $2,083.00; stone work, $3,888.70; iron work, $5,122.76; painting, $133.30; archi tect, $2,100; total, $70,788.93; 1871-72, police during construction, $789.00; plumber's work, gas fitting, etc., $3,036.98; wood work, $5,540.64; stalls, $7,226.25; brick work, $25,411.57; tinner's work, $3,947.71; stone work, $3,661.55; iron work, $19,462.92; painting, $5,74-59; architect, $1,050.00; scales, $88.50; curtains and awnings, $281.00; labor in basement, $918.47; total, $76,486.18; 1872-73. plumb ing work, gas fittings, etc., $1,787.83; carpenter work, $866.71; brick work, $1,915.00; tinner's work, $1,019.57; iron work, etc., $1,661.87; painting, $726.97; closets, $600.00; awnings, $27.77; total, $8,605.72; 1873-74, plumbing, carpentering, and iron work, $1,352.38; painting roof, $300; balance on brick work, $3,000; total, $4,652.38; a grand to tal of $160,533.21, or more than twice the outlay originally intended. In his report for 1872 Mayor Screven said: "Among the most con spicuous of the public works completed during the past year is the new market. This structure has proved a costly,, but still a valuable improvement. Unquestionably in the excellence of its architectural design it has added a prominent feature to the attractions of the city. Roomy, capable of being kept in the highest condition of clean liness, with ample ventilation, and protected by an official police, it is devoid of the repugnant characteristics commonly belonging to public markets, and especially to the old market. It may be resorted to by the most refined without fear of noxious smells or disorderly persons. Many difficulties surrounded and delayed its construction, which are publicly known and which it is now needless to rehearse. The most important of these was the failure of the cellar arches be neath the main floor, which were entirely rebuilt and so added large ly to their ultimate cost. The original estimates of cost were for the building alone. To them should have been added the cost of gas, water, sewerage, furniture, and other contingents." The rebuilding to which Mayor Screven refers was necessitated by indications of weakness in the structure. Eight of the sixteen arches covering the basement rooms were rebuilt, and the entire archwav formTncr *fie north and south passages was removed and iron girders substituted therefor.
Operations were carried on on the river in conformity with the general plan submitted to Congress August' 28, 1873, and the sup-

322

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plemcntary project of March 19, 1879. The leading object was to es
tablish a navigable channel from Tybee roads to the city of Savan nah, practicable at high tide for vessels drawing 22 feet of water. The original plan embraced the construction of a submerged, dam at the cross tides, widening the water way at the city front to 575 feet and deepening, widening and straightening the channel by dredging at various points below the city. The cost of. these works was esti mated at $481,320. It was believed by the author of this project that if the construction of jetties preceded dredging a large portion of the material would doubtless be removed by the increasing scouring ef fect of the ebb current, probably enough to cover the cost of the jetties. The Board of Engineers to whom this project was referred recommended its adoption, and advised the removal of the old King's island jetty and suggested that it might be found necessary to con struct a jetty extending eastward from the lower end of Fig island.
On April 15, 1874, the dredging operations carried on by the
City under contract with the United States government were, by di rection of Gen. Gilmore, discontinued on account of the exhaustion of the funds. Three cuts 1,700 yards in length, ico feet wide, and 13 feet deep at low water, had been made at the upper flats abreast of Elba island. From then until September the dredge was used for private works. In November the work began again under contract by the government with a private company. Mayor Anderson pointed out in his report at the close of December that the city's commerce since the close of the war had paid into the Federal treasury in the shape of customs duties two and a half million dol lars in gold, and the City had received from the government for the improvement of the river the small sum of $150,000. In 1874 and 1875 the work was carried on by the government under the auspices of the American Dredging Company, of Philadelphia. The report of Gen. Gilmore showed that the operations were confined principally to dredging of the shoals northeast of Fort Pulaski, opposite the middle of Elba island, the Garden banks, and the wrecks at the low^r end of Fig island. Work was laid out in 1876 in the shape of jetties and dredging and widening the channel for which an appro priation of $150,000 was asked from Congress. The steamer Petit was sold this year by the City for $4,000 but the dredge was retained and used on private work along the wharves at the expense of private
parties. The dredge and scows remained the property of the City until 1881, when they were sold to Dickerson & Paulsen for $11,000. The construction of a cross tides dam began in 1877 and was delayed by a temporary injunction granted by the Supreme Court of the United States, and on its removal work was begun in March.
Capt. James C. Post, U. S. E., was in charge in 1877 and 1878, "and S. L. Fremont, assistant engineer, in 1879 and 1880. Fremont

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said in his report: "Savannah seems destined in the near future to be the great port and city of the South Atlantic seaboard. As Geor gia is the acknowledged Empire State of the South, why should not her principal seaport be the commercial metropolis of the same? Her facilities for doing a large commercial business are ample, I may say unsurpassed in the South. Her interior connections with the West and Northwest are already secured and are of the most exclusive character. With the full depth of water from the sea to the wharves, that it is now certain will be obtained; in a short time, there seems to be scarcely a limit to her future prosperity and commercial great ness."
In 1879 an enlarged project of improvements was submitted by Gen. Gilmore, retaining the features of the project of 1873, but re commending the definite adoption of the North instead of the South channel, which involved the construction of a submerged dam across the South channel and the closing of the lateral channels from the head of Elba island to Fort Pulaski. It also provided for shore pro tection at various points along the river where needed, as well as for dredging, to a minimum depth of 14 1-2 or 15 feet, and a width of 125 feet, at mean low water between the city and Tybee roads, a feature which was essentially embraced in the previous project. The event ual necessity of a jetty extending down stream from Fig island and the contraction of the channel from Elba to Cockspur island was recognized but no estimates were given for this work.
The River and Harbor Act approved March 3, 1881, provided that an examination or survey, or both, with estimates of cost of improve ments should be made in the Savannah river and harbor to increase the depth of the water in said river and harbor from the bar up to the city to 22 feet, and to make an estimate of the cost of widening the channel of the Savannah river, opposite the city to 600 feet ot uniform depth with the balance of the channel. The work was as signed to the Engineer Corps under Gen. Q. A. Gilmore and the op erations were carried on under his direction by Capt. B. D. Greene, corps of engineers, and Mr. S. L. Fremont, assistant engineer. Gen. Gilmore's report to Secretary of War Lincoln is published in full in the Mayor's report for 1881. Both Captain Greene and Mr. Fremont substantially agreed in regard to the means thought to be necessary for the improvement of the river and harbor. Both considered it necessary to raise the dam at the cross tides much higher than it was, to contract the water way of the North channel below Spirit island, and to protect St. Michael's channel below Tybee knoll by a training wall. They differed in regard to the treatment of the reach of the river from below Fig island jetty, then re6ently in course of con struction to the head of Elba island. Captain Greene proposed to guide the navigable channel on its north side by a series of spurs,

I

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while Mr. Fremont would throw a low dam across the lower entrance of Back river. The plan adopted retained all of the principal feat ures of the two preceding projects but provided in addition for a number of works designed to render the further improvement of the channel permanent. The details for the project were: To raise the cross tides dam to mean high water; to regulate the width of the river along the city front by enlarging the water way at certain points, and by contracting it by wing dams at Garden bank, where the widths were excessive; to construct a training wall extending from the lower end of Fig island eastward about one mile, its crest to be about three feet above mean low water; to close the channel between Barnwell island, to raise the south channel dam and to con tract the river by wing dams at various points between the head of Elba island and Fort Pulaski. Shore protection was also provided for at various points along the river, as well as dredging upon all the shoals between the city and the sea. The aggregate cost of the various works under the plan, including land damage, in addition to the then existing appropriation, was pul by Gen. Gilmore at $730,ooo. The aggregate claims for damages on Hutchinsons island were put at $75,000.
Gen. Gilmore held that the economical construction of the work required the continuation of the system recently inaugurated of the governments doing the work Itself whenever practicable with the plant already provided. Operations could then be carried on contin uously and special modes of construction could be introduced from time to time whenever it might be thought desirable. The plant .re ferred to had been procured this year (1881) owing to the utter fail ure of the private contractor to accomplish anything and the revo cation of the contract with him. Gen. Gilmore stated that there had been appropriated by the general government since the project of 1873 the sum of $482,000 and there had been expended to December 31. 1881, including outstanding liabilities, $353,355. On March 15, 1882. resolutions were adopted expressing Councils appreciation of the "services and efforts of the engineers and contractors in charge of the work, and on the behalf of the people of Savannah extending thanks to Gen. Q. A. Gilmore for the interest and energy he has shown and for the very able and comprehensive report recently pub lished and for the valuable suggestions and recommendations con tained therein." Thanks were also extended on May 24 to the "Rep resentatives from Georgia, the Senators and Representatives from other Sates, and all other persons who so kindly rendered their as sistance in urging from Congress an appropriation for the harbor
of Savannah." Congress made an appropriation of $200,000 for the new work in
August, 1882. In a report to the Senate on the Savannah river work

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Capt. Post, in charge, stated that a thorough and permanent im provement of the river and harbor with an adequate depth in the nav igable channel could not be effected and maintained unless all the works contemplated in the project were built, and that it was of the greatest importance to have liberal appropriations for continuing the work energetically. The appropriation of $200,000 was expended within a year, L,ieut. Thomas N. Bailey, in charge of the work, re porting that the jetty work stopped in September, 1883, and the dredging in December, a small balance of the appropriation beingreserved for a survey of the lower portion of the river. Nothing further was done except this survey until October, 1884, when anoth er appropriation of $200,000 having been secured from Congress work was resumed. The enforced delay through lack of appro priation not only retarded the work but increased its ultimate cost, shoaling having taken place which could otherwise have been easily controlled by a less expenditure than that required for its removal. Capt. Bailey remained in charge. The severe storm of August, -1885. did great damage to the work under way. Much of the work al ready done and for which payment had been made out of the ap propriation was destroyed or made useless and it was necessary to do it over again. The available funds at this time were nearly ex hausted and it was impracticable to thoroughly repair and strengthen the damaged unfinished work. Gen. Gilmore in his report for 1885 stated that on the whole the results obtained by the work executed to that time were quite satisfactory. Vessels drawing 20 1-2 feet of water had of late repeatedly passed over the several improved reaches between the city and the bar. Operations under these projects were carried on with some delays and at the close of August, 1887, Lieut. O. M. Carter reported that the scheme of improvement was nearly completed. At that time, he said, with favorable weather vessels drawing from 20 to 21 feet of water were able to go from the city to the sea on a single tide.
Although Savannah had been a town full of military spirit al most from its foundation, no permanent provision was made for a military parade or drill ground until one hundred and ten years after themselves of them. At no time probably in its history, except in the fact that extensive commons bounded the city, convenient of access and free to the use of such military companies as saw fit to avail themselves of them. At no time orobably in its history, except in the brief period after the Civil War when the Union army was in control, has the city been without one or more military organizations, and during many years a United States force was stationed here during the winter months, and later on throughout the year.
The removal of the United States troops to the Oglethorpe bar racks in 1834 ^ft the old cantonment grounds idle in the govern ment's hands.

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They continued so until 1852, when they were secured by the City as a parade ground for the local military companies, which were then without a suitable place for military maneuverings.
On July 7, 1821, a regimental court of inquiry sent a memorial to the Mayor and Aldermen, stating the inconvenience arising to the regiment on general parades on account of there being no parade ground, and praying Council to grant for a term of years, or for some specified time, a portion of the south commons for that pur pose. Mayor Thomas U. P. Charlton and Aldermen J. P. Henry, M. Brown, L. S. De Lyon and Mordecai Sheftall were the committee to which the petition was referred. No report from the committee ap pears in the proceedings of Council. Nothing further appeared in the minutes of Council on this subject until February 9, 1843, when a committee reported favorably on a petition from the officers of the First Regiment, praying the appropriation of a portion of the City's domain for the purpose of a parade ground. They only asked for the use of the ground, the title to remain in the City and to be surren dered whenever the City might need the lots.
Council's committee recommended the grant of a strip of land running "along the eastern side of Abercorn street, 651 feet from
the lane south of Liberty street, thence eastward 845 feet, so as to form the northern boundary of the negro cemetery, thence north wardly 651 feet, until the intersection of the said lane," which formed the northern boundary of the tract. In 1844 $200 was appropriated to assist the military in enclosing this area, which in the resolution
was termed "the Military Square." The next reference to a parade ground reserved for the military
is found in November, 1851, when the officers of all the volunteer companies petitioned for twenty acres of the Springfield plantation, then recently purchased by the City, for "a general parade ground." In the intervening years the military had used the "Military Square" on Abercorn street. The built-up portion of the city had been ex panding, lots in this tract had been sold and buildings erected there on, greatly encroaching on the area available, and the necessity for a new parade ground was evident to all. In May, 1852, Mayor Arnold and Alderman James P. Screven, as a committee from the city gov ernment, called on the officials in Washington to buy for the City the site of the old Oglethorpe barracks on the outskirts of the chy. Congress was memorialized, setting forth the liberal action of Sa vannah in the sale of the new site for the United States barracks, on Liberty, between Bull and Drayton streets, and stating that owing to the rapid growth of the city the commons formerly used as a military parade ground was now nearly built up and that it was desired "to
secure a place for the military training of the volunteer corps." By the exertions of the Georgia Senators and Representatives, Con gress, in January, 1853, ceded the old barracks site to the City.

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On March 10, 1853, Lieut. A. C. Davenport of the -Savannah Vol unteer Guards, chairman of a committee representing all the military companies of the city, petitioned Council to "grant twenty acres of the land recently granted to the City and known as the old canton ment, as a public parade ground." The matter was referred to a committee composed of Aldermen R. D. Arnold, James P. Screven and C. A. L,. Lamar, with instructions to have the ground surveyed if necessary, and report what disposition should be made of it. On July 28, 1853, this committee reported that the old cantonment con tained twenty-eight acres and 17.8 perches, and recommended set ting aside, as a public parade ground, the northern tract, having as its northern boundary, the southern line of Gwinnett street, from Whitaker to Montgomery; as its eastern boundary, Whitaker street, from Gwinnett to New Houston; as its western boundary the eastern line of Montgomery street, from Gwinnett to New Houston, the southern line to be determined by Council. This includes an area of about eight acres. The remainder of the old cantonment tract, east of Whitaker street, and directly south of Forsyth Park, was to be reserved by the City and later to be divided into building lots and sold. An ordinance was accordingly introduced and passed August
II, 1853, allowing the use of the section west of Whitaker street, by the military, conditioned on its being cleared and a fence being put around it within five years. On November 19, 1853, an ordinance was passed striking out this condition. The ordinance of August ii provided "that the control, custody and management of said pa rade ground, shall be vested in the captains for the time being, of the several volunteer companies of the city of Savannah, who snail have exclusive charge thereof, subject nevertheless, to the police reg ulations of Savannah," and that in case they should use or attempt to use, the parade ground for other purposes than that for which it was dedicated, it should revert to the City and again fall into the common public domain.
The parade ground was apparently not definitely outlined until 1859, freeholders being appointed on June 9 of that year for this pur pose, and on June 13 Council appropriated $2,000 to assist the mili tary to put up a neat fence around the parade ground, the boundar ies having been fixed as Gwinnett to New Houston and Whitaker to Montgomery.
Before the work of enclosing it had begun, however, the mili tary, as well as many citizens, decided that a change of site would be advantageous to both the military and the general public. Accord ingly, on August 4, 1859, Col. A. R. Lawton and Capt. John W* Anderson, representing the military, appeared before Council with a petition, requesting that the parade ground already granted be ex changed for the land immediately south of Forsylh Park, and extend-

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ing to New Houston street, "so that there should be one large park, instead of two open places so near each other. The petition was re ferred to a committee composed of Aldermen Thomas Holconnbe, John M. Guerard and Martin J. Ford. This committee, on Septem ber i, reported in favor of granting the petition, provided Hall street extend through it and not be enclosed. The report was adopted, but the military refused to accept it with this condition attached, and finally, on November 10, 1859, the request as presented originally by the military was granted, and the Committee on City Lots was di rected to make the transfer. To accomplish this the City had to buy five lots situated in the proposed new parade ground, which had been sold by it. The contract for the fence to enclose the ground was for $3,000, and an additional appropriation of $1,000 was made by Coun cil. Iron posts were to be used imd the fence was to be a neat and substantial one. In the spring of 1860, a strip of land 75 feet wide was added to the southern border of the parade ground to bring the boundary there on a line with New Houston street, and the old pa rade ground, between Whitaker and Montgomery streets, was or dered laid off into lots to be sold.
An abstract of disbursements on account of the new parade ground was presented to Council by its committee on October 12, 1860. The expenditures were given as follows: For land for enlarging area of parade ground- ............$ 6,628 oo Leveling ground ......................................... 2.751 62 Grading, fence, railings, etc............................... 3,036 40 Shells and drayage ....................................... 1,036 75
Total .................................................. .$13,452 77 Approximate value of land belonging to City and given to
military in exchange for old parade ground 28 lots south of Forsyth Park, between Hall and Gwinnett and Drayton to Whitaker ....................................... .$28,000 oo Land equivalent to 24 lots, south of Gwinnett street, ex tending to New Houston street, on east line of Whita ker xstreet, .............................................. 24,000 oo
Total cost of new parade ground and expenses......... .$65,452 77 Approximate value of the old parade ground, 78 lots west of
Whitaker street and south of Gwinnett, being the old parade ground, of which 14 lots are now under negotiation for lands purchased and embraced in the new parade ground, leaving 64 lots, now the property of the City, of the value of $96,000.
Approximate gain to the City $30,547.23. On June 5, 1861, an ordinance was passed dedicating for military purposes the area of ground known as the new military parade

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ground. Nearly six years later, on February 6, 1867, the dedicatory ordinance of 1861, was repealed by Council and the parade ground was added to Forsyth Park and set aside as a part of the public park, the statement being made in Council that it was no longer needed as a parade ground. It remained such and beyond the control of the military, which, as a result of the Civil War, had ceased to exist in any organized form, for some years.
In his annual report of September 30, 1866, Mayor Anderson said: "The parade ground was enclosed with a neat, substantial rail, and until the evacuation of the city by the Confederate forces was kept in order in accordance with the terms stipulated. It is now an open waste, cut up and defaced by the troops who have at various times been encamped upon it. In the changed condition of our for tunes it is not probable that for many years to come the volunteer organizations in whom it was originally vested will be enabled again to enclose and improve it, and I would recommend that an arrangement be made with all parties in interest under which the parade ground may be merged in Forsyth Place, and by being beautified and im proved, afford a public park to our citizens of thirty acres instead of ten as at present enclosed." In 1869 the extension was enclosed with heavy posts and rails "to remain only until the finances of the City will warrant the continuation of the iron fence enclosing the^ present park/'
In his annual report for 1870 Mayor John Screven suggested that if the park were extended to include the paiade ground it would then he sufficiently enlarged to admit of a drive "which would add much to the accommodation and pleasure of the citizens." In the follow ing year the city surveyor reported that the "work of laying out the new park was begun early in the spring. Walks in the northern half have been staked, and the lines defined by removing the grass and spading, preparatory to shelling. The outer walk next to the railing around the entire area has been shelled and a number of trees plant ed. The remaining portion was ploughed and leveled in the spring and sown down with grass and clover. The outer walk on the west side of Drayton street has been curbed and shelled," indicating an in tention on the part of the City to carry out the ordinance merging the parade ground into Forsyth Park by converting it into a pleasure ground for citizens. That the property was regarded as entirely sub ject to the control of Council at this time is further shown by the suggestion of Mayor. Anderson on December 31, 1873, that to assist the City to meet its obligations the "southern half of the extended park be portioned off into City lots, under a just arrangement with the owners of property bordering thereon, .from the northern line of Bolton street to New Houston street, 40 lots, the proceeds arising to be specially appropriated and set apart as a sinking fund to meet

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maturing bonds." "It is very certain that in the course of a very few years, as the surrounding space becomes built up, the residents on the east and west sides of the space now enclosed as the extended park will demand the opening of a street through the same."
On June 5, 1872, the following communication was presented to Council:
"The undersigned commanding officers of a number of the mili tary organizations of this city, beg leave to represent that by an or dinance passed in Council the nth day of August, 1853, nineteen acres of the site of the old Oglethorpe barracks, which had shortly before that time been conveyed to the City by the Secretary of War, under a resolution of Congress, were 'set apart as a parade ground for the Volunteer Companies of the city of Savannah' and 'dedicated* for that purpose under the conditions and limitations set forth in that ordinance. The second section of the ordinance was as follows: 'The control, custody and management of the said parade ground shall be vested in the Captains for the time being of the several Vol unteer Companies of the city of Savannah, who shall have exclusive charge thereof, subject, nevertheless, to the police regulations of Savannah/ The third section prescribed the conditions referred to in the second section and they were simply that volunteer companies , should have the ground cleared, and that if they should use, or at tempt to use the ground for other purpose than that for which it was dedicated, it would revert to the City.
"The land above referred to lay south of the jail, but on Novem ber 10, 1859, a petition was presented to Council by a committee of the volunteer corps of the city, requesting Council to exchange for that land the land south of and immediately adjoining Forsyth Place. This petition was granted, and it cannot be doubted that the land thus described and now known as the 'Park Extension* became there by subject to the uses specifie'd in the ordinance of 1853. It was improved largely, if not wholly, at the expense of the volunteer corps. It was used as a parade ground and for no other purpose, and was exclusively controlled and managed by the commanding officers of the volunteer corps until the arar. Notwithstanding these public proceedings of Council and the use of the ground for the purpose specified and the universal recognition of the dedication, an ordi nance was passed in Council February 6, 1867, adding the parade ground to Forsyth Place, and declaring that the 'said Forsyth Place, so extended, was thereby forever set apart as a public place to be called and known as Forsyth Place/ etc. Upon the publication of this ordinance for information after its first reading, a communication was addressed to the then Mayor by several of the undersigned, re questing his attention to the facts hereinbefore stated. The then condition of the State in its Federal relations, and the apprehension

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
that the land might be lost, both to the City and the volunteer corps, induced the signers of that communication to refrain from a public protest against the ordinance, and to confine themselves to a request that their communication might be filed in order that they might have the benefit of it at the proper time. At that time the volunteer corps were not in a situation to assert their rights. But the recent repeal of the Act of Congress which prevented them from exercising their ordinary functions has been followed by a general re-organiza tion under the sanction of the Governor, who will supply them with arms as soon as they can be procured. Having thus a near prospect of again making use of the parade ground for the purpose for which it was dedicated, and desiring to resume that excHisive control of it which was conferred upon their predecessors by the original dedicat ing ordinance, the undersigned beg leave to submit to your consider ation the propriety of a repeal of the ordinance of 1867, and of a dis continuance of the planting of trees and the placing of other ob structions upon the ground which may tend to defeat the use fcr which it was designed. Signed, Win. S. Basinger, Major Command ing Savannah Volunteer Guards; George W. Stiles, Captain Co. A. S. V. G.; T. F. Screven, Capt. Co. B., S. V. G.; John R. Dilloh, Capt. Co. C., S. V. G.; John Flannery, Capt. Commanding Irish Jasper Greens; S. Yates Levy, Capt. Johnston Light Infantry; John F. Wheaton, Capt. Chatham Artillery; Geo. W. Lamar, Jr., Capt. Phoenix Riflemen; A. F. Butler, Capt. Oglethorpe Light Infantry; John W. Anderson, Capt. Savannah Cadets."
On motion the communication was referred to the committee on parks and squares. No record appears of any report ever having been made.
Council took no action to meet the request of the military. Two years later, when it was desired to erect the monument to the Con federate soldiers, the Association petitioned Council and secured permission from it, recognizing the City's claim to jurisdiction over the parade ground. No action has apparently ever been taken by the City to restore the old absolute control claimed by the military. Un der the original ordinance of August n, 1853, the captains of the military companies then existing still exercise what might be termed a concurrent control with the City Council over the Park Extension, the ordinance of 1867 evidently not being regarded as having deprived them of this jurisdiction over the ground. On August 19, 1891, Coun cil having under consideration the paving of Hall street through the Park Extension, City Attorney Adams held that the consent of the military would have to be obtained.
The idea of setting apart for public use the place in Forsyth ward generally known as Forsyth Park was first conceived by Wil liam Hodgson. For the purpose of giving to his conception a prac-

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tical form he caused to be enclosed at his private expense a portionof these pleasure grounds which were then lying in the forest. Pub lic appreciation of what he had done found its natural' expression in the association of his name with the place. It was known for many years as Hodgson Park. But when, in extending the plan of the city, the name of Forsyth was given to the ward the same name was also given by the City to the pleasure grounds which it embraced, thus displacing the name of Mr. Hodgson. The committee on public sales and city lots which had been instructed to report a plan of a public place on the line of Bull street continued, submitted on April 10, 1851, a map of a place or park to be called Forsyth Place. The plan, which had been prepared by J. B. Hogg, was adopted and an ordinance passed for carrying it out. On August 28, (1851) a con tract was directed made with J. A. Wilkersham, of New York, to en close the park with iron railings, the cost not to exceed $10,000. In !853 postern gates, on either side of the main gate, were erected on the northern side of the park by' two gentlemen at their own expense. Other small squares had also been enclosed with iron railings prior to this and their care and adornment were given n'.ore attention than ever before. In 1857 and 1858 many of the pines in Forsyth Park were cut away to make room for walks through the centre and around the sides and so "that different and more ornamental trees might be placed in their stead."
On March 4, 1858, Mayor Wayne and Aldermen Knapp and Gor don were appointed to purchase a suitable fountain to be erected in the centre of the park. The "beautiful cast iron fountain, the design and taste of which make it a novel and finished structure." was said to be the largest of its kind at that time in the United States. In 1861 a contract was made for $2,000 a year for keeping and beautify ing the parks, squares and grass plats. During and immediately after the war the state of the City's finances did not permit of any further large expenditures. Immediately after the close of the war much trouble was experienced through the horde of negroes infesting the park. The police were instructed by Council not to allow negroes within the enclosure. The military authorities then served notice that they had given instructions to the military not to allow any negro to be arrested or prevented from entering or attempting to enter the park unless whites were arrested and punished for the same act. Council accordingly in July, 1866, temporarily closed the park entirely to prevent it from becoming the resort of disorderly negroes.
In January, 1872, a statue of Mercury was presented to the city by William A. Thomas. On April 22, 1874, the Ladies' Memorial Association was granted permission by Council to erect a Confeder ate Monument in the Forsyth Park extended. On May 24, 1875, the monument was dedicated, the prayer being by Rev. A. M. Winn and

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333

the oration by Hon. Julian Hartridge, the Mayor and Aldermen par ticipating in the exercises. In 1897 the Ladies' Memorial Association requested the City to become the custodian of this monument, on condition that the railing around it should never be removed. Council accepted the trust on May 10, 1897.
On February 24, 1875, a petition was presented to Council by the Georgia Historical Society asking that the name of the park be changed from Forsyth to Hodgson. The committee to whom it was referred reported adversely and stated that the mass of citizens were opposed to the proposed change.
In the early 7o's two sphinxes were bought and placed at the Bull street entrance. In 1899 they were removed by the Park and Tree Commission but were replaced under directions from Council, citizens protesting against the change. In 1896 the iron fence was removed and a broader walk of gravel placed around the park. This fence and that around Court House square and the Gordon monument were sold to John Rourke & Son for $527. In 1896 Mayor Herman Myers presented a drinking fountain which was placed on the southern bor der of the park.
Under an ordinance passed May 21, 1884, laying^ out streets, etc., south of Anderson street, provision was made for a park to include the area between Bull and Abercorn, Fifth and Wells streets. The place so laid off was named Thomas Park, after Alderman D. R. Thomas. Under ordinance passed February 9, 1887, the area between Eighth and Ninth and Montgomery and West Broad streets was set aside for a park, to be known as Wells Park, after Alderman David Wells.
On January 4, 1893, the county commissioners offered the City 275 acres of land on the Ashton and Queensbury plantation for a public park. On March i Council accepted the offer, and Aldermen Wells, McMillan and O'Brien were appointed to have proper titles executed. Under the agreement with the county the City was to ex pend $500 a year in improving the park for a series of six years, and $1,000 a year for the next five years. The title to the land would then be vested in it. On May 10 an ordinance was passed dedicating the land for public park purposes and it was named Estill Park, after Col. J. H. Estill, of the Savannah Morning News. The commission ers, Messrs. J. H. Estill, John R. Dillon and Charles H. Dorsett, were appointed to supervise the expenditure of the appropriations for a term of two years.
On the appointment of the park and tree commissioners in January, 1896, Estill Park was put under their charge. On Febru ary 12 of that year the committee of the whole recommended that the monies in hand for the park, with the amounts appropriated for 1895 and 1896 and all future monies appropriated be held by these

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commissioners and used in accordance with the terms of the contract. It became apparent, though, that such small expenditures were of lit tle purpose, and on January 3, 1899, Aldeiman Krouskoff introduced a resolution that the money should be held until $5,000 had accumu lated. The appropriation for 1899 accordingly was withheld. On De cember 27, 1899. Mayor Myers was directed to advise the county commissioners that the use of $1,000 a year on Estill Park accom plished little or nothing and to request a change in the contract so as to permit the accumulation in the city treasury of the annual sums appropriated until $5,000 had been accumulated at the end of the second term of five years, including 1903, the aggregate amount to be then used. The county commisioners and a special commit tee of Council, consisting of Mayor Myers and Aldermen Williams, Mills and Bacon, had conferences with regard to the matter without favorable results, the commissioners adopting resolutions in Janu ary, 1900, that as the City had not fully met and complied with the conditions under which the grant was given the tract had reverted to the county. They then took possession of the park area and con verted it into farming land.
In 1852 $100 was subscribed by Council to the Washington Na tional Monument Fund and it was recommended that a similar ap propriation be made on every succeeding Washington's birthday. An ordinance for an annual appropriation of this amount was according ly passed. It was paid for several years. On July 21, 1859. a petition from the Washington National Monument Association was received asking for assistance to complete the obelisk, which was then 174 feet above the ground and work on which had been resumed under
a charter granted by Congress February, 1859. On April 7, 1853, the commisioners of the Greene and Pulaski
monument secured permission to erect a monument to Pulaski in the middle of Monterey square, Robert E. Sanmitz, builder. The cor ner stone was laid October n, 1853, the Mayor and Aldermen at
tending. On November 10, 1859, a resolution was adopted by Council
calling upon the Senator and Representatives to secure an appropria tion from the Legislature for a monument to Oglethorpe to be erect ed in this city. The approach of the war doubtless prevented favora
ble action. Although it had been standing since 1829 the Greene monument
had no tablets on it or any inscription whatever. On May 10, 1871, Alderman Ferrill introduced a resolution which was adopted to se cure an estimate of the cost of suitably inscribed plates. There the matter stopped until on August 20, 1879, when a committee of three was appointed to take into consideration the unfinished condition of
the monument and devise some method for its completion, the Geor-

HISTORY OF THE CITY Gf OVERNMENT.

335

gia Historical Society being" asked to co-operate. Nothing further was done for nearly four years.
In March, 1883, Gen. Henry Jackson, president of the Georgia Historical Society, wrote to Council requesting the appointment of a committee to act with a committee from the Historical Society rel ative to the completion of the monument. Mayor L/ester and Alder men Wilder, Thomas, Hanley and Mell were appointed. On July i, 1885, Aldermen Duncan and Hamlet were appointed to fill vacancies on this committ'ee. On September 23 a communication was received from the joint committee transmitting a resolution from the Georgia Historical Society requesting an appropriation of $500 by Council, the other $500 necessary for the memorial tablets to be raised by private contributions. October 7 an appropriation of $500 was made. In the next July the tablets were unveiled with appropriate ceremonies, the Chatham Artillery firing the salute. Part of the $500 appropriated by the City was returned by Treasurer D. R. Thomas of the Monument Tablet Committee.
In the fall of 1900 Mr. S. P. Shotter offered to subscribe $i,oco to a monument to Gen. Oglethorpe. His card to the newspapers plac ing this amount at the disposal of the Colonial Dames for such a purpose at once aroused general interest. Walter G. Charlton, Esq., President of the Sons of the Revolution, called a meeting of that society, which several years before had appointed a committee having in view the beginning of a movement for the erection of a memorial to the founder of Georgia. Mr. Charlton outlined his views to the society and was requested to put them in writing. This was done and at a subsequent meeting they were presented and endorsed. His plan contemplated the appointment of a committee of six each from the Colonial Dames, Sons of the Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Society of the Colonial Wars, the twentyfour so appointed to be formed into a corporation having for its pur pose the erection of a suitable memorial to Oglethorpe. Each of the associations mentioned acted favorably on the proposition. A charter will be secured, with this joint committee as incorporators. for "The Oglethorpe Monument Association of Georgia," and the securing of the necessary funds will then be vigorously prosecuted. It is proposed to raise $50,000, if possible, and make the memorial one of the finest monuments in the South. A short time after the movement began the Sons of the Revolution donated $500, the Ogle thorpe Club $500, a prominent member of the Sons of the Revolution $500, and the residue of the Jasper monument fund was placed at the disposal of the new organization. In addition there have been sev eral contributions from private parties and other sums have been raised by entertainments. In all the funds now available, without any special efforts having been made, approach $4,000. In addition to

336

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

the twenty-four incorporators the charter of the association will pro vide for honorary members, of whom there^ will be a large number, and the promoters of the movement are confident that liberal contri butions will be received from various sources.
On November 10, (1900) a resolution was adopted by Council stating that "it is befitting that the State whose foundations were laid by the great soldier, statesman and philanthropist should assist in the erection of a suitable memorial in the city where his plans were con summated, and where he was a resident for several' years, such a memorial to partake of the nature of a tribute from the people of the entire State rather than those of Savannah alone." The Senator and Representatives were accordingly requested to endeavor to secure an appropriation from the State of $5,000 for this purpose, the City pledging itself to appropriate money and otheiwise assist in securing success of the project. Nothing resulted. The City may later assist the movement.
A petition was presented to Council on July 19, 1871, requesting Council to accept a fountain to be placed in Chippewa square. The donors were J. J. Waring, William Hunter, G. M. Sorrel, George W. Wylly, Ignatius Persico, Levi DeWitt, Henry Brigham, Charles F. Mills. Junius Knox, Thomas Arkwright, Committee of First Baptist Church, Committee of Independent Presbyterian Church, A. Fernandez, J. E. Gaudry, John L. Hardee. Council accepted it with thanks of the City to the donors.
On August 6, 1879, a petition was received from the Jasper Mon ument Association asking permission from Council to erect a monu ment to the memory of Sergeant Jasper in Chippewa or Madison square. Permission was granted to place it in Madison square and on October 19 the Mayor and Aldermen attended the laying of the cor ner stone. On February 22, i833, the Mayor and Aldermen were present at the unveiling of the monument. Gen. John B. Gordon de livered the oration and President and Mrs. Cleveland were among the guests of honor.
On June 9, 1880, Council accepted with thanks a drinking foun tain for animals presented to the City by John P. King of the Geor gia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
- On July 22, 1880, Council attended the unveiling of a monument to John J. Kelly, erected in Laurel Grove cemetery by the Hibernian Society.
On December 21, 1881, permission was given to the Central Railroad and Banking Company "to erect in the centre of Wright square a memorial monument to the late William W. Gordon, first president of that company.*'
On January 30, 1884, the City accepted the monument from the Central Railroad and Banking Company. Aldermen Minis, Thomas

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

337

and O'Connor, a special committee appointed for the purpose, pre sented resolutions, which were adopted, stating that "The Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah, in Council assembled, appreciating the en ergy, labor, judgment and character of the late W. W. Gordon, the first president of the Central Railroad and Banking Company, and believing that such a monument is calculated to inspire posterity with a desire to emulate his example, hereby tender our thanks to the Central Railroad and Banking Company and express our apprecia tion of their well-timed action in so conspicuously placing a lasting and appropriate memorial to a citizen who labored long and faithfully in their service and finally gave up his life to his work.*"
On the death of Alderman Henry C. Freeman in October, 1865, resolutions were adopted by Council stating that "the City had lost > a most efficient and excellent alderman and the members of Council a colleague distinguished alike for the admirable discharge of his
duties and for his urbanity as a gentleman." On October 12, 1870, the death of Gen. Robert E. ,Lee was an
nounced to the Board of Aldermen. Appropriate resolutions were
adopted, the bells of the city were ordered tolled during the entire day of interment, citizens were requested to close their places of business, the Council chamber was draped in black for thirty days, emblems of mourning were ordered placed on the staves in the po'lice court, and Mayor Screven was requested to call a public meeting of citizens to do honor to the memory of the great soldier. At a subsequent mass meeting of citizens in Johnson square a committee with Robert N. Gourdin as chairman was appointed, which selected Gen. A. R. Lawton to deliver a eulogy on January 19, 1871, after a military and civic parade in celebration of Lee's birthday* Mayor Screven was also requested-to correspond with the chief executives of the other cities of the South, inviting "their co-operation in an effort to establish the birthday of Gen. Lee as a memorial day to be kept and revered thereafter by us and our children, on which day, year by year, we may have held up before us the spotless character of the Christian hero." At this mass meeting of citizens Council was also requested to secure a suitable portrait of Gen. Lee for the Coun cil Chamber. On July 19, 1871, Alderman M. J. Solomons, as chair man of the Councilmanic committee appointed for the purpose, re ported that John A. Elder, of Richmond, had been engaged to paint a full length portrait of Gen. Lee. The picture, which hangs at the western end of the Council room, represents Gen. Lee on the heights near Fredericksburg. It was received from the artist in December, 1871, and is given high rank among the portraits of Gen. Lee. The to tal cost to the city was $1,212. The following year (1872) January 19 was set apart by proclamation of the Mayor as a public holiday at
the request of a mass meeting of citizens.

338

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT

On the death of Commodore Tattnall, June 15, 1871, Council

adopted resolutions voting a public funeral to be conducted under the

direction of five aldermen and fifty citizens. Aldermen Ferrill, An

derson, Footman, Ronan and Haywood represented the City. All

the public offices and places of business were closed on the day of the

funeral.

On December 19, 1872, resolutions were adopted on the death of

ex-Mayors Thomas Purse and Thomas M. Turner, expressing admi

ration of their public services and their private virtues. On April 23,

1873, resolutions were adopted on the death of the Corporation At

torney, E. J. Harden.

The funeral of ex-Alderman Solomon in August, 18/5, was at

tended by the Mayor and Aldermen in a body.

Dr. R. D. Arnold, ex-Mayor and at the time of his death a mem

ber of Council, died July 10, 1876, aged 68 years. A special meeting of

Council was held and the body removed to the Exchange under the

escort of the Masons, a detachment of the Republican Blues, and of

the Aldermen, and placed in the long room where it remained in state

until removed to Christ Church the next afternoon. Council adopted

a report of a committee on his death, in which it said: "Words of

eulogy are needless to impress upon the public the realization of this

great calamity, and would be futile to raise to a greater elevation in

!

the public heart the appreciation of the great and good man who lias

:,

departed. A universal sadness testifies to the esteem and affection

:

in which he was held. A universal sense of great and irreparable

'

public loss proclaims his worth. His memory will live in the hearts



of the poor he has befriended and in the tender recollections of the

Ij

sick he has visited. His example will long be felt in the conduct of

i|

the civic administration of our city. His public works will survive in

5|

our municipal progress. His best monr.ment will be buill in the

ij

hearts and affection of his associates and his people."

j|.

Mayor Anderson. Aldermen Ballantyne, Douglass, Meyer, Villa-

\j

longa. Watkins and Cunningham and the Chief of Police had charge

1|

of the funeral arrangements. Council requested the citizens to close

<|

their places of business at 4 o'clock on the day of the funeral and the

'i

churches to toll their bells and the vessels in the harbor to display

II

their flags at half mast. The fire department was instructed to unite

II

in the funeral cortege until the city limits were reached. Aldermen

Cunningham and Villalonga represented the City as pall bearers. At

the next meeting of Council Aldermen Cunningham, Villalonga and

McMahon and the Mayor were appointed to draft resolutions which

were adopted on June 26.

On January 12, 1877, resolutions were adopted expressing high

appreciation of the integrity and fidelity with which Mayor Edward

C. Anderson then retiring from office, had discharged the very oner-

340

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Duncah, John Derst, Samuel P. Hamilton, J. R. Hamlet, died May 26, 1886; Herman Myers, George J. Mills, William B. Mell, George N. Nichols, P. J. O'Connor, Daniel R. Thomas, David Wells; John R. Sheldon, elected June 3, 1886.
Ninetieth Administration, January 24, 1887, to January 21, 1886; Mayor, Rufus E. Lester; Aldermen, R. D. Bogart, died December 19, 1887; William Duncan, resigned May 30, 1888, re-elected by Coun cil August 16, 1888; George S. Haines, Herman Myers. John J. Mc Donough, George J. Mills, W. B. Mell, George N. Nichols, William F. Reid, John Schwarz, Daniel R. Thomas, David Wells, C. S. Ellis, elected January 25, 1888.
Ninety-first Administration, January 21, 1889, to January 26, 1891: Mayor, John Schwarz; Aldermen, William P. Bailey, William G. Cann, Louis A. Falligant, Richard F. Harmon, Raymond B. Harris, John J. McDonough, George J. Mills, Herman Myers, George N. Nichols, William F. Reid, Elton A. Smith, resigned February 20,
>: David Wells, resigned November 25, 1889; George S. Haines, elected March 20, 1889; J. A. G. Carson, elected January 28, 1890.
Ninety-second Administration, January 26, 1891, to January 23, 1893: Mayor, John J. McDonough; Aldermen, William P. Bailey, re signed November 23, 1892; William G. Cann, J. A. G. Carson, George S. Haines, Richard F. Harmon, Raymond B. Harris, Peter W. Meldrim, resigned August 20, 1891; George J. Mills, Herman Myers, James McGuire, William I. O'Brien, William F. Reid; Walter G. Charlton, elected October 28, 1891; Merritt W. Dixon, elected Dec ember 7, 1892.
Ninety-third Administration, January 23, 1803, to January 28, 1895: Mayor, John J. McDonough: Aldermen, William M. Bohan, William G. Cann, resigned January 17. 1894; Merritt W. Dixon, re signed April n, 1894; William Duncan, resigned February 15, 1893; George S. Haines, resigned May 9, 1894; Raymond B. Harris, Thom as H. McMillan, George J. Mills, Herman Myers. William I. O'Brien, Thomas Screven, David Wells, Thomas A. Folliard, elected March I, 1893; Walter G. Charlton, elected January 31, 1894; Charles D. Baldwin, elected April 25. 1894; George S. Remshart, elected June
12, 1894. Ninety-fourth Administration, January 28. 1895, to February I,
1897: Mayor, Herman Myers; Aldermen, Hal H. Bacon, J. J. Carolan, resigned August 3, 1896; Dr. Louis A. Falligant, William Garrard, Edward C. Gleason, George A. Hudson, Henry Kolshorn, C. A. Lamotte, Thomas Screven, George W. Tiedeman, W. J. Watson, Harry Willink, resigned December 18, 1895; Daniel B. Lester, elected December 27, 1895; Adolph LefBer, elected September 23, 1896.
Ninety-fifth Administration, February I, 1897, to January 30, 1899: Mayor, Peter W. Meldrim; Aldermen, Samuel P. Hamilton, re-

Statement Showing Savannah's Funded Debt, Interest Payments, Floating Debt, Gross Receipts, HTet Receipts, Expenditures, Payments for Redemption of Bonds, Etc., Etc., from 1854 to 19OO Inclusive.

f

i
1 Funded Year. Debt.

Interest Payments.



i854.J$I i,o24,i35 50 1855...! 1,203,624 50 | 1856...' 1,675,124 50
1857...! 1,776,112 50 1858...^ 1,872,840 oo 1859...' 1,872,840 oo
1860.. .1 1,872,840 oo
i86i..J 1,872,840 oo
1862... 1,814,840 oo 1863.. .1 1,814,840 oo 1866...' 2,041,940 oo 1867...- 2,111,440 oo
1868... 2,048,740 oo 1869...! 2,052,380 oo
1870...! 2,318,640 on
1871...! 2,817,140 oo 1872...; 3,300,140 oo 1873.... 3,700,140 oo 1874...! 3,600,140 oo
1875.-' 3,572,800 oo 1876...* 3,473,800 oo 1877...' 3,472,800 oo 1878...! 3,486,400 oo 1879...; 3,399,300 oo 1880... i 3,499,100 oo i88i... ; 3,485.000 oo 1882...: 3,473,0 oo 1883... 3,457,600 oo
1884... 3,812,100 oo 1885..^ 3,737,200 oo 1886.. .i 3,708,700 oo 1887...; 3,676,400 oo
1888.. J 3,645,900 oo 1889.. J 3,615,850 oo 1890...! 3,585,850 oo
1891...! 3,555,150 oo
1892...! 3,525,450 oo 1893--1 3,494,400 oo 1894...! 3,450,700 oo 1895--1 3,412,700 oo
1896...! 3,363,600 oo 1897...! 3,322,950 oo 1898...! 3,278,950 oo
1899...! 3,237,750 oo 1900... 3,196,350 oo

$ 70,232 15 82,916 12 93,301 03 101,324 25 132,621 94 96,721 86 141,220 6 r 133,335 56 111,051 87 86,959 oo 128,777 02 185,499 87 164,130 25 154,082 58 177,251 41 170,278 25 300,984 23 257,084 47
252,944 97 263,916 95 208,536 77 99,563 02 164,517 73 206,895 32 193,627 65 192,902 85 192,226 02 i6i,535 88
191,290 12
209,989 82
188,146 05
188,166 17
178,971 23
182,344 13
178,366 96
179,876 20
179,344 26
175,963 71
173,722 73 169,715 46 173,659 76 164,055 04 163,886 64 162,834 76 161,144 17

Floating Debt.

Gross Receipts.

Money Bor rowed on Mayor's Notes

Receipts from Sales Bonds.

Received from Sale of Stocks

Net Receipts.

Total Expenditures.

Notes and Outstanding Obligations
Paid.

Redemption of Bonds.

Cash Balance Close of Year.

Dividends
Received from Stocks.

Not stated. $ 529,548 54 $112,650 oo $ 24,000 oo 781,431 34 221,800 oo

13,000 oo
64,180 oo 4,180 oo

756,942 75 834,138 93 635,378 05
710,486 99

124,751 77
37,500 oo 277,000 oo 325,000 oo

59,180 oo 728,136 66 320,000 oo

109,180 oo 808,846 71 527,000 oo

None None None

993,822 22 553,529 97 394,548 02

475,000 oo 80,000 oo

None

659,078 36 202,000 oo

46,321 16 797,109 13 , 305,619 71

47,212 50
113102,,308030 o0o6
244,802 34 30,500 oo

743,335 9 1,186,607 76 1,806,035 54
2,567,335 77 890,650 67

252,712 50
394,462 25
841,496 18 1,444,185 40
255,000 oo

111,358 65 982,731 10 111,224 65

147,826 69 226,891 oi
457,281 08

702,804 oo 667,732 04 687,117 59

134,601 69
226,891 oi 219,871 82

292,996 69 705,814 68 110,912 24

167,706 68 542,928 62 50,000 oo

99,447 79 484,381 81 74,895 68 541,588 70

131,548 05 43,367 96

528,920 78 666,151 94
672,807 ii

11,282 35

587,184 14 580,840 17

590,828 42

656,262 61

667,060 18

793,o8i 35

c

.

842,649 06

849,873 5i

50,000 oo





844,815 35 772,684 75
745,568 86

70,000 oo
10,000 00

20,000 oo

763,929 59 812,704 49 894,987 92

30,000 oo



*

859,537 13 860,315 60

10,000 oo

$152,702 88
28l,500 00 :
350,465 22
300,000 oo
100,000 00

$ 29,800 oo 21,875 oo
22247,,275707 o3o2
100,180 oo 106,192 oo





*"

246,000 oo 26 14

5,000 oo'

242,279 oo 397,534 oo 481,665 oo 73,085 oo
251,645 oo 5,125 oo

*



,

35,148 50
102 50

41,991 88 10,164 50

-

1235,598 54 $ 545,542 62 $ 81,650 oo 256,256 34 785,347 77 222,800 oo

257,475 76 753,354 82 135,500 oo

268,861 61 8i7,377 37 56,751 77 258,378 05 654,061 87 237,000 oo

285,306 99 709,578 84 365,000 oo

301,944 66 728,997 63 265,000 oo

281,846 71 804,907 25 477,000 oo

272,822 22 940,105 49 580,000 oo

473,503 83 505,802 93 80,000 oo

394,548 02 - 367,359 16

2,714 66

452,078 36 685,163 03 146,000 oo

.491,489 42 793,850 63 313,000 oo

490,623 40 745,084 50 247,000 oo

549,866 51 1,178,589 9* 329,674 75 567,005 36 1,807,741 53 823,113 12

641,485 37 2,568,817 19 1,329,766 12

562,565 67 894,506 37 244,802 34

584,712 95 975,991 61 255,005 oo

563,077 3i 685,310 64 m,358 65

440,841 03 672,015 oo 147,826 69

467,245 77 615,176 41 226,891 01 594,902 44 722,445 88 219,871 82

492,826 12 591,111 01 110,912 24

484,381 81 486,084 56

541,588 70 512,741 77

517,638 45 666,151 94 630,815 23

554,124 17 635,751 75 661,539 64

18,279 05 42,367 96

577,019 64 595,325 22

580,840 17 618,928 16

590,828 42 582,839 19

656,262 61 637,340 99

667,060 18 680,054 50

793,o8i 35 699,084 21

842,649 06 857,43* 30

849,873 5i 908,356 03

774,815 16 865,449 82 20,000 oo

762,684 75 781,318 63 60,000 oo

745,568 86 717,664 oo

963,929 59 767,364 3i 812,704 49 820,671 03

864,987 92 914,772 51

10,000 00

849,537 13 852,845 47 30,000 oo

860,315 60 862,435 27

$ 2,000 oo 20,000 oo 199,000 oo
58,000 oo
111,187 50
4,005 oo 20,710 64
500 oo 98,500 oo 26,840 oo 49,000 oo '
500 oo 53,767 75 14,195 60 13,130 75 ' 12,659 25 10,176 oo 13,105 37 87,360 90 82,528 40 30,025 05 33,660 oo 31,023 75 31,481 50 31,473 75 31,415 50 30,988 62 32,000 87 46,338 92 40,961 88 53,493 76 44,569 37 49,o2i 55 47,064 49 46,617 50

$ 7,43i 61 3,515 18 7,103 ii 23,864 67 4,280 85 5,189 oo 10,542 54 14,482 oo 68,198 73
H5,925 77 29,285 26 3,200 59
6,459 9 4,710 49 12,632 66 10,926 67
9,445 25 5,589 55 12,329 04 5,028 82
745 86 72,687 04 56,055 84
7,873 45 6,170 70 35,oi7 63 9,8i4 24 40,214 43 51,481 90 43,340 82 5,252 83 13,242 06 32,163 68 19,169 36 113,166 50 98,384 26 39,901 74 19,267 08
10,633 20
38,538 06
37,490 04
29,523 50
9,738 91
16,430 57 14,310 90

|8o,7i6 65 62,609 24 44,759 oo 37,855 50 22,104 oo 30,403 53 24,355 oo 5,117 oo 26,738 oo 89,94i 03 9,844 oo 7,239 oo 4,940 64
1,399 oo
7,135 oi 4,411 50 2,940 oo 1,309 oo
7 oo 7 oo 7 oo 7 oo 7 oo
.
*

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
signed June 15, 1898; Dr. William W. Owens, Thomas J. Davis, Thomas S. Wylly, Jr., resigned December 29, 1897; Robert M. Hull, resigned May 18, 1898; John W. Smith, A. S. Guckenheimer, S. Krouskoff, A. L. Weil, W. F. Reid, Thomas F. O'Donnell, Walter G. Charlton; William Duncan, elected January 12, 1898; J. B. John son, elected November 9, 1898; Daniel R. Thomas, elected June 29, 1898.
Ninety-sixth Administration, January 30, 1899, to January 21. 1901: Mayor, Herman Myers; Aldermen, George W; Tiedeman, Thomas Screven, resigned January 31, 1899; J. P. Williams, resigned March 23, 1900; David Wells, John Schwarz, James M. Dixon, Hal H. Bacon, Dr. Joseph G. Jarrell, George J. Mills, Daniel R. Thomas, Isaac B. Haas, Dr. St. J. B. Graham; Michael J. Doyle, elected Jan uary 31, 1899; J- J- Horrigan, elected March 31, 1900.
The twenty years, from 1880 to 1900, have been the period of Sa vannah's greatest growth and development. In these two decades the population of the city increased from 30,709 to 54,244, its taxable values from $17,300,237 (1883) to $37,108,077, the tonnage of vessels entering and clearing from the Custom House from 1,242.484 to 2,263,225, and the gross value of its commerce from $50,000,000 to $150,000,000. This period brought the extensive works of drainage in the county which have so vastly improved the health of the city, the public school system during it has been placed on a parity with the best in other cities of Savannah's size, its street car system has been perfected, electricity has superseded gas as an illuminant and has become established as a motive power, artesian well water has taken the place of river water, new railroads have been built toward which the City has shown a liberal policy, and all departments of life have been marked by a spirit of progress and activity. The revenues of the city have increased from $500,000 to $8co,ooo, the burden of taxation has been more equitably distributed, and the rate on real es- > tate has been reduced from 2 1-2 per cent, to 1.45. The ground rent \/ lots have been brought under taxation, as has been the vast area be tween Anderson street and the southern limits of the city. The bonded debt of the City has been reduced from $3,812,100 (1884) to $3,196,350, with no floating indebtedness, and its credit to-day does not suffer by comparison with that of any other American city. The expansion of the city in every direction! during these two decades has been of a most gratifying character and with the stimulus that has been given to its business generally it would seem that the coming ten years are to witness the period of the greatest matt-rial progress Savannah has ever known.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

In general health the reports show that conditions have vastly improved. The epidemic of 1876 appears to have been the turning point in the history of the city so far as sanitary measures are con cerned. Leading, as has been pointed out, to the organization of a Sanitary Board with ample powers, and to the beginning of a more effective maritime quarantine, it also brought more determined ef forts to drain the city and country surrounding it. Continuous intel ligent and energetic efforts have been made to remove or lessen causes of disease until to-day, at least so far as its white population is concerned, Savannah takes rank among the most healthful cities of the world. The following table shows the number of deaths from
natural causes in the city since the epidemic of 1854:

Death* from Natural Causes In the City of Savannah.

1

YEAR.

tr. Colored.

2

*3



3

YEAR.

Whites. Colored.
*c3
g

18^5 ..............' 433 292 725 1878 ........ ..... 362 626 988

1856 .............. 466 297 7/ 63*J 1879 .............. 416 686 IIO2 1857.............. 376 *yf\\ 640 1880.............. 462 885 13?*4t7/

1858 .............. 592 1859 .............. 430 1860 .............. 474 !86i :............. 563 1862 .............. 555
186^ . . ; 4^Q
1864-..--.-- 747
I-OOO/1.*3 - -- IT 2^4O~\2^

756 226723

054 QfM
703

1881 .............. 453 1882.............. VJ^

282

1883 .............. 488

269
34+3VJ*748269J

893*2J27 1
ft4jR H93

1884 ...... ........ 1885 .............. 1886.............. 1887 ..............

466 333 %J*J*J
4A 5C2I 460

819 2021 1888.............. 366

703 1156 740 IH5 6**S+JQy 1147 703 1169
6VSJQZ7 992 07^O6W 1*88 796 1256 665 1031

1866 .............. 530. 912 1T 4A 4A21

1867 .............. 476

1868

408

5ocC<-Qy*Q4tiT.

1070 1079

1889 .............. +3J84 1890 .............. 479 A*ff\ 1891 .............. 464

685 1069 870 1-140 746 I2IO

I5Q0/9C.n............. i 4A2t3l 4A2sj9f\ 8s\j3j 1892.............. 468 834 1302

1870 .............. 450 576 1026 1893.............. 475 791 1266

11887712........................ 552169

606 1132 636 "55

1804 .. ...... .... 413 1895 ..... ........ 472

766 1179 826 1298

lTSO--y-j ..............

5CS^f0t

789 1337

1896 .............. 461

867 1332

1874 .............. 394 642 1036 1897.............. 462 78l 1243

1875 ..............i 394 602 0^r0r6* 1898.............. 46^1 777 1242 1876.............. 1265 984 2S>S2*4Mf9\ 1899.............. 585 1009 I5Q4

l8?7 .............. V75 62* 008 iqoo. ............. 523 903 1426

In 1855 the population of Savannah was about 19,000. In 1860 it
was 22,292, in 1870 28,235, in 1880 30,709, in 1890 43,189, and in 1900 54,244. Between 1855 and 1900 there was an increase in population of over 35,000, or nearly 200 per cent., and yet the number of deaths among the white population varied but little from the number of deaths among them thirty years later, a remarkable condition that is
probably not true of any other city in the country. The deaths

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT..

.34.?

among the negroes, comprising probably over 40 per cent, of the
population, on the other hand have increased with their growth in numbers, although measures taken by the city authorities have served also to lessen the rate of mortality among them. The health officials have drawn attention to these facts time after time. In 1886" Health Officer McFarland pointed out that since the negroes had be come free, their death rate wherever they were congregated in large numbers had been very high, this statement holding good for all sec tions of the United States. Statistics, he sail, proved beyond ques tion of doubt that prior to the emancipation of the negro race their death rate was not greater, in fact, it was smaller in Savannah, than that of the white race. In this connection it can be said that for fif teen or more years the health authorities of Savannah have endeav ored to secure from the national health officials recognition of the in justice of using the death rate of the entire population of this and other Southern cities, instead of publishing separate statements for whites ariti colored. Health Officer McFarland in his report for 1885 stated that "vital statistics show that the death rate of negroes in cities all over the United States is much greater than that of the white race and further exhibits a fact not gen erally known or appreciated, which is that the death rate of this race varies only in trifling degree throughout the different geographical sections of the country. Consequent upon this vital fact the larger or nearer the negro population ap proximates to that of the whites in any city, the heavier will be the death rate of aggregated population and lower will be the statistical health standard, as all compilers pursue the system of consolidating race populations and deaths, the ratio therefrom being published as the criterion of health. Justice to Southern cities demands that vital statistics should plainly show deaths per white and black races sepa rately, and as this government is pre-eminently of the white race the standard of health should be classed therefrom." In subsequent years Dr. McFarland continued his efforts on this line, but without success, and the present health officer has likewise on occasion a*er occasion called attention to the fact that the mortality in Southern cities is mainly due to the negroes, and that especially in Savannah the death rate among the whites does not suffer by comparison with that of other cities of the North and West. Up to this time, how ever, the reports other than local continue to give the mortality for the entire population, without discriminating between the races.
In Savannah there has been a decided lessening of the death rate among both races during the twenty years under review. In the Health Officer's report for 1900 (published elsewhere in this volume) the figures are given to show that there has been a marked improve ment in the health of the cit}r. Outside of improved drainage

344

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

of the vicinity of the city there has been the more effective removal of garbage and other waste matter, the more thorough inspecting of premises and enforcement of the laws against nuisances within the city and its jurisdictional limits, the introduction of artesian well wa ter, the prompt establishment and rigid maintenance of land quaran tine whenever epidemics in other sections necessitated such watchful ness to prevent the introduction of disease, the increase in the num ber of City physicians to care for the sick among the poor, and the persistent vaccination of all residents of the city, pursued year after year by the health authorities, many thousands being vaccinated each year recently. It is a recognized fact that in probably no other Southern city are the laws of health laid down by the municipal au thorities more vigorously enforced than in Savannah, and the cleanly condition of the city invariably attracts favorable comment from vis itors. The health officer has almost invariably had the hearty sup port of the Mayor and Aldermen in efforts to advance the health of the community. Recently a house drainage system has been under taken., details of which are given later, which is confidently expected to lessen the sickness originating from the inadequate and defective sewerage that has been a stumbling block for many years.
Dr. McFarland, who had been health officer continuously from 1880. as well as during various years prior to that time, died on Feb ruary io. 1888. Dr. Thomas J. Charlton acted until April 5, when Dr. William F. Brunner was elected. On July i, 1889, the salary was in creased from $1,500 to $1,800, and in 1893 it was raised to $2,000. Dr. Brunner has continued in the office to the present time, with the ex ception of the period from April 24, 1897, to July, 1899, when he acted as sanitary inspector for the Marine Hospital Service at Havana, and later as chief quarantine officer for Cuba. Dr. Brunner's resig nation was brought about by the passage of an ordinance on March 24, 1897, requiring the health officer to attend emergency calls at the police barracks The health officer had been required by ordinance of January 5, 1860, to attend the members of the police department, and in 1878 the duty of attending the firemen of the city was also placed upon him. In 1884 to this was added that of medical and surgical at tendance upon prisoners at the police barracks. This last duty had been ignored for years, the growth of the city and the increasing work of the health officer rendering it inadvisable for him to be subject to calls at all hour's to the barracks, and the City physicians had been attending to this work. Health Officer Brunner had stated that on the passage of such an ordinance he would resign. The ordinance was passed on March 24 and he resigned, to take effect on April 24. Dr. J. C. LeHardy was elected his successor on May 5 and on June 16 he was relieved from attending the policemen and firemen. Dr. LeHardy's resignation was forced by his ill health on June 5, 1899.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

345

The salary of the health officer was then increased to $3,600 and Dr. Brunner was elected to his old office on June 19. In January, 1901, he was re-elected for another two years.
Up to 1888 members of the police force detailed for the purpose acted as sanitary inspectors. On assuming charge of health matters Dr. Brunner took steps to secure a permanent sanitary force, and in July (1888) succeeded in having two inspectors appointed under his charge for duty throughout the year, the police having previously inspected but a few months. In 1890 two extra inspectors were put on from May i to November i. At later times the force was in creased until it now includes a chief inspector and four assistants, two or three extra inspectors being added in the summer and a spe cial corps being organized for quarantine duty whenever such neces sity arises.
The powers and duties of the health officer have been gradually broadened. In 1883 the duty of issuing all burial permits was placed on him. On February 20, 1889, an ordinance was passed re quiring reports to him of every birth in the corporate limits, an or dinance which has not been well observed. On April 17, 1889, an or dinance was passed to prevent the removal of bodies from the city without the permit of the health officer. On June 24, 1891, the sani tary commissioners requested Council to take steps to have a law passed providing for the effectual vaccination of the inhabitants of the State. At a meeting of Council on July 8 the committee on health recommended to Council that the city attorney draw a bill to be presented to the General Assembly. This was done but the Leg islature failed to pass the Act. In 1895 a Legislative Act was secured extending for sanitary purposes the jurisdiction of the City so as to embrace all territory within two miles of the present or any future corporate limits. An Act of December 14. 1898, gave Council power to condemn land for drainage purposes. On March 31, 1900, an or dinance was passed requiring the vaccination of all persons in Sa vannah who had not been successfully vaccinated in the past seven
years. This was done under an Act passed by the Legislature in 1897
providing that " from and after the passage of this Act all county and municipal authorities in this State shall be authorized and empow ered to enact such rules, ordinances or regulations to authorize the proper officials of said municipalities or county authorities to re quire, under penalty, all persons, at the time located in said munici palities or counties, to submit to vaccination, in the event the health officers or the proper authorities think it advisable for the purpose of preventing the spread of small pox or any other contagious or infectious disease within the State."

346

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Under Dr. Brunner's administration the city's health has been carefully guarded. An ardent believer in the efficiency of quarantine, maritime and land, he has maintained a thorough watch over health conditions in other cities and countries with which Savannah has been brought into commercial intercourse, and has ndt hesitated to apply quarantine restrictions as a preventive measure. By this policy Savannah has been saved from invasions of yellow fever during the several epidemics at Jacksonville, Brunswick, Tampa, New Orleans and other places. Rigid quarantine is relied on to prevent the ingress of diseases of this character and the policy has the support of the mass of the people as well as of the municipal government.
Under the provisions of a resolution passed in Council May 14, 1879. two City physicians were elected, charged with the duty of at tending all sick persons residing in the city who were unable to pay for medical services. Drs. Frank T. Lincoln and T. B. Chisholm were chosen and assumed charge of the work on June i. 1879. In 1892 the city was divided into three districts and another City physi cian was added. In 1895, in view of the large number of indigent sfck among the negroes, it was decided to give that class of citizens a physician of their own race to practice at large among them. In 1897 another colored physician was added, giving five City physicians, three white and two colored.
Those who have served the City in this capacity are as follows: 1879 to 1884, inclusive, Dr. F. T. Lincoln, Dr. T. B. Chisholm. 1885. Dr. B. P. Oliveros, to August 12; Dr. W. W. Owens, from August 12; Dr. R. S. Sanders, to July; Dr. J. M. Johnston, from Au gust.
1886. Dr. W. W. Owens, Dr J. M. Johnston. 1887. Dr. W. W. Owens, Dr. M. L. Boyd. 1888. Dr. W. W. Owens, Dr. M. L. Boyd, resigned May i; Dr. B. F. Sheftall from May 2. 1889. Dr. W. W. Owens, Dr. B. F. Sheftall. 1890. Dr. W. W. Owens, Dr. B. F. Sheftall. 1891. Dr. G. G. Larcombe, resigned in May and succeeded by Dr. William E. Gomm; Dr. Benjamin F. Sheftall. 1892. Dr. J. T. Hennessey, resigned November 9, succeeded by Dr. M. T. Davis; Dr. William E. Gomm, Dr. B. F. Sheftall. 1893. Dr. M. T. Davis, Dr. Joseph G. Jarrell, Dr. William E. Gomm. 1894. Dr. M. T. Davis, Dr. William E. Gomm, Dr. Joseph G. Jarrell. 1895. Dr. F. H. Bloodworth, resigned in March and succeeded by Dr. L. E. Welch; Dr. W. H. Jennings, Dr. M. X. Corbin, Dr. S. P. Lloyd, col.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

347

1896. Dr. M. X. Corbin, resigned August i, succeeded by Dr. C. C. Lawrence; Dr. L. E. Welch, Dr. W. H. Jennings, resigned August i, succeeded by Dr. B. F. Sheftall.
1897. Dr. J. A. Crowther, resigned July i, succeeded by Dr. J. S. Howkins; Dr. A. A. Morrison, Dr. R. S. Kenan, Dr. S. P. Lloyd, col., Dr. J. H. Bugg, col., elected June 16 as second colored physi cian.
1898. Dr. J. S. Howkins, resigned November i: Dr. G. H. John son, from November i; Dr. A. A. Morrison, Dr. R. S. Kenan, re signed June 29; Dr. F. H. Bloodworth, from July 13; Dr. S. P. Lloyd, col., Dr. J. H. Bugg, col.
1899. Dr. F. H. Bloodworth, died in March; Dr. G. H. Johnson, Dr. A. A. Morrison, Dr. M. T. Davis, elected April 19, resigned July 26; Dr. M. H. Levi, elected August 9; Dr.. S. P. Lloyd, col., Dr. P. E. Love, col.
1900. Dr. G. H. Johnson, Dr. A. A. Morrison, resigned March 9; Dr. J. N. Guerard, elected March 23; Dr. M. H. Levi, resigned October 17; Dr. Elton S. Osborne, elected October 31; Dr. S. P. Lloyd, col., resigned April i; Dr. P. E. Love, col., Dr. J. H. Bugg, elected April 18.
The reports of the City physicians are unfortunately incomplete, not giving a division of the work done by them as to the two races. No reports were published for 1898 or 1899, and two or three other years are incomplete. As far as can be obtained the records show the total number of patients treated by them as follows:

Year.

No. Patients.

1879--seven months........................................................... 4,636

1880......... ............................. t ......................................... 6,994

1881................................ ................................................ 6,727

1882 ................................................................................ 8,298

1883................................................................................. 8,618

1884................................................................................. 12,843

1886 ............................................................................... 17,275

1887................................................... ............................ 15,951

1888................................................................................. 10,628

1889........... ..................................................... ............... 12,676

1890 ........................................ ....................................... 10,814

1891................................................................................. 8,705

1893........................................................................ ........ 10,530

1894--two districts..................................................... ...... 8,no

1895............................................................... ................. 16,814

1896................................................................................. 22,566

1897......................................... ....................................... 32,000

1900......................................,,..............;.......................... 32,408

348

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

In 1897 there were 6,189 white and 25,811 colored patients treated. In 1900 there were 6,264 white and 26,144 colored. The colored peo ple, comprising probably 40 per cent, of the population, furnished So per cent, of the cases treated by the City physicians.
Under the ordinance of November 25, 1858, the dispensary was under the control and direction of the Ma}-or and chairman of the health and cemetery committee. On July 31, 1872, on a memorial from the Georgia Medical Society, this ordinance was amended and the dispensary was put under the charge of a dispensary committee, composed of the Mayor, the chairman of the health and cemetery committee, and two physicians to be selected by the Georgia Medical Society, the Mayor to have two votes in the committee. This change was made after a determined protest against it from Doctors War ing, Walsh. Chisholm. King, Schley and Knorr, who claimed that it was "uncalled for by any public necessity, was censorial in it nature, offensive and in violation of the rights of citizens in so far as it dele gated authority over a very large body of people in a matter of aid" after the people had entrusted Council with the responsibility. The protestants attacked the Georgia Medical Society, declaring that it was but a "private and exclusive society of worthy gentlemen meet ing for purposes unknown, and not conhected with any sanitary or scientific good to the community." Council declined to consider the protest.
On March 25. 1885, this ordinance was repealed and the old or dinance of 1858 was re-established and continued in force until De cember 21, 1892. when an ordinance was passed abolishing the keeper and assistant keeper of the dispensary and bids were ordered adver tised for filling prescriptions at drug stores scattered about the city. In his report for 1892 Mayor McDonough said: "Council has decid ed to discontinue the present City dispensary and provide for the furnishing of medicines to the sick poor by druggists selected fodifferent sections of the city. This plan will be of great convenience to the sick and it is to be hoped will prove economical to the City, consistent with better service."
On March 29, 1893, an ordinance was passed to abolish the dis pensary and select specified drug stores to furnish medicine at 20 cents a prescription and 20 per cent, advance on surgical supplies and proprietary medicines. The new method, which was continued for nearly four years, did not prove a success. The expenses ran higher than had been estimated and persons who were not entitled to free medicine availed themselves of the opportunity to defraud the City. In his report for 1894 Mayor McDonough said: "The Mayor does not view with favor the present mode of furnishing the sick poor with medicines. It has proved to be very expensive and on account of fav oritism and other irregularities which seem to be creeping into it and

BTSTORV OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

349

which cannot be easily prevented the system should be changed. Two dispensaries operated by the City under strict rules and proper con duct would prove less expensive, give better service and be more acceptable to those compelled, in many cases by misfortune, to obtain medicines from this source." In his report for 1895 Dr. Brunner, health officer, attacked the system. "The cost of drugs and supplies for the poor has increased," said he, "and the principal cause is the method of dispensing the drugs. Many persons who now receive free medical attention from physicians not in the employ of the City ob tain their medicines free of cost, who, if they were compelled to go to a public dispensary would not only pay their drug bills but would pay the physician in attendance. The dispensary plan is much better and cheaper than the one now in vogue." Again at the close of i8g6 Dr. Brunner said: "It cannot be said that the contract stores have given good service, nor is the system an economical one. It is open to grave abuses, and they have been steadily growing for the past two years. The situation has been carefully gone over by your health officer, who has presented the facts to the Board of Sanitary Com missioners, who in turn recommended to the City Council that the system be abolished and the City dispensary be again used to dis pense medicines to the poor. City Council has acted on this recom mendation."
It was on November 18, 1896, that the Sanitary Commissioners petitioned that the old dispensary be equipped and medicines dis pensed there instead of at drug stores. Council passed an ordinance in accordance with this recommendation on January 13, 1897, repeal ing the contract system and re-establishing the old dispensary under rules and regulations to be established by the Sanitary Commission ers in whose hands the appointment of the keeper and assistant keeper was placed, the Sanitary Commissioners to name their com pensation, subject to the approval of Council. Mr. E. J. Kieffer was made keeper. As soon as the Meldrim administration came in it re pealed this ordinance (February I, 1897) and authorized the Sanitary Commissioners to make temporary arrangements to provide the poor with medicine. On June 2, 1897, an ordinance was passed re-estab lishing the City dispensary, the keeper, assistant keeper and porter to be elected by the Sanitary Commissioners, with salaries as follows: keeper, $1,200; assistant keeper, $900; porter, $240. A. N. O'Keefe was elected keeper and J. D. Wacaser, assistant keeper. They re mained in office until August 24, 1899, when their tenure was cut short by an ordinance adopted August 9, terminating their terms of office and providing for the election of their successors by Council, the porter to be appointed by the Mayor. Under this ordinance E. M. Baker was made keeper and E. J. Kieffer, Jr., assistant keeper. In January, 1901, Baker was succeeded as keeper by L. D. Strutton. the assistant keeper continuing in office.

350

HISTORY OF THE CiTY GOVERNMENT.

The old dispensary building at State and Whitaker streets was sold in 1899 for $5,275. When the dispensary was re-established it was located in a building at Macon and Whitaker streets, rented by the City.
Those who have acted as keepers of the dispensary have been as follows:
George M. Heidt, 1858-1868, resigned July 8.
William N. Valleau, 1868, died in December. James Stoney, 1869-70, died in February. John Ashby Wragg, 1870. April 17 to October 13. J. R. Gregory, 1870, October 13, to January, 1871. Robert W. Miller. 1871-73, died in March. J. S. Morel. 1873-76. Lewis Cass. 1877-92.
A. N. OKeefe. June, 1897, to August 24. 1899. Eugene M. Baker. August 25. 1899, to January 12, 1901. Louis D. Strutton, present incumbent, elected January 12. 1901, for term of two years. It has only been in the last four years that the records of the dispensary have been so kept as to show how the prescriptions filled were divided as to the races. For these years the work of the dis pensary was as follows:

Prescriptions

Year.

for Whites.

1900....................... 12,418

1899.. .................... 12,469

1898 ........... ....... 13,444

1897 23 weeks...... 6,385

Prescriptions for Colored.
35,662 41,205 41,624 19,667

Total Number Filled. 48,080 53,674 55,o68 26,052

Beginning with 1875 the total number of prescriptions filled each year

and the expenses of the dispensary have been as follows:

Number Prescrip-

Year.

lions Filled.

Expenses.

1900......

48,080

$5,614 01

1899......

53,674 *

*

5,5io 82

1898......

55,o68

5,770 37

1897......23 weeks

26,052

3,491 68

1897......29 weeks under contract system

6,887 97

1896......Contract system

7,805 43

1895 .....Contract system

7,6o6 21

1894......Part dispensary, part contract

9,31815

1892......



1891......

7,342

3, J37 86

1890......

8,093

3,236 70

1889......

13,039

3,833 31

1888 .....

19,157

3,8i5 94

1887......

25,415

4,335 61

1886...... 1885......

24,789 23,346

4,394 99 4,485 16

1884......

29,280

5,434 82

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

11080832............
1881...... 1880...... 1879...... 1878...... 1877 ..... 1876 ..... 1875......

28,305 28,629
2^/7 Tx ^2*C>
-- Q O 28,487
25,785
21,413
25,246
25,896
l8,204

5,519 *
5 Tx7/fui OI^f 5--,1_O8-^0. 6.8Q ,721 93 4 f*s% T f\1 4,135 43 4,163 30 6,105 68 4,626 21 4,956 93

As stated in the previous chapter. Savannah had but a pretense of a maritime quarantine system prior to 1877. The yellow fever epi
demic of 1876 led to the organization of a Sanitary Board, in whom full powers were placed, and by it a quarantine system in keeping with the needs of the port was slowly established. Before the crea tion of this Board the City had a quarantine anchorage ground, but no station and no quarantine orficer. For many years the quarantine ground was at Fort Jackson, but when an epidemic broke out in the West Indies in 1870 Mayor Screven held that this anchorage was too close to the city and recommended that a new one be established abreast the light house on Tybee island where vessels'could ride at safe anchorage. Here it continued for seven years.

Dr. J. T. McFarland, the health officer, in a statement before the State Board of Health which was investigating the origin of the yel low fever of 1876, said: "The quarantine station is at Tybee, oppo site Tybee light, and beyond Cockspur island, about two and a half miles. It is said to be, in an air line, about seventeen miles from Sa vannah. It has been the custom for years past to establish a quar antine on the ist of June. Upon the arrival of a vessel from an in
fected port I am notified by telegraph from the quarantine station. The vessel cannot come up to the city until I visit her and give per mit. The usual detention is about ten days, 'from port to port/ pro vided she has a clean bill of health. If there be any sickness on board, or there be any grounds for suspicion that there is, the health officer can use his discretion and keep her at quarantine as long as he pleases. Upon going on board of a vessel the first thing I do is to muster the crew. The crew list is produced, and I have the men ranged on deck and check them off. If any are missing I institute in quiries, and my action is guided upon what I ascertain and believe. I have no guarantee after leaving vessels that I have placed in quaran tine that my instructions will be rigidly carried out; I have no doubt the crews sometimes have communication with the sailor boarding house runners; and they may come up to the. city. There is no guard boat or river police, and hence there is nothing to prevent them from coming up to the city if they are willing to run the risk of the penalty and imprisonment, which is imposed for violation of the orders. There is certainly a very grave defect in the quarantine regulations;

352

HISTORY OK THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

there is no hospital or lazaretto at Tybee, and no arrangements for treating sickness below the city. In case of smallpox on vessel the patient would have to be brought through Lazaretto creek to the pest house. Cases of cholera would have to be treated on board the ves sel or vessels. The usual time to keep vessels from infected ports at quarantine is ten days. On some occasions I have made it fifteen days, in others thirty or more. There is no law or ordinance regulat ing the time, and in this respect the health officer has arbitrary pow
ers." At this time Mayor Anderson also pointed out how defective the
quarantine system was. He held that it should be under the control and management of the general government at all Southern ports. ''Some years ago."' said he. "a proposition was made to me to en deavor to enlist Savannah in a movement for this very purpose, but at that time I thought it inadvisable on account of the tendency of the government to meddle with State affairs. The case is different now. We have representation in Congress, and I think it would be beneficial. There is no use for Savannah to run a quarantine system of her own, in fact she has not the means to keep up an efficient quar antine system, unless an equally rigid system is observed by Bruns wick. Charleston and other ports; and hence the advisability of hav ing the entire system under one head." At this time the custom was for vessels, no matter whether from infected ports or not, to discharge their rock ballast at the wharf in the city. Mayor Anderson said he "had never known a vessel in ballast to be discharged except at her wharf."
These extracts give an insight into the conditions prevailing prior to the creation of the Sanitary Board, and the establishment of the permanent quarantine station with a quarantine officer in charge.
"In August. 1881, the buildings at the station on Oyster Bed shoal were either destroyed or so badly damaged by a storm as to be un safe for further occupancy and useless. The wharf structure, except the original piling, the equipment and supplies, were entirely swept away by the force of the wind and sea. The lives of the quarantine officer and assistants were in great jeopardy and were saved by their clinging to the timbers under the roof of the hospital building and sus taining themselves there until the storm abated. The wharf was at once rebuilt in an improved manner and early in 1882 the hospital and dwelling for the quarantine officer were rebuilt on a plan which, it was believed, would render them secure in the future, temporary quarters being provided for them on Tybee island. In December, 1881. a delegation of health officials from Charleston, S. C., who were in attendance upon the meetings of the American Public Health Association, held a conference with the Mayor and other members of the Sanitary Board and discussed quarantine regulations applicable

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

353

and desirable for the ports of Savannah and Charleston, which re sulted in an assurance from the visiting delegation that if some few changes were made in the existing quarantine code of Savannah a similar code, including port charges, would be adopted by the health authorities of Charleston. Health Officer McFarland endorsed this as likely to prove advantageous to both ports and effectually stop the nuisance of continual assertions and complaints from interested par ties that one port by its quarantine laws was driving commerce to the other. In May, 1882, the authorities of Charleston and Savan nah adopted a stringent code of regulations and table of charges sim ilar in every respect, which were rigidly adhered to at both ports. The agreement between the two cities was regarded as mutually satisfactory. At this time, and for several years after, the quaran tine officer was confined to his post with meagre communication with the city, there being no tug and no telephone, as provided later. At the close of 1882 Dr. Huger stated that in his six years service as quarantine officer he had been on vacation but ten days.
In 1883 an additional wharf was built, giving berth accommoda tions at the station then for two vessels, and a tramway was built to the new wharf to expedite unloading, but as no cars were provided the old method of wheelbarrows had to be continued, delaying ves sels unnecessarily. Regular communication was also established be tween the city and the station this year by means of a boatman. At this time the Sapelo national quarantine station was only kept open from May I to November I.
On January 23, 1884, Council, upon the representation of the Sanitary Board, made a reduction of about one-third in the port quarantine charges. Much loss of time continued from the inade quate facilities at the station, but as it was the impression that the depth of water in the quarantine anchorage would be so lessened in a year or two by the harbor improvements as to make the station val ueless Council was averse to expending any money in additions to the equipment. The quarantine rules were also modified this year, to permit of lightering of cargoes from infected ports, under certain stipulations, between May I and October I, this having been inter dicted up to that time. The detention at the station of vessels from suspected or infected ports was also lessened after October I from fifteen to ten days. In August, 1885, on recommendation of the Sani tary Board, Council enacted that between May i and November i all seamen in port should sleep ashore.
In July, 1885, the Sanitary Commissioners invited the health au thorities of the seaports of Georgia to meet them in Savannah on July 27 for the purpose of discussing quarantine with especial reference to the prevention of the introduction of cholera' and for the framing of a code of quarantine regulations applicable for this section. This and a subsquent call (December) brought practically no response.

354

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

This year occurred the case of the British vessel Sylvia, Gibral tar to Savannah. This vessel, the British minister, Lord Sackville West, wrote to Secretary of State Bayard, had been ordered into quarantine at Savannah for twenty-three days, subsequently reduced to fourteen days. Cholera was at the time in existence in Spain, but the British minister claimed that the European sanitary authorities while holding to the contagiousness of cholera acknowledged that the period of incubation of the disease was limited to some 10 or 12 days, a period probably shorter than that taken by the Sylvia in her pass age to Savannah. "It is contended," continued the British minister, "that under the theory of the propagation of cholera by contagion, which can only justify the imposition of quarantine, it is unreasonable to refuse pratique after a voyage as long as the supposed. period of incubation, or after a number of days of quarantine which, together with the time spent on the voyage make up that period, unless cases of cholera have occurred on board, when the period of quarantine would be reckoned from the termination or death of last case." He requested that "these observations" be brought to the notice of com petent authorities, and copies were sent to Governor McDaniell and Mayor Lester. Health Officer McFarland immediately advised Mayor Lester that the facts were entirely different from the state ments made in the Minister's letter, that the Sylvia arrived at Savan nah on September u, with clean bills of health from United States Consul Sprague and the British official at Gibraltar, bearing date of August 24, 1885. It was known to the Savannah authorities that cholera had existed at Gibraltar prior to the date of the bills of health and thereafter, and that the bills of health were accordingly ''utterly unreliable and dangerous." The Sylvia was accordingly di rected to the Sapelo station, with no detention time mentioned, and was at Savannah on September 23, twelve days after her first arrival. Mayor Lester advised Governor McDaniell of these facts, with the remark that this was Savannah's "own affair," so far as the quaran tine regulations were concerned. The Sylvia was required to be fumi gated and the clothes and bedding cleansed, and Savannah "proposed to maintain her requirements." In his next report (1886) Health Of ficer McFarland characterized the British Minister s course as "based upon extreme presumption and meddlesomeness and incorrections." Complaint was made to the State authorities at Washington as to Consul Sprague's clean bill of health, but they replied that the Consul had explained that on the day the clean bill of health was issued the Consuls at Gibraltar had met and decided together to issue such bills. His explanation was accepted at Washington as satisfactory, but only served to convince the Savannah health authorities of the "com plete worthlessness of bills of health."

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

355

In May, 1886, the quarantine regulations were again amended by Council so that vessels from infected or suspected ports and localities should be detained during the summer and fall months only six days after fumigation, fumigation being administered after unballasting and cleaning. The former regulations required a detention of fifteen days. The entrance to the quarantine station was slowly but surely filling up. Vessels drawing 12 feet of water could be taken into quar antine on no less than three-quarter flood tide and it was apparent that wharfage would soon be useless except for very small vessels.
In 1888 a naphtha launch was purchased by the City for the use of the station but did not prove successful in its services. This year, on account of the continued and permanent shoaling at the wharves, it was found necessary to obtain a new dumping place for ballast. The City selected the eastern end of Long island as best adapted for the purpose, distant about a mile from the station. Three wharves were erected there and sufficient water was reported for all vessels arriv ing at this port. This year the Sapelo station was made a permanent one and ordered kept open the entire year for the reception of ves sels.
In 1889 the quarantine officer was charged with neglect of duty and inefficiency by the Citizens Sanitary Association. Health Officer . Brunner in his report for that year stated that this Association carried on a system of espionage, sending a man to meet incoming vessels and secure complaints from masters for publication; "statements of their leaving healthy ports, bringing clean bills of health and of un due detention by neglect on the part of the quarantine officer having been presented to the public ad libitum." A full investigation of the charges was made, the result of which was a complete exoneration of the quarantine officer. So far as clean bills of health were concerned, Dr. Brunner characterized them as "gold bills," costing but little and worth nothing. The complaints against the service he expected to continue, but the regulations would be adhered to, nevertheless, for the purpose of protecting the health of Savannah. At the same time, he pointed out, the facilities at the station had been outgrown by the increasing commerce of the port. The station was badly located and poorly equipped. The three wharves in use on Long island were not properly constructed for rapid discharge of ballast and were so close to the channel that but five vessels were allowed to come to the wharves at a time. Under the system in use, a committee of Council repdrted, it took seven to fourteen days to discharge the ballast ot a vessel carrying 200 to 300 tons of rock. The quarantine officer lived nearly a mile away. The apparatus for disinfection was slow and ob solete. Dr. Brunner advocated building at least two additional wharves at the lower end of Long island, with the most improved facilities for rapid discharge of ballast, the erection of the residence

356

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

of the quarantine officer in full view of the wharves, the purchase of a steam tug for fumigation and disinfection of vessels and for board ing vessels in the road. A skiff for the use of the quarantine officer had been bought and the naphtha launch was used for a daily mail service, etc. The Sapelo station he reported as being thoroughly equipped by the national government with every facility for handling infected vessels sent there from local stations. This year 1,500 tons of stone ballast at the station was sold to B. D. Greene at $i a ton.
In 1890 two new wharves were constructed, two double and one single hoisting machine were put in and it was made possible to dis charge 700 tons of ballast per diem, which meant that two vessels could be handled in a day. Opposite the new wharves, on Cockspur point, was built the residence of the quarantine officer, placed on pil ings and elevated fourteen feet above the marsh, provided with modern improvements and built in a substantial manner. Permission for this was granted by the government, to whom Council on April 24 extend ed a vote of thanks. Under a resolution of Council Dr. Brunner was sent in June to New York and Philadelphia to secure a tug for mov ing vessels, boarding and other purposes. He recommended the con struction of a boat and a contract was awarded to Mclntee & Dillon, of Rondout, N. Y., who agreed to build a 65-foot boat, with a single surface condensing engine, with 14x14 cylinders, for $9,500. The boat, christened the Theckla after the daughter of Mayor Schwarz, arrived in the middle of December. The naphtha launch was sent to New York and sold.
The law against sailors sleeping on board vessels in the river, adopted in 1885, was repealed in 1891, as it was considered as operat ing against the interests of the port. In the health officer's opinion the absence of such a law was a direct menace to the port's progress. In 1893 the law was re-established, requiring the sleeping ashore of the crews between August I and November i. The following year, on June 20, the period was changed to that between June I and No vember i, and 011 August i the ordinance was again amended to its present form, requiring that sailors sleep ashore during the months of August, September and October.
In 1891 Dr. Brunner had a foundation of rock made for a disin fecting building and agitated for a modern, complete and scientific disinfecting plant. In April of this year a telephone line was placed between the quarantine station and the city. In 1892, on the resigna tion of Dr. Keller and his successor, Dr. Huger, finding that it was necessary to increase the salary of the quarantine officer from $1,200 to $2.000 in order to get an able man to fill the position, Council did so and made the appointment subject to a competitive examination. Doctors Brunner, White and Brandt were appointed as an examining board at Savannah. Dr. James Newcomb at New York, and Surgeon

HISTORY OP THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

35>

Gassaway at New Orleans. Dr. St. J. B. Graham, examined at New York, passed the most successful.examination out of twelve appli cants and received the appointment. This method of selecting a quarantine officer attracted widespread attention at the time and was favorably commented on in leading journals. During August of this year when cholera infected vessels began to arrive at New York steps were taken to guard against the entrance of the disease here. The use of Fort Pulaski was secured for a detention camp and it was put in condition for such purposes. Surgeon-General Wyman, of the Ma rine Hospital Service, detailed Past Assistant Surgeon J. H. White to equip and take charge of this camp, which was kept in readiness until the danger had passed. The old quarantine station on Oyster Bed shoal was also put in good condition for a lazaretto.
Feeling that the time had arrived when the quarantine station should be equipped with all the modern apparatus for fumigation and disinfecting known to the sanitary world, Council appointed a. com mittee to visit the stations at Charleston, New Orleans and Pensacola, including Mayor McDonough and Aldermen Myers, Cann, Bailey, O'Brien, Reid and Health Officer Brunner. The officials at those points gave them every opportunity to see the workings of their plants, and they were treated with every courtesy. On Septem ber 28, 1892, Chairman McDonough, of this committee, presented its report, in part as follows: "From the observation and experience derived from the inspecting tour your committee urgently recom mend that the quarantine station at Savannah be equipped as prompt ly as practicable with at least one super-heating chamber, of the most approved pattern, to disinfect clothing, bedding and all textile fab rics, a tank of sufficient capacity to contain the solution of bi-chloride of mercury, and requisite elevation to secure sufficient force in washing the ships with this effective disinfectant. And while your committee finds that there was some difference of opinion as to the most effective method of fumigation with the dioxide of sulphur, and that some quarantine officers prefer burning the sulphur in iron pots in the hold of the vessel, yet your committee is of the opinion that the improved method of burning the sulphur in a furnace and forcing the same into a vessel through pipes by means of a reverberating pan and pipes with a return current should be used in the fumigation of vessels." It was Health Officer Brunrer's opinion that the New Or leans furnace for the combustion of sulphur was the best one yet con structed, and while this one did not clearly give the exact percentage of gas desired it came nearer to it than any other.
In 1893 the health officer was called on to meet with other health officials the Supervising Surgeon-General of the Marine Hospital Service at Washington on March 16 to consider the rules and regula tions for maritime quarantine stations on the Atlantic and Gulf

358

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

coasts, but it was a conference of recommendation only, as during the last session of Congress what was known as the Harris bill had been passed, giving to the Marine Hospital Service the right of supervision over local quarantine stations and of making rules and regulations governing such stations. Certain features of the regulations, making exceptions for individual quarantine systems, were held by Savan nah's health authorities to be dangerous to the health interests of other ports. The Surgeon-General ordered a board of ofiicers to convene to alter the regulations.
This year (1893) a State Board of Health bill was introduced in the Legislature, but was defeated. The bill was characterized as ''burdensome and full of iniquities." Other efforts were later made to establish a State Board of Health, the latest being in 1900, but all unsuccessfully. Experience with a previous Board of this character had not been such as to commend the scheme to the Savannah health officials who have opposed State interference with Savannah's con trol of its own health affairs.
More rock at the quarantine station was also sold this year to the Atlantic Contracting Company at $i a ton. A house was also erected for the accommodation of crews of vessels during the process of disinfection and a warehouse containing apparatus for disinfecting purposes. On August 27 a hurricane destroyed the telephone line to the city and almost completely devastated the station, both wharves with engines, rope, tools and appliances being carried away v.ith the exception of the pilings that sustained them, and they were left in a weakened and strained condition. The engines were recovered, but in a badly damaged condition. The quarters of the employes were also carried away and the officer's house tadly damaged. The ware house for the disinfecting plant suffered less than the other buildings. The old quarantine station on the Oyster Bed was entirely destroyed. Five vessels were wrecked and others damaged. The disinfecting plant constructed this year for $12.975, was not ready for use until the latter part of 1894. Much trouble was had with it for some lime. The health officer stated that the plant was not put up in a skillful and workmanlike manner. The sulphur furnace had not been finished and was not the one desired. The contractor he stated, had never built such a plant before and had not the faint est conception of what such a plant should be. On August i (1894) all the quarantine charges were removed by Council. The same ac tion had been taken by the authorities of Charleston and Brunswick and Savannah met the situation by doing the same. On October i. 1895, Dr. Graham resigned and a competitive examination was held for the selection of his successor. Dr. W. J. Linley, of Charleston, S. C., was the successful contestant. In the resignation of Dr. Gra ham the health officer said that "Savannah had lost the most efficient quarantine officer it had ever had."

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

359

In 1895 there were further complaints against the quarantine reg ulations as being too rigid. The Cotton Exchange and Board of Trade asked for a hearing before the Board of Sanitary Commission ers in reference to the matter and a joint committee from these two bodies met and conferred with the city's health authorities. They presented facts to show that Savannah maintained a rigid quarantine not in harmony with that in vogue at other Southern seaports. They demonstrated the fact that while there was no uniformity of regula tions at Southern ports Savannah practically maintained the same regulations in the winter months as prescribed for the summer months, while no other port held to this rule. Vessels arriving at Savannah from ports suspected of having or known to be infected with yellow fever were detained the whole year the five days after disinfection, to cover the period of incubation. No other port imposed detention after disinfection except during the summer months. These rigid regulations, thy claimed, operated against this port and they asKed that Savannah be placed on the same basis as other ports. The Board of Sanitary Commissioners removed the detention from all such vessels from November of every year to March 15 of the fol lowing year. The health officer protested against this, but to no pur pose. Dr. Brunner held that Savannah in the past eight years had thoroughly equipped the quarantine station vuth facilities for rapidly cleansing and disinfecting vessels subject to disinfection and had pro vided the best of boarding facilities for vessels subject only to inspec tion. It had met every emergency commerce demanded to give quick dispatch to vessels; it had wiped out the antiquated system of incom plete disinfection and detention of from ten to ninety days and sub stituted the quarantine of modern sanitation. Here he held that it should stop. The following year, 1986, brought additional complaints and charges against the quarantine officer. The Sanitary Board in vestigated the charges and presented its report to Council on July 15. "From statements made by the masters of vessels and from the statement of the quarantine officer, as well as from our personal ob servation, we did not find the charges sustained in any particular ex cept in so far as is concerned the necessary improvement to the bal last runs and the piling for the wharves." They found the quarters for the sailors perfectly clean and ample room for the accommodation of sailors and officers, excepting from ships of extraordinary size. As to the report of unnecessary detention of vessels at quarantine, the committee quoted from the bulletin of the Marine Hospital Service at Washington, comparing detention at Savannah, Brunswick. Mo bile and other southen ports, as showing conclusively that sailing vessels discharging ballast were detained from three to five days less than at any other port. Oilier quarantine stations reported de tentions of from 13 to 23 days, while during the year there had been

360

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

no detention, with one exception, of longer than 14 days at Savan nah, and in that instance the vessel took on some cargo while at the station. The Board in conclusion commended Dr. Linley's work as being "that of an efficient official conducting the quarantine service as it should be." Complaints had also been made this year and in 1895 as to insufficient accommodations at Sapelo and efforts were made to induce the Marine Hospital Service to improve the facilities there.
On March n, 1896, a communication was received from the Sec retary of War requiring the City of Savannah to remove all struc tures erected and all materials deposited at the new quarantine sta tion. On March 28 the Atlantic Contracting Company paid the City $500 for all the stone it could remove by May 15 and on May 6 its proposal to pay the City $200 for all the rock at the old station was accepted. The question of removal of the station was referred to the committee of the whole. On November 18 Mayor Myers, after con ferring with Capt. Carter, United States Engineer, recommended temporary repairs at the station, looking to the safety of the moor ing vessels and prompt discharge from quarantine. The necessity of an early change of the station depended altogether, he reported, upon the action of Congress at its next session in appropriating sufficient funds to carry out contracts for river and harbor improvements. In this connection the Mayor recommended an investigation as to the stability of the old station. In his judgment that would be the most desirable site if the City were compelled to make a change.
Under the direction of Capt. Carter a harbor line had been established which cut off fully 400 feet of the quarantine tract, on which stood the disinfecting plant and other buildings and where had been dumped the ballast from ships to give protection to the property. All this ballast had been ordered removed and runways from 500 to 600 feet long built in order to dump the ballast beyond the new harbor line, involving great expense to operate and maintain. After Capt. Gillette took charge of the river and harbor work, at the instance of Health Officer Le Hardy he secured permission In 1897 from the War Department to have this harbor line removed and the City was given permission to dump the ballast as before. The harbor line was subsequently removed and permission given to erect new mooring posts and wharves. This year formaldehyde was introduced as a disinfectant in place of sulphur, on account of its greater reliability and because a shorter exposure was necessary. Dr. Brunner had recommended its adoption in its report for 1896. The rebuilding of the runs and the extra mooring posts, together with the permission to put rock ballast anywhere beyond high water mark, increased the daily average discharge of ballast to two-thirds as much again.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
In April, 1897, Alderman W. W. Owens, chairman of the com mittee on health, and Mr. H. P. Smart, of the Sanitary Board, were sent to New Orleans to investigate the quarantine plant and service at that point. They made a full report on their return recommend ing certain changes in the apparatus at the Savannah station and that the detention to cover the period of incubation of yellow fever be re duced from five to three days. A public meeting of the Sanitary Board was held in the Council chamber, at which there were present members of Council and many citizens. The report of the committee on its New Orleans investigations was read and the subject was dis cussed by Dr. Le Hardy, Dr. Graham and others. Dr. Brunner, the health officer, disagreed with the report. He arraigned the New Or leans quarantine service as an inadequate protection against yellow fever and the officers at that port in removing restrictions, accusing them of catering to the commercial bodies. As proof of the correct ness of the health officer's information, it may be stated that yellow fever made its appearance at that port in September of the same year. Dr. Brunner's objections were overruled and new quarantine regu lations were adopted.
The year 1898 witnessed a number of improvements at the station The original wharf was strengthened by driving extra piles, a cross run, joining the two ballast runs, was built, and the accommodations for employes were increased. On August 30 a storm damaged the station and on October 2 another storm carried away part of the: wharf and did $3,000 of damage. The succeeding year (1899) the con trol of the station passed from the hands of the city government to those of the Federal government.
On December 19, 1892, the Sanitary Board passed a resolution asking Council to consider the advisability of national control of maritime quarantine, the New York Board of Trade having asked for an expression of opinions. This led to an investigation by many who had not hitherto given the subject consideration and bore fruit on June 20, 1894, when a committee of three was appointed by Council to confer with representatives of the United States government with a view to having the general government assume charge of the Savan nah quarantine station, only Alderman W. G. Charlton opposing the resolution to this effect. City Attorney Adams, to whom the matter was referred, gave the following opinion on June 27: "I beg to state that under the charter of the City of Savannah, to be found in section 4875 of the Code of Georgia, the Mayor and Aldermen have full power and authority to establish such system of quarantine and make such sanitary regulations anywhere on the Savannah river or else where in Chatham county as may in their judgment be proper to pre vent the spread of contagious or infectious disease in the city. The City has by ordinance, in pursuance of this power, established a num-

362

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

ber of quarantine regulations. In addition to this, under certain gen eral provisions of the Code of Georgia, to be found in sections 1377 et sq., of the Code, any town may establish a quarantine at any place within the harbor if a seaport town. The section named provides that the jurisdiction of the corporation of Savannah shall, in case of quarantine, extend to all ships and vessels which shall enter at any port or inlet from Ossabaw sound to Tybee. I advise therefore that no transfer of jurisdiction can be legally made without authority by an Act of the Legislature of Georgia. This is true, without reference to the question as to the ownership of the ground where the quaran tine may be located. You are, of course, aware that the City could not transfer title to property belonging to the State of Georgia with out authority from the State expressed by an Act of the Legislature. If immediate steps be thought advisable to carry out the views of Council, the transfer of jurisdiction and property might be made sub ject to the ratification of the Legislature of Georgia, and this could in all probability be obtained."
Here the matter dropped, there being considerable opposition locally to the proposition.
It remained for a later administration to take the matter in hand and bring it to a successful cons animation. On March 22, 1899, Al derman Graham introduced a resolution that in view of the sugges tion that the United States Marine Hospital Service might be willing to take charge of and conduct the Savannah quarantine the matter be taken up by the committee of the whole with a view to ascertaining the advisability and expediency of the plan. A public meeting was held on April 4 for an exchange of views. A large nu:nber of citizens were present and participated in the discussion, the argunents being generally favorable to the proposition. On the following day the committee of the whole reported recommending the appointment of a committee of five, with Mayor Myers as chairman, to negotiate with the proper officers of the United States government, with a view of turning over the quarantine station to it for a term of years, on conditions and terms to be agreed on by the committee, subject to the approval of Council. A protest was received from some citizens and referred to this committee, which was composed of the Mayor, Aldermen Wells. Graham. Jarrell and Tiedeman. On April 17 the committee reported recommending an agreement with the govern ment under which the quarantine station would be turned over to it for two years, the government to take the City tug Theckla and pay $5,000 cash for it. At the close of the two years, should the City elect to continue the government control of the station permanently, then the government to take all the holdings of the City at the station at a valuation to be fixed at the present time by arbitration. The gov ernment to continue the employment of the present officers of the

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

363

quarantine station and of the tug unless there be objections to their efficiency or competency. Should the government control terminate at the end of the two years the City to pay it for all improvements at a valuation to be agreed on or determined by arbitration, but if the government control continued permanently then the City to re ceive from it $20,oco in cash as full settlement for the station and its equipment, this amount having been decided on by arbitrators ap pointed by the City and the government. The Treasury Department, it was agreed, should at as early a date as possible secure whatever congressional legislation was necessary to carry out the agreement in spirit and purpose, and should such legislation not be had the agree ment to terminate and the City to have the right to retake possession of the station at once.
This report was adopted and the Mayor was authorized to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of the Treasury in accordance with it. A committee was appointed which, acting with a representa tive of the government appraised the property. On April 18 Mayor Myers notified Dr. William J. Linley, quarantine officer, that the con trol of the station had that day passed into the hands of the United States, as represented by the Marine Hospital Service through Dr. J. H. White. Dr. Linley was thanked for his unwavering, intelligent and efficient services rendered since his appointment on October I, 1895. In his report for 1899 Mayor Myers said:
"The care of its quarantine station having been transferred to the federal government, under a contract for two years, at the beginning of this administration, the City has been saved an expenditure of at least $10,000 a year, and commerce has been relieved of a tax of be tween $6,000 and $7,000. Savannah is now a free port, with no quar antine fees collected from vessels coming here, the government ren dering this service absolutely free to vessels arriving at ports where it has control of the quarantine station. The results of this change have been satisfactory in every respect. The quarantine officer makes regular reports to the City, and is in close communication with the health officer. There is no friction between the City and the govern ment, nor is there likely to be any. The service under the Marine Hospital Service has met every requirement and silenced every crit icism of those who seemed to regard the transfer of control as fraught with serious dangers to Savannah's health and commercial prosperity. Not a single complaint has been heard since the change was perfected nine months ago. I feel confident that the action of Council has met with the hearty approval of citizens generally. I would accordingly recommend that, while the arrangement with the government was only for a period of two years, the station be now permanently transferred, the City receiving therefor the assessed val uation, that is, $20,000. The national government will then feel en-

HISTORY OK THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

couraged to spend a large amount in permanent improvements at the

station, to the advantage of commerce by lessening detention, and

still further protecting Savannah from any possibility of invasion by

disease. The forward step Savannah has taken in this respect I be

lieve will be eventually followed by every other port. National con

trol of quarantine is one of the necessities growing out of modern

conditions, and Savannah is but in the van in recognizing the fact."

In accordance with the Mayor's recommendation, Council on

September 5, 1900, adopted the following:

"Resolved, That the Mayor is hereby authorized to receipt for

Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000), the balance of amount

agreed upon as purchase price for buildings, disinfecting machinery,

wharves, etc., including all of the property owned by the City of Sa

vannah. Ga., and now on hand at the Savannah river quarantine

station, as per the schedule prepared by Committee of Council."

Acting under this Mayor Myers received the $2O,coo from the

United States and the final transfer of the station to the government

was made. In his report for 1900 Mayor Myers again praised the

\

service at the station and reiterated his opinion that the conduct of

the quarantine would continue in every respect satisfactory to the

people of Savannah.

In April, 1901, $450 was received from the government in settle-

.

ment of the rent for the eighteen months the station was in its hands

prior to the consummation of the purchase.

i

The City during the twenty-one years of quarantine under its

control expended on its account $274.706.28 and received therefrom

:

$176,628.36. showing a net expense for quarantine in that period of

\j

$08,077.92, or an average of $4,670.38 a year. The following state-

\i

ment gives the income and expenditures yearly:

ij

1:

Year. Income. Expenditures. Year. Income. Expenditures.

Ij

1878......$ 2,934 25 $ 8,017 43 i89i......$i5,io4 04 $17,352 88

j

1879..... 2,440 oo

3,370 71 1892...... 16,534 63

19,343 13

i

1880...... 2,49600

2,39127 1893...... 14,324.34

34,12512



1881...... 2,765 oo

2,404 oo 1894. .... 5,067 85

20,348 88

i

1882...... 3,650 00

6,893 52 1895...... 3,085 50

13,415 20

;

1883...... 4.540 oo

7,073 34 1896...... 7,027 40 . 12,956 76

1

1884...... 4.851 05

4,877 08 1897...... 9,048 95 i9 lSl 27

1885 ..... 4,099 oo

2,925 07 1898... .. 6,154 90 15,068 22

Ii

1886 ..... 4,984 oo

2,840 24 1899 ..... 6,837 60

7,324 99

j'

1887...... 4,881 38

5,444 06 1900..... 20,000 oo

180 oo

\

1888...... 4,706 30

9,097 01

______ ______

I'

1889...... 17,335 09

10,338 68

1890 ..... 13,761 08

49,73742 Totals. $176,628 36 $274,70628

!I

The quarantine was under City control but a few months over

j!

twenty-one years. Of the income for 1899 $5,000 was from the sale of

!*

the tug and the $20,000 in 1900 came from the absolute sale of the

;

quarantine property to the government.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

365

The movement for a house drainage system was inaugurated in 1888, but it was not until nine years later that the work of construc tion began. The existence of a large number of privy vaults, contami nating the atmosphere with foul odors, was regarded as injuriously affecting the public health. Over 4,000 of such vaults were in use in 1888. Impressed with the advisability of dispensing with them and at the same time abandoning house connections with the worn-out and unscientifically constructed sewers, a special committee of Council composed of Aldermen Duncan, Reid, Schwarz, Thomas and Mell and the Mayor, was appointed under a resolution by Alderman Duncan, on October 3, to employ civil engineers to formulate a system of house drainage for the city generally and especially looking to the early adoption of the most perfect system that could be devised for those portions of the city east of East Broad and west of West ' Broad. Col. W. J. Winn, city surveyor, was directed to visit K*orfolk, Memphis and other places where a system of house drainage was in use, to collect all the information which might be of valite in supplying such a system for Savannah. He was instructed on his return to prepare a report and plan for Savannah and on December 10 Council adopted a report from the special committee, recommend ing that a house drainage system be introduced under Col. Winn's plan, the work to be done from time to time as the City's finances permitted. Col. Winn's plan called for 28.007 miles of sewer in the city, costing $248,350, with an outlet to Timber Landing creek, calling for 2.86 miles of sewer, costing $100,416, a total of $348,766, with the average cost in the city per mile of$8,867.42. On February 29, 1889, the drainage committee, composed of Aldermen Falligant, Haines and Mills, with the chairman of the committee on health and ceme tery, were constituted a special committee on house drainage, of which the chairman of the drainage committee, Alderman Harris, was made chairman, to have control and direction of all matters per taining to the construction of a system of house drainage.
This committee was directed on March 6 to have the tidal flow in St. Augustine creek tested to determine the feasibility of the creek being used as an outlet for a house drainage system for the city, and also to obtain the surface levels east of East Broad between Liberty and Anderson streets. An appropriation had been made in the budget for 1889 for the commencement of the work. Rudolph Herring, a noted civil engineer, was brought to the city and preparedt a plan for a system which was referred to City Engineer Winn. He returned the plan to Council on February 19, 1890. with the statement that he considered it feasible. Naturally there must be some difference of opinion as to the best and most economical course to be pursued, said he, and in view of Mr. Herring's high national reputation and marked ability, Col. Winn considered that criticism on his part would

, . ; I |
0

366

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

appear presumptions. On March 5 the city engineer was directed to furnish at the next meeting of Council an estimate of the cost of a sewer of sufficient size to carry the drainage of the city, to be con structed on or near the course of the Bilbo canal, and the length of time its construction would require. He reported that an egg-shaped sewer, 5 feet 3 inches by 3 feet 6 inches would carry of! the ordinary drainage of the city, but to provide for any extraordinary rainfall should be so constructed as to provide for an overflow into the Bilbo canal. The cost was approximated at $35,000. On December 24, (1890) Alderman Falligant, at the request of Council, presented an estimate of the cost of house drainage according to the Herring sys tem, with the report of W. G. Curtis, civil engineer, atached. The total cost was put at $204,566.67, xhe property owners' portion being $71,095.55 and the City's $133,161.12. Dr. Falligant's report was pub lished in full in Council's proceedings.
On April i, 1891, an ordinance was passed providing for the ap pointment of seven house drainage commissioners, consisting of the Mayor, three aldermen and three citizens. Their duty was to report plans and recommend, the one best adapted as a system for Savan nah, and when such system was adopted by Council to have the plans properly executed. Here the matter stopped for four years.' It was apparent that before any house drainage system could be of service a supply of water adequate for the city's needs, including such a sys tem, was necessary, and the large expenditures required in that direc tion rendered it impossible to undertake house c'rainage for the time being. The close of Mayor Schwarz's administration (January, 1891) found $113,000 in the treasury, which permitted cf the erection of the new waterworks, the City's finances otherwise also being in excellent condition. With the completion of these works attention was again turned to house drainage and on July 17, 1895, the Myers administra tion took up the work of investigation by the appointment of Alder men Garrard, Gleason and Falligant and Citizens John Screven, J. S. Collins and Lawrence Lippman as house drainage -commissioners. In his report for 1895 Mayor Myers said: "The work of this commission may appear to the public to be S!DW, yet it has diligently taken up the subject and reasonable progress has been made. Surveys have been had and numerous plans prepared. The enormous work of devising and preparing suitable sanitary plans for a better system of house drainage and the filling in or covering over of Bilbo canal has been delegated to this Commission. This important matter, embracing as it does, one of the most responsible undertakings in the history of . our city, should of necessity be given mature consideration. It has always been a subject of discussion with former Councils, but the task of pushing the work to a final termination has been taken up by the present administration."

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

367

On July 23, 1895, the commissioners directed Co!. Winn to pre pare a plan for an outlet for the sewage of the city from the termi nus of the Bolton street sewer to the Savannah river, said plan to be estimated for a population of 200,000. On September 23 he made his report to the committee. He was then instructed to make a report on an outlet into the Wilmington river. Mr. E. J. Thomas was placed in the field and Mr. J. de Bruyn Kops in charge of the investi gations at the river. The various lines with profiles, estimates of cost, etc., were prepared and an outlet decided on at Causton's Bluff. On July 4, 1896, the report on the Wilmington river outlet was sub mitted. Contrary to previous understanding sufficient tidal velocity and volume were found to make the dilution of sewage into this river practicable and the report was favorably considered by the commis sioners. Mr. Thomas's elaborate report on the sewers of the city was published in the report of the Mayor for 1896, pages 208-29. Mr. Thomas in his report said that reports en the sewers of the city, both as regards construction within the city and the outlets, had been made by Waring, Herring, Winn and Falligant, surveys had been made look ing to the proper outlet, and in fact the whole field had been gone over carefully and intelligently and nothing remained but to await the decision of the commissioners.
On August 12, 1896, the Commission reported that after consid ering numerous plans and ideas looking to the economical construc tion and maintenance of a system of outfall and sewers, it recom mended the adoption of the plan outlined in a report submitted by Col. W. J. Winn, the city engineer, which was attached as a part of the report. The plan, as stated by the city engineer, embraced a pop.ulation of 200,000, and the estimated cost of outfall and sewers was $136,682.45. It provided a line of sewage discharge to the Wilming ton river, and a storm overflow, via Harmon street, to the lower portion of Bilbo canal. It also contemplated the closing and filling in of Bilbo canal from Bolton street to a point 300 feet north of Wheaton street after provisions for the drainage of the tributary wa tershed had been made, at a cost of $22,057, making the total cost of the work projected $158,739.45.
The commissioners recommended that a right of way be secured so as to construct an avenue 60 feet in width over the sewer and to run the entire length of the proposed sewer to the outfall. The city engineer's report, published in full in proceedings of August 12, sum marizes his plan as follows:
"I have made a report on outlets to the Savannah river, one to discharge the sewage into the river at Bilbo canal, to cost $101,287; another to have the outlet into the said river near the Deptford ca nal, to cost $131,401. Again, I have trade a report of an outlet to the Wilmington river, to cost for a population of 200,000 $136,682. I have

368

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

also made a report on the project submitted by Messrs. Supden and

Kollock. I have also endeavored to place before you the advantages

of each of these routes. Estimates have also been made to sewer and

cover Bilbo canal valley, first, to sewer and fill the valley to thirteen

feet elevation, to cost $50,000; second, to sewer and fill the valley to

ten feet elevation, to cost $22,000. Situated as Savannah is, on a

plateau from 25 to 45 feet above low water, with a large river at the

north front and tidal streams to the east, in easy access,, it is diffi

cult to select the best point to establish an outlet. The several dis

tinguished consulting engineers who have been called upon to advise

in this matter have each selected a different location. They have all,

however, been in one accord, in not selecting Bilbo canal. These dis-

( tinguished experts agree that we should have a separate system for

the collection of sewage and a separate conduit to carry it to a suit

able point of discharge. This idea I also advocated in 1888. and all

the plans I have submitted for outlets are designed with this end in

view.

"If it is believed by your honorable body that the waters of the

Savannah river will sufficiently disperse the sewage matter so as to

make very improbable the chances of any one taking *that special

draught which may produce disease, then the Savannah river is the

proper place of discharge; otherwise Wilrnington river offers a tempt

ing location."

Col. Winn, though, held that the Savannah river was large

enough to effectually dispose of all sewage that would be emptied

into it for all time to come "Yet," said he, "as the cost of the line

I i

to the Wilmington river is so slightly in excess of the one to the Deptford canal, I cannot but think that the ounce of prevention by disposing of our sewage into salt or non-potable waters may save us the pound of epidemic of cholera or typhoid fever. Mr. Herring has

advised against using the Wilmington river oa the ground that on

account of the lack of any permanent fresh water supply the river

near its virtual head, near" the meeting of the tides, would gradually

have its water displaced by sewage and purification would result only in

proportion to the rapidity with which the foul matter would oxidize."

Mr. Herring's conclusions, Col. Winn declared to be based on wrong

assumptions, the objections urged by him not being founded on act

ual existing conditions, the excess of ebb tide over flood tide being

great enough to afford ample dilution.

At the close of 1896 Mayor Myers spid that there was no doubt

that a satisfactory house drainage system could be begun in 1897.

every phase of the question having been given the most thorough

consideration, and sufficient funds having been appropriated for this

purpose. The commissioners were succeeded in 1897 by the regular

committee on drainage, consisting of Aldermen Wylly, Owens and

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

309

Davis. On the resignation of Alderman Wylly he was succeeded as chairman by Alderman Owens and Alderman Smith was added to the committee. This committee was not satisfied with the systems pro posed and in addition to the city engineer and other city officials called into consultation Col. George E. Waring, Jr., of New York, and at his suggestion Mr. Herbert Tate. a contractor of that city. After careful investigation the committee recommended the adoption of the Waring system of sewerage, which it regarded as thoroughly sanitary and complete in all details. This system, the committee said, carried with it a full supply of automatic flush tanks, which, if discharged twice a day, would save something like 400,000 or 500,000 gallons of water a day. The committee recommended that the work be started by November i. It had arranged, it stated, for payments for the complete system to be carried over a period of ten years or less, at the City's option, payable in equal annual appropriations on a basis not exceeding 5 per cent, per annum on deferred payments. The Waring proposition was published in full in the proceedings of September 24. Aldermen Wylly, Owens, Davis and Smith went to Brunswick to investigate the Waring system there and on September 28 reported to Council, repeating their recommendation that the Waring system be adopted, stating that a number of prominent citi zens of Brunswick had endorsed the system in use there. On No vember 17 the plans of Waring. Chapman & Farquhar were submitt ed to Council in full and on November 19 they were adopted and the committee ordered to proceed to get contracts for the work.
Chairman Owens presented a report at the close of 1898 which was published in the Mayor's report for the year, pages 216-25. Un der the arrangement with Waring, Chapman & Farquhar, said he, that firm was to be paid $1,000 on the acceptance of its plans, Col. George E. Waring, Jr., was to ba paid $i,oco in installments as con sulting engineer and the firm was to receive 7 per cent, on the cost of the work, which was to be completed under the terms of the con tract and bids by December 31, 1898. "Two complete plans,'* he stated, "were prepared by this firm. One plan contemplated dis charging into the Savannah river through two outlets, one on the east and the other on the west side of the city. By this plan sewage from the majority of the territory occupied by the city could be dis charged directly by gravity. A very small section at West Boundary street and another at Collinsville were found to be at such slight ele vation above mean low water tide that it was necessary to resort to pumping to properly drain those sections. The other plan contem plated discharging the sewage into the Wilmington river or else where, as might be determined. This latter.plan, however, required that the entire sewage of the city be pumped, which would have made it very much more expensive than the present plan, both as to con-

i

370

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

struction and operation. Plans wrere also obtained at the same time,

and are now in the possession of the City, for an intercepting sewer

to run along River street, connecting the western and eastern outlets,

so that in case of future necessity the western outlet might be aban

doned, as well as the eastern and discharge all sewage east of the

city further down the river."

"On November 15, 1897, the bids were opened and publicly read.

Bids were called for on both plans. There developed a very strong

opposition to the scheme of discharging sewage into the river in

front of the city, and an attempt was made to modify the location of

the outlets to a position some three miles below the city. After con

siderable discussions, pro and con, on November 19, (1897) it was

decided to accept plan No. i, discharging into the Savannah river,

and the contract was awarded to Messrs. Bryan, Delaney & Zipf, the

lowest bidders, for a total sum of $181,043. Some little time was

consumed in arranging for bond, etc., and it was not until December

i, 1897, that the contract was finally signed. The contractors were

then allowed two weeks in which to get their material on hand and

begin work. * * * It would have been desirable, had it been

'

feasible, to start the work at one or the other of the outlets, and thus

;

secure from the beginning an outlet for the water which would ac-

I

cumulate. As both of these outlets, however, ran across private

;

property, and the necessary rights of way had not been secured, the

[

plan of the work had to be modified. On December 7. 1897, the con-

I

tractors with some little ceremony with nickel-plated shovels, broke

ground on Randolph street near Bay,in a very feeble manner, only

;f

eight men being employed as the first gang. The first brick of the

(

work was laid on December 18, 1897, by the chairman of the drainage committee (Dr. Owens). From this time until the latter part of De-

|

cember the work was easy and fair progress was made. About this

time the lack of sufficient cash capital on the part of the contractors

to pay their labor or to secure the necessary material began to make

itself manifest. The laborers struck on December 24 and were out

until December 31. The work, however, was r.ot started up again

}

until January 4, 1898. In the meantime, on account of financial em-

i

barrassments, changes took place in the personnel of the contractors.

]

First, Mr. Bryan got out; then Mr. Zipf sold out; then Messrs. John

|

Rourke & Son came in, and a little later associated with them the

Mitchell Bros., and the contract, by consent of Council, was trans-



ferred to Messrs. Rourke, Mitchell & Delaney. Once more a change

took place, when Mr. Delaney, the last of the original coterie,

|

dropped out and has not been heard of since.

S

"The Mayor's notes tendered the contractors in payment of their

I

work--as originally agreed upon, with a full understanding on the

i

part of the contractors that technically the^e notes were illegal, but

(I

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

371

would be paid on maturity--not being readily negotiable, an attempt was made by interested parties to enjoin the City from issuing them. At about the same time the contractors petitioned the Board to allow them to cancel their contract. It was made a term precedent to all negotiations looking to this end that the proceedings to enjoin should first be absolutely withdrawn. This was finally done and on May 4, 1898, on a payment of $31,000 .as a compromise, the contrac tors were released. Negotiations were then opened with Mr. Her bert Tate, of New York, but they came to naught. Finally, during the summer of 1898 bids were again advertised for, and on September i, 1898, bids were received from Messrs. Cranford & Co., Herbert Tate, Miles & Bradt, Greenville Construction Company, Joseph McCabe, and Lauer, Hagaman, Brayer & Albaugh. The drainage com mittee recommended that the contract be awarded to Messrs. Cran ford & Co., as they were the lowest responsible sewer contractors. Notwithstanding this unanimous recommendation of the drainage committee, the contract was awarded to Messrs. Miles & Bradt, the lowest bidders, for the sum of $151,170.90. Before signing the con tract the work was distributed over a period of three years, and each year's work was mapped out at an estimated annual cost, of $50,000. On November 3, 1898, the contract was sighed. On November 15 ground was broken at Perry and Randolph streets. As originally contemplated the entire house drainage 'contract was to have been completed by December 31, 1898,. and on this basis the firm of Messrs. Waring, Chapman & Farquhar had made their agreement as to the percentage of 7 per cent, of the cost of work which they were to re ceive as supervising engineers. Under the new contract the remain der of the work is to take three years from November i. Under this state of affairs it was only deemed equitable by the drainage commit tee that that firm be allowed an additional amount to cover this un expected expense, and on December 23, 1898, by resolution of Coun cil on recommendation of the drainage committee, they were allowed 10 per cent, instead of 7 per cent, for the remainder of the work after January i, 1899."
On the advent of the Myers administration the new drainage committee, composed of Aldermen Graham, Thomas and Bacon, took charge of the work. In the latter part of October (1899) Messrs. Miles & Bradt, the contractors, notified the Mayor and Aldermen that they would not complete their contract. The City's exper ience with private contractors had been throughout of so unsatisfac tory a character that it was decided that money and time would be saved by placing the work under the direction of the Department of Public Works, and from then on the construction of the house drain age system- has been by the City's hands under the director of public works, Mr. Chapman, of the engineering firm, being the sit-

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372

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.



^^^^

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pervisor. A special committee on house drainage, of which Alderman

D. R. Thomas was made chairman and has continued such, was ap

pointed, which has maintained a careful watch over the progress of

the work. Engineer W. H. Chapman prepared a report of the work

done in 1899, which is published in the Mayor's report for that year,

pages 366-75, and Alderman D. R. Thomas prepared a report of the

operations in 1900, published in the Mayor's report for this year.

From this latter statement it appears that at the close of 1900 the

system had been completed east of Bull street from Bay to Thirty-

seventh street: west of Bull street from Anderson to Thirty-eighth

street, extending west to West Broad street. Burroughs street and

,

Ogeechee Road; Barnard street from Bolton lane to Henry lane, ex

tending east to Bull and Whitaker streets, and west to Jefferson and

West Broad streets.

Lateral connections were made to the western outlet at Indian

and West Broad streets, Orange and Farm streets, Zubly and Farm

streets, Margaret and Farm streets.

The cost of the system has been:

Amount paid out in year 1897. ............................$ 4.034 99

Amount paid out in year 1898. ........................... 9,322 55

Amount paid out in year 1899. ........................... 73,734 7T

Amount paid out in year Kpo. ....................... ... 102,325 26

*

------------

Total expenditures to date. ........................... .$189,417 51

Appropriation to complete gravity s"ystem. ............... 55,000 oo

Actual estimated cost of gravity system. .............. .$244,417 51 Estimated cost sections in Collinsville and west Farm
street, including pumping stations ..................... 30,000 oo

Estimated cost of completed system................... .$274,417 51 T One of the greatest factors in the improvement of the health of the city was the introduction of artesian water to the exclusion both of river and well water. In September, 1885, Alderman D. R. Thomas presented a resolution to supply the district west of West Broad and east of East Broad with artesian water. The joint committee on health and water to which it was referred reported September 23 stating that it was possible the entire city could be supplied with artesian water through the regular water mains by means of one or more artesian wells sunk near the waterworks. The committee, of which Alderman Duncan was chairman, recommended that the committee on water be authorized to bore an artesian well in the vicinity of the waterworks as an experiment. Permission was given to the water committee to do so. but it was revoked in December.

i

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

373



The pump or well water used by a large number of residents was badly contaminated by seepage from vaults, and Health Officer McFarland, in his report for 1885, urgently recommended that Council endeavor to substitute artesian well water. Forming his opinion from the results of the different borings for artesian water in the city and vicinity, he held that this would not be an experiment. During 1885 three borings had been made for artesian water in the city and three upon Tybee island. In each instance the boring had been easy and had resulted satisfactorily, the depth of the wells in the city being 700, 302 and 300 feet, and that of those at Tybee being 300. 242 and 240 feet, the water obtained from them being mcst excellent, as shown

by analysis. The agitation of the question continued in and out of Council.
Finally on June 30, 1886, the committee on water was instructed to .purchase boring apparatus and bore a well in Greene square. This well was sunk 400 feet. On September 8 the committee was author ized to sink a lo-inch artesian well on the waterworks site, being part of a proposed system to supply the city with artesian water through the existing water mains. Samples of the water obtained were sent to the United States Geographical Survey and Prof. Chandler of New York. The reports were satisfactory, the latter's analysis being as

follows:



NUMBER OF GRAINS IN A UNITED STATES dAI,I,ON OF 231 CUBIC INCHES.
Chlorine of Chlorides.............................................................. 0.6192 Equivalent to Sodium Chlorides............................................... 1.0218 Phosphates ............... <w,...................... ............................... .... Trace.
Nitrates.................. ......... ................................................ None. Nitrogen of Nitrates.............. .................................................. 6.0283 Free Ammonia........................................................................ None. Albuminoid Ammonia........................................ ..................... 0.0017 Hardness equivalent to Carbonate of Lime before boiling............. 4.0463 Hardness equivalent to Carbonate of Lime after boiling .............. 1.7804 Soda ...................................................... ............... ................. 0.7987 Potassia...................................................................... ........... 0.1252
Lime...................................................... ............................... 2.0344
Magnesia.................................................... ........................... 0.7093 Oxide of Iron and Alumnia...................................................... 0.0233 Silica...................................................................... ..... ........ 2.1929 Sulphuric Acid........................ ...................................... ....... 0.5160 Equivalent to Sulphate of Iron................................................. 0.8772 Organic and Volatile Matter..................................................... 0.5832 Mineral Matter.................................. .....................................12.8299 Total Solids at no degrees centigrade.......................................13.4131

374

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Biological analysis. 227 colonies in one cubic centi

meter.

>

Appearance in 2 foot tube, clear and colorless.

^

i

Odor, none.

Taste, none.
Mayor Lester in his report for 1886, said: "It has been deter-

!

mined by Council to supply the city, if possible, with artesian water.



Machinery and apparatus have been purchased for boring the wells,

I

one has been sunk in Greene square for the purpose of supplying

j

that locality, and the result appears to be satisfactory. A number of

i

wells will be sunk at the site of the waterworks and from there water

[

will be supplied through the mains of the waterworks in place of river

v ater. Two wells have been finished there, one 2-inch and one 6-inch

and a lo-inch well is nearly completed. The results from the wells

now flowing seem to justify the belief that two more lo-inch wells in

addition to the one under way will yield an ample supply of water."

- On September 21, 1887. the committee on water was instructed to

i

have two more wells drilled, not to cost over $1,200. At the close of

the year Mayor Lester was able to ssy that the supply had been en-

|

tirely changed from the river to artesian water. At this time there

j

had been completed fifteen artesian wells, two lo-inch, twelve 6-inch,

i

and one 4-inch. In 1888 part of the old waterworks tract was sold to Hammond. Hull & Co., at $900 an acre. Eight years before this, un-

_^

x

der a resolution of Council adopted May 12, 1880, part of the wharf

property of the first waterworks tract west of the Ogeechee canal

was sold at public outcry to the Central railroad on which to erect a

grain elevator.

The supply from the wells did not prove sufficient. In 1888 and

1889 eight new wells, making twenty-three at the works, were bored

Then it was decided (1890) to deepen the wells to 1,000 feet, as they

were too shallow to meet the demands upon them. The resulting in

crease in the flow of water was trifling and the plan was abandoned,

j

The wells not giving an adequate supply of water it was found neces-

i

Fary to again resort to the river, leading to general complaints. The

j

large pump was taken down this year and given a thorough over-

,

hauling.

1

The first step toward a new waterworks, the third for Savannah,

'

was on May 15, 1889, when Alderman Myers introduced a resolution

1

instructing the committee on finance to see if sufficient funds could be

I

made available in 1889 and 1890 for this purpose, and if so authoriz

ing the committee on water to select a site for a new pumping sta

tion and stand-pipe, to bore such number of artesian wells as might

be necessary, and also to get estimates for new mains, pumps, boil

ers, etc. Here the matter rested until March 5, 1890, when the com

mittee on water was requested to lay before Council or> March 19 an

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

375

estimate of the cost of a ten-million gallon per day pump, locating the present small pump with a necessary building upon the site of the new artesian well on the Springfield plantation, mains of proper size to connect such new works with the existing system, and a stand-pipe of sufficient size to give at least 40 pounds pressure.
The committee reported that the pump would cost $62,000. As ten million gallons was not sufficient capacity, it recommended a fifteenmillion gallon pump, costing $75,000. Its erection at the existing works would necessitate laying a new 42-inch forcing main from the works to the city, costing $12 per foot laid, or $63,360. being probably 2 1-4 to 2 1-2 miles long. To erect pumps and belongings and connect with conduit and reservoir would require a new engine and boiler house, etc. The building in use was held to be totally unfit for the purpose in many respects. To locate the small pump at the new ar tesian well on Springfield plantation would require another well like that one, 1,000 feet deep and costing $5,000; two sets of boilers cost ing $6,000, one surface condenser and circulating pump at a probable cost of $3,000, at least a 20-inch forcing main to reach far enough across the city to distribute this body of water in the regular system of mains, requiring 3,700 feet of 2O-inch main to connect with the 12inch pipe on Whitaker street, and then 1,100 feet of i6-inch pipe to reach and connect with the i6-inch pipe in Abercorn street, making a total of 4,800 feet of forcing main, costing $18,000. The proposed change, the committee said, would cost in the aggregate $40.000; too much, it held, to expend on what was to be only a temporary meas ure. As to a standpipc, it recommended the erection of one with a holding capacity of one-half million gallons and of sufficient height to at all times afford a gravity pressure of from 60 to 70 pounds per square inch. This would enable the fire department at ordinary fires to dispense with the necessity of calling out the steam engine. The approximate cost of such a standpipe it placed at $45,000.
In view of the fact that the demand for a better supply of water was daily increasing and the present pumping machinery was already performing an amount of labor in excess of that for which it was de signed, and believing the water question one of paramount import ance, the committee, of which Alderman McBonough was chairman, recommended that plans and specifications be made at once and the work be promptly and vigorously prosecuted of erecting a first-class pumping plant and station on the site of the new well on the Spring field plantation, with a 42-inch or 48-inch forcing main running east on Gwinnett street to the park extension, thence to discharge into a proper standpipe located south of the Confederate monument. To carry out the provisions of this recommendation it held would con sume no more time than would be required to make permanent and satisfactory improvements in the present wells.

376

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

On May 14, 1890, the committee on water, composed of Alder-

f

men J. J. McDonough, R. B. Harris, George N. Nichols and J. A. G.

i

Carson, recommended that as soon as the proper and necessary sur-

i

veys then being made were completed agreeable to the recommenda-

I

tions of Engineer T. T. Johnston, a cistern be sunk at the water-

!j

works and a conduit leading to the cistern be constructed at such a

iI

depth that the well conduit after having been cut off would deliver

f

the water from the wells through lateral pipes into the cistern, from

;I

whence the pumps would draw the v.ater and force it into the city.

;

This conduit to be built in such a manner as to form part of a per-

!j

manent plant to be extended at once by the most advantageous route

i

to the site of the new artesian well on the Springfield plantation,

i;

near the corner of Cemetery and Gwinnett streets. The committee

*

also recommended that new wrorks be built upon this site and that at

least two fifteen-million gallon pumps of the latest approved pattern,

,,

with all the necessary connections and attachments, be erected at

;

these works, and that the work proceed with the least possible delay.

5

The committee also asked to be empowered to call for bids and make

the -necessary contracts for carrying out the work recommended and

to retain the services of the expert engineer as an adviser.

The question of issuing bonds having arisen. City Attorney

Adams gave it as his opinion that it was not possible to issue water

works bonds, as under the State Constitution the City's indebtedness

could not exceed seven per cent, of the taxable property therein, and

its debt was already greatly in excess of that limit and had been at

the time of the adoption of the constitution.

Resolutions by the committee of the whole were unanimously

adopted on June n authorizing the boring of more wells on the

Springfield plantation, having them connected with earthern or iron

pipes to a cistern, which the water committee was also authorized to

construct, and to contract for one fifteen-million gallon pumping en

gine, eight boilers, standpipe, forcing mains and all necessary connec

tions. The committee was also requested to furnish the cost of water

meters. In his report for 1890 Mayor McDonough said: "In conse

quence of the increasing demand for water in the city the twenty-

three artesian wells in operation had for some time failed to yield

an adequate supply and the deficiency was made up of river water,

which gave general dissatisfaction," although the mixed water was

analyzed by the Geological Department and declared wholesome.

"To obviate this it was decided to sink some of the wells at the works

to a depth of 1,000 feet, hoping by so doing to increase the flow. The

increase in the quantity of water gained was so trifling compared with

the expense of sinking them that this plan was abandoned. Several

suggestions were offered and plans proposed to improve the water

supply both in quantity and quality. Among others a plan was -ad-

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

377

vanced by Civil Engineer T. T. Johnston, of Chicago, who was invited to come here and assist in settling the matter, he having had large experience in waterworks building and artesian well supply. Mr. Johnston came here and looked over the situation and his proposition was to erect an entire new plant on the Springfield plantation and build a brick conduit from the present works to the new plant, cut off the wells in use to increase the flow, bore more wells at intervals along the line of conduit and convey all the water from all the wells through such conduit to a cistern to be located near the new pump house, from whence the pump would draw and force it to a standpipe higher up in the city. Mr. Johnston, as chief engineer, had just completed at Memphis, Tenn., a system of waterworks upon this plan and said to be one of the best in the country. But after careful sur veys and estimates made by Col. W. J. Winn, city engineer, this plan was considered somewhat too extensive and expensive. Finally at a special meeting of Council on June u it was decided to proceed at once to bore two or more lo-inch wells for immediate relief at the present works and as soon as these were finished and sufficient water obtained to warrant the river being shut off, a number of wells should be bored on Springfield plantation, to furnish water for a fifteen-mil lion gallon engine, and it, with the necessary attachments and con nections to be contracted for and erected with all possible dispatch. Accordingly on or about June 24 a contract was signed with James Mulligan, well borer of Savannah, to bore two or more ID-inch wells at the present (old) works, each of which he agreed to complete in about forty days. But on account of improper tools he was unable to finish the contract and abandoned it. It was then required of his sureties to complete it. They gave the contract to E. F. Joyce, of St. Augustine, Fla. One well was completed and connected with the system by December 29 and increased the supply of artesian water to such an extent that it was unnecessary to continue the use of river water any longer and the river connection was accordingly shut off the same day." Another well was then drilled, giving four lo-inch, twenty 6-inch and one 4-inch in 1891, a total of twenty-five.
The experiment of shooting or torpedoing the wells for the pur pose of increasing the flow had also been tried. An agreement was made with Elisha Gregory, of New York, to do the work. He came on in July, 1890, and torpedoed three wells. It was done by sinking a tin case or shell charged with explosives to the bottom of the well where it was fired by means of a fuse. The result of the experiment was not sufficiently successful to warrant the further prosecution of the work.
In 1891 with twenty-five wells flowing more trouble was exper ienced. It was found from observations and measurements that the engines were drawing more water from the wells near the engine

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378

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

house than from those at a distance and that additional wells would be of little service. The lack of water caused the engines to labor, greatly and pound badly :.nd fearing injury to the machinery it was found necessary to again resort to the river to meet requirements.
To return to the plans for new works, after carefully viewing the surroundings of the portion of the Springfield plantation on which one 12-inch artesian well had been bored and completed at a depth of 1.500 feet, objections were presented, and it was deemed inadvisable to build the new works and bore other wells at that point. That location was accordingly abandoned and a new site was selected on the west side of the Springfield plantation, at the intersection of Gwinnett street and Stiles avenue. Negotiations were opened with the owners of the land and lots 57, 58 and 59, lying north of Gwinnett street and east of Stiles avenue on the Springfield plantation and containing thirty-one acres, were secured by purchase from the Savannah Brick
Manufacturing Company for $17,050, eight and one-third acres of the tract purchased to be reserved as a site for waterworks and the re mainder to be placed in the hands of a committee of Council to be dis posed of to the best advantage.
On July 20 bids for furnishing engines were opened and that of the Holly Manufacturing Company of Lockport, N. Y., was regarded favorably by the committee. When the recommendation of the com mittee was brought before Council objection was raised to receiving the bid on the ground that it had been handed in after the hour named in the advertisement. The objection prevailed and new bids were called for and opened August 20, the Holly Company then se curing the contract for two high duty pumping engines, each having a capacity of ten million gallons per day, for $92,500.
Other bids were awarded later as follows: E. F. Joyce of St. Augustine, to bore a number of 12-inch wells at $4.50 a foot to a depth of 430 feet, and any greater depth at $5 a foot. John Rourke & Son, of Savannah, for constructing and furnish-
ing necessary boilers, $13,875. Robertson & Weaver, of Baltimore, to construct water conduit of
masonry or masonry and timber, having an internal depth of six feet and length of 3,000 feet, more or less, $27,500.
Howard Harrison Iron Company, of Bessemer, Ala., cast iron water pipes, 42 and 36-inch, at $21.75 a ton of 2,000 pounds, special castings at $2.75 per 100 pounds.
Rensselaer Manufacturing Company, of Troy, N. Y., valve or water gates, $4.800.
Palmer Hardware Company, of Savannah, pig lead, 60,000 pounds, at $4.73 per 100 pounds.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

379

________________________________________

Martin Cooley, of Savannah, laying water pipes, $1.10 a foot for 42-inch pipe, and 85 cents for 36-inch pipe.
Drayage, John McGrath, of Savannah, $1.25 a ton. Trestle work for railroad track, J. H. Rosseau, of Atlanta, $5,002.84. Subwork of pumping station, W. F. Chaplin, of Savannah, for ex cavating, $2,900; for chimney, $7,460; for stone caps, $1,134; brick ma sonry, per cubic yard, $9.45; concrete, per cubic yard, $7.25. Seventeen months passed before the works were in readiness for operation. In his report for 1892 Mayor McDonough gave an inter esting and succinct review of the construction of the new plant. He said: "Experience at home and elsewhere gave encouragement to the idea that the city could expect a much enlarged supply of pure arte sian water and engineering advice was sought in quarters where suc cessful experience in this direction existed. Examination was made of the history, flow and pressure of all accessible wells in the vicinity of Savannah, with the result that a favorable opinion was obtained as to the judiciousness of undertaking improvements looking to an exclusively artesian supply. The conclusion was reached that a vast volume of water flows continuously under Savannah toward the ocean and from the uplands. This water is fed to the ground by the rains on the geological outcrops of the northwest, and being continuously fed as rainfall is continuous, the flow endures continuously and will do so as long as rain falls. The water supply problem could be solved if the flow could be intercepted at reasonable cost "A suitable location for the interception of the flow was first sought, a public highway being desirable as giving a free and readily available location. Such a highway beginning at the old waterworks and extending southward along Stiles avenue existed. A line of wells may be distributed many miles along the highway. Present purposes, however, required the occupation of only a part of the highway. Considering the cost of a new water pipe, or force main, to convey the water to the city, it resulted that a location in that part of Stiles avenue nearest the center of demand would occasion less expense than any other location and yet yield all the advantages desired. The loss of the Springfield well and the temporary abandonment of all the old wells was fully considered in these computations. Accordingly the pump house location at Stiles avenue and Gwinnett street was de cided upon. "A line of wells, 300 feet apart, extending northward from Gwin nett street and on the side of Stiles avenue to the Louisville road, and thence to near the junction of this road with the Augusta road,was recommended with other things, as follows:

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

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"(0 A brick conduit having six feet internal diameter on the

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opposite side of Stiles avenue, and a depth corresponding to the

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ocean level. The depth of the conduit was determined first by the

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consideration that the deeeper the conduit the greater the obtainable

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flow from the wells: second, the deeper, the greater the expense of

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construction. It was also considered that to go deeper than ocean

*>

level might lead ultimately to some danger of draining salt water

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from the ocean.

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"(2) Pipe connections from the wells to the conduit through

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which the water might flow from the wells to the conduit.

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"(3") The extension of the conduit to an open rectangular wet

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well at the pump house, from which the water might be pumped with-

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out the necessity of a troublesome vacuum or the inconvenience of

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vapors or gases.



"(4) The wet well.

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"(5) Two pumping engines, with proper boilers, each having a

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capacity of 60 per cent, in excess of present requirements, thus pro-

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viding reasonably for growtn of the city, and also eliminating the long

existing menace of having the only available pump disabled with the

result of leaving the city without a safe supply.

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"(6) A building to contain this machinery.

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"(7) A force main to deliver the water to the city and having'

size enough to not only eliminate friction loss at present but for some

years to come.

*

"These plans were laid before Council in June, 1891, and the work

was authorized at the Council meeting July 8. An engineering and

construction force was organized, consisting of Thomas T. Johnston,

of Chicago, by whom the plans and specifications were made, and to

whom a commission of two per cent, of all expenditures was paid, and

who acted as consulting and supervising engineer; W. R. Curtis. as

engineer in charge of construction, assisted by W. A. Dayton, D. A.

Usina and Verne Dyer. On December'9, 1892,-at 9:25 a. m.. one of

i

the new pumps was put in operation. This' constituted the practical

;

accomplishment of the work undertaken, proving that the plans had

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been complete in all details for the purposes intended. The antici-

;

pated capacity of the wells was fully realized. Seven wells out of the

'

twelve designed yielded 7,000,000 gallons per day. or more than all of

the twenty-four wells at the old waterworks. The works as con

structed embody a conservative provision anticipating any possible fail-

,

ure of the artesian supply, in that they can be readily adapted to fur-

I

nish water from any other possible source of supply about as cheaply

j

as if they had been originally designed for such a supply."

On January 3. 1894, Alderman William G. Cann. chairman of the

committee on water, submitted a final report to Council, in part as

fellows:

HISTORY OF THE ClfY GOVERNMENT.

381

"The total cost of the works complete is $410,660.21; this is ex clusive of interest on deferred payments and cost of widening Stiles avenue, neither of which do I consider a proper charge against the construction of the works, the first named item being in lieu of a bond issue, and the latter for permanent widening of a street. The original estimate was $364,500. The scope of the work was subse quently enlarged, causing an increase in the cost of the wells, build ings and forcing main. The other items have been completed within the original estimates. ****** \Ve went into office with an insufficient supply of artesian water, pumping machinery both in competent to perform the work required and expensive as to opera tion, an undesirable location of works necessitating a force main of great length, causing serious loss of pressure from frictional resist ance and of insufficient size to properly meet the demands of the city. We now beg to present to you one of the best and most com plete waterworks of its size in the country." ) On August 28, 1895, an ordinance was passed prohibiting the use of surface wells after December 31, 1895, in any part of the city where city mains were accessible and ordering all such wells abandoned. The following year water meters were introduced. For some j'ears the superintendents of the waterworks and the mayors of the city had called attention to an apparent enormous waste in water and re commended the introduction of meters as a remedy. Nothing was done until this year, when 159 were set out. For a time they seemed to be received with favor. Then opposition arose to their use and in June, 1897, it was recommended by Council that their use be discon tinued after July i by the water commissioners, in whose hands the de partment had been placed the previous year, on the ground that they created dissatisfaction, that there were complaints of irregularity, and furthermore Council did not consider it good public policy to encour age parsimoniousness in the use of water. To political conditions was in some degree due the hostility aroused to.the meters. No further efforts were made to force their introduction, a number were taken out, and at the close of 1900 there were but a few in use in the city.
In 1896 an electric lighting plant was installed at the new works and the same year the old Springfield well was connected with the works. On April 30 of this year a resolution was passed to sell the machinery at the old works. It was felt, though, that the \fiser course would be to save the old works for emergencies and the project was dropped. In 1897 under authority of Council the work of increas ing the flow of the wells was undertaken under plans prepared by Engineer Thomas T. Johnston. The cost was estimated at $4,000, but the actual expenditures were $3,680.58. The work consisted of a line of standard 8-inch cast iron pipe, extending along the conduit for

382

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

a distance of 3,900 feet. Each well was connected with this main by

a 6-inch pipe made with Smith patent fittings. At each well was

placed a 6-inch gate valve with locking cover to same, making it

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convenient to flush any well at any time. After being flushed the v.-ells showed a net gain of 1,392.000 gallons. By flushing every three

or lour months it was thought the wells could be kept up to their

original capacity.

In 1898, under a resolution of Council, the machinery, boilers,

buildings and artesian wells at the old waterworks were put in first-

class condition for immediate operation, the pumping engines being

overhauled and repaired and other paits of the plant receiving

proper attention.

The following table gives the expenditures on account of the

waterworks, the income therefrom, and the annual pumpage in gal

lons for each year since 1876:

Year.

Expenditures.

Income.

Pumpage.

1877............$ 17,970 19
1878............ 33,320 02

129,579 69 23,697 88

652,460,349 695,654,926

1879... ........ 14,405 70
1880 .......... 14,026 16 .

42,392 59 41,402 24

729,934,532 Not given

1881 ........... 22,181 17

36,069 98

831,588,808

1882 ........... 99,708 71

35,626 37

1,111,274,055

1883............ 79,808 18

45.275 oi

1,160,733,397

1884............ 61,031 78

47,240 57

1,652,407,860

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1885............ 25,038 97

46,117 84

1,729,958,160

1886............ 30,012 30

47,903 65

1,882,327,800

188i7............ ~49J?,803+J 4~0 1888 ........... 39,770 57

49,174 33 51,975 08

2,086,361,053 2,135,841,981

1889 ........... 43,520 91

54,920 68

2,435,683,909

1890 ........... 52,426 04

66jOio 51

2,426,646,560

1891............ 101,641 37

67,485 12

2,394,645,680

1892............ 198,383 59

73,828 01 '

2,347,119,340

1893............ 180,250 97

89^807 92

2,448,238,863

1894............ 79,*99 19

73,648 42

2,402,693,708

1895........... 57,163 81

75,347 35

2,402,608,351

1896... ........ 65,317 36

79,953 27

2,253,212,145

1897............ 48,280 39

7^,562 61

2,183,971,003

1808 ........... 52.006 6x

83,392 45

2,294,965,848

1899............ 31,313 35

84,700 68

2,163,720,554

1900...... ..... 33,482 13

90,497 60

2,132,568,950

Total cost of waterworks, not including operating and mainten-
ance expenses, to date: From report of board of water commissioners to Novem-
ber. 18^ ................... .......................... 1$ 207,356.07

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

383

From November, 1855, to December, 1894, exclusive of new works ............................................ 352.939.97
Cost of the new works.................................. 427.553.03 Extensions and improvements since 1894.................. 80,890.62
$1,068,739.69 Richard D. Guerard, who had served continuously as superinten dent of the waterworks from in the 60's, was elected by Council again when the charge of the works was iully placed in its hands on January i, 1881, -but resigned on January i, 1882. He was succeeded by Alvin N. Miller, who continued superintendent until his death in April, 1889, when James Manning was elected and served until Jan uary, 1895. Herbert M. Lofton was then elected and served until March 4, 1899, when he resigned and was succeeded by I. U. Kinsey, the present incumbent, who was re-elected by Council on January 12, IOOT, for two years.
For many years the successive mayors and the health officers have been directing attention to the necessity of providing Savannah with a new cemetery. The capacity of Laurel Grove, it was seen, was being rapidly exhausted. In 1889 Mayor Schwarz directed attention to the fact that there were but a few lots unsold and suggested that the low lands adjacent be filled in or other lands be purchased to meet future necessities. In 1890 Health Officer Brunner said; "Laurel Grove cemetery has almost filled up and the city has grad ually grown around and beyond it. There are less than fifty lots unsold in the white portion and in a very few years, less than five, I think, it will be necessary to bury people elsewhere. The pauper ground has been used so much that in order to->.make an interment in that plot graves are often disturbed. It will be no easy matter to secure, within reasonable distance of the city, a suitable tract of land for any thing like its fair value, unless it is purchased in the near future." Mayor McDonough in 1891 again called attention to the necessity of selecting a suitable place for the establishment of a new cemetery, and the health officer continued his remarks on the same line. The cemetery used by the colored population he considered a disgrace to the city, the land being too low to admit of .deep inteiments and sev eral bodies being at times disturbed to inter one. In 1892 the Mayor referred to Laurel Grove as a menace to public health and as having but little space left, and the health officer recommended that crema tion be adopted for the disposition of the dead and the enactment of a special law to that end, permitting the cremation of the bodies of those having no relatives or friends to claim them, until the public had become accustomed to this method of disposing of bodies. Lau rel Grove, he held, should be abandoned at an early date. The follow ing year brought similar comments. The health officer said that this

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

cemetery was a menace to the health of that part of the city and the

character of the diseases existing there showed this clearly. Again

in 1895 Dr. Brunner said*: "The same old recommendation to pro

vide for a new cemetery is indulged in and it is earnestly suggested

i

that the matter be taken up this year for serious consideration. Too

12

long has this matter been delayed."

Health Officer Le Hardy also took the matter up in 1897: "Bury

ing in this 'city of the dead/ now within the city limits and surround

ii

ed on three sides by a daily increasing population becomes a menace to the public health and should be stopped as far as practicable/'

said he. "This important subject has already been brought to the at-,

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tention of several administrations, and a new site should be selected

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.without delay, in a high, well-drained locality, at a safe distance from

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the city limits where all persons dying thereafter, whose relatives are

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not owners of lots in Laurel Grove, should be buried."

In 1898 $1,800 was expended for the drainage of Laurel Grove

cemetery. This expenditure Mayor Meldrim estimated would enable

the use of the cemetery for several years, but he earnestly advocated

that a new location for a cemetery be provided at the earliest con

venient season, "for if there is any great delay proper land can only

be acquired at an increased price."

Acting under instructions from Council City Engineer Winn pre

pared the plans and supervised the installation of a system of subsoil

drainage in the southwestern portion of the cemetery for the Park

and Tree Commission. The area thus drained was about seven acres

and until then unfit for burial purposes on account of water, which

was encountered at from two to three feet below the surface. After

deducting a sufficient area for drive ways there remained enough

ground for over 500 burial lots. The drain tile used varied in diam

eter from 2 to 6 inches, and was laid at a depth of 7 to 8 feet below

the surface.

In 1899 Mayor Myers took the question up in his annual report

to Council: Said he: "For some years it has been held by the

health officials that further additions to Laurel Grove cemetery were

inimical to the health of that section of the city. Year after year this

has been stated in the annual reports. In the last two years steps

have been taken looking toward the location of a cemetery remote

from the residence portion of the city and where ground ample for

the needs of a growing city for a quarter of a century or more could

be had. The present Council appointed a special committee to inves-'

.tigate the fitness of the present cemetery for further use. While

there is some difference of opinion as to the immediate necessity of

such a step, it appears to me advisable that the opportunity be taken

to secure an available site at this time, when lands are cheap and be

fore the need becomes more pressing. It would, it appears to me,

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

385

be a sanitary measure to limit the further use of Laurel Grove cem etery for interments and not to extend its borders at all. The low lands about it, some of which have been included within it, are not suitable or desirable for burial purposes and people are averse to their purchase unless the necessity is forced upon them by the ab sence of another suitably located cemetery under City control."
On December 13, 1899, a special committee, composed of Alder men Tiedeman, Haas, Graham, Dixon and Schwarz, which had been appointed to report as to the fitness and capacity of Laurel Grove cemetery, submitted its report to Council. It stated that the report of the city engineer showed that there were 600 new lots in the southwest portion of the cemetery, of which at least 500 were suitable for burial purposes. The system of subsoil drainage of that section had been so thoroughly successful that graves could be dug to the usual depth of five or six feet without encountering water. These lots, the committee stated, are 14 feet wide by 28 feet long and capa ble of taking eight or nine graves each, so that 500 lots would supply 4,000 to 4,500 graves. The engineer also expressed the opinon that another portion of the grounds could be made to furnish about 200 lots suitable for burial purposes, by using the same system of sub soil drainage. The report of the keeper of the cemetery showed that the old portion of it, exclusive of the colored section, contained about 2,390 lots, of which none was for sale. As to the available space for graves in these 2,390 lots, the committee was unable to give fig ures with any degree of accuracy, but it found that each lot had suf ficient space for the immediate members of ..the family owning it, so that the demand for new lots must of necessity be mostly from fami lies not already supplied. The colored section it reported as pretty well occupied and some new space must be allotted them, which could be secured by s*ubsoil drainage of the adjacent section. In the He brew section only two or three lots remained unsold and some addi tional space should be allotted them.
"We find from the report of the health officer," continued the committee, "that the death rate in the neighborhood of the cemetery is greater than in any other section of the city, and it is his opinion that the cemetery is responsible to some degree for these health con ditions. It is also the opinion of the health officer that the Spring field plantation contributes to the poor health conditions of that sec tion, but it would be in a less degree than the cemetery if the drain age of Springfield swamp is made thorough. The health officer thinks that it would be well that no more burials take place there in order to abate any ill-effects on health that may exist by reason of the cemetery, but expresses the opinion that he does not think it equitable to close it, for such prohibition would be a hardship to lot owners.

386

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

"A personal inspection shows that the new portion, recently

drained, is further removed from habitations than any other portion,

being in the southwestern section.

"If the five hundred new lots are disposed of, at the present rate

;I

of demand for them, viz.: three or four each month, it would take 125

1 J.

to 160 months to sell them, and if all the burials hereafter are made in

this new portion, which furnishes space for 4,000 to 4,500 graves, it

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would take, at the rate of one burial daily, from eleven to twelve and

f'

one-half years to occupy it, no allowance being made for any burials

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in the old portion now in daily use; or for any additional space which

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may be reclaimed through drainage."

The committee did not make any recommendation as to the ad

visability of purchasing a site for another cemetery, not feeling called

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upon to express such an opinion. On the following January 24, (1900)

however, an advertisement was ordered for land suitable for a site

for a new public cemetery. A number of propositions were received,

which were referred to a special committee composed of Aldermen

Haas. Dixon, Jarrell, Schwarz and Mills. On May 30 this committee

reported to Council discussing each offer of land in detail. Bonaven-

ture cemetery had been offered, but the committee opposed its ac

ceptance because the price was too high and because, as it had been

in use since 1849 as a cemetery, the committee considered it bad pol

icy for the City to acquire the remainder of the land not already used

or sold for a public cemetery of the future.

"When Laurel Grove was laid out less than fifty years ago." the

committee said, "it contained 117.9 acres, when the population of Sa

vannah was about one-fifth of what it is now, so that if a cemetery

should be acquired to be laid out with narrow driveways and small

lots, as the present one is, and to last less than half a century, about

600 acres would be required. The cemetery of the future should be

modern and handsome, with broad diiveways, larger lots, and with

land enough to supply the needs of our people for more than half a

century* It should also be located so as not to "be in the line of the

probable city extension, and yet near enough, and its drainage should

be in a direction from, and not towards, the city, nor should it be into

the Savannah river/'

After a careful consideration of the various tracts offered the

committee selected a tract offered by Col. William Garrard, embrac

ing 1.081 1-2 acres, extending from the Ogeechee road to the Savan

nah. Florida and Western railway, of which the owner had given the

county sufficient land for a public road and the Buckhalter canal and

laterals, leaving 1,060 acres, more or less, which he offered the City

at $45.000: to be paid for in ten years, in equal installments, with in

terest at 5 per centum per annum. This tract the committee consid

ered a handsome one, being well wooded, in the right direction.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

387

southwest from the city, to be accessible and yet not in the line of the city's growth, and on a water shed the drainage of which carried off into the Ogeechee river. The elevation of the tract is thirty-seven feet above Laurel Grove with a slope toward the Buckhalter canal.
Alderman Mills dissented from the report owing to what he con sidered the inaccessibility of the site. At the meeting of Council on June 13 the report of the committee was tabled by a vote of 6 to 5. The discussion of a site for a new cemetery here ceased for the time being. In his report for 1900 Mayor Myers repeated his opinion that the City should take steps to secure a suitable site at an early date. Several years, he pointed out, would be required to clear such ground and prepare it for cemetery purposes, and it was the duty of the City to make the necessary arrangements to have a proper burying ground available when the needs of the community forced it to turn from Laurel Grove.
Laurel Grove cemetery was put under the charge of the Com missioner of Public Works in 1896, but the following year was placed tinder the control of the Park and Tree Commission, the keeper be ing elected by Council. The keeper of the colored section was ap pointed by the Park and Tree Commission until 1901, when the or dinance was changed again and the office was made elective by Coun cil.
Prior to 1871 there were no annual statements published of the in terments in Laurel Grove. Beginning with that year the interments have been as follows:

Year. Whites.

1871....

1872.... ..... 488

1873...- ..... 360

1874.... ..... 263

1875-... ..... 276

1876.... ..... 660

1877.... ..... 237

1878.... ..... 261

1879.... ..... 273

1880.... ..... 280

1881...,...... 348

1882:... ..... 314

1883.... ..... 360

-JroSOS/4l-

168

I885 .... ..... 290

1886 ... .... 352

1887.... ..... 342

Colored. 620 852 835 706 667 1044 678
753 863 876 937 943 881 909 850 mo
933

Total. 1026 1340 "95 969 1704 1014 1136 1156 1285 1257 1241 1277 1140 1462 1275

Year. Whites. 1888. ........ 288 1889. ........ 313 1890. ........ 395 1891. .... ... 383 1892. ........ 352 1893- ........ 374 1894 ........ 340 1895 ........ 333 1896 ........ 342 18971898 ........ 341 1899. ........ 414 1900.

Colored 845 925 1067 898
IOO2
944 902 992
IOI2
897
930
1125
1013

Oct., 1852, to Jan., igc... 18,560 34,722

Total.
1133 1238 1462 1281 1354 1318 1242 1325 1354 1216 1271 1539 139
53,282

The old cemetery on South Broad street, references to which

have been made in previous chapters, had for a number of years been

an eye-sore to the public and a reflection on the community. It was

overgrown with weeds and its graves were entirely neglected. Many

tombs had fallen down from decay, and others had been broken into

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388

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

by boys and desecrated, in some instances bones being thrown arbund the ground. Gravestones were prostrated and broken, and in many cases the dates upon them changed. The entire burial ground bore evidence of long neglect. Those laying claim to the ground were evi dently averse to expending any money in its care and the City, de nied the right of ownership, likewise refrained from the expenditure of any money on the "God's Acre" where the dust of the colonists and their descendants lay.
On May 21, 1881, a resolution was introduced in Council by Alderman Duncan that, with a view to the preservation of the ground of the old cemetery on South Broad street for the purposes for which it was originally designed, the committee on streets and lanes be authorized and directed to have the entire wall fronting on Abercorn and South Broad streets removed. The matter was referred to Corporation Attorney Cunningham who, on July 6, advised that there was no legal obstacle to prevent such a course being pursued by the City and that a resolution of Council to that end would be sufficient. A resolution was accordingly at once adopted directing the committee on streets and lanes to have the entire wall fronting on Abercorn and South Broad streets removed and the pavement on Abercorn street widened on a line with that street. Here the matter apparently rested until Alderman Duncan five years later brought it again before Council in a resolution which was adopted July 28, 1886, directing the health and cemetery committee to examine into the advisability of re moving the brick wall around the old cemetery and repairing the abandoned vaults. The committee recommended the removal of the walls and the cleaning up and improvement of the grounds, and it was authorized by Council to proceed with the work.
The parties interested in the grounds declined to permit the City to proceed with its plans. Litigation began in the Superior Court of Chatham county. On July 13, 1887, Corporation Attorney Adams was directed by Council, under a resolution of Alderman Duncan, to request Judge Adams of that Court to take from the suspense docket and assign for an early date the trial of the case of the Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church versus the Mayor and Aldermen, referring to the claim of the former to a portion of the old cemetery as the
property of Christ Church. On August 10, 1887, a resolution vas adopted that the City had
never relinquished its title to the old cemetery and requesting the Senators and Representatives of Chatham County to oppose any bill or measure in the Legislature looking to vesting the title other than in the City of Savannah. At this session of the Legislature an Act was passed, which was approved by Governor Gordon on October 24, 1887, under which the General Assembly gave its consent to any arrangement the City might make with the County Commission-

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

389

ers for the appropriation of a portion of the old cemetery as a site for the erection of a court house. The provisions of this Act were not to go into effect until after an election held on the first Saturday in January, 1888, in favor of or against the municipal authorities vest ing a portion of the old cemetery in the county authorities as a site for a court house. In case a majority of the voters were in favor of the proposition, the municipal authorities were to take charge of and control such part of the old cemetery as they did not transfer to the county authorities and restore and keep in order the vaults, tombs and gravestones still remaining, the remains in the portion granted for a court house site to be disinterred, recoffined and reinterred in the vacant part of the cemetery or in some other cemetery.
This Act, it was specifically set forth, did not affect the ques tion of the title in the suit then pending in the Chatham Superior .Court between Christ Church and the City concerning the claim of the former to a portion of the burying ground.
In the Superior Court the equity suit growing out of the claim of Christ Church to a portion of the cemetery resulted in a judgment in favor of the City. The case was then carried to the Supreme Court of Georgia, where the decision of the Superior Court was re versed in 1889. "Under this decision," said the city attorney, "the only defense left must be based on prescription/'
Mayor McDonough in his report for 1892 regretted that on ac count of the legal aspect of the matter nothing could be done to im prove the old cemetery. "The tombs now there/' said he, "are broken, neglected and unsightly to strangers as well as our own peo ple, and the appearance of the place certainly does not reflect credit upon us. If the place were neatly kept an eye-sore would be removed from that portion of the city and the appearance of the cemetery be come such as should surround a spot of this character. Efforts look ing to this have been discussed but nothing has been accomplished on account of the objections raised by some who have an interest in the persons buried there, and who on account of sentiment, or some other reason not understood by the Mayor, seem to prefer the broken tombstones and unsightly condition of the place to the im provement which would follow the placing of the cemetery under the control of the city authorities with a view to the alterations sug gested."
Again in the report of the following year Mayor McDonough called attention to the fact that "the remains in the vaults therein are in many cases exposed to view and the dilapidated condition of the vaults and surroundings are such as to impress one unfavorably in the extreme. It would be best to collect those remaining into one receptacle and place them in a portion of the cemetery where they would be undisturbed or remove them to another place of burial

390

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

where they might rest free from interference of persons who often

find their way into the cemetery without permission and desecrate it.

In its present condition the cemetery is an eye-sore and will continue

|\

so as long as the question of title or the right of the City to improve

I

it prevails. It would be much better if the old cemetery could be

|j

abandoned entirely as a relic, the wall removed and the streets op-

Ii

ened through it." Mayor McDonough in his next report (1894) re-

jI

ferred again to the miserable state of the grounds and to the Htiga-

I

tion then in progress as not permitting the City to improve the place.

The succeeding administration grappled successfully with the

problem. On April 10,1895, a resolution by Alderman Garrard was

adopted, under which Aldermen Garrard, Watson and Carolan were

appointed a committee to confer with the parties interested in the

two cases involving the old cemetery and report to Council some

plan of adjustment under which its unsightly and neglected condition



might be remedied and the litigation terminated, and also to take into

|

consideration the question of the purchase by the City of Bonaven-

j

ture cemetery.



This committee reported on October 23 recommending that the

terms of settlement set forth in a proposed decree, be agreed to by

Council and that the city attorney be authorized to consent to this

decree, and that when the decree had been properly taken and the

same ratified by Act of the Legislature the six notes mentioned in the

decree, aggregating the principal sum of $7,500, be executed and de

livered as contemplated by the decree. The report of the committee

was adopted by a vote of seven to three, but a motion of reconsid

eration was at once made by Alderman Tiedeman.

The final decree in the Superior Court set forth that "the cases

of 'John Williamson, et al. vs. The Mayor and Aldermen.' and 'The

Church Wardens and Vestrymen of Christ Church vs. The Mayor

|

and Aldermen/ having come on to be heard on pleadings and proof,

;

having by consent of all parties been taken from the suspense docket

and put on the trial docket, and all parties thereto consenting that

:

his honor, Judge Falligant, should preside and further consenting

'

that said causes be heard and determined by him as one cause and

without a jury, and that the decree be rendered as final and conclu

sive, it was ordered, adjudged and decreed that the old cemetery

bounded on the north by South Broad street, on the east by the po

lice barracks and the jail, on the south by the pound property belong

ing to The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, and on

the west by Abercorn street, is declared to be owned by The Mayor

and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, and the title of the same In

:

said municipal corporation is hereby fixed and confirmed absolutely,

the church wardens and vestrymen of the Episcopal Church in Sa

vannah, called Christ Church, having waived its right and title to the

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

391

portion of said old cemetery mentioned in its bill for the considera tions hereinafter mentioned, and particularly because of the covenants hereinafter made by the said Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Sa vannah to forever preserve said ground as a final resting place of the dead now buried therein.
"That, in full extinguishment of all right, title, interest, claim or demand of the church wardens and vestrymen of the Episcopal Church in Savannah, called Christ Church, in or to any portion of said tract of land, The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah shall pay the said first named corporation the sum of seventy-five hundred dollars in promissory notes, to be duly executed by the said Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, through its Mayor, attested by the clerk of Council, with the corporate seal affixed, and in pursuance of a resolution to be passed by The Mayor and Alder men of the City of Savannah in Council assembled; said notes to be as follows: One note for $500, due January I, 1897, without grace; one note for $1,000, due January i, 1898, without grace; one note for $1,500, due January i, 1899, without grace; one note for $1,500. due January i, 1900, without grace; one note for $1,500, due January i, 1901, without grace; one note for $1,500, due January I, 1902, without grace; said last four named notes bearing five per centum interest per annum from January i, 1898, payable semi-annually, without grace, on the first days of July and January, of each year thereafter, up to the date of its respective maturity, and upon the payment of said notes the church wardens and vestrymen of the Episcopal Church in Sa vannah called Christ Church shall have no further claim of any kind whatsoever in or upon said tract of land, or any part thereof, so long as said Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah shall keep the covenants in regard to the preservation of said ground as the last resting place of the dead therein buried, and all and singular, the covenants in this decree mentioned, the said covenants being part and parcel of the consideration moving to said church.
"That, immediately after the delivery of said promissory notes the said municipal corporation, The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, shall have the right to tear down the walls, or any por tion of same, upon said tract of land and to use and control all of said tract up to the line of the present wall on Abercorn street, and up to the line of the present sidewalk on South Broad street, as a public park, to be called 'Colonial Park/ to and for which uses and purposes said land is hereby perpetually dedicated, and to and for no other uses or purposes whatsoever, with full right to said munici pal corporation to lay off walks through the same, but it shall never have the right to lay off, run or project streets through the same, nor shall it have the right to convey or sell said tract, or any lot or portion of the same, to any person or persons whatsoever, said park

392

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

.to be under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by or dinances of the City of Savannah, or by its duly constituted authori ties, the present line on Abercorn street, whereon the brick wall now is, to be preserved, said Abercorn street never to be widened along said line, the graves, tombstones, monuments, vaults and grave houses now in said enclosure to be preserved and cared for as valued relics of public and historical interest by said municipal corporation, and not to be removed from their present location, respectively, to any other portion of said park, except when absolutely necessary for the laying out of walks, and in such event the removal to be carefully made, so as to put the same, or any remains therein, in the same condition as before removal. The use of the word 'park* and the government by municipal ordinances ?re never to be construed as divesting the grounds herein considered of the status they now have as the old colonial burying ground of Georgia; whilst beautifying the same and placing it under proper control and giving to the public free access, the main consideration of this agreement to which the parties hereto have arrived and upon which this decree is based, is that said old cemetery under whatever name called, shall be forever kept and maintained by said City of Savannah for the purpose herein specified, and no use shall ever be imposed upon it irreconcilable with said purpose, nor shall said Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Sa vannah, nor any person under or through it, directly or indirectly, under any ordinance, claim or pretense, ever have or derive any profit from said ground or any use thereof; nor shall any structure, build ing, apparatus or appliance, disconnected from or foreign to a burial ground or park be ever erected in or upon the same, nor shall any vehicles be permitted within the same."
On a violation of the decree by the City the ground thus con veyed is to revert at once to the wardens and vestrymen of Christ Church, in fee simple, it being the intention of the decree to fix per manently the status of the property for the uses and purposes of a public park, and to prevent any change in such uses and purposes at
any time in the future. In the event of the failure of the City to comply with these con
ditions any citizen of Georgia can apply to the courts for an injunc tion to restrain it from any such perversion of the uses of the ground, and his right to such injunction was conceded as part of the consideration of the decree.
On November 6, under the reconsideration resolution of Alder man Tiedeman. this decree was amended by substituting $6,500 for $75oo, and making notes $1,000 due. without grace, January I, 1897, 1808. 1899. 1900. 1901, and one for $1,500 due January I, 1902, all bear ing interest at 5 per centum from January i, 1896, payable semi-annually, on first day of July and January, without grace, up to the date

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

393

of their respective maturities. In this form the agreement was cpnsummated. The necessary Act of the Legislature was approved De cember 5, 1895.
In his report for 1895 Mayor Myers said: "It gives me great pleasure to state that the litigation concerning the disposition of the old cemetery has been brought to a conclusion. Past Councils have unavailingly struggled with this problem. When this administration assumed charge final settlement ^eemed no closer at hand than when the subject was first broached years ago. Seeing the desirability of having this matter permanently settled, a committee was appointed for the purpose of giving it a thorough investigation. This commit tee took up the subject with the vestry of Christ Church and a satis factory agreement was reached. Under this agreement the full pos session and control of the old cemetery is vested in The Mayor and Aldermen. The provisions of the agreement between the church wardens and the City are embodied in a decree of the Supertax Court. Under this decree the City obligated to preserve and forever perpetuate this tract of land as a public park under the title of Colon ial Park. The work of beautifying this historical spot by laying of proper walks and the planting of flowers, shrubs and trees, and the preservation of the tombs undisturbed, will fall to the Park and Tree Commission. As a result another attractive public park will be added to the many now adorning the city."
The new park was immediately placed under the direction of the Park and Tree Commission, which improved it by removing the wall, laying out walks, planting trees and shrubbery, restoring the tombs, and generally renovating the grounds. To-day Colonial Park is one of the places most sought in Savannah by visitors, and the agree ment by which the wilderness was converted into a picturesque public place is commended by citizens generally. In 1896 the area of the park was increased by the addition of the City pound lot to the south of it.
On January 15, 1888, the City resumed charge of the work of col lecting the refuse which for several years had been done by contract. It was felt that a better and more economical service could be secured under City control and that at an early date crematories could be es tablished to assist in the removal of the waste. The change required an expenditure for mules, wagons, etc., approaching $8.coo. E. E. Cheatham was placed in charge as superintendent and remained in that office until January, 1895, when he was succeeded by Henry E. Dreeson. In 1896 the scavenger department was placed under the public works department, but the position of superintendent was con tinued, Mr. Dreeson holding it until December i, 1898, when he was succeeded by Thomas Cooley, who held the office but a few weeks, being succeeded by James McGuire. On October 7. 1900, he was succeeded by John J. Garrity, the present incumbent.

394

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

The expenses of the scavenger department for the past twenty

years have been as follows: 1881, $11,458.27; 1882, $14,537.42; 1883,

$14,749.92; 1884, $14,74992; i885, $15,975.04; 1886, $16,149.96; 1887, $17,-

:

649-96: 1888, $23,662.99; 1889, $19,873.82; 1890, $22,496.45; 1891, $23,-

624.58; 1892, $22,828.18; 1893, $22,857.94; 1894, $23,540.03; 1895, $26,-

467-55; 1896, $25,540.67; 1897, $24,389.56; 1898.. $24,486.47; 1899, $24,-

!

804.96; 1900, $26,953.70.

In 1889 a Mr. Hughes was allowed to experiment with a crema-

tory which he built at his own expense at the western end of Gwin-

nett street. This did not prove successful and was removed.

'

On July 23, 1890, the committee on health and cemetery was au

thorized to get a proposition from the Engel Crematory Company

for building furnaces in or near the city to destroy all garbage, re

fuse or night soil. On September 17 this committee was given au

thority to contract with the Engel company for two crematories.

The crematories were originally built at a cost of $10,8/0. The

builders guaranteed that each of the two furnaces would destroy 80

cubic yards of garbage and night soil per day at a cost not to exceed

25 cents per cubic yard. Owing to inexperienced labor and the con

dition of the garbage, much of the latter being mixed with sand and

ashes and rendered thereby almost indestructible, the furnaces at first

did not accomplish as much as was expected of them. An ordinance

;

was passed compelling the separation of garbage from ashes by the

j

occupants of houses, so that the scavenger carts would find the

1

combustible matter placed in separate receptacles. This and the em-

{

ployment of more experienced labor produced better results. The

i

crematory began operations on February 2, 1891. On October 27

j

the platform was burned and cost nearly $1,200 to replace. Altera-

|

tions were also found necessary in the furnaces. The average cost

per cubic yard was placed at 29 cents the first year, the second year

at 13.9 cents, the third year at 11.25 cents and the fourth year at 10.75

cents. It is probable, however, that the actual cost was considerably

greater than this, as the subsequent reports showed that the state

ments of quantities consumed were erroneous. Night soil was

]

burned the first and second years but the increase in the amount of

'

garbage forced the use of the cremators for that class of waste matter

;

entirely after 1892. W. J. Cleary was superintendent of the crema

tors for four years, 1891-94, being succeeded by William H. Peck in

January, 1895. There had been considerable complaining about of-

)

fensive odors from the crematories, due to their failure to properly

<

incinerate the waste. This led in 1895 to the substitution of pine

wood for coal as fuel, which gave temporary relief. In 1896 the cre-

!

mators were put under the control of the Commissioner of Public

j

Works and $1,800 was expended in improvements and in building a



new stack to give better draught, properly destroy the garbage and

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

395

avoid the offensive odors arising from the charred waste drawn from the furnaces. One furnace was also completely overhauled, and the following year (1897) the other furnace was overhauled at a cost of $1,177.92. The office of superintendent was abolished this year, W~ H. Peck being appointed superintendent of stables and the crema tors placed under him in that capacity. In 1899 the cremators were found inadequate to perform the work and from August only the dead stock and paper were hauled there, the garbage being hauled beyond the city limits and dumped on a farm. In 1900 the cremators were practically closed down the entire year. They are now consid ered worthless and it is doubtful if any further expenditures will Be made on them.
On July 6, 1899, Aldermen Dixon, Wells and Mills were appoint ed to investigate the different makes of crematories. Accompanied by Director of Public Works Gadsden, they visited several cities North and West. On January 24, 1900, they reported that they had examined crematories of different makes but that none of them was considered entirely satisfactory for use here owing to the different class of garbage to be consumed. The committee was of the opinion that arrangements could be made with some railroad to carry out the garbage to some farm at a sufficient distance from the city where it could be used for fertilizing. The City entered into negotiations with the County Commissioners with a view to placing the garbage on the county poor farm, but the commissioners declined to assist to any extent and the project was, temporarily at least, abandoned.
It was not until 1800 that the fire department was put on a full paid basis, with a little appendage of the old times remaining in the southeastern section of the city in the shape of Hose Company No. I, formerly the Mutual Protection Company, which continued to doservice there, with a paid driver always on hand, until 1900, when Chief Maguire abolished it and the last tie connecting the modern
department with old systems disappeared. The growth of the de partment to this point was gradual. The necessity of further reor ganization and improvement was made apparent by the great Yamacraw fire of October 31,1883. This fire, which started shortly after 12 o'clock, noon, in a cotton warehouse, at Fahm and Joachim streets, destroyed 312 buildings in the territory between Joachim street and the river and West Broad and the canal, rendering 1,278 persons homeless and causing a loss approximating $1,000,000. Five lives were lost. Considerable of this territory had been swept by the fire of 1852 which destroyed the greater part of the property between Harrison and Pine and West Broad and Fahm streets.
The committee on fire, Aldermen Hanley, Thomas, Wells, Wilder and Derst, were directed to administer to the wants of the sufferers by the conflagration and $1,000 was subscribed by the City. The use

1
4
\

396

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

of the Oglethorpe barracks was granted by the government for the shelter of the homeless and the thanks of the City were extended to Secretary of War Lincoln and many others who sent donations, large contributions of money and supplies having been received. In Savannah several thousand dollars were raised for the relief of the sufferers.
A committee on reorganization of the fire department was at once appointed. On November 14, 1883, Alderman Green, chairman of this committee, presented a minority report. He regarded the exist ing system as defective and held that the only remedy was a fully paid department under the supervision of the chief of police, with an assist ant fire chief, ranking as lieutenant or sergeant of police. The chiefs duty to organize the department and see that it was well drilled, disciplined and inspected by the assistant chief, who would keep the department in working order and direct its operations at fires; the engineers, drivers and tillermen to remain always at their station, 24 privates to be assigned to the different apparatus; the existing volun teer department to remain intact, to be called on in emergencies; each of the 24 privates to do police duty four hours, covering six posts and be at the engine house 12 hours.
The majority report, presented by Aldermen Hanley and Ham let, viewed with disfavor the attempt to unite the fire department with the police department. This, they said, would jeopardize the efficiency of the police and not increase that of the fire department. They recommended that the chief fireman be required to give his en tire time to the duties of that office and that four foremen and thirtysix men be employed, to be known as call men, whose duty should be to report promptly, at such place as the chief designated, on the sounding of the fire alarm, they to be paid such sum as Council might direct. This portion of the committee recommended $100 a year for each call man and $200 for each of the foremen, the department othewise to consist of the chief at $1,500, assistant chief at $500, superintendent fire alarm at $900, three engineers at $1,000 each, 7 drivers at $720 each, I tillerman at $800, with the cost of feed for the horses, estimated at $1,300, repairs at $2,000, making total expenses of $19,360.
The views of the majority of the committee prevailed and an or dinance was passed carrying them into effect. Chief Butler then re signed and Adolph Fernandez was elected on November 21, at $1,500 a year. Outside of an extra driver the force was made as suggested by the majority report, the volunteer force remaining in service and consisting of the Washington Engine and Hose Company No. I, 30 men; Waver Engine and Hose Company No. 2, 30 men; Bartow Engine and Hose Company No. 3, 30 men; Werner Hook and Lad der Company No. I, 30 men; Mutual Protection Hose Company No.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

397

2, 15 men; a total of 135 men. There were eleven horses in the de

partment and the apparatus, at the close of 1883, consisted of three

steamers in active service, one steamer in reserve, three hose carts,

one four-wheel hose carriage in reserve, and the four-wheel hose car

riage of the Mutual Protection Hose Company. Chief Fernandez

asked for eight additional paid firemen as there were nine

hours out of the twenty-four when there were but two men in each

engine house and but one in the hook and ladder house. In 1884

the Firemen's Hall was increased by the addition of a one-story side

building. On March 12, of this year, the fire committee reported in

favor of placing a one-horse hose carriage at the station of the Mu

tual Protection Hose Company, with a paid driver, and Council

passed favorably on the recommendation.

The next step toward putting the department on a fully paid ba

sis and increasing its efficiency was the substitution of call men for

the volunteer force. On September 24, (1884) an ordinance by Al

derman O'Connor was passed which added' 30 men, 5 foremen and 25

privates, to the department, I foreman and 5 men to be attached to

each engine and hose carriage, i foreman and 7 men to the hook and

ladder, i foreman and 3 men to the Protection Hose Company. The

foremen, it provided, should receive $150 a year and the privates $60 a

year. All were required to lodge at the house to which they were

attached. Two regular men were also added to the department. The

call men, like the regular firemen, were under the direct control and

command of the chief. The department was generally recognized as

being more efficient under this arrangement, the call force consisting

of the most efficient firemen connected with the old volunteer sys

tem. The regular force was also increased from 15 to 19.

An amendment by Alderman Green had been adopted under

which the services of the several volunteer companies were to be 3ls-

pensed with on and after October i, and they were then to be no

longer considered as part of the department. The Mutual Protection

Hose Company tendered its services as an auxiliary force in the

southern section of the city and they were accepted, Council thank

ing it and the other volunteer organizations for the unselfish public

spirit they had displayed during their service. The auxiliary force

consisted of a foreman and 50 hose and ladderir.en. The Werner

Hook and Ladder Company was paid $1,030, one-half of the appraised

value, for its hook and ladder. The chief urged an increase in the

pay of the call men to retain them in the service, and on May i,

1885, their pay was raised from $60 to $100. The chief had also re-

j;

quested an increase in the permanent force of 7 men and a decrease

j

in the call force from 25 to 16. His recommendations were not acted

]

on, the department continuing unchanged through 1885. with the ad

dition of a hose cart ordered in June. On August 26, owing to tfie



39*

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

unsafe condition of the supporting structure the Big Duke was or

dered taken down. The following year (1886) a bell tower was erect

ed at headquarters. South Broad and Abercorn streets, by the South -

wark Foundry Company, of Philadelphia, at a cost of $1,675.69, and a

j!

bell striking apparatus was added at a cost of $900. The permanent

force this year was increased to 23 and the call force was increased

by 5. A new La France engine, known as No. 4, was bought, cost

ing $2,709.74 in cash and in addition the old steamer John W. An-

derson. The people in the southern section having petitioned for

better protection the new engine was stationed in new quarters

erected on Barnard street, near Hall, which cost $3,169.34. A new

two-wheel hose cart was also bought this year from George A. Ains-

lie & Sons, of Richmond, Va., costing with freight $369.78. The

horses in the department had been increased to 19. In 1887 anotner

La France engine was bought, costing $3,900, and a one-story brick

addition was built alongside the Firemen's Hall for a new supply

wagon. In 1888 two men were added to the permanent force, mak

ing it 25, and the call force was reduced by 5. A hose cart house was

built on Waldburg street near Price, with a bell, at a cost of $540.

This hose wa^placed under the control of a volunteer force, with one

permanent fireman as driver until 1900, when a full paid force was

stationed there and this last vestige of the volunteer force disap

peared. Two hose carts were also added to the department at a cost

of $750. On June 27 of this year the pay of the chief was raised to

$1,800.

The administration of Chief Fernandez closed with this yeary

William B. Puder being elected chief and taking charge on January

16. 1889. On February I nine call men were retired from service and

three men were added to the permanent force. At the Broughton

street fire on July I, of this year, John F. Wiehrs, driver of Hose

Reel No. I, was killed, and Foreman Henry B. Goodson, of Station

No. 3, received injuries from which he died twelve days later. Citi

zen Patrick May was also killed and several citizens were injured by

}

falling walls. A new fifth size La France single pump engine, cost-

f

ing $3,200, and a new hose reel, costing $380, were the additions to

]

the apparatus of the department. This year also occurred the disas-

^

trous fire of April 6, resulting in the destruction of property aggre

gating nearly $800,000 in value, on Broughton, Barnard, State, Pres-

)"

ident, York and Whitaker streets, and including the Independent

j

Presbyterian Church, the Odd Fellows Hall, the Guards Armory and



a number of business buildings and residences. At one time it ap-

j

peared as though a vastly greater portion of the city would be ae-

i

stroyed and assistance was asked from nearby cities, which was

?

promptly rendered. The thanks of Council were extended to these

i

municipalities for their prompt responses.

,

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

399

As a result of this fire, on April 17, 1889, a resolution was pre sented by Alderman Bailey to authorize the fire committee to pur chase new apparatus and investigate the practicability of doing away with the call men and making the department a fully paid one. This was adopted. Under another resolution by Alderman Haines, Alder men Bailey, Reid, Wells and Mills and Insurance Agents C. A. Reitze, W. H. Daniel and John F. Wheaton were appointed to frame a new fire ordinance. It was recommended that heating apparatus for the several engines be purchased, together with one light engine, one hose cart, and 2,000 feet of hose, and Council gave the necessary authority to the committee on fire to make the purchases. On July 10, the fire committee, Aldermen Bailey, Mills and Reid, with Alder men Cann and McDonough, were appointed to investigate the equip ment, management and working of the fire department and make such recommendations as they deemed necessary to put it in firstclass condition. This committee reported on July 24, recommending the purchase of one extension or aerial truck, one chemical engine, 1,000 feet of rubber-lined hose, and changing the patrol wagon at headquarters into a hose wagon. The total expense of these addi tions it placed at $5,500. The committee also called for the placing of the department on a fully paid basis, giving a force of one chief, 5 foremen, n drivers, 25 men and i superintendent of fire alarms; the foreman at headquarters to be designated as assistant chief with $900 salary; giving all foremen proper authority and making them respon sible for the care of their respective houses and apparatus; the pur chase of fire hats and requiring the men to wear them at every fire; giving absolute control of the employes of the department to the chief fireman, with power of appointment and removal; in the ap pointment of additional members those connected with the call force to have the preference according to the competency displayed. The total expenses of a department on this basis were estimated at $42,ooo, of which $32,000 was for wages and $10,000 for maintenance. This report was referred to the committee of the whole, which reported favorably and recommended that the committee on fire be author ized to negotiate for the purchase of the apparatus mentioned and prepare and submit to Council an ordinance to carry out the recom mendations of the special committee. Arrangements were made for the fully paid department to go into effect on February i, 1890. In the meantime the rates of insurance were advanced, placing an ad ditional burden on citizens. This was regarded as unjust in view of .the steps Council had taken to increase and improve the fire depart ment and to provide a better supply of water, already adequate in most localities. In order to give citizens the advantage of reasonable rates of insurance the Mayor was directed to appoint a committee of five aldermen to investigate the fire department, its past and present

T.
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4oo

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.



management, the water supply and condition of mains, and to make



such recommendations as might be deemed desirable and necessary.

This committee, which was composed of Aldermen "Myers, Wells,

Bailey, Cann and Haines, was also authorized to have a conference

with the Southeastern Tariff Association and ascertain what it re

garded as necessary to make Savannah a first-class fire risk. As a

result of this and the measures already taken by Council the depart

ment was soon in practical working order as a fully paid organiza

tion, with a force of 46 men, the most efficient call men being re

tained on the permanent force. The auxiliary volunteer hose com

panies No. i and No. 2 continued to serve without compensation.

On February 5 an ordinance for the control and management of the

department was passed, defining the duties of officers and providing

for a force of one chief, one assistant chief, 5 engineers, 5 foremen, i

superintendent of fire alarm, 34 men, and engines, hook and ladder

trucks, chemical engines, hose carriages, hose and latest appliances

requisite for an efficient service in a first-class paid department. On

January I lot 2, North Oglethorpe ward, had been leased from Elton

A. Smith at $1,000 for three years. In April a double tank Holloway

chemical engine costing $1,710 was added to the department, and

was stationed *at headquarters. A new station house was also built

at in Henry street, east, at a cost, including the lot, of $5,491.27,

and the old quarters on Henry street between Bull and Whitaker

were abandoned. A Hayes extension hook and ladder truck was

bought for $2,500 and located at headquarters. The increased cost

of the maintenance of the department by the change to a fully paid

basis was about $14,000. In 1891 four men were added to the force.

This year the east wing of the headquarters building was put up. In

1893 six men were added to the force, making it 57. A new hose

wagon was bought for $525 and the Jeffers engine was rebuilt at a.

cost of $400.

On February 5, 1894, the buildings of the Savannah Grocery

Company and Wilcox, Gibbs & Co., on the Bay, -were destroyed by

fire with their contents and the building and stock of M. Ferst's

Sons & Co., adjoining, were considerably damaged, the total loss on

buildings being $60,527 and on contents $107,320. Largely as a result

of this fire the insurance rates were raised 25 per cent, by the South

eastern Tariff Association, on the ground that the fire department

was inefficient. On resolution, W. G. Cann, John Flannery and Ed

ward Karow, of the Cotton Exchange; D. G. Purse, John R. Young-

and J. P. Williams, of the Board of Trade, and Samuel Meinhard, H.

A. Palmer, A. Vetsburg and J. H. Estill, of citizens at large, with

three aldermen were appointed to investigate the matter and report

with recommendations. On March 24 Chairman Cann, of this com

mittee, presented its report, stating that the Southeastern Tariff

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

401

Association claimed that Chief Puder was not qualified for the posi tion, lacking coolness and decision, and attributed the large losses of the previous five years to this cause The representatives of the Association held that a thorough inspection of all properties should be made by the chief to familiarize the head of the department with the construction of buildings and to have them kept in proper order. They also asked that additional pressure be furnished from the wa terworks and a larger main be laid on Bay street from Montgomery to Abercorn, and an ordinance passed regulating the construction of buildings. The committee considered these requests reasonable and urged speedy action by Council. It recommended a careful and thorough examination into the qualifications of the present chief and his management of the department as to appointments and dismis sals. The increase in rates had been suspended until May, pending action by Council. The different recommendations of the commit tee were at once referred to appropriate committees. On April n the committee on water recommended that a water main of 16 inches be laid on the Bay from Montgomery to Abercorn with connection to the Bryan street main and that by May the water system be prepared to receive the 75 pounds pressure asked for by the insurance people.
On April 25 the fire committee presented the names of several chiefs from which one was to be chosen to inspect the department. Council selected Chief George C. Hale, of Kansas City, to examine into the personnel and equipment of the department.
On May 24 Mr. Hale began the inspection of the department, occupying three days in this work. On June 7 he forwarded his re port, stating that he had found the equipments, men and horses in good condition and from all appearances capable of performing fire duty. He gave in detail the result of his inspection at each station. The quarters he found to compare very favorably with those in any other city. "I was afforded somewhat of an opportunity to study the capability of Chief Wm. B. Puder," said he, "whom I found to be a wide-awake and energetic gentleman, and a man who. in my judg ment, possesses all of the qualifications necessary to fit him for the position he now holds, and I consider that he has done remarkably well with the means at his disposal and I am of the opinion that Chief Puder would give the city of Savannah excellent fire duty if your honorable body would clothe liim with the proper authority to control his department and not be subjected to the whims and ideas of people outside of the fire service who are present at all large fires." He then made eight recommendations, as follows: (i) That the chief be placed in absolute control of the department, appoint ments and dismissals being made by him alone; (2) that two addi tional steam engines be purchased and placed in service for the bet ter protection of the mercantile district; (3) that the 6-inch main on

402

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Bay street be replaced by a 12-inch main and that all pipe or hydrant

.stems leading from the water main be at least 6 inches in diameter;

(4) that all parts of the city, comprising the residence districts,

"which are not provided with paved streets, be protected by direct

pressure, obviating the necessity of hauling the heavy engines

through the sand; (5) that a building inspector be appointed to pass

oipon plans and specifications and to condemn and remove buildings,

4!

~to direct the erection of fire escapes, etc.; (6)) that a thorough in

spection of mercantile buildings be made by members of the tire

department; (7) that more hose be purchased and cared for after

each fire properly; (8) that a fire boat be equipped and maintained

for the protection of the river front.

On November 5 occurred what appeared to be concerted efforts

-to destroy the ships in port loading cotton. Within four hours seven

ships were discovered on fire at different wharves, some of them

"having been set in more than one place. Three ships were burning

at the lower wharves and three at the upper wharves at the same

'time. It was noticeable that the fires seemed to alternate, the first

ship fired being at the Central press, then two at the Gordon wharf,

then another at the upper press, another at the Gordon wharf fol

lowing and then the last at the upper press again. The seven ships

iired were the Skidby, Dalegath, Baltimore City, Castlegarth, Pe

tunia. Armenia and the Whitfield. The most serious damage was to

the cargo of the Skidby, a large part of it being damaged by fire and

water, besides some damage to the vessel. The damage to the other

vessels and their cargoes was slight. The Skidby had about 10,000

"bales on board. Fire was discovered on this vessel at 6:22 p. m. and

Tiad made such headway that in spite of a dozen streams poured in

the hold it was several hours before it was extinguished. The otHer

-vessels were fired at intervals, the last, that of the Whitfield, being

discovered after midnight. While the fires were in progress the hose

of the department was cut. Phosphorus was discovered in one of

"the bales in two instances and about the platforms and there was no

reasonable doubt that the fires were of incendiary origin. On the

following day fire broke out in the steamship County Down, at the

-upper press, but did little damage.

A special meeting of Council was called on November 6, and a

communication from the Cotton Exchange was presented in person

by its president and board of directors, requesting the City to offer a

reward of $500 for the apprehension of each and every person impli

cated in the acts of incendiarism, with proof to convict. This re

gard was increased to $2,500 for the first conviction and $500 for each

subsequent conviction, at the request of the Board of Trade. De

tectives were brought here but no evidence was ever obtained suf

ficient to warrant an arrest.

HISTORY OF THE CiTY GOVERNMENT.

403

Three men were added in 1894, making the fire force then 60 men. A large second size double pump L/a France engine was bought for $4,000 and two new hose wagons for $1,164.35. An ordinance was passed on January 31 requiring the owners of all buildings, three or more stories high, not used as private residences, to provide more than one way of egress from each story above the second by means of stairways.
In 1895 five men were added, making the force 65. An ordinance was passed early in the year making any member of the department other than the chief and assistant chief subject to discharge by the Mayor. A second assistant chief was also provided for by resolution on April 24 at $80 a month, and George Mouro, who had been dis placed as assistant chief by John E. Maguire, was installed in the new office. This year closed Chief Puder's administration, John E. Ma guire succeeding him. At the close of the year (December 27) Wil liam L. Grayson, Robert S. Mell and George W. Parrish were named as Commissioners for the Fire Department, under an Act of the Legislature recently passed, and on January I, 1896, they assumed control of the department. Mr. Grayson was elected Chairman. By the Act creating the Commission the old offices were abolished and those of fire chief and assistant chief created. The Commission un animously elected John E. Maguire as chief, and on his recommenda tion George Mouro was appointed assistant chief. The department was soon increased to 68, with eight supernumeraries, the two vol unteer hose companies continuing their services without compensa tion. One fireman lost his life this year, Frank McStay being killed at a fire in the Hull building on Bay street on September 23. A double tank Holloway chemical engine was purchased from the town of Waycross for $724.25. Six thousand feet of hose was r.dded, giving the City 14,000 feet, more than at any previous time in the history of the department. In 1897 the force was increased by the addition of one fireman and the supernumerary force was succeeded by eight cadets. At the close of the year, though, the Commissioners directed the dropping of one foreman and five firemen in the interest of econ omy, leaving the regular force 70 in all. This year one Holioway double tank chemical engine and hose wagon combined was added to the equipment at a cost of $1,500 and one Rumsey & Co."'s city hook and ladder truck costing $780. A patrol wagon was also built ~by men in the department and placed in service during the holiday season. On May 16 the department took possession of the building at West Broad and Indian streets, purchased by the previous admin istration from the estate of John W. Tynan for $9,000 and which "had been remodeled at an expense of $3,714.28. The headquarters were removed from the station at Oglethorpe avenue and Abercorn streets to this new station and engine and truck No. 2 were installed there also.

404

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Political feeling at this time ran very high in Savannah and the

efficiency of every department was attacked in probable pursuance of

a general movement to abolish the Commissions under whose con

trol they had been placed. The fire department was subjected to

especially severe criticism from various sources. The fire loss in 1897

was much smaller than it had been in many years. The work of the

department at two fires, those at Christ Church and Smith Bros,

store, came in for bitter attacks. On June 16 Messrs. Whitner, Dox

and Chapin, representing the Southeastern Tariff Association,

through Charles Prendergast, presented a communication suggesting

that in view of recent disastrous fires a change in the head of the

iili

department was advisable and that some one from a larger city with the requisite experience and ability be employed as chief. This was

'*
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referred to Mayor Meldrim for action. On June 30 he transmitted to Council a letter recommending that the committee recently ap pointed to investigate the commissions, consisting of Aldermen Charlton, Guckenheimer, Hamilton, Davis and Owens, be directed to

fully investigate the fitness of Chief Maguire and if found unfit that

the fire commissioners be requested to dismiss him. Alderman

Charlton, chairman of this committee, reported on July 28, finding

that the charges of incompetency were sustained and recommending

that Maguire be "cashiered as inexperienced, unfit and incompetent,

and if, after a reasonable time he be not dismissed then the com

missioners themselves to be impeached for incompetency in retain

ing in so important a position a person so conspicuously unfit."

This report was adopted and the commissioners were served with

a copy. Chief Maguire requested that the commissioners investi

gate the charges made against him. On August 3 the charges were

read at a meeting of the commissioners and a copy was served on

the chief. On August 5 the hearing began, A. A. Lawrence, Esq..

representing the chief, and City Attorney Adams the City Council.

Fifty-eight witnesses were examined, 22 for the prosecution and 46

for the defense. On September IT, the commissioners rendered their

decision, reciting the evidence and concluding by saying: "It there

fore appearing from the evidence that Chief Maguire is a sober, up

right man, a fearless fireman, a faithful and diligent officer, well qual

ified to fill the position of fire chief, and that under his administration

the department has been raised to a high state of efficiency, and the

evidence compelling us to find him not guilty upon each and every

charge preferred, it is considered, ordered and adjudged that he be

and is hereby duly acquitted of the same."

On September 14 the answer of the commissioners was received

with a letter accompanying it, addressed to Mayor Meldrim. This

letter, which was signed by the three commissioners, stated that "un

fair means were used to procure discontented and discharged firemen

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

405

to air their grievances against their superior officers" and the com missioners could not understand how members of Council could per mit their partisan colleagues to influence them to disregard their sac red duties by usurping jurisdiction and converting their sessions into a school for scandal to which the idle, vicious and ill-disposed might go to calumniate trusted officials of the city government. Still less could the commissioners understand, they said, how members of Council, knowing the organization of the Commission, and that it occupied a position in the city government co-ordinate with that of their own body, could be parties to an undignified attempt to influ ence the actions of the Commission by threats and menaces. "Surely politics has crept into the deliberations of Council and partisanship controlled its action," said the commissioners.
Mayor Meldrim returned the letter, which was subsequently given to the newspapers, on the ground that it was insulting in its character, and placed the matter before Council. A resolution was adopted by Council endorsing his action in returning the letter to the Commission, and another stating that whereas the members of the Fire Commission had apparently been guilty of conduct which war ranted Council in preferring articles of impeachment against its members to the end that their actions might be inquired into, re solved that a committee of three be appointed to prepare articles of impeachment. Aldermen Wylly, Weil and Smith, who were appointed as this committee, filed their charges against the commissioners on October 6, charging them with misconduct in having written and sent to the Mayor, through Chairman Grayson, an insulting and offensive letter, in refusing to suspend or discharge the chief when advised that he was unfit and incompetent, in suspending firemen without a hearing, and in ignoring Council's request to investigate the incompetency of the chief.
The committee recommended that the commissioners be tried by Council after reasonable and proper notice. Council ordered the charges heard on October 12. On that day a writ of prohibition is sued by Judge Sweat of the Branswick circuit, secured by A. A. Lawrence, attorney for the commissioners, was served on the Mayor and Aldermen on the averments that the Mayor and Aldermen were moving to try the commissioners with the deliberate intention of re moving them from office, that Council was without jurisdiction and even if it had jurisdiction no offense was stated in the charges that would subject the commissioners to removal. This stopped proceed ings for the time being.
Judge Falligant of the Chatham Superior Court, sustained this writ. The City at once appealed the case to the Supreme Court of the State, where the decision of the lower court was reversed and the position taken by the City that the commissioners were officers of the

406

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

City, and as such could be held responsible by Council and tried for

their official acts was sustained. On April 14, 1898, a special meeting

of Council was held to consider what action should be taken. The

remittitur having been received, Mayor Meldrim stated that Council

was at liberty to proceed with the investigation. Council then re

solved to proceed with the trial and set April 29 as the day. On that-

day Council met for this purpose. Alderman Davis moved that the

trial proceed at once. A substitute was presented by Alderman Weil

that the trial be postponed indefinitely. A letter received from

Chairman Grayson was read, stating that his former letter to the

H
ji

Mayor was written at a time when political feeling was intense and in reply to numerous attacks upon him personally as chairman, and was not intended to be a discourtesy to the Mayor and Aldermen. The

motion to postpone was then adopted by a vote of 5 to 4. This was

il

mainly due to the fact that two of the commissioners, Grayson and Mell, had entered the United States Volunteer Army for service

against Spain, and members of Council regarded it as improper and

inadvisable to proceed with the case under the circumstances. By '

their entering the United States service the commissioners vacated

their positions voluntarily and left them open for appointments by the

party in power which would then have control of the Commission.

Requests for leave of absence had been refused them and their posi

tions were declared vacant, R. M. Hull and J. J. Carolan being ap

pointed commissioners on May 5 and confirmed by Council on May

18. Prior to this, on January 3, T. M. Cunningham, Jr., was appointed

to succeed George \V. Parrish, whose term of two years had expired.

Despite the charges that had been made against Maguire of gross

unfitness for the office and the determined efforts that had been made

to remove him the new commissioners evidently became satisfied as

to his ability, as they retained him in the office of chief and no further

steps were taken to secure his dismissal. On December 9, (1898) the

Legislature abolished the Commission and the control of the depart

ment returned to the Mayor and Aldermen. The outgoing board on

January 10. 1899, elected Michael Hanley as chief, but he held the

office but a few days. The incoming Cbuncil in January abolished the

offices of chief and assistant chief and created those of superintendent

and senior foreman. Maguire was at once elected superintendent

and has since retained the office under that title. George Mouro was

made senior foreman. For some months the displaced chief pre

sented a bill monthly for his salary, claiming that his election was for

two years and could not be terminated in the manner adopted by

Council. Mr. Hanley announced his intention of sueing the City for

the full amount at the close of the period, but after a few months the

notices ceased and the suit was never begun.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

407

On February 6, 1898, the store of H. Traub, at West Broad and Orange streets, was destroyed by fire, causing a loss of $25,875. That night fire broke out in the warehouse of the Georgia & Alabama railroad on River and Williamson streets, and resulted in the de struction of five buildings with contents and a large quantity of lum ber, the total loss being $81,952. While this fire was in progress an other fire was discovered in the Cathedral of St. John The Baptist, at Abercorn and Harris streets, and the building was largely destroyed, causing a loss of $170,000. The total fire loss for the month was $290,625. As a result the Southeastern Tariff Association increased the rates on all risks ten per cent., going into effect May I. Com plaints at once arose from insurers and there was reported a decided falling off in insurance and a tendency to place risks in companies North outside of the Association. A special committee was appointed by the local agents which called upon the commissioners and made a critical study of the situation. This committee recommended the purchase by the City of two large engines and an increase in the working force of the department. A petition was prepared and sent to Council. A combination wagon costing $1,500 was added and one engine costing $4,500, and the force was increased by cne engineer, two firemen and five supernumeraries, making the force 78, exclu sive of the volunteers connected with Hose Company No. I. The in surance rates were restored to the old rates. In 1899 two regular and four supernumeraries were added, making the force 84, outside of the ten volunteers. A salvage corps was organized in September and did good service for a few months, but was abandoned in Feb ruary, 1900, owing to the expense. On February 23, 1899, the Mayor appointed Superintendent Maguire as fire marshal, to enable him to better investigate as to the causes of fires. He was succeeded in this office in March, 1901, by Senior Foreman Mouro. In April. 1900, the volunteer force was abolished and a full paid force was installed at the Hose Company station on Waldburg street. This year a firstclass La France engine was bought. One supernumerary fireman was added, making the force 85, as follows: I superintendent, i senior foreman, I electrician, I clerk and storekeeper, 5 foremen, 5 engi neers, 17 drivers, 48 uniformed firemen, 6 supernumerary firemen.
A new two-story brick engine and hose house, with a clock tow er, was also built at Eighth and Barnard streets in 1900 for the better protection of the southern section of the city. The contract was let to William Armitage in September. The building cost $6,500. It was occupied by the department in April, 1901.
The department at the close of 1900 included among its apparatus two first size double pump La France engines, one second size dou ble pump La France engine, one third size double pump La France engine, one fifth size double pump La France engine, one third size

408

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

single pump Jeffers engine, one second size single pump Jeffers engine,

one second size single pump Amoskeag engine, a total of eight engines;

10 hose tenders, six of them two-horse and four one-horse; one single

tank, 35 gallon, chemical engine and hose wagon combined; I double

tank 65 gallon Holloway chemical engine; i double tank 85-gallon

Holloway chemical engine; I Haves aerial extension truck, 55 feet

when extended; i Leverich wooden frame truck, longest ladder 40

feet: one 35 gallon combination single tank chemical truck, longest

ladder 40 feet; four supply wagons, i two-horse and 3 one-horse; and

three officers* buggies.

On December 13, 1899, an ordinance was passed providing for the

pension of superannuated and disabled firemen. Under this any fire

man who has served continuously for not less than twenty, nor more

than thirty years years, and who is incapacitated for service, can be

placed on the retired roll and receive an annual pension of a sum equal

to one-third of the full compensation received by him at the time of

retirement. If the term of service has passed thirty years then the

fireman retired is entitled to receive one-half pay for the remainder

of his life.

On October 18, 1889, an ordinance was passed making the super

intendent of the fire department electric inspector, establishing rules

and regulations concerning electric wiring, etc., and fixing fees. The

"National Code of Rules for Wiring Buildings for Electric Lights

and Power," were approved by this ordinance.

The expenditures on account of the fire department for the past

twenty years, the number of fire alarms and the fire loss, as reported

by the heads of the department, have been as follows:

Year.

Expenditures.

1900.................. 183,707

1899................. 75,032

1898.................. 74,363

1897......... ........ 73,788

1896.................. 68,483

1895.................. 73,206

1894.................. 65,483

1893.................. 59-483

1892.................. 57,661

1891.................. 54,100

1890.................. 59,438

1889.................. 38,561

1888................. 37,721

1887......... ........ 33,569

1886.................. 40,713

1885 ................. 27,275

1884.................. 23,408

1883.................. 21,939

1882 ................. 15,897

No. Alarms.
225 238
293 195 196 179 168 183 208
196 . 169 166 191 227 J59 97
77
No* reported
Not reported

Fire Loss.
$ 41,837 153,599
440,630 96,293 390.970 112,645 452,407 172,986 166,837
345,265 138,486 i,3 IO,579 I93.90I 100,298 74.214 60,050
105,136

1881................. 16,513

33

47,899

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

409

The development of the police force has kept apace with the in crease in population and the improvements in other departments of the municipality. From 57 men in 1881 the force has been increased to 89 men, with the necessary hostlers, drivers, etc., in addition, and the expense of maintenance has grown from $49,000 to $90,000. Besides the regular force there has been created the Ocean Steamship Company's force, for the protection of its large properties, which has varied from 21 men to 24 men. The Plant System has also organized its own police force, which unlike that of the Ocean Steam ship Company, is in no wise under the direction of the head of the city department. Recently the Seaboard Air Line has formed a force
for the guarding of its property on Hutchinson's island, these men, like those of the other two private forces, being sworn in as city offi cers and giving bond.
In 1879 a committee on police was provided for by ordinance to which was largely entrusted the management of the department. Early in the following year Council adopted a recommendation made by this committee that the police be furnished with uniform batons, new belts and attachments, and whistles instead of rattles. In 1882 the department was supplied with Springfield rifles and improved Smith & Wesson pistols and the force was instructed in Upton's company tactics, which had been adopted by the United States gov ernment for the regular army. This year the pay of the chiet was raised from $1,800 to $2,000, at which it has since remained, the chief in addition receiving $600 from the Ocean Steamship Company for the management of its force. In 1882, on resolution of Alderman Joseph A. Roberts, four mounted men were added for the protection of citizens living between Gaston and Anderson streets, which was
then thinly populated. On May 24 of this year Lieut. Jett T. Howard died after a long illness. For seventeen years he had been a com missioned officer of the department "and his loss," said Chief Ander son, "is most keenly felt. His fidelity to duty, his gallantry in action, and the efficient and thorough manner in which he performed every duty entrusted to him, commanded the warm admiration of his super ior officers and the respect, esteem and confidence of his subordinates. In his death the municipal government has lost a brave, efficient and zealous officer." On August 16 Sergeant John Green was promoted to fill the vacant lieutenantcy and Private Owen F. Reilly was made sergeant. On April 25, 1883, a committee on retrenchment of ex penses recommended a reduction of salaries. As a result on May 23 the two lieutenants were abolished and an assistant chief was pro
vided for at a salary of $1,500. Lieut. Thomas J. Sheftall was retired from the service and the office of assistant chief was filled by the elec tion to it of Lieut. John Green, who filled it until the death of Gen. Anderson, whom he succeeded. In 1885, on a petition from the force,

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

the police committee, through Chairman P. J. O'Connor. recom

mended an increase in the pay of the men from $60 to $65 a month

and an ordinance was passed accordingly.

On September 21, 1887, an ordinance was passed to put police

officers, after thirty years service, if unable to perform duty, on one-

half pay; after twenty years service on one-third pay; on death from

natural causes $50 to be paid for funeral expenses and three months'

pay to the family; if killed while on duty $50 and six months pay. On

February 8, i88, Gen. Anderson died. On May 30 Assistant Chief

John Green succeeded him. In 1890 six men were added to the

force. In 1891 the office of assistant chief, which had been allowed

to lapse on the election of Chief Green, was re-established and Ser

geant J. B. Killourhy was elected to it. A detective was also added

to the force this year. On January 15, 1891, Private J. M. Mock was

elected sergeant to fill the vacancy caused by Killourhy's promotion.

Sergeant S. C. Lee died September 14 of this year and H. W. Baughn

succeeded to the position on December 12.

Up to 1891 it had been the custom in the summer months to de

tail twenty or more policemen as sanitary inspectors. With this year

this was done away with and regular inspectors were appointed under

the health department.

On the breaking out of labor troubles in the fall of 1891 Mayor

McDonough published a proclamation (October i) stating that in

timidation or interference in any way with men desiring or willing to

work was contrary to law, to the rights of individuals, and to the pub

lic safety, and would not be tolerated. Absolute protection was guar

anteed against such unlawful interference. The regular police force

was largely increased temporarily and the Mayor announced that if

necessary to protect men desirous of working he would call upon the

military. This proclamation was the result of resolutions adopted at

a special meeting of Council that day, which was largely attended by

citizens. As a result of the determined stand taken by the authorities

there was no disturbance and no assaults upon those working.

In December, 1891, a special committee composed of Mayor Mc

Donough. Chief Green and Chairman Haines of the police commit

tee, visited Atlanta to inspect the Gamewell police telegraph system.

They reported on December 28 and on January 6, 1892, the committee

on police reported in favor of the adoption of the system as tending

lo greatly increase the efficiency of the department and recommend

ed that the Mayor be authorized to sign a contract with the company

for erecting a system here not to cost c^ver $9,700. This was adopted

}

and a system was at once put in. On March 30 the committee on

police was authorized to purchase a patrol wagon and erect a brick

building 30 by 30 feet on the barracks lot to be used in connection with

the Gamewell system. On January 4, 1893, Sergeant Owen F. Reilly

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

4 ir

was elected assistant chief and Kiltourhy was retired from the force temporarily, being appointed again as sergeant on March 17. In 1894. seven privates were added for the better protection of the section south of Anderson street. On February 10 of this year Private J. C.. Neve was shot and killed by Abe Small, whom he was trying to ar rest. On February 14 Aldermen Haines and M. W. Dixon and Citi zens John R. Young, P. A. Stovall, A. B. Hull and B. H. Levy were appointed to solicit funds for the family of the murdered officer and a considerable sum was raised. A reward of $250 was offered by the City for the arrest of Small, who was captured at Baltimore the fol lowing year, brought back to Savannah and finally executed.
In January, 1895, Frank McDermott succeeded John Green aschief, the latter retiring from the force after thirty years service. On January 28 an ordinance was passed making the sergeants and pri vates appointive by the Mayor andsubject to discharge by him, ap pointments being made on the recommendation of the chief. Thissystem has been continued. This year a covered patrol wagon was ordered. On August 28 the Merchants and Miners Transportation Company was given authority to organ;ze a police force for its yards and wharves, but has never exercised it to this time.
At the close of the year the department was placed under the charge of a Police Commission, composed of Edward Karow, chair man, appointed for six years; A. Vetsburg, for four years, and Jos eph W. Jackson, for two years. In 1896 the number of detectives was increased from two to four. In 1897 the number of sergeants was in creased to six and R. E. Davis and B. G. Floyd were appointed to the new positions. A two-horse ambulance was added to the department and the force was increased by four men. The detective force was reduced to three and continues at that number. On January 30, of this year, an ordinance was passed allowing $250 annually to each white military company, eleven in all, to act as a military police re serve. The several commands returned votes of thanks to the munic ipality. In 1900 a twelfth company was added, the Naval Reserves, making the annual appropriation for this purpose $3,000. In Decem ber, 1898, the Commission was abolished and the management of the department was again placed in the hands of a committee of Coun cil. This year a two-story brick building was erected south of the barracks to be used as a Recorder's Court and officer's room. John R. Eason had the contract for this and alterations to the prison, the total cost being $5,900. The building was at once found inadequate for the purposes intended and the Recorder's Court was soon re-es tablished in the barracks building. In January. 1899, the office of chief was abolished and that of superintendent created, Thomas Screven being placed in the new position, which he retained until

412

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

March, 1901, when being elected Ordinary he resigned to assume that position, being succeeded by Owen F. Reilly, who was elected super intendent by Council on April 3. On November i, 1899, Sergeant J. B. Killourhy had been retired on half pay on account of physical dis ability, having been connected with the department for thirty-three years. No appointment was made until January 13, 1900, when Wal ter H. Fleming was appointed sergeant, giving the force six sergeants again, with Owen F. Reilly as senior sergeant, the position of assist ant chief having^been abolished along with that of chief, and that of senior sergeant created.
On April 4, 1901. J. McCool was appointed sergeant to succeed Sergeant B. J. Floyd, retired by Council.
The following table shows the development of the force during the past two decades and the work done by it so far as statements of arrests can do so. While the negro population constitutes no greater proportion of the population to-day than it did twenty years ago, it furnishes a vastly greater proportion of the number of persons ar rested, they having increased over 200 per cent., while the number of whites arrested has increased but 70 per cent.:

Total Citv Year. Force.
iSSi .... -- 57 1882..... .... 61 1883 .... .... 60 1884..... - 59 1885..... .... 59 1886..... -- 59 1887..... .... 60 1888..... -. 59 1889..... -- 57 1890..... .... 64 1891..... .... 69 1892 .... .... 67 1893..... .... 67 1894..... .... 74 1895 .... .... 78 1896....,.... 81 1897..... .... 85 1898..... .... 88 1899..... .... 85 1900..... .... 89

Expenses Police Department.
$49,136 27
54,507 45 50,766 81 51,609 82 53,282 15 56,626 86 56,553 ii 55,822 28
53,993 97 61,325 38 63,780 62 72,018 15 68,927 76
76,299 43 78,427 48 84,H5 25 82,279 26 82,780 66 82,668 39
90,130 21

-No. Arrests Made by Police.-^ White. Colored. Total.

878

i,35i

2,229

827
947 891 972 866 803 768 941 1,097 1,181

1,171 1,053 1,227 1,272
1,102 1,366
1,389 1,764 1,742 1,965

1,998 2,000 2,118
2,244
1,968
2,169 2,157 2,705 2,839 3,146

i,i37 i,3i5 1,183 1,158 ,131 ,839 ,432 ,49
,374

1,812
2,170
2,124
2,670
2,616 3, 247 4,489 4,254 4,290

2,947 3,485 3,307 3,828
3,747 5,o86 5,92i
5,744 5,664

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

413

During these twenty years the amounts collected in fines in tfye Police Court have been as follows:

FINES

YEAR.

COLLECTED.

.1881........ ...........................................................................$4,072 oo 1882......... .......................................................................... 3,596 25 1883 ................... .............................................................. 4,776 25 1884.................................................................................... 4,872 75 1885........................... ........................................................ 5,713 50 1886.................................................................................... 4,842 50 1887................................. ...................... ........................... 5,935 50 1888.................................................................................... 5,961 oo 1889............................................................................. ...... 5,440 oo
1890.................................................................................... 5,970 oo

1891................................................:.................... .............. 7,650 75

1892.......................... .......................................... .............. 5,972 oo
1893.................................................................................... 6,693 oo

1894......................................................:..... ....................... 5,394 oo 1895....................... .. ......................................................... 4,543 50

1896....................................... ............................................ 5,389 oo 1897.................................................................................... 4,544 oo 1898 ... ...... .................... ................................................... 4,815 47

1899............... .................................................................... 7,951 oo

1900.................................................................................... 5,910 oo

For many years the question of a new jail for Chatham County was agitated, but it was not until 1887 that one was built. The jail was under the control of the Mayor and Aldermen as jail commis sioners from the year 1791 to 1822 and from 1834 to 1881. Under an Act of Assembly of November 30, 1801, the management, care, in spection and control of the court house and jail were vested in the Mayor and Aldermen, who had built the jail out of the funds of the City and on lots belonging to the City. All fines of the courts of the county were ordered paid to the City. Under an Act of Assem

bly passed December 21, 1822, control of the jail was surrendered by the City to the Justices of the Inferior Court. The fines imposed in the Superior and Inferior Courts were soon after vested in the In

ferior Court for county purposes. On December 8, 1834, though, another Act of Assembly vested the control of the jail again in the Mayor and Aldermen, who were made jail commissioners. On Au gust 29, 1839, the parcel of land marked A, B, C and D, between Whitaker and Barnard streets, was dedicated to the justices of the Inferior Court of Chatham County for the purpose of erecting a jail thereon.

414

HISTOR\%OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

_ On September 17, 1846, lots n, 12, 13 and 14, Lafayette ward, the

wall enclosing the same, and the improvements thereon, were grant

ed to the justices of the Inferior Court in fee simple for the purpose

of aiding in the erection of the new jail in Forsyth ward.

In 1854 a committee of Council bought trust lot letter O, Heathcote ward, from A. Champion and Solomons Lodge for $13,000 for

.1 jail site. This was subsequently sold. A special committee then

conferred with the justices of the Inferior Court in relation to a new

jail and reported an ordinance to appropriate a portion of Crawford

ward, east, as a site. This ordinance, passed June 18, 1854, set aside

and appropriated as a site the triangular space of ground bounded 6y

East Broad, Thunderbolt road .and Reynolds street for a new jail as

soon as the justices should signify their acceptance of this location.

In 1857 a bill was introduced in the Legislature to transfer con

trol of the jail to the justices of the Inferior Court and the sheriff.

Council opposed this and asked permission to erect a workhouse

with a treadmill connected therewith. It was successful in its resist

ance to the proposed change.

\

In 1859 the justices of the Inferior Court called attention to the

necessity for a new jail and asked Coitncil to appropriate land suit

able, the county having appropriated $30.000 for a new building. The

lots occupied by the old jail were donated. By ordinance of April 14

the space of ground in Forsyth ward bounded north by Hall street,

east by Whitaker, south by Gwinnett, west by Barnard, excepting the

lane between Gwinnett and Hall streets, was set aside and appropri

ated to aid in the erection of a new jail and Mayor Arnold was au

thorized to execute a conveyance to the justices of the Inferior Court

as soon as they signified in writing that the new jail would be vested in and actually placed under the direction, management and control

of the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, and that unless

the old jail and enclosure, together with all materials thereof be re

moved within six months the space of ground should revert to the

City. This ground, on which the old jail stood, was to be disposed

of by the justices and the proceeds of the sales added to the funds in

their hands for the erection of the new jail. By ordinance of May 12, 1859, the triangular space of ground in Crawfcrd ward, between East
Broad, Thunderbolt road and Reynolds street, was appropriated as a

site for a new jail, as soon as the justices signified acceptance of this

as the site in writing and with the agreement that the erection of the

new jail should begin by January I, 1860. By ordinance of June 9,

1859, this was amended so that this ground was to revert to the City

whenever the control of the jail was not vested in the Mayor and

Aldermen. On January 5, 1860, the justices of the Inferior Court petitioned

for a conveyance of the lot between Hall and Gwinnett, Whitaker and

HISTORY OF THE ClTVf GOVERNMENT.

415

Barnard, said space of ground and all materials composing the jail to be sold by them and the proceeds applied in erecting a new jaii; also to convey to the justices for the purpose of erecting the new jail thereon the triangular space of ground in Crawford ward, between East Broad, Thunderbolt road and Reynolds street, provided that if at any future time the control of the jail was taken from the Mayor and Aldermen and vested in the justices, the justices should be "bound to pay to the Mayor and Aldermen the present value of the ground in Crawford ward so appropriated." This petition was ren dered necessary by the failure to begin work on a new building by January I. A committee of Council reported favorably, provided work on the new building was begun within three months. Thomas Holcombe was appointed commissioner on the part of the justices to assess the ground in Crawford ward granted by the City, and Wil liam S. Basinger was appointed to represent the City. These com missioners valued the land transferred to the justices by the City at $10,000.
The civil war prevented the erection of the jail and the ground re verted to the City.
After the war the matter of a new jail was taken up again. On January 10, 1870, a councilmanic committee on removal of the jail to a more suitable site reported that the existing jail building had been erected in 1845 on a site at that time far removed from the habitable portion of the city. The question of removing it had been agitated from time to time. It was in a ililapr'dated and wretched condition, insecure and a disgrace to humanity. It was distant from the court house, the Mayor's court, and an obstacle to the further improvement of the city. There was now $14,340 available for a new jail. There were ten lots in the block; nine of them unsold should bring $30,000, of which 20 per cent, in cash would be paid in advance and the Ordi nary had on hand $8,340, giving a total amount available $14,340. The value of thirty-six lots in the vicinity of the jail belonging to the City would be enhanced 25 per cent, by its removal. As to the site for a new jail, the committee had no hesitation in recommending the south ern half of the police barracks lot as the very best that could be sub mitted. This tract was lying idle and on the northern extremity would soon be finished the police quarters and Recorder's court.
On April 13, 1870, the committee reported again adhering to its original plan of a site in the rear of th~ police barracks and stating that the time would come when the city hall would be erected in the centre of the old burying ground.
By an Act of September 29, 1881, the care of the jail was vested in the county commissioners and the sheriff. The county commis sioners, through Chairman W. W. Paine, sent a communication to Council on January 4, 1882, stating that the county had a jail fund of

416

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

$25,000 in stocks, bonds, etc., which with the amount the lots on which the old jail was standing would bring would place at its disposal a fund sufficient, with a small tax assessment, to build a proper jail. On May 24 the committee of Council to which this had been referred, through its chairman, Alderman W. E. Guerard, reported against donating the land of the City occupied by the old jail, but stated that being desirous of having a new jail built and wishing to aid the county commissioners in its erection, they recommended that a suitable por tion of land owned by the City, 10 be afterward selected, be dedicated by Council to the county commissioners on which to erect a new jail, the dedication to them to last as long as the ground was occupied by such building and it used as a jail.
On May 19, 1883, another councilmanic committee, Aldermen Hamlet, Wells, Hamilton, Green and O'Connor, reported in favor of accepting the proposition of the county that the lots of the old jail site be given to the county to be sold and the proceeds applied to a new jail building, and an ordinance was passed accordingly en June 6, donating the old jail site with the exception of the portion needed for extending Howard street.
The county commissioners then applied for a site for the new jail on Habersham street south of the police barracks. A committee of Council recommended that property owners in the vicinity be al lowed to protest if they desired to do so. On February 13, 1884. the time for building the new jail was extended twelve months, and on March 21 the ordinance granting the old jail lots was amended so that the new jail should be in readiness for occupancy in three years and work on it to begin by February i, 1885. On December 17 (1884) Al derman O'Connor, in a minority report, favored granting the site at Habersham and Perry street lane to the county, while Aldermen Minis and Wilder opposed such a use of the land. Early in 1885 the time for beginning the new jail was extended to February I, 1886. On May 6, 1885, an ordinance was passed giving the county the lot of land 178 feet front on Habersham street, with a rectangular depth of 106 feet on Perry street lane, in exchange for lots 6, 7 and 8 Troup ward. Work was begun on the new jail January 20, i?586, the several restrictions as to time, etc., being removed by Council on February 24. On January n, 1888, an ordinance was passed conferring title to the old jail lots on the county commissioners. On January 5. 1888, the new jail was completed and opened for public inspection.
By the provisions of the Act transferring the control of the jail to the sheriff of Chatham County City prisoners are cared for free of expense to the City. The sheriff assumed charge on January 5, 1884, when Waring Russell, who had held the office of jailor from Septem ber 19. 1859, retired after nearly twenty-five years of service.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
Savannah was lighted by gas from 1850 to 1883. The contract with the Savannah Gas Light Company in 1877 called for 566 lamps at $26.40 a year each, or $14,942.40. On January I, 1879, the contract was renewed for two years. It expired December 31, 1881. A proposal from N. F. Thompson for lighting the lamps with naphtha gas at $19.50 per lamp for one year was approved by Council and a contract was entered into with him, with security to the amount of $50,003 to se cure its fulfillment. This system proved unsatisfactory. Upon frequent inspections it was found that a large number of lamps became extin guished at different periods of the night and that many of the lights that remained were burning poorly and not in accordance with the contract, from causes which appeared to Council should have been overcome by the contractor. Accordingly a motion was adopted to dissolve the contract and recover any losses sustained by the City from his securities. Prior to this A. Dutenhofer had been called on in New York by a party claiming to be owner of the naphtha illuminat ing patent and an offer had been made through him to sell the exclu sive right in Savannah to the Savannah Gas Company and to take steps at once to stop Thompson from iiluminating the city, leaving it in darkness until the gas company could force the City to make a contract with it. Gen. Gilmer, president of the gas company, sent all the correspondence to Council on February 25. If the contract with Thompson had been carried out the expense per annum would have been $12,820. The City had paid $5,733 on account and refused to pay the remainder. Finally a compromise was arranged under which the City paid Thompson $4,000 and returned him all the new lamp* and posts furnished by him.
On the expiration of this contract a contract was entered into with the Brush Electric Light Company for lighting the city with electric lights for the term of three years at a cost of $18,000 per an num, and to light the market for $i,coo a year. The company began lighting the city in May, 1883, and continued until October 31, 1883, when the works were destroyed in the great Yamacraw fire. At this time the city was lighted by 15 towers, 2 swinging lamps and 42 mast lamps. By an agreement with Council the company was allowed un til February 9, 1884, to rebuild its plant and resume the fulfillment of the contract. It was not until April i, 1884, that lighting was re sumed, with 72 lights.
From 1885 to 1891 the contract was for 2,000 candle power lights, 90 in all, at $255 each a year. In 1886 the number was increased to 100 lights. In October, 1889, in Mayor Schwarz's administration, pro posals were called for an entire plant for general electric lighting. On November 7 all bids were rejected and the Brush Electric Light and Power Company was given a contract on December 6 for fur nishing 200 arc lights of 600 candle power each, for four years, from

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

January i, 1891, at the rate of $20,000 a year, and the existing con

tract was annulled. Under this contract the City was to be furnished

200 lights during 1890, instead of 100, without extra charge, the new

rate of compensation going into effect on January i, 1891. On June

25, 1890, the contract was amended to add 50 additional lights of 600

candle power at $416.67 a month. The number of lights was increased

.yearly by the City at the same rate.

On the expiration of this contract it was renewed for four years

at $90 a light. Mayor Myers at the close of October, 1895, recom

mended that Council take into consideration the advisability of estab

lishing and maintaining a lighting plant to furnish lights not only to

-the City but to the general public. "Lights," said he, "are essential to

the comfort of the masses and therefore the cost to the public should

"be brought down to the lowest figures. In this way a vast amount

of money can be saved the City and its citizens. I am informed that

-we have a sufficient power now at the waterworks to run such a

plant." Council took no steps to carry out this suggestion.

I

In a communication to Council on October 25, 1897, Mayor

|

Meldrim recommended the appointment of a committee to proceed at

once to provide a suitable lighting plant for the City. Aldermen Da-

-vis. Smith and O'Donnell were appointed to report the cost of an

-electric plant. They presented a report on December 15 and sub

mitted estimates of the cost of a plant and also bids for lighting the

-city from three to five years from the Brush Electric Light Com

pany. The estimates of the cost of a plant were found of little value

and after further investigation a contract was made with the Brush

company for five years from January I, 1898, for 500 or more lights

of 600 candle power at $72 a year each.

In his report for 1887 Mayor Meldrim said: "The contract for

city lighting being about to expire, I invited your attention to the

advisability of the City installing its own electric plant. This question

is a vexed one, the evidence is conflicting, the estimates widely differ.

"When I previously directed your consideration to this subject you were

furnished certain estimates which proved to be entirely unreliable.

But the result is that we have now made a contract with the Brush

Electric Light Company whereby the previous price of $90 per

light per annum has been reduced to $72 per light per annum. It

fixes the price for a period of five years, with the privilege on the

part of the City to renew the contract at the end of five years for a

I

like period at a price not to exceed $72 per light per annum, but the new price to be fixed by arbitration. It is due to the Brush Electric

Light Company to say that its dealings were in a spirit of fairness

and without any effort to take advantage of the necessities of the -City."

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

419

The expenses of lighting the city for the past twenty years have

been as follows:

YEAR.

EXPENSES.

1881................................................................ ..................116,970 05

1882................................................................................... 17,043 79

1883................................................................................... 14,204 41

1884..... ............................... ............................................. 17,173 oo

1885.............. .................................................................... 18,008 oo

1886................................................................................... 24,929 oo

1887............................. ........ ...................................... ..... 25,727 55

1888.................................................................... ............. 25,500 oo

1889............. ..................................................................... 25,510 oo

1890.......................................... ........................................ 27,305 57

1891................................................................................... 26,125 03

1892..... ................ .................................. ........... ............. 26,200 04

1893................................................................................... 26,593 78

1894.................. .............. ................................................ 27,919 60

1895................................................................................... 26,856 34

1896....;..... ........................ ............. ................................. 27,203 08

1897......................... ......................................................... 28,136 05

1898..................................... ............................................. 28,379 25

1899................................................................................... 39,181 98

1900.. ................................................................................ 36,318 98

Public improvements during the past twenty years, in addition

to the erection of the new waterworks and the crematories and the

construction of the house drainage system, have embraced extensive

paving of streets. From 1885 to 1900 about $675,000 was expended in

work of this character, and in the twenty years under review the en

tire expenditures have approached three-quarters of a million

dollars. Up to 1886 there were no sti eet pavements except of cobble

stones with the exception of a small section of West Broad street

paved with belgian blocks. Considerable street paving had been done

with cobble stones, largely obtained from ballast brought in vessels

which unloaded it at the city wharves. For a number of years the

quantity of such material received ranged from 1,700 to 3,250 tons, but

after 1880 it diminished, vessels then being required to unload at the

station, only 210 tons coming to the city in 1882, and after that the City

was compelled to purchase paving material of this character.

Asphalt was introduced in 1886 when a small portion of Broughton

street was paved with it. It became immediately popular and sev

eral streets were paved with it. The first cost and the heavy expense

of maintenance led to the substitution of vitrified brick. In 1896

Abercorn and Habersham streets, from Oglethorpe avenue to Lib

erty street, were paved with this material as an experiment. It

proved a success and met with public approval. Since then it has

been used quite extensively and in the plans for future paving it is

the material mainly relied on.

In the accompanying table the progress of street paving in Sav

annah is succinctly set forth in the simplest form possible.

Statement of Street Paving In Savannah.

YEAR.

STREET

DISTANCE.

MATERIAL.

TOTAIy COST.

1866-67...,..,....} West Broad...

1868.................. Hay............ ..

1869......... ......... Wnitaker......

1871 ................. Bay...............

1871................. Hay......... .....

1872.................. Randolph ....

1872.................. Hroughton....

1872 ................ Congress......

1872...... .......... Bryan .........

1872................. Joachim......

1874.................. Drayton.......

1875.................. Drayton.......

1875................. South Broad.,

1876. ................ Bay...............

1878 ................. Bay...............

1878................ River............

1879................. West Broad.,

1879 ................. Drayton.......

1881.................. Wheaton......

1881 ................. Congress......

1883.................. Drayton,. ..,,

Drayton.......

1884 .

Whitaker... .,

1885..

lyiberty.........

1886..

Whitaker......

1886..

New............

1886..

Broughton. .,

1887..

Bay ..............

1887..

Whitaker.....

1888..

Congress ....

1888..

Bull.............

1888..

Whitaker......

1888..

Drayton......

1888 .

Bay ...........

1888 .

Wadley......

it

Broughton...

1889

lyiberty.........

River to Central of Georgia Railway Depot. East of Bull............................................ .... lyiberty to Gaston.......................................... Drayton to Whitaker.................................... Kast Broad to Drayton........................ ......... 2350 feet......................................................... Reynolds to Randolph ................................. Fronting Market.......................... .............. Fronting Market.......................................... West Broad to Fahm......................... .......... Bay to Gaston............................................... Gaston to Hall.......................................,,,.,, South Side Abercorn to Drayton.................. South Side Whitaker to Drayton.................. North Side Whitaker to Drayton.................. 1036feet................ ....................................... South Broad to Stone.................................... Hall to Waldburg.......................................... East Boundary to Haslam's Mill.................. Jefferson to Montgomery........................... . Waldburg to Duffy......................................, Duffy to Henry............................................. Gaston to Hall............................. ...... .... .... East of Arnold......... ................................... Hall to Gwinuett.. ............. ......................... West Boundary to Fahm.............................. Abercorn to West Broad............................... Fahm to Ogeechee Canal.............................. Gwinnett to New HoustonI<ane ............. .... West Broad to Drayton............................ .... Congress to Wright Square........................... New Houston to Anderson..................... ... Henry to Anderson.. .................................... Ogeechee Canal to Wadley.............. .... ....... Bay to South of River.................................... Abercorn to East Broad...... ......................... Wheaton to West Broad...............................

Cobble Stones.......................... Not given.

HM h-l

Macadam and Cobble Stones.. Not given. Cobble Stones.. ... .................. Not given.

O->5

Stowe Wooden Blocks............ $19,825.00. Stone Blocks........................... 63,383-95. Cobble Stones......................... 17,511.45. Cobblestones...... .................. 2,029.10.

O & *

Cobble Stones.......................) Cobble Stones....................... j

6,786.32.

O

Cobble Stones......................... 3.922.73.

Cobble Stones................ ......... 7,000.00, estim't'd

Cobble Stones......................... 1,050.00, "

HH

Cobblestones......................... 750.00, "

HH

Cobble Stones.......................... 1,000.00, "

Cobble Stones.......................... 1,100.00, " Cobble Stones.......................... 1,800.00. "

O

Belgian Blocks ....................... 7,000.00.

Cobblestones........................ 1,400.00, estim't'd

Gray Wacke....... .... .............. Not given.

Cobble Stones.. ....................... Not given. Cobble Stones................ ......... Not given. Cobble Stones.......................... Not given.

oo

Cobblestones.......................... Not given.

Cobble Stones......................... Not given.

Cobble Stones.......................... Not given.

Cobble Stones........................ . Not given.

Asphalt................................... 29,606.36.

Gray Wacke........................... Not given.

Cobble Stones.......... ............... Not given.

Asphalt.................................... 19,518.94.

Asphalt.................................. 6,252.69.

Cobblestones.......................... Not given.

Cobblestones.......................... Not given.

Granite Blocks ....................1 Granite Blocks...................../

13,092.86.

Asphalt.................................... 18,377.79.

Asphalt................................... 90,189.74.

Statement of Street Paving In Savannah--Continued*

YEAR.

STREET.

DISTANCE.

1889. 1890.. 1890 . 1891.. 1891.. 1891 1891.. 1891.. 1891.. 1892.. 1892.. 1892.. 1892.. 1892.. 1892 1892.. 1893.. 1894. 1894.. 1894.. 1895.. 1895.! 18951895.. 1895.. 1896.. 1896.. 1896.. 1896. 1897.. 1897.. 1897.. 1897. 1897.. 1897.. 1897.. 1897. 1897..

Jefferson .................... Broughton to Charlton...... Harris.......................... Bull to Drayton.................. Bull.............................. liberty to Harris............... East Broad.................. Wheaton to Jones............... Henry.......................... Drayton to Price................ Gaston........................ Tattnall to Price................ Hall............................ West Broad to Price.......... Henry.......................... Drayton to Cemetery......... Bull..................... ....... lyiberty to State.................. Bull............................ Bay to Congress.................. Bryan.......................... Whitakerto Drayton......... St. Julian.................... Whitaker to Drayton......... Bull... .......................... State to liberty........ ....... Jefferson..................... Charlton to Henry............. jones .......................... Tattnall to East Broad....... Bolton.......................... West Broad to East Broad. Bull............................. Harris to Gaston................ Jefferson.................... Charlton to Henry............. Bryan.......................... Drayton to Abercorn.......... Drayton............... ...... Bay to Broughton.............. Anderson and Battery Cuyler tolyaurel Grove....... Cuyler.. ... .................. Henry to Anderson.. ... .... Drayton...................... Broughton to Anderson....... Jefferson.................... Bryan to Bay .................. Ogeechee..................... Anderson to City lyimits...., Abercorn..................... South Broad to lyiberty....... Habersham................. South Broad to lyiberty...... Bay, extended............. Wadley to City lyimits....... Wadley...................... Barnard...................... Bryan to Bay...................... Bryan................... .... Whitaker to Fahm............. Pahm.......................... Bryan to Bay...................... Jefferson..................... Broughton to Bryan........... lyouisville Road........... Henry to Augusta Road..... Railroad. ................... West Broad to Canal.......... President.................... ull to Drayton.................. Oglethorpe.................. East Broad to West Broad. York........................... Bull to Drayton.................

MATERIAL.

TOTAL, COST.

Granite Blocks................ Asphalt.. ................... ...

$17.510.753,584.45.

wI--I

Asphalt........................... Granite Blocks................ Oyster Shells..................

4,090.5418,108.68. 3,198.35.

3o

Oyster Shells...................

6,773.05.

Oyster Shells .................

8,847.92.

Oyster Shells.......... . ......

5,509-36.

Asphalt..........................

16,932.33.

Asphalt...................... .... Asphalt...................... .... Asphalt........................... Asphalt...........................

1

Oyster Shells...................

Oyster Shells...................

37,294.10. 8,165.71. 10,971.04.

ww

Oyster Shells................... Asphalt...........................

9,191.83. 33,978.04.

o

Granite Blocks................

20,878.91.

Granite Blocks................

329-15.

Oyster Shells...................

264.86.

Oyster Shells................... Oyster Shells................... Oyster Shells ..................

1,421.71. 479-22.
2,914.18.

O O

Granite Blocks....... .......

2,574.55.

Oyster Shells...................

5,943-94.

Vitrified Bricks...............

6,484.27.

Vitrified Bricks................

6,743.98.

Crushed Rock and Chert.

6,439.25-

Granite Blocks................ Granite Blocks................

914.18. 2,547.86.

w

Granite Blocks................

13,395.58.

Granite Blocks ...............

2,370.07.

Granite Blocks................

3,112.94.

Chert..................... .......

13,361.34.

Granite Blocks................

13,632.58.

Asphalt.................... .......

i,732.59.

Asphalt...........................

61,044.79.

Asphalt...........................

1,100.15.

YEAR.

Statement of Street raving in Savannah--Continued.

vSTREKT.

DISTANCE.

MATKRIAIy.

t
tv
TOTAI, COST.

1898.................. 1898... ..............

Barnard. ..................... Unmard. ...... ...............

KastBryan

to Congress........... ....................................

Vitrified
Vitrified

Bricks.......................
Bricks

1898.................. null.............................

Gravel.... ............... ..................

1898.................. 1898.................. 1898.................. 1800 1899................. 1800 1900.................. 1900 .... ............ 1900................. 1900..................

Drayton ............... ......
^AUT TTnii*trvti
St. Julian..... ................ Wheaton ..................... Congress I,ane. ........... St. Julian ................... Hull............................. Gwinnett. .................... President .................... Barnard ......................

Bay to Anderson........................... .............................. Whitaker to Bull............ .............................................

lyiberty to Waters Road.... ...........................................

Barnard toDravton East Side Mark'et to

.................. ................................ West Side St. Julian ................

Tenth to Best..................................................... .......

Whitaker to Cemetery............................. .. ...............

East Broad to Randolph .......................... ....... ........

Congress to Broughton.... ...........................................

Asphalt................... .............. Vitrified Bricks....................... Vitrified Bricks...................... Vitrified Bricks.... .................. Vitrified Bricks...................... Vitrified Bricks........... ............ Gravel.. .................................. Vitrified Bricks....................... Vitrified Bricks....................... Vitrified Bricks................... ...

$ 1,568.69. 1,798.62.
2I.25I.7Q.
55,402.69. 2 fa\f\ nf\ 2 31 5cQ-9f\9f\-
M .QQ7.4Q.
3.4I6.I9.
3,051.32.
2,93-63. 1in9i z1A44A i TI 31 i 6,424.04. 1,736.62.

so
T1
HH

o

O O < W

w

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

423

Under the existing laws the City pays one-third of the cost of street paving and the cost of the street intersections. The property owners, where there is no street railroad, pay the other two-thirds. If a street car company is using a street it pays for paving between its tracks and two feet on either side.
Under an Act of the Legislature of September 21,1883, the terri tory between Anderson and Twelfth or 426. street, was brought within the city limits, being exempted from taxation until 1893. The rapid movement of population in that direction forced the expenditure of considerable sums in the opening of streets in that portion of the city. Elsewhere, too, streets were opened or improved by the removal of obstructions.
By the purchase of the Dillon tract the City fortunately was en abled to open a number of streets in a large area, not only without cost for the land but with a considerable profit resulting from the transaction. David R. Dillon, was the owner of a tract in Holland tything, Percival ward, containing 100 acres of land, more or less, which was in the section brought within the incorporated limits in 1883. In 1868 Dillon laid out this trace into a town named by him "Dillontown," with eight streets running east and west called Vir ginia, Sarah, James, Alexander, Benjamin, David, Leonora and Eliz abeth, with eight other streets, Whitaker, Barnard, Jefferson, Mont gomery, West Broad, Burroughs, Cuyler and part of an unnamed street adjoining Brownsville, running north and south, with three public squares called David square, Roberts square and Dillon square. Dillon instructed City Surveyor Hogg to incorporate the map of Dil lontown on the map of the city of Savannah, giving as his reason therefor that he proposed to perpetuate his own and his children's names thereon. The map of Dillontown was so incorporated and published as a part of the official map of Savannah and its surround ings as directed by Dillon. On July 18, 1868, Dillon conveyed to the Savannah, Skidaway and Seaboard Railroad Company all the land lying between Whitaker and Barnard, 302 feet from Whitaker to Barnard, Sarah street on the north and 200 feet to James street on the south, dedicating to the public the streets and squares indicated on the map of Dillontown.
After the death of Dillon the Mayor and Aldermen purchased all of Dillontown situated west of Barnard street. A proposition was made to Council on August 4, 1886, by Dr. F. X. Mousseau to sell the City the Dillon tract, embracing 60 to 90 acres, for $6o,coo. The offer was accepted, provided the cloud on the title be removed, and $15,000 being retained by the City until this was done. The purchase was effected on August 6. On January 9, 1889, a committee made a

424

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

report on the purchase, showing that Dr. Mousseau had been paid

$48,000 for a four-fifths interest in the tract and D. B. L,estcr $12,000

for a one-fifth interest.

Up to the time of this report the City had received from the sale

of lots $78,755, showing profits of $18,755, with 28 full lots and 28

fractions of lots of over one-half lot in size, unsold, and in addition

all streets opened through the tract without expenditure for the

land. In all there were 174 lots in the tract, which lay mainly be

tween 7tli and I2th and Barnard and Burroughs. The purchase was

evidently one of the best investments ever made by the City.

From 1870 to 1900, inclusive, there was expended for land for

opening streets $409.761.45, of which $340,162.05 was paid out in the

last sixteen years. The payments each year for this purpose have

been as follows*

Year.

Expenditures.

1870 .........................................$ 6,415.00

1871 .......................................... 34,959-39

1872 ......................................... 14,365.12

1873 ........................................ 5,824-36

1874 ......................................... 2,923.15

1875 ......................................... 600.00

1876 ......................................... 3,212.38

1880 ......................................... 500.00

1881 ......................................... 500.00

1883 ......................................... 300.00

1884 ......................................... 34,422.51

1885 ......................................... 13,780.00

1886 ......................................... 1,100.00

1888 ......................................... 4,125.50

1889 ......................................... 3,150.00

1850 ......................................... 18,915.41

1891 ......................................... 13,519-71

1892 ......................................... 3,650.00

1893 ......................................... 6,925.80

1894 ......................................... 7,190-31

1895 ......................................... 23,847.12

1896 ......................................... 21,054.39

1897 ......................................... 39,566.35

1898 ......................................... 78,679.04

1859 ......................................... 34,366.11

1900 ......................................... 35,869.80

Subsequent to the purchase of the Dillon tract the City, conceiv

ing it to be to the best interests of Savannah, changed that portion of

the plan of Dillontown west of Barnard street, including the streets

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

425

and squares, in a spirit of fairness to the other property owners giv ing other streets and squares in lieu thereof. No action was filed against this by any of the other lot owners.
After considerable litigation, in 1895 the City paid the Vernon Shell Road Company $5,526.70 for the portion of the White Bluff road condemned for a continuation of Bull street to the city limits and the toll gate was removed beyond the limits.
As has been shown, in the twenty years, 1881 to 1900, inclusive, there has been expended in permanent improvements by the City, in round figures $1,265,000, as follows: Street paving, $275,000; opening streets, $340,000; house drainage, $190,000; new waterworks, $410,000; engine houses, city stables, Colonial park, sewers, etc., $50,000. In addition there has been a reduction of the bonded debt involving the outlay of $786,000 and the interest on the debt and loans, etc., has caused a further expenditure of $3,568,000. Despite these heavy bur dens the rapid growth of Savannah in population and wealth, bring ing increased revenues from business taxes and from a much larger assessment of property, real and personal, has enabled the authorities to reduce the tax rate. Prior to 1890 the tax rate varied on the dif ferent classes of property. In 1881 the rate on realty was 2 1-2 per cent., in 1882, 1883 and 1884 it was 3 per cent., in 1885, 1886. 1887, 1888 and 1889 it was 2 1-8 per cent. On stock in trade from 1881 to 1883, inclusive, the rate was 11-2 per cent., and from 1884 to 1889. inclusive, it was 1-2 of i per cent. On other forms of personal ^property the tax rate from 1881 to 1889 inclusive, was 1-2 of I per cent., except on the shares of the local banks which were taxed 3-8 of i per cent.
In the tax ordinance for 1890, passed December 27, 1889, the tax on real estate and personal property, including stock in trade, was omitted, to be fixed later on when it had been fully determined whether the State law required that all property must be taxed at the same rate without discrimination. The Supreme Court decided that this was the proper interpretation of the law, and on March 26, 1890, a uniform tax rate of 11-2 per cent, on all classes of property was fixed by Council. There was no change in the rate until the Myers administration, which at the close of 1896 fixed the tax rate for the succeeding year at 1.45 per cent. There has been no change in the rate since, but in his report for 1900 Mayor Myers expressed the be lief that with the conclusion of the house drainage work it would probably be possible to again reduce the tax rate.
In the accompanying table a recapitulation is given of the tax digest for the past ten years and for 1883, there having been no re capitulations made up for a number of years prior to that year.

.rfMau-i 4k-tti'j*%. *r **-!.

a
h-t

Recapitulation of Tax Digest of Savannah for the Past Ten Years, and for 1883.*

o%

Year

Real Estate

Ground Rents

Stock In Trade

Personal

Banking Capital

Shipping

Total Returns

*i883..... ............. ........... 1891............... ................ 1892.................... ........... 1893................................ 1894.............. ................ 1895............................... 1896................................ 1897................ ............. ... 1898............................... 1899............................... 1900................................

$10,292,688 i9,9J 3,oo6 20,318,137 21,200,788
2^O^.J2^7/^J'.O^0"44* 2*O*,,VO;J77/ ,)8QJOt>
23,087,089 2^^1,(mJUi^,c^T1*/7 23,886,295 2254,,295540,,692759

Not Taxed $ 1,514,170
1,382,570
T1 ,JifUi^i ,*/7UOWO
1,342,000
1,365,185 T 7C7.Q4O
1,338,640 1,034,500 1,907164,,111070

$ 1,368,334 2,560,015 2,4*5,540 2,231,603 2.055,441 1,989,411 2,035,822 1,982,890 2,040,025 2,003,160 2,099,120

$ 4,024,915 In Personal

4,771,424 $ 2,896,337

4,872,439 2,855,310

4,688,740 2,798,602

4,494,961 2,353,651

4,193,974 5,397,294 5,647,3io 5,656,137 5,859,330 5,737,775

2,297,237
22,,321959,6,98^3 2,197,310 22,,138063,,460655

$ 1,614,300 975,562 954,4oo 956,550 778,425 679,900 675,990 683,375 666,580 651,625 654,025

$17,300,237 32,630,514 32,798,396 33,238,983 34,298,072 33,923,602 34,769,475 35,054,987 35,480,847 36,582,859 37,108,077

wa
o
HI H*
oO w

Recapitulation not made up pri9r to 1883.

w

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

427

Below is given the total assessment of real estate and improve

ments for a number of years:

Year.

Realty Assessment.

1836 ........................................^ 2,357,250

1853 ........................................ 5,483,159

1854 ........................................ 8,133,270

1855 ........................................ 8,746,621

1856 ........................................ 8,999,015

1857 ........................................ 9,261,465

1858 ........................................ 9,903,825

1859 ........................................ 10,045,475

1860 ........................................ 10,225,225

1861 ........................................ 10,757,751

1862 ........................................ 10,848,186

1863 ........................................ 10,887,853

1869 ........................................ 12,219,140

1870 ........................................ 14,861,464

1871 ........................................ i5,579,ioo

1883 ........................................ 10,292,688

1884 ........................................ 12,516,202

1885 ........................................ 13,055,969

1886 ........................................ 13,343,632

1887 ................................... .... 13,641,933

1888 ........................................ 14,764,075

1889 ........................................ 14,990,990

1890........................................ 18,580,334

1891 ........................................ 19,913,006

1892 ........................................ 20,318,137

1893 ........................................ 21,200,788

1894 ........................................ 23,273,594

1895 ........................................ 23,397,895

1896 ........................................ 23,002,517

1897 ........................................ 23,087,089

1898........................................ 23,886,295 '

1899 ........................................ 24,950,979

1900 ........................................ 25,254,625

The section south of Anderson street came under city taxation

in 1894 which accounts for the increase in assessed valuations of over

$2,000,000 for that year. In 1890, when the rate was reduced from

2 1-8 per cent, to I 1-2 per cent., there was an increase in the assess

ed valuations of many properties.

The City in recent years while not in a position to subscribe for

stock in new railroad enterprises or endorse their issues of bonds has

pursued a liberal policy towards those desiring to enter Savannah

and establish terminals here. Every reasonable concession asked for

428

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

has been granted and every encouragement offered to new enter

prises of this character.

On March 7, 1890, a resolution was presented to Council by a

special committee and adopted providing that there should be sold

by the City to the South Bound Railroad Company lots A to K in

clusive and L to S inclusive and Nos. 52, 53 and 54 Springfield plan

tation, for the sum of $2,500 on condition that a depot be erected on

this area within two years from the date of sale. On March 19 an

ordinance was passed to carry this into effect which made the further

condition that the South Bound Railroad should be built from Co

lumbia to Savannah and be in bona fide operation in two years.

These conditions were complied with and on January 21, 1891. a

resolution was adopted declaring that the South Bound had an inde

feasible title to all of the said lands.

On September 22, 1890, Council passed a resolution to sell to the

Middle Georgia & Atlantic Railroad Company all of the holdings of

the City on Hutchinson's island and rights of way and other privi

leges for $2,500. On December 30 the company paid this amount

into the treasury. The land in question was on the eastern portion

of the island embracing 560 acres. On January 9, 1891, an ordinance

was passed to carry the grant into effect and to provide the condi

tions on vshich it should become operative. The Middle Georgia &

Atlantic failed to comply with these requirements and the grant

lapsed. On October 19, 1898, practically the same granis and con-

cessiors \verc made to the Georgia & Alabama Terminal Company,

the City then granting to that company on payment of $2,500 all of its

holdings on Hutchinson's island, with the exception of a small tract

of 5 78-100 acres in the northwest angle, reserved for municipal pur

poses, the title to become absolute whenever the Georgia & Alabama

Terminal Company, or its successors or assigns, had laid on Hutch

inson's island the terminal track from the site of the proposed term

inals to the point of crossing over the Savannah river, had built a

bridge to the mainland, and in addition expended not less than $100,-

ooo ori the terminals on the island. These conditions were more than complied with, the total expenditures on the island exceeding one million dollars. In addition to the purchase from the City the Term

I

inal Company bought considerable river front on the island from pri

vate parties.

On March 2, 1892, an ordinance was passed for the sale to the

Macon. Dublin & Savannah Railroad Company for $2,500 of lots Nos.

57, 58 and 59 Springfield plantation, together with the parcel of land

lying alongside the entire eastern boundary of these lots and extend

ing thence to the west line of West Boundary street, marked on the

map as City lot, on condition that the building of the road, with Sa

vannah as a terminal, began in six months and it was completed and

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

429.

in bona fide operation between Savannah and Macon in two years, and allowing the laying of tracks on certain City property and streets. The company paid the $2,500 and began operations but never com pleted the conditions. Extensions of time were granted by Council on August 17, 1892, February 14, 1894, February 27, -1895, April 30, 1895, and June 3, 1896, the last carrying the time for the completionof the road to May I, 1898. The lots reverted to the City.
On February T, 1893, the Florida Central and Peninsula Railroad was granted lots Nos. 91, 92, 96, 97 and 98 Springfield plantation, for $1,000 and an option was given until February I, 1894, for $10,000 onCity lots Nos. 70 to 80 inclusive, on condition that the railroad be built from Hart's Station, Fla., to Savannah, and the City to widen the avenue used by the railroad for entering the city so as to add a strip 100 feet from the northern portion of lots Nos. 41 to 48. On November 8, 1893, this option was changed and placed at $7,000 on lot No. 70 and ten other lots, Nos. 71 to 80, with the right to the City to open Bolton street, Bolton street lane and Gwinnett street lane and to widen Sycamore street to 60 feet. This option was open until February i, 1894, the property so sold to be used for terminal pur poses and if sold by the railroad the money to be reinvested in an other property inside the city limits for the same purpose. On April 25. 1804, an ordinance was passed providing that on the payment of $8,000 within fifteen days the Mayor should convey to the F. C. & P. the five lots in Springfield plantation, Nos. 91, 92, 96, 97 and 98, and also City lot No. 70 at Gwinnett and Sycamore streets, and the ten lots Nos. 71 to 80 inclusive, with the right in the City to open the streets and lanes as above and to widen Sycamore street to 6b feet. The $8,000 was paid in the time specified and the lots became the property of the F. C. & P.
On September 27, 1900, the City sold to the Savannah Union Station Company, for the erection of a Union railroad station and the approaches thereto, for the sum of $9,822.50, the twelve acre lot on the northwest corner of Gwinnett and West Boundary streets, (excepting a triangular plot in the southeastern corner lying south and east of a projected extension of Roberts street, and a plot in the southwest corner with a frontage of 160 feet on Gwinnett street and a depth of 100 feet on which one of the City's artesian wells is locat ed), also lots Nos. 65, 66 and the northern half of lot No. 67 Spring field plantation, on Gwinnett street opposite the twelve acre lot, also a strip of land TOO feet in width frgm north to south and extending from the western line of the twelve acre lot and conveyed through the lands of the City in Springfield plantation and the northern part of the present waterworks site to Stiles avenue to connect on the west side of Stiles avenue with the right of way belonging to the said Savannah Union Station Company, with the right reserved in the

430

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

City to require that an opening of 20 feet in width be provided and maintained under any embankment built in the waterworks tract to provide the City with access to the said works. A number of condi tions as to drainage, the erection of bridges over streets, street grading, closing up,of Wilson street, the changing of the location of West Boundary street between the twelve acre lot and Roberts street, etc., were included in the indenture.
In 1883 unsuccessful efforts were made by Alderman Green, and in 1884 by Alderman Minis, to establish standard time in Savannah. Again on March 7, 1888, Alderman Duncan introduced a resolution that at the next meeting Council would take into consideration the question whether or not it is best for the public interests that what is known as standard time shall be adopted by the City. On March 21 a resolution by Alderman Duncan was adopted by a vote of 8 to 4, directing the keeper of the City clocks to s,et the minute hands back 36 minutes at 12 m. Sunday, March 25, and that thereafter the City be guided by Central standard time. A vehement discussion was precipitated in the newspapers and among the public generally and a strong opposition was engendered to the change which found ex pression in a petition to Council for a return to the old time. On May 2 Aldermen Wells, Schwarz and Mell presented a majority re port that on Sunday, May 6, at 12 m., the hands of the Exchange clock should be advanced 36 minutes, thus re-establishing the old time. Aldermen Haines and Reid presented a minority report, urg ing that the City's position in changing to Central standard time be maintained. The majority report was adopted by a vote of 6 to 5.
On December 19, 1894, Alderman Screven gave notice that he would introduce a resolution at the next meeting of Council for the adoption of 75th meridian or New York time. A petition from citizens and the Board of Trade was presented to Council which, on January 2, 1895, adopted the 75th meridian time and ordered the City clocks put forward 24 minutes accordingly, making the City time one hour ahead of the Central time used by the railroads entering Savannah. The change was acceptable to the public and the 75th meridian time
has been continued. The increasing demands of commerce required the deepening of
the channel of the river from Savannah to the sea to more than the 22 feet contemplated by the plan adopted by Congress in 1882. The appropriations under that plan had been such that the work had been entirely desultory and inadequate. On January 4, 1888, General Duane, Chief of Engineers, submitted to the Secretary of War a plan for obtaining 28 feet of water in the channel the estimated cost of which was $6,659,858.82, the larger portion for work to be done be tween Tybee roads and the sea for deepening of the bar. Inasmuch as the depth of water on the bar would not be increased by this plan more

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

431

than 2 feet it was suggested and urged upon Congress to adopt a plan giving a channel of 26 feet to the sea, which could be done with out the large expenditure estimated for the bar. The cost of securing a 26 foot channel was estimated by Lieut. Carter, in charge, at $2,900,ooo, provided funds were regularly and adequately supplied. Under the plan of improvement aiming at securing 22 feet of water eleven appropriations had been made aggregating $1,212,000. On Au gust n, 1888, an appropriation of $180,000 was made. A project for its expenditure was submitted and on November 23, 1888, a contract for dredging was made with P. Sanford Ross, and on December 24 with William T. Gaynor for constructing a training wall on Tybee knoll. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 137,671,525 cubic yards was removed and a new training wall 10,031 feet long, from the Oys ter beds eastward across Tybee knoll was built, and repairs made to the Fig island jetty. A new harbor line was also located this year by a Board of Engineers in accordance with the provisions of the river and harbor bill of August n, and its recommendations were ap proved by the Secretary of War. In 1889-90 jetty work was contin ued as well as the dredging and a hydrographic survey of the river was completed.
As no action had been taken on the 28 foot project and the mean high water depth of 22 feet was insufficient for the large and rapidly growing commerce, Brigadier-General Casey directed Lieut. Carter in 1800 to prepare and submit a project with an estimate of the cost of obtaining a channel of 26 feet at high water. This project was sub mitted with the recommendation of Gen. Casey that the future opera tions on the Savannah river be directed to securing a depth of 26 feet as proposed. This project was published in full in the Mayor's Re port for 1891, the estimate calling for an expenditure of $3,567,740.
On September 16, 1891, a resolution by Alderman Bailey was passed inviting the President, his cabinet officers, and the river and harbor committee of the House and Senate to visit Savannah and ac quaint themselves with the importance of the port, the idea being to impress upon them the necessity of appropriating $3,000,000 for the purpose of carrying out the project for 26 feet water to the sea. In accordance with this Mayor McDonough appointed as a committee Aldermen Bailey, Cann and Meldrim, from the Cotton Exchange Josiah L. Warren, J. M. Barnard and W. W. Gordon, from the Board of Trade, D. G. Purse, John R. Young and Joseph Ferst, and from the city at large W. G. Charlton, J. H. Estill and Robert Falligant. On October 14 an appropriation of $10,000 was made to defray the legitimate expenses of efforts made by an executive committee of citizens to obtain from Congress an appropriation to deepen the river. The petition for this appropriation was presented to Council by H. M. Comer and D. G. Purse Members of the river and harbor

432

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

committee visited Savannah, a vast mass of literature showing the

growth of the commerce of Savannah, etc., was sent out, resolutions

endorsing deep water for Savannah were obtained from business

todies, State Legislatures and prominent men throughout the coun

try, and as a result of the aggressive efforts of the committee of

citizens and of Congressman Rufus E. Lester the desired action by

Congress was obtained. In his report for 1892 Mayor McDonough

said:

"The effort to obtain from Congress an appropriation for the

improvement of our harbor has b-een successful. The work of Hon.

Rufus E. Lester, our member of Congress, of Capt. D. G. Purse, one

of our most enterprising citizens and of the river and harbor commit

tee of our citizens, has secured Tor us this great and important aid

so much needed for the success of our port. A picture of the river

-and harbor committee of the 52d Congress, among which sits our

esteemed fellow-citizen, Col. Rufus E. Lester, hangs t?pon the wall of

the Mayor's office; to each and every member of this committee

Savannah owes a feeling of gratitude for their liberality towards her.

AVe deserve all that we receive, but at the same time should be grate

ful to those who helped us.

"Capt. D. G. Purse, chairman of the committee on correspon

dence and influence, upon whom devolved the greater part of the

Tvork carried on by the citizen's committee, was untiring in his ef

forts, giving more time to the service than could have been reason

ably expected of any one. His untiring energy in acquainting almost

every section of this country, and especially the West, with the im

portance of Savannah, and impressing upon all their interest in eur

port as a benefit to them, visiting for this purpose the different

States that needed his presence in order to gain their influence to

wards the object in view, was of the greatest benefit to us, not alone

towards the project of deep water, but in placing in every direction

the knowledge of our city's position in the commercial world. The

immense amount of advertising, which resulted from the plan adopted

T>y Capt. Purse, to secure for us recognition at the hands of public

men within the different States and cities, helped our city far more

than is generally understood. All this work was done by Capt.

Purse voluntarily, without remuneration and with no cost to the city

-except his actual traveling expenses, which were paid upon itemized

vouchers for each expense incurred. The gratitude of this commun

J' i

ity is due Capt. Purse for this service, which is in keeping with and but a continuation of the willingness :nd energy ever displayed by

this gentleman in the advancement of any enterprise for the progress

and good of Savannah at all times and under all circumstances."

The river and harbor bill of Julv 13, 1892, appropriated for con

tinuing the improvement of Savannah harbor $318,750, and provided

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

433

that contracts might be entered into by the Secretary of War for such materials and work as were necessary to complete the project of im provement, to be paid for as appropriations might from time to time be made by law, not to exceed in the aggregate $2,8315250, exclusive of the amounts therein and theretofore appropriated. The amount men tioned, with the $350,000 appropriated by the bill of 1890, in addition to the sum carried by the bill of 1892 aggregated $3,500,000, the fig ure given in Captain Carter's project as necessary to give 26 feet of water from Savannah to the sea.
Proposals for the improvement were offered by Capt. O. M. Car ter, corps of engineers, on September I2th, and the contract for the jetty work was awarded to the Atlantic Contracting Company of New York, and that for dredging and removal and replacing of wharfing on Hutchinson's island to Mr. P. Sandford Ross, of Jersey City, New Jersey, they being the lowest bidders.
To secure the twenty-six feet of water aimed at in the project it was proposed to construct a training wall on the south side of the channel across Tybee knoll, to extend and raise the training wall springing from the oyster beds and to construct or repair other training walls, closure dams or spur dams of mattresses loaded with riprap stones and pile work and fascines at various points between the cross tides and Tybee roads. The training walls, closure dams and spur dams near the mouth of the river and perhaps those in the upper reaches of the river and the deflecting jetty at Mackay point were to consist of one or more courses of mattresses overlaid with riprap and capped with large blocks of stone. It was proposed also to jenlarge Drakie's cut, to remove a part of King's island and the projecting part of the mainland, to remove part of Marsh island, to widen the channel to 600 feet along the city front and to deepen the channel by dredging at various points between the city and Tybee roads.
Four dredges were at work during 1893. A channel of 20 feet deep at mean high water had been opened up at its close from the City Exchange to the old waterworks, and below the city the chan nel permitted of a vessel drawing 22 feet 11-2 inches reaching the sea on a single tide. The jetty work had been completed as far down the river as Fort Pulaski, some shore protection and a few training walls near the city alone remaining to be done. At the close of 1894 it was stated that six dredges had been at work that year and a chan nel loo feet wide and 26 feet deep at high water had been opened nearly all the way from the city to Tybee roads, there being a mini mum depth from the city to the sea of 24 feet at mean high water. At the close of 1895 it was stated that there was a channel of from 25 to 26 feet to the sea, but an annual appropriation was necessary for its maintenance and also for the extension of the Oyster Bed training

i

434

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

wall at Tybee roads for the protection of shipping anchoring there.

Council exerted itself to this end and through the work of Con

gressman Lester a modification of the plan of improvement was ob

tained providing for a detached extension of the Oyster Bed training

wall, for the purpose of sheltering the anchorage in Tybee roads, as

well as for protecting ship channels over the outer part of Tybee

knoll against the destructive action of heavy storms. This was au

thorized by Act of Congress of June 3, 1896, its estimated cost being

$992,250.

In connection therewith a project, dated January 22, 1895, for im

proving the inside route from Savannah, Ga., to Beaufort, S. C., at

an additional cost of $106,700 was adopted by the same Act, and the

sum of $1,005,000 appropriated to complete both works, which was

$9395O less than their estimated cost.

The work under the 26-foot plan was reported practically com

pleted at the end of the fiscal year 1896 (June 30), and since then only

repair work and dredging have been carried on in accordance with

it, considerable dredging being necessitated by shoaling at several

places.

The amount expended under the 26 foot project up to June 30,

1896, was $3,460,049.99, of which $974,504.88 was for dredging and $2,-

t

356,720.10 for contraction work. From then until June 30, 1899, there were expenditures of $440,435.67, making a total under the project of 1890 and its continuation of $3,900,485.66. There had been previously

expended by the government, according to the statement of Capt. Gil

lette, engineer now in charge, $1,401,097.91, making a total expendi

ture from 1873 to June 30, 1899, of $5.301,583.57. "This work has re

sulted in a channel depth of about 20 feet at mean low water, ob

tained principally by dredging and maintained to some extent by

training walls. This channel, however, is narrow and crooked, and

as stated, has shoaled quite rapidly at some points, 896,000 cubic

yards having been removeti from July. 1896, to July, 1900.

"During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1900, the contractors for

I

jetty work did no work. Their contract was annulled October 3, 1899. Under this contract the following amounts of work have been re

ported as done: 264,958.21 square yards of brush mattresses, at 95

cents, $251,710.30; 25,922.11 cubic yards of fourth-class rock, at $2.75,

$71,285.80; making a total of $322,996.10. There has been paid them

a total of $261,621.40, leaving a difference of $61,374.70 in their favor,

but the materials were not in accordance with the specifications and

the contract has been annulled. For this and other contracts in this

district the United States has a valid claim against these contractors.

rl I

The matter is in the hands of the United Stales Attorney-General for

appropriate action."

In March, 1900, a complete survey of the harbor was begun and

at the close of the fiscal year was nearly completed. It was made to

1

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

435

determine the advisability of continuing the work on the present pro

ject, and also to furnish the necessary information for a re-examina

tion of a former project for obtaining 28 feet at mean high water,

which was submitted in 1888 but never adopted. This re-examination

was directed by Act of Congress of June 6, 1900.

At the last session of Congress the river and harbor bill carried

an appropriation of $1,000,000, in addition to unexpended balance, for

a 28 foot channel. It passed the House but failed of passage in the

Senate, owing to the expiration of the session. It will be reintro-

duced at the next session of Congress.

The present condition, according to Capt. Gillette's report for

1900, is as follows: "On the bar there is 19.5 feet at mean low water.

From the bar to the Ocean Steamship wharves there is a minimum

depth of 19.5 feet in a practicable channel, but this is somewhat off

the sailing ranges. The shoalest place is at Tybee knoll, where the

channel has been crowded about one-quarter of a mile to the south

ward of the range. The tide rises about 7 feet on the bar and on

Tybee knoll. Above the Ocean Steamship wharves there is a depth

of 17 feet to the old waterworks. This channel is narrow."

Capt. Gillette makes the following statement as to the amounts

and dates of all appropriations tor the Savannah bar:

From 1826 up to the date of the 22-foot plan of improvement ap

propriations amounting to $667,096.64 were made for the improve

ment of the harbor and for the removal of wrecks, as follows:

By Act of Congress of--

By Act of Congress of--

March 18, 1826.... $50,000.00 August 30, 1852. ..$ 40,000.00

March 3, 1829..... 24,490.00 March 3, 1855..... 161,000.00

July 3, 1832....... 25,000.00 June 10, 1872...... 50,000.00

March 2, 1833.....

43.06 March 3, 1873..... 50,000.00

March 2, 183.1..... 8,430.62 February 27, 1874. 193,132.96

June 28, 1834...... 30,000.00

March 3, 1835. 20,000.00

Total .. ...... 667,096.64

July 7, 1838........ 15,000.00

Under the 22-foot plan of improvement the following appropria

tions were made:

By Act of Congress of--

By Act of Congress of--

June 23, 1874. .....$ 50,000.00 August 5, 1886...$ 150,000.00

March 3, 1875..... 70,000.00 August n, 1888... 180,000.00

August 14, 1876.... 62,000.00

June 18, 1878...... 70,000.00

1,212,000.00

March i, 1879..... 100,000.00 Unexpended balance of last

June 14, 1880...... 65,000.00 appropriation carried to

March 3, 1881..... 65,000.00 new project........ 4,035.05

August 2, 1882.... 200,000.00

July 5, 1884....... 200,000.co

Total ......... 1,207,964.95

436

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Under the 26-foot plan of improvement the following appropria tions have been made: By Act of Congress of--
August n, 1888 (unexpended balance) ...............$ 4,035.05 September 19. 1890................................. 350,000.00 July 13, 1892............................. .......... 318,750.00 March 3, 1893...................................... 1,000,000.00 August 18, 1894.................................... 975,000.00 March 2, 1895....................................... 856,250.00

3,504,035-05

Amount deposited by clerk of United States Circuit Court

for the Southern District of Georgia, March 20, 1895..

500.00

3,504,535.05 Unexpended balance of last appropriation carried to
modified project ..................................... 44,485.06

Total ............................................. .$3,460,049.99 Since the existing project for improving Savannah Harbor was adopted the following appropriations have been made: By Act of Congress of-- March 2, 1895 (unexpended blance)..................$ 44,485.06 June 3, 1896.......................................... 5,000.00 June 4, 1897.......................................... 350,000.00 July i, 1898.......................................... 450,000.00 March 3, 1899.................... ....... $200,000.00
50,000.00 ------------ 250,000. oo

1,099,485.06

Amounts deposited to the credit of the appropriation....

.^01.41

Total ............................................... 1,099,786.47

Grand total of appropriations........................6,434,898.05

-:

The reputation of Savannah for hospitality and generosity has

been well maintained. Many distinguished men have been enter

tained, efforts made to relieve distress at home and elsewhere, and

proper action has been taken in events calling for official recognition.

On December 24, 1879, a resolution was passed by Council in

viting Gen. Grant to visit the city if convenient for him to do so on

his proposed tour of the South. The invitation was accepted and Ex-

president Grant was given a most cordial reception.

On July 6, 1881, a resolution was adopted that the Mayor and

Aldermen of the City of Savannah, speaking for all classes of citt-

1

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

437

zens, have heard with intense horror of the attempt to assassinate the President of the United States, and view with utter execration the inexcusably lawless act that sought to destroy the life of the chief ruler of the Republic; that in denouncing the hideous crime and de ploring its possible results we speak the universal sentiment of our entire community who unite with their countrymen throughout the Union in expressions of profound sympathy with President Garfield and his family, and who cherish the earnest hope that the life and services of the distinguished victim will be spared to the country and to his family." This was sent to the Secretary of State with the re quest that the sympathy of the City be conveyed to the President.
On the death of President Garfield Council, on September 20, adopted resolutions giving expression to the general sentiment of sadness and grief with which the news of the death of the chief exec utive of the nation had filled their hearts; that, in common with the citizens of the Republic, they mourned his untimely death, and ex tended their heartfelt sympathy no his courageous and suffering wife and grief-stricken family in their hour of affliction. It was ordered that the Council Chamber be draped in black for thirty days and that the Mayor call a public meeting of citizens to take such action as might be proper to give public expression to the feelings of the com munity, and that the public be requested to close their places of busi ness between noon and 2 p. m. to give all an opportunity to attend the meeting.
On March 8, 1883, the Mayor and Aldermen attended the funeral of Governor Stephens at Atlanta. On March 6 a public meeting of citizens, called by Council, adopted suitable resolutions on the death of the Governor.
On November 27, 1885, a meeting of citizens was held under a call by Council, to take action relative to the death of Thomas A. Hendricks, Vice-President of the United States, and adopted resolu tions under which Mayor Lester issued a proclamation requesting citizens to suspend business on Tuesday, December i. "'during the hours of the funeral services of the illustrious dead that proper re spect might be paid to the memory of one whose life and character commended him to the esteem and affection of his countrymen."
On June 4, 1884, Council attended a reception at the residence of Alderman George N. Nichols in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of his connection with the printing business of Savan nah.
On September 14, 1886, Savannah was visited by severe earth quake shocks. On September 15 a special meeting of Council was held to consider the condition of buildings damaged by the shocks and proper measures to be taken to preserve the public safety. The owners ol all buildings were required to put them in safe condition

438

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

in five days and other steps looking to the public safety were taken.

On April 12, 1887, Council attended a meeting at the theatre pro

testing against the passage of the coercion bill then pending in the

English House of Commons. On March 7, 1889, it attended a mass

meeting to extend encouragement to the home rule movement in

i

Ireland.

In 1884 Postmaster-General Gresham was the guest of the City

and was tendered a reception by it. Aldermen Green, Nichois and

:

Thomas represented the City on a joint committee in charge,

i

On January 24, 1885, Hon. Carl Schurz was received by the May-

!

or and Aldermen. Aldermen Derst, Hamilton and Hanley repre-

!

-

sented the City on the joint committee having his reception and en-

j

tertainment in charge.

Alderman J. R. Hamlet died on May 26, 1886. A special meeting

|

of Council was held and it was resolved that the Mayor and Alder-

1

men attend the funeral and that the Council Chamber be draped in

\

black for thirty days. A committee of three was appointed to draft

!

memorial resolutions. At a meeting on June 2, 1886, resolutions

|

were adopted that "the city had lost a valued citizen. Having been

|

four times elected as alderman he filled the arduous position of

i

chairman of committee on streets and lanes. His practical knowl-

|

edge, together with his long experience, eminently fitted him for the

:

position, and his death caused a void which * 'ill be difficult to fill."

i

On August 6, 1887, a resolution was adopted expressing the de-

j

sire that President Cleveland visit the city and that the Mayor and

Aldermen unite in an invitation to him. On February 14, 1888, an in

vitation was extended by the City to the President, Mrs. Cleveland,

members of the cabinet, etc., to the hospitalities of the City and

Mayor Lester was instructed to appoint whatever committees he

might find necessary to provide for their reception and entertain

ment.

I

Alderman R. D. Bogart died on December 19, 1887. A resolu

tion was adopted that day ordering the Council Chamber draped for

thirty days. Council attended the funeral and a committee drafted

resolutions which were adopted by Council, stating that "while we

deplore his death as a public calamity, we confidently point to him as

an example worthy of emulation, and gratefully express the trust

that this community has been made the gainer by reason of his life

and his example."

Chief of Police Robert H. Anderson died February 8, 1888. The

City offices were closed on the day of the funeral and the police bar

racks bore mourning for thirty days. Aldermen Nichois, Myers and

Mell drafted resolutions, which were adopted March 7, expressing

"grateful appreciation of his merit and efficiency as a public servant,

who lived without stain and died without fear and without reproach."

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

439

Referring to his work of reorganization of the police force they said: "General Anderson was eminently fitted by education, experience and inclination for the high duty assigned. He framed and managed his department upon the basis of military discipline. He introduced a spirit of soldierly cohesion. He cultivated respect for rank and im bued his force with a true esprit de corps. The members soon re cognized and approved a discipline which, if exact, was just and im partial and maintained the integrity of the body. The dignity of the commander pursued its calm and even tenor without degenerating into the familiarity of the companion, but it yielded always on occa sion to the sympathy and kindness of the friend. Not only the effici ency of the body was sedulously soug ht but the rights and comforts of the members were steadily maintained. The result was the attain ment of a system and the maintenance of a force equal if not super ior to any in the land." On February 22,1894, Council attended the dedication of a monument erected by the police to Gen. Anderson at Bonaventure.
On May 16, 1888, a resolution of thanks was tendered United States Senator Joseph Brown for his unremitting interest in the wel fare of Savannah and more especially for his valuable services before the Senate committee in endeavoring to secure an appropriation from Congress for the improvement of the harbor.
On the resignation of Alderman William .Duncan on May 30, 1888, Council adopted resolutions expressing its regret and characterizing him "as a man whose ability and whose fidelity in the discharge of duty commanded the respect and confidence of the members of this body."
In October, 1889, the General Assembly of Georgia visited Sa vannah on the invitation of Council and a committee of citizens and were entertained by the City.
On November 25, 1889, on the resignation of Alderman David Wells, Council adopted resolutions that "Whereas, after many years of faithful public service David Wells has resigned his office as alder man of this city, and has during all this time been identified with every important measure and has placed not only the City but his colleagues in this Board under a lasting debt of gratitude to him for the intelligence, industry and honesty that have always characterized him," a committee be appointed to request a withdrawal of the resig nation. The committee was unsuccessful.
On December 6, 1889, Mayor Schwarz was requested by Council to call a meeting of citizens to take action concerning the death of Hon. Jefferson Davis. "The exalted and representative character of the distinguished dead, his eminent public services, and the affection felt for him by our people all recommend a public recognition of the

440

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

sad event," said the resolution under which the meeting of citizens was called on December 9.
Mayor McDonough called a meeting of citizens for Thursday, May 18, 1891, to take action toward securing subscriptions to a mon ument to Mr. Davis. A committee of fifty representing the various military and other organizations was appointed, to whom the work was entrusted and by whom a canvass was made, the money obtained being forwarded to the parties in charge of the monument project.
On June n, 1890, $1,000 was appropriated for the entertainment of the Alabama Press Association which visited Savannah on June 17, on the invitation of Council.
On January 21, 1891, resolutions were adopted thanking Mayor Schwarz for the energy and attentiveness with which he had dis charged the duties of his office and for the courtesy and kindness with which he had treated each and every member of the Board dur ing his term of office.
On March 30, 1892, on the death of Policeman H. L,. Fahtenbach, for many years detailed for special duty at the Exchange, Council adopted resolutions "that we feel it due to him and to his family to record our appreciation of his faithfulness and fidelity. He was in all respects a good officer and discharged his duties to our general satis faction."
Senator David B. Hill visited Savannah in March, 1892. Under a resolution introduced by Alderman Bailey and adopted March 16, Council testified "its appreciation of his distinguished public ser vices by calling upon him in its official capacity." Senator Hill was the guest of the Hibernian Society at its annual banquet.
On the opening of the South Bound railroad in 1892 the mer chants of Columbia and the intermediate stations were invited to Savannah. Aldermen Carson, Haines and O'Brien were appointed on September 21 as a committee of Council to unite with other com mittees in formulating plans for their reception and entertainment.
On April u, 1894, resolutions were adopted expressing regret at the resignation of Alderman Merritt W. Dixon and expressing "cor dial appreciation of his valued and disinterested services and earnest approbation of his devoted and patriotic attention to the public good."
On May 9, 1894, on the resignation of Alderman George S. Haines to assume the position of postmaster, Council adopted a reso lution expressing "cordial appreciation of his valued and disinterested services and earnest approbation of his devoted and patriotic atten tion to the public good."
Capt. R. C. Kennedy, harbor master for many years, died in No vember, 1894, and resolutions were adopted November 6 that Coun cil recognized that in his death the City had "lost a faithful public

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

441

servant whose integrity and correct performance of duty deserve the highest recognition of Council.'* Council attended the funeral.
On the retirement of Mayor McDonough after four years of ser vice Council on January 16, 1895. adopted a resolution setting forth that for two terms he had "presided over that body with dignity, fairness and impartiality and was entitled to the thanks of each and every member of the Board for the faithful and impartial manner in which he had discharged his duty as presiding officer and as the chief magistrate of the city."
On March 27, 1895, $1,500 was apropriated for the expenses of the Citizens'" Industrial Committee. In August $2,500 was appropri ated for an exhibit at the Cotton States and International Exposition at Atlanta. In all $1,165 more was appropriated for the same pur pose. On June 17, 1896, the thanks of Council were extended to Capt. D. G. Purse for his energetic presentation of the Savannah ex hibit, which resulted in its obtaining a gold medal, which was framed and placed in the Mayor's office.
On January 15, 1896, Mayor Myers was requested to take all necessary steps and make arrangements to the end that the visit of Rhode Island newspaper men and others who intended paying a tribute to the memory of Nathanael Greene should be creditable to the City, the Board in a body to take part in the ceremonies at the
monument. On May 2, 1896, a vote of thanks was tendered Mayor Gmythe of
Charleston, and the South and West Grain and Trade Congress, assembled at that city, for a resolution adopted by it memorializing the United States Senate to restore to the House Bill the appropria tion for the Savannah river and harbor. "These proceedings in our behalf were graceful, timely and generous and are heartily appre ciated by Council and the people of Savannah."
On May 13, 1808, the Mayor and Aldermen attended the funeral
of ex-Mayor John F. Wheaton. On July 12, 1899, resolutions were adopted by Council on the
death of Samuel P. Hamilton. In his death, the resolutions stated, Savannah had "lost a citizen who over periods aggregating nearly ten years served the municipality with unswerving fidelity and exception al ability as an alderman. He was ever true to what he considered to be Savannah's highest interests. Bringing to his public official career qualities that had marked him in private life, integrity, con servatism, business capacity, sagacious judgment, quiet yet forceful determination and unvarying courtesy, he speedily secured recogni
tion as one of the City's safest counsellors and guides." On November I, 1899, $500 was appropriated for the reunion of
the Confederate Veterans Association.

442

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

On the death of Col. John Screven. in January, 1900, his por

trait in the Mayor's office was draped in- black for thirty days and a

committee appointed to draft resolutions. On January 24 this com

mittee presented resolutions which were adopted, that in the death

of Col. Screven "Savannah has lost a distinguished son whose life

;J

was characterized by pure principles, exceptionar attainments and

rare culture. As a citizen he was ever public-spirited. Of liberal

education he was broad in his views and unrestrained in his actions

by narrow prejudices or petty ambitions. Governed by a high sense

of duty, in his public career he exemplified the virtues and accom

plishments that marked him in private life. He carried to every post

of activity a scrupulous regard for what he conceived to be to the

highest interests of the community with which his entire life had been

identified. His three elections to an office (mayor) held in high

honor demonstrated the esteem and approbation of his fellow-citi

zens."

On February 7, 1900, Council, "in recognition of the distinguished

and exalted character of Gen. Lafayette McLaws in public and pri

vate life" authorized the Mayor to "tender to those charged with the

duty of erecting a tablet or monument to his memory any site in the

public domain or reservations that may be mutually agreed upon, the

site to be confirmed by ordinance/' Later in the year permission was

given to include a site for a monument to Gen. Francis S. Bartow.

On March 20-22, 1900, Admiral George Dewey and Mrs. Dewey

were guests of the City and of citizens. On October n, 1899, the

City appropriated $500 for the use of a committee of citizens in en

tertaining Admiral Dewey and Lieut. Brumby, a large amount hav

ing been subscribed by citizens, and invitations were extended to

them and other distinguished men to be the guests of the City. At

a banquet on the night of March 21 a handsome silver vase was pre

sented to Admiral Dewey in the name of the City and citizens. Hon.

Fleming G. duBignon making the presentation speech.

On May 2, 1900, a petition was received from the Building Trades

Council asking for the establishing of nine hours as a day's labor for

City hands. A public discussion was held on May 19 and on May 22

a resolution by Alderman Dixon was adopted making nine hours the

working day.

On January 12, 1901, resolutions were adopted on the death of

Dr. William Duncan, who had "served the City of Savannah ably and

conscientiously as an alderman for ten years, as a member of the

Sanitary Board for ten years, and as its representative on the Board

-

of Education for six years, in each of these positions demonstrating

a fearless devotion to principle and a sincere desire to promote the

interests of the city of his birth; originating and tirelessly advocating

measures calculated to improve its health conditions, and at all times

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

443

indorsing and supporting movements intended to better the advant ages of all of its people and to increase their opportunities for lives of usefulness and happiness. In his death the people of Savannah have lost one who served them faithfully and well in public positions of trust and responsibility."
On October n, 1871, Council appropriated $1,000 for the relief of the sufferers from the fire at Chicago and citizens generally contri buted liberally for the same purpose.
On September 14. r88i, Council ordered subscription lists opened for the relief of the sufferers by forest fires in Michigan and a con siderable sum was subscribed and forwarded.
In May, 1889, a canvassing committee was appointed for the soliciting of relief for the sufferers by the yellow fever at Pensacola. About $5,000 was raised for that purpose.
In September, 1900, subscriptions were received by the City for the relief of the victims of the terrible storm at Galveston, Tex. In all $5,677 was raised and forwarded to the committee there.
While the city government did not assume control of the work, considerable sums were also raised in Savannah for the relief of Jacksonville, Brunswick and other places during the past twenty years.
In 1891 an encampment of the Fifth Regiment of Georgia Cav alry was held at Savannah from April 27 to May 2. The City pro vided the site, water, lights, flooring for tents, picket ropes and all necessary articles required for camp without cost to the State.
On May 28, 1898, a resolution was adopted by Council providing that a committee of three appointed by the Mayor with Mayor Meldrim as chairman, should proceed to Washington and such other places as might be necessary, for the purpose of securing the estab lishment of a United States military camp at this point; $5,000 was appropriated for a rendezvous of troops, and on October 27 a fur ther appropriation of $1,500 was made. The efforts were successful. Late in the summer the movement of troops through Savannah be gan, but it was not until the fall that the superb facilities offered were freely used. Then the Seventh Army Corps, commanded by Major-General Fitzhugh Lee, was moved to Savannah from Jack sonville. Soon after other troops arrived. Cities under canvas sprang up beyond the city, while within the town many squares were made picturesque camping sites for companies doing provost duty. With 20,000 troops stationed here there was no disorder. On Thanks giving Day (1898) dinner was served by the ladies of Savannah to all the troops then here, not less than 15,000 in all. Early in December the invasion of Cuba by this army destined for garrison or police duty began. Several thousand had left the city before the great vent of the year, the visit of the President and other distinguished

444

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

officials. On December 17 and 18 President McKinley, the members

of his cabinet, Generals Wheeler, Shafter, Lawton and other army

officers were in the city. On December 17 in the park extension 12,-

|t

ooo of the flower of the United States volunteer and regular forces

passed in review before the President and party. That night a bril

liant banquet was given at the De Soto. From December 2, 1898,

to February i, 1899, thirty-five transports arrived and departed,

carrying 958 officers, 24,600 soldiers, 931 civilians, together with ani

mals and an enormous quantity of supplies. In all over 30,000 troops

were shipped from Savannah. On December 15, 1898, Council

adopted resolutions extending thanks to Provost Marshal Russell B.

Harrison for his successful efforts to preserve good order in the city.

In 1899 an engrossed copy was received of a concurrent resolution

adopted by the Legislature of the State of Michigan thanking the of

ficials and people of Savannah for their kindness, courtesies and ex

pressions of good will to the 31 st Regiment of Michigan Volunteers

The copy was framed and placed in the Council Chamber.

CHAPTER XIII.

COMMISSIONS IN SAVANNAH.

Commissions for the control of certain public departments have

existed in Savannah from the first days of the city government. As

has been shown in previous chapters, the market was placed under a

commission and remained so for many years. Commissioners were

also in charge of the City Exchange until the City completed its pur

chase and control of it. Pilotage commissioners have been appointed

under State laws from the early years of the century. Commission

ers of health and drainage were provided for in 1817 and continued

for some years. Commissioners for the Massie School have been ap

pointed annually since 1857 and Commissioners were in charge of the

*

waterworks from 1854 to 1880. Sanitary commissioners were provid

ed for in 1877 and have been continued. In 1878 a law was passed

providing for a Sinking Fund Commission, which remains in force.

In 1816 an effort was made to establish a commission which

would have charge of the highways and squares. On December 2 of

that year a resolution was adopted that "in view of the multifarious

business devolving on the members of the Board, and Council being

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

445

of the opinion that the streets and squares would present a belter appearance by apportioning the work of improving and ornamenting; them among the citizens, the marshal be directed to get the names of the freeholders in each ward, to be presented to Council at its next meeting for the appointment of commissioners of streets." For some reason, not stated in the minutes of Council, the matter stopped here, and on June 17, 1819, an ordinance was passed for the appointment of an inspector of streets, lanes, squares and lots.
On June 2, 1886, Dr. Waring petitioned Council to appoint a tree commission to plant and cultivate trees for the city. This \vas re ported adversely, but the committee on streets and lanes was request ed to examine into the cause of so many trees dying, to discover the remedy and to suggest a more extensive and systematic plan for planting trees. On October 20, 1886, this committee, through Alder man D. R. Thomas, reported that in its opinion business and narrow streets were better without trees, and on such one to every 60 feet would suffice. But one kind of trees should be planted, they held, in each street, the kind and exact location to be fixed by the City.
In 1891 (April i) an ordinance was passed for drainage commis sioners, three aldermen and three citizens, to leport plans and recom mend the one best adapted as a system of house drainage, and when adopted by Council to have such plans executed.
From this it will be seen that the idea of commissions was no new one when, in the fall of 1895, it was announced that a number of bills, placing nearly all of the city departments under commissions, would be drafted and presented to the Legislature. These bills, which received the endorsement of the Myers administration, were passed by the Legislature, calling into existence a Commissioner of Public Works, a Board of Police Commissioners (3), a Board of Fire Com missioners (3), a Board of Water Commissioners (3), a Park and Tree Commission (5), and a Board of Tax Assessors and Receivers (3). Under the Commissioner of Public Works were put the streets and lanes, scavenger, crematory, O. E. M., city lamps, dry culture, Laurel Grove, drainage and public buildings. The position was taken that under the commissioners, all of whom, with the exception of the Commissioner of Public Works and the Tax Assessors, served with out compensation, the affairs of the City would be more intelligently and economically administered and the interests of the public pro moted. At the meeting of Council on December 27, 1895, Mayor Myers, in whom the appointing power was placed, nominated the various commissioners and they were approved by the Aldermen,
their terms of office beginning January I, 1896. From the beginning a large number of citizens were opposed to
the commissions, many on political grounds, others because they were of the opinion that the powers vested in them should have been re-

446

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

tained by Council which was elected directly by the public and re

sponsible to it. In the legislative election in October, 1896, the oppo

nents of the commissions elected the representatives from Chatham

county, while the faction which had created them succeeded in elect

ing a senator for the district favorable to them. Steps were imme

diately taken -looking to the repeal of the commission bills. Council

opposed this and on December 8 adopted a resolution protesting

against the abolishment of the commissions, and the Mayor and not

less than two of the aldermen were requested to appear before the

General Assembly. A statement was prepared by this committee on

the workings of the commissions which was presented to Council, in

the form of a resolution by Alderman Garrard on December 8, with

arguments in favor of their retention. This was forwarded to the

Legislature where the efforts to repeal che Acts creating the com

missions failed temporarily. On the advent of the Meldrhn adminis

tration in 1897, which had been elected on a platform in opposition to

the commissions, steps were at once taken looking to their abolish

ment. Having been created by the Legislature Council could not in

terfere with their workings. On February 24, under a resolution by

Alderman Guckenheimer, Aldermen Guckenheimer, Hamilton, Davis,

Owens and Charlton, were appointed to investigate as to the opera

tions of the commissions and report with recommendations to Coun

cil. Their investigations were apparently of a very perfunctory char

acter. Nothing- resulted and harmonious relations existed between

the administration and the commissions with the exception of that in

charge of the fire department (see chapter 12). After abortive ef

forts to bring the fire commissioners to trial on the charge of mis

conduct in office, resolutions were adopted on October 20 calling for

the appointment of a committee of five to present to the General

Assembly arguments in favor of ihe repeal of the commissions, which

were characterized as "unnecessary, unwise and not conducive to the

best interests of the government and people of Savannah." Argu

ments were presented before the committees of the Legislature, at

Atlanta, by Alderman Walter G. Charlton, representing Council, and

Pope Barrow, Esq., representing those friendly to the commissions,

voluminous statements of the results achieved by those bodies being

!'

presented by the latter to show that they had been of benefit to the

city. In the House, where the Representatives from Chatham county

were in sympathy with the administration faction in politics, the re

*

pealing bills were passed, but in the Senate they were defeated through the efforts of Senator Geiger, of this district, who was allied

with the anti-administration faction and an advocate of the commis

sions. On December i Council adopted resolutions condemning

Senator Geiger's actions as "inimical to the best interests of the city

and as contrary to the principle of home rule upon which rests the

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

447

preservation and future of democratic institutions." In the succeed ing legislative election the administration or anti-commission faction elected representatives and a senator favorable to their views. Bills were then put through the Legislature repealing the acts creating the several commissions, with the exception of the Park and Tree Com mission, which still exists. On December 12, 1898, the several de partments which had been under the commissions were again placed under the control of Councilmanic committees and the commission ers retired, the officers of the departments, by resolution of Council* being continued in their positions until the regular election by Coun cil in the following January.
Those who served the city on these commissions were as follows:
Commissioner of Public Works.
Harry Willink, January I, 1896, to December 12, 1898, salary $2,500 a year. After the abolishment of the office by the Legislature Council created the office of Superintendent of Public Works by or dinance and Mr. Willink was elected to this position on January n, 1899. On the accession of the Myers administration this office was abolished (January 30, 1899) and the office of Director of Public Works was created on March 8. Mr. George M. Gadsden was elected to the office on March 22 and re-elected on January 12, 1901, for another two years, the salary remaining at $2,500.
Police Commissioners.
Maj. Edward Karow, chairman, January i. 1896. to December I2r 1898.
Abram Vetsburg, January i, 1896, to December 12, 1898. Joseph W. Jackson, January i, 1896, to January i, 1898. Edward C. Gleason, January i, 1898, to December 12, 1898.
Fire Commissioners.
William L. Grayson, chairman, January i, 1896, to May 18, 1898, when office was vacated by Council.
Robert S. Mell, January i, 1896, to May 18, 1898, when office was vacated by Council.
Hugh Logan, January i, 1896, to March n, 1896, resigned. George W. Parrish, May 2, 1896, to January i, 1898. T. Mayhew Cunningham, chairman, January i, 1898, to December 12, 1898. Robert M. Hull, May 18, 1898, to December 12, 1898. J. J. Carolan, May 18, 1898, to December 12, 1898.

448

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Water Commissioners.
James M. Dixon, chairman, January I, 1896, to December 12, 1898.
Jonas Mendel, January i, 1896, to December 12, 1898. John H. Fox, January i, 1896, to January i, 1898. William G. Cann, January i, 1898, to December 12, 1898.
Park and Tree Commissioners.
Dr. George H. Stone, chairman, appointed for six years, January i, 1896, to September 7, 1898, resigned.
George J. Baldwin, appointed for six years, January i, 1896, to October 19, 1898, resigned.
P. D. Daffin, appointed for four years, January i, 1896, to January i, 1900; re-appointed for six years; succeeded Dr. Stone as chairman and continued in that position. Term expires January i, 1906.
William W. Gordon, Jr., appointed for four years, January i, 1896, to September 7, 1898, resigned.
Charles S. Ellis, appointed for two years, January i, 1806, to January i, 1898; reappointed for six years ending January i, 1904.
S. T. Theus, succeeded Dr. George H. Stone, September 7, 1898, term expires January i, 1902.
Col. George A. Mercer, succeeded William W. Gordon, Jr., Sep tember 7, 1898, to January i, 1900. Term expired.
Malcolm Mclean, succeeded George J. Baldwin, October 19, 1898, to December 12, 1900. resigned.
M. J. Solomons, January i, 1900, term expiring January I, 1906. A. S. Bacon, appointed January 23, 1901, succeeding Malcolm Mc lean for term expiring January i, 1902. Resigned April 3. J. H. H. Entelman appointed April 17, 1901, to succeed A. S. Ba con, resigned. On January i, 1897, the Laurel Grove cemetery, which had been under the Commissioner of Public Works, was transferred to the Park and Tree Commission under an Act of the Legislature.
Board of Tax Assessors.
J. H. H. Osborne, chairman and ex-officio clerk, January i. 1896, to December 12, 1898. Salary, $1,800 a year.
John Schwarz, January i, 1896, to December 12, 1898. Salary, $1,200 a year.
W. W. Chisholm, January i, 1856, to January I, 1898. Salary, $1,200 a year.
M. A. O'Byrne, January T, 1898, to December 12, 1898. Salary. $1,200 a year.

I* i

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

449

On the accession of the Myers administration this Board was re established under an ordinance adopted March 22, 1899, and J. H. H. Osborne was elected by Council chairman and ex-officio clerk at n salary of $1,800 a year, with Philip M. Russell and Samuel Reynolds as the other members of the Board, with salaries of $750 a year each. On January 12, 1901, they were re-elected for another two years. This year the salary of the chairman and ex-officio clerk was raised to
$2,000 a year.

CHAPTER IV.

THE MAYORS COURT, COURT OP COMMON PLEAS, CITY COURT, RECORDER, CITY ATTORNEY, ETC.

The Board of Wardens of Savannah was invested with the pow
ers of Justices of the Peace by the Act of January 17, 1787. These powers were transmitted to the Mayor and Aldermen on the incor poration of the city in 1789, and they constituted what was known as the Court of Aldermen for the trial of minor offenses which were gen erally heard at the regular sessions of Council. Under an Act of February 18, 1796, the authority of the Mayor and Aldermen was ex tended to give them jurisdiction of civil causes to a certain amount. They were empowered to hold court once in every month, to ap point such officers as they might deem necessary, and to allow rea sonable fees, not exceeding one-half the fees allowed for like ser\ ices in the Inferior Court. Under this Act they could hear and determine
all civil causes, wherein the demands did not exceed $50. arising within the jurisdiction of the corporation of Savannah and not in volving the right or title to any land or real estate. Appeals from the decision of the Court were required to be tried before a jury of seven at its next sitting and the decision of this jury was final. Juries were to be regularly drawn from among those liable to service as jurors in the Superior Court. Seamen could bring suit in this court to recover wages and other persons could sue therein to recover debts. The Court of Aldermen by this Act was declared to be a court of record.
On March 28 (1796) an ordinance was passed to carry this Act of the Legislature into effect. The Mayor's Court then instituted was to meet on the first Tuesday in every month. By ordinance of Febru-



450

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

ary 8, 1798. the time was changed to the fourth Tuesday, the court

adjourning from day to day until the docket was cleared, and the

recorder was required to attend court whenever requested to do so

by the Mayor or an alderman. On December 8, 1806, the Legislature

passed an Act limiting the jurisdiction of the Mayor's Court to causes

involving not less than $30. The frequent sittings of the court and

the small sums of which it had cognizance had been found to operate

grievously and oppressively on the people and the justice of their

complaints was acknowledged by this legislative enactment. On No

vember 24, 1807, the monthly term of the court was changed to the

first Tuesday and its jurisdiction was increased to cover suits between

$30 and $100. On May 23, 1808, the time of sitting was again changed,

this time to the third Tuesday of each month.

On December 4, 1815, an Act was passed by the Legislature that

from and immediately after its passage the court heretofore held in

the city of Savannah by three presiding aldermen and called the May

or's Court, should be held by the Mayor alone. The jurisdiction of

the court was then extended to $200, and it was provided that the

Mayor should receive for his services as the sole judge a salary or

compensation to be paid out of sums to be collected as additional

costs on each and every suit thereafter brought and instituted in this

court, to be imposed as follows: On every suit not exceeding $50,

$1.50; on every suit above $50 and not exceeding $100, $2; on every suit

above $100 and not exceeding $150, $3; on every suit exceeding $150,

$4. The clerk of the court was required to demand these extra costs

from every person instituting suit and to make regular payments

thereof to the Mayor. No further change appears to have been made

in the jurisdiction of the court until the passage of the Act of Decem

.t

ber 18, 1819, creating a Court of Common Pleas and Oyer and Ter-

miner, under which the civil jurisdiction given to the Mayor and Al

i! \

dermen or to the Mayor's Court by the laws of the State was abol

\

ished. While the court had jurisdiction of civil cases the Clerk and

4

Sheriff were elected by Council. Those who served the City in these

capacities were as follows:

Clerks of Mayors Court.

Abraham Minis, 1798-1801. William Blogg, 1801-06. Edward L. Davies, 1806. Henry Williams, 1806-10, resigned August 20. Alex. Irvine, 1810-15, resigned in July. Benjamin Sheftall, 1815-1820.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

45 i

Sheriffs of Mayor's Court.
James McConkey, 1796. Peter S. Lafitte, 1797-98. Green R. Duke, 1798-99. Peter Shick, 1800-01. William H. Mathers, 1801-02. Thomas Robertson, 1802-03. John Williams, 1803-07. W. C. Barton, 1807-11. William Maxwell, 1811-12. (January.) Stephen Paton, 1812-1813, resigned July 29. John B. Finder, 1813, August and September. Isaac DeL,yon, 1813-19. Abraham I. DeLyon, 1820. The Act of December 18, 1819, provided that there should be or ganized in the city of Savannah on the last Monday in October, 1820, a court of record to be styled the Court of Common Pleas and Oyer and Terminer, which "should have cognizance in assumpsit, debt, covenant, trover and of actions on the case, when the damages or cause of action did not exceed the sum of $200 nor was less than $30." The new court was also given criminal jurisdiction of all minor offenses within the limits of the city of Savannah which did not sub ject the offenders to confinement in the penitentiary. The judge was to be elected by the Legislature and was to hold office for three years. His salary was put at $1,300 a year, payable quarterly out of the city treasury. Twelve terms of the court were provided for, on the first Monday of each month. The clerk and sheriff hitherto of the Mayor's Court of Savannah were designated as the clerk and sheriff of the Court of Common Pleas, but they were to continue to perform all the duties as required of them by the ordinances of the City. They were declared entitled to the same fees as were allowed by law to the clerks and sheriffs of the Superior or Inferior Courts of the State. The recorder of the city, in the absence of the solicitor-general of the district was required to prosecute all delinquents for crimes and of fenses cognizable by the court and was to receive the same fees as by law allowed the solicitor-general. All persons residing in the city and liable to service as jurors in the Superior Court were also liable to serve as jurors in this court. On November 9, 1820, Council passed an ordinance to elect the clerk and sheriff of the Court of Common Pleas. Those who served in these positions were as fol lows:

452

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.


Clerks of the Court of Common Pleas.
1820-24 Benjamin Sheftall. 1825-28 Robert W. Pooler, resigned February 14. 1828 W. B. Davies, resigned June 4. 1828-35 W. K. Guerineau. 1835-41 R. G. Guerard. 1841-43 Joseph L. Shaffer, removed by Council April 20. 1843 Edward G. Wilson. 1844-47 Mordecai Sheftall, resigned November n. 1847-48 Mordecai S. DeLyon. 1848-50 Levi S. Russell. 1850-53 Philip M. Russell. 1853 William H. Bulloch.
*
Sheriffs of the Court of Common Pleas.
1820-34 Abraham I. DeLyon, died October, 1834. T834-35 Alex Drysdale, resigned October. 1835-36 Elbert S. Muse, resigned June 23. 1836-37 ---------- Williams, resigned April 18. 1837-39 Janies W. Sims, resigned January 22. 1839-41 L. S. Russell. 1841-43 Isaac DeLyon, resigned June i. 1843-44 Philip M. Russell. 1844-48 Levi S. Russell, resigned January 6. 1848-50 George W. Wylly.. 1850-53 J. A. Staley. 1853 R. F. Akin. The Judges elected by the Legislature and commissioned by the Governor were as follows:

Judges of the Court of Common Pleas.

December, 1820, to December, 1822, James M. Wayne.

;

December, 1822, to December, 1834, John C. Nicoll.

I

December, 1834, to September, 1837, Charles S. Henry (resigned.)

j

September, 1837, to December, 1838, John C. Nicoll.

December, 1838, to February, 1845, Levi S. DeLyon.

February, 1845, to November, 1845, W. B. Fleming

November, 1845. to December, 1847, Edward J. Harden.

December, 1847, to February, 1851, Mordecai Sheftall, Sr.

February, 1851, to December, 1853, Alex. Drysdale.

On November 30, 1821, the terms of the court were changed to

the third Monday in October, second Monday in December, fourth

1_C1

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

453

Monday in January, second Monday in March, first Monday in April, second Monday in June and second Monday in July.
The Court of Common Pleas, which is said to have been the first corporate court in Savannah to which jurisdiction was given in crim inal offenses against the laws of Georgia, continued for thirty-three years. By an Act of December 9, 1853, the name was changed to that of the "City Court" and its jurisdiction was extended to cases involv ing $5oo> exclusive of interest. Under this Act the Mayor and Alder men at the first meeting in December, 1856, and every three years thereafter, were to elect by ballot a judge, to hold office for three years unless sooner removed by the Governor or the Legislature, and whose salary was not to be increased or diminished during the term of office for which he was elected. The salary was to be fixed by the Council and paid from the city treasury, but was not to be less than* $600 per annum. All officers of the Court of Common Pleas elected before the passing of this Act it was provided should hold their of fices in the new court until the close of the terms for which they had been elected, Council electing their successors.
The salary of the Judge of the City Court at first appears to have been $1,000. In 1857 it was increased to $1,500 and in 1867 it was raised to $2,000, consenting to an Act of the General Assembly of December 20, 1866. In 1872 the Legislature was appealed to by Council to relieve the City of the expenses of this Court on the ground that they were an unjust burden, but the appeal was unsuc cessful. On September 15, 1881, an Act of the Legislature was ap proved by the Governor under which the election of the judge was taken from the City and he was made appointive by the Governor, the term being made four years instead of three. The appointment by the Governor was to be made by and with the consent of the Sen ate and the judge so appointed was to hold office until his successor was duly appointed and qualified, the appointment to be made during: the session of the General Assembly next preceding the expiration of the term of the incumbent. In the event of a vacancy while the Leg islature was not in session the Governor was empowered to fill the vacancy subject to the action of the Senate at its next meeting. No person was eligible for the appointment who had not been for the next four years preceding the same a resident of Chatham county and who had not practiced law for four years. The salary of the judge was also put at $3,030, to be paid in monthly installments by the county treasurer out of the county funds, without the intervention of the county commissioners or other county officer. The j urisdiction of the City Court at the same time was extended to embrace the whole county of Chatham, concurrent with the Superior Court of all civil causes without regard to the amount involved, except those of which jurisdiction was exclusively given by the Constitution and laws

454

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

of the State to the Superior Court. The criminal jurisdiction of the court remained unchanged. The clerk and sheriff of the court contin ued to be elected for terms of three years by the City Council, until 1900. An Act of the Legislature of November 25, 1899, made these offices elective by the people and reduced the terms to two years.
The City continued to bear all the expenses of the City Court, excepting the judge's salary, until 1898. Efforts were made in 1887 to relieve the City of the expenses of the court, but to no purpose. It was not until 1897 that an Act of the Legislature was secured transferring the expenses of the court to the county This law went into effect April I, 1898. The expenses of the court had been in creasing yearly and had passed $8,000 when the City was relieved of them.
Those who have served as officers of the court have been as fol lows:

M

Judges of City Court.

George Troup Howard, 1853-55. John M. Millen, 1855-1861. (Resigned June 21.) Levi S. DeLyon, 1861-63. (Died in September.) Walter S. Chisholm, 1863-78. William D. Harden, 1878-92 Alex. H. MacDonell, 1892-95. Thomas M. Norwood, 1896-1901. Present term expires January, 1904.
Clerks of City Court.

William H. Bulloch, 1853-56. Philip M. Russell, 1856-92. William P. Bailey, 1893-95. Jacob S. Collins, 1896-98. Waring Russell, Jr., 1899-1901. December 31, 1902.

Present incumbent, term expires

Sheriffs of City Court.

R. F. Akin, 1853-56. E. M. Prendergast, 1856-1860. (Left city and his office declared
vacated by Council on November 29.) Charles J. White, 1860-71. Robert R. Habersham, 1872-75. (Died in December.) John W. Anderson, 1875-77. David Bailey, 1878-1887. (Died March 3.) L. L. Goodwin, 1887-1893- (Died.)

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

455

William F. Blois, 1893-95. Thomas J. Sheftall, 1896-98. Edward J. Whelan, 1899-1900. J. J. Horrigan, present incumbent, term expires December 31, 1902. On December 8, 1838, an ordinance was passed establishing a Po lice Court. Under this ordinance the Mayor, or in the event of his sickness or absence, the chairman of the Board of Aldermen, was au thorized and required to hold a court at the Mayor's office in the Ex change every day at 10 o'clock a. m., Sundays excepted, for the pur pose of hearing all complaints against riotous or disorderly persons, or for violations of the ordinances, and determining the same in a summary manner, with power to fine not exceeding $30 for each offense, with the privilege of appealing to Council on the payment of fines and costs. The city constables were required to attend the court in rotation, the clerk of Council to keep a record of its proceedings and submit the same to Council at every regular meeting, and the re corder to attend and give his opinion in cases where offenses against the ordinances had been committed, if required by the presiding judge. In the case of the sickness or absence of both the Mayor and the chairman of Council, then any three aldermen could preside in the Police Court. This ordinance went into effect on January i, 1839. Publicity of the misdoings of citizens was not considered a neces sary part of the punishment at this time. Newspapers were not al lowed to publish the names of persons brought before the Police Court and fined for violations of the ordinances unless Council grant ed permission. Council, in 1848, in considering this matter, said that it was strongly inclined to believe that the publication of the punish ments inflicted in the Police Court could be advantageous only in very peculiar cases, and "when these cases arise the Board will al ways be at liberty to order the publication." How long this view pre vailed is not known. As a rule, though, Savannah's Councils have shown but little inclination to interfere with the newspapers of the city, the only other instance approaching this being in 1866, when in making the contract for printing the proceedings of Council a condition was inserted that the newspaper "must publish at least two respectable editorials of local interest weekly/' The satirical comments at home and abroad led to the speedy rescinding of this unique provision of the contract.
On December 28, 1854, the ordinance creating the Police Court was amended so as to allow the court to be held at the Exchange or at any other place in the discretion of the Mayor. On March 5. 1857, it was provided that one-half of the fines imposed in this court should go to the policeman or informer and one-half to the City. In De cember, 1861, this division of the fines was temporarily repealed, but

456

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

on November 29, 1865, it was re-established and continued until 1873,

when the system, which had come to be regarded as iniquitous, was

abolished. The Mayor continued to preside in the Police Court until

1871. An Act of the Legislature of December u, that year, author

ized the City of Savannah to appoint a recorder and on December 31,

I\

an ordinance was passed providing for the election of such an officer

J]

with a salary of $1,200 a year. This position, unlike that of recorder

;j

in the earlier history of the city, was merely that of presiding magis-

j

trate or judge in the Police Court, relieving the Mayor or aldermen

,

of the necessity of hearing cases there. W'illiam B. Fleming was

;

elected to it in January, 1872. In 1873 came the consolidation of the

.

duties of corporation attorney and recorder, which continued but a

year, an ordinance of December 31, 1873, similar to that of 1871, re

i

establishing the office of recorder, and Mr. Fleming was again elected to it. He continued as recorder until the close of 1875, the City

Council in its endeavor to curtail expenses abolishing the office by

?

ordinance on December 29 of that year.

Ij

The city continued without a police court recorder for seventeen

^I

lf!

years. On December 21, 1892, an ordinance was passed providing for

such an officer, it being desired to relieve the Mayor of attendance on

the court which had become an onerous duty with the increasing

number of arrests and the additional work imposed by the other af

fairs of the city government. The incumbents since then have been

as follows:

H. E. Wilson, 1893-96.

Walter C. Hartridge, 1897-98, resigned June I.

T. P. Ravenel, June I to November 16, 1898.

Walter C. Hartridge, November 16, 1898, to January 12, 1001.

Shelby Myrick, present incumbent, elected January 12, 1901, for

two years. The salary of the recorder is now $1,000 a year.

The City's legal adviser during the greater part of its history was

known as its recorder. Provision for such an officer was made soon

after the organization of the municipal government, one having been



elected in 1791. The ordinance creating the office at that time is not

obtainable. By ordinance in 1796, and again in 1798, the recorder was

j

required to attend the Mayor's Court whenever called on to do so by

\!

tfce Mayor or one of the aldermen. No salary was attached to the

office, compensation for services being in the shape of fees. Under

an ordinance of February n, 1805, the recorder was allowed "two

and one-half per cent, on all sums by him recovered and received for

the use of the corporation and paid over to the treasurer; for com-

yj

mencing a suit in the Superior or Inferior Court $4, for prosecuting

fj

the same to judgment $4, for commencing a suit in the Mayor's Court

j^

or a Justice's Court $2; for prosecuting the same to judgment, $2;

?i

for each attendance before the Superior or Inferior Court, or a Judge

i

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

457

at Chambers, in any special case in behalf of the corporation, $4; for defending a suit by order of the corporation, $10."
Sometime during the next five years the office evidently became a salaried one, as in 1810 a record appears of a salary of $6co being paid. On September 13, 1811, though, the office was abolished, but was speedity re-established with salary reduced to $300. The record er was called on for opinions on legal questions and represented the City in litigation, frequently being associated with other attorneys, extra compensation being granted the recorder at times by Council. The records are unfortunately very meagre regarding the work and emoluments of this officer. On August 2, 1839, an ordinance was passed allowing him "two and one-half per cent, on all sums recov ered for the use of the corporation and paid over to the treasurer, and such other compensation for this or other services as may be allowed by Council."
In 1842 Henry Williams was elected recorder, without a salary. He declined the office. An ordinance was then passed on March 10 providing that "in lieu of the fees and emoluments heretofore allowed the attorney of the City of Savannah there shall be allowed him a salary of $200 per annum, in full compensation for all services he may render the City." W. B. Fleming was elected, but held the office only a few months, resigning on October 6, 1842. In November the office of recorder was re-established with the election of Levi Sheftall, the remuneration being fees only. He was re-elected in 1843. The rec ords do not show that any recorder was elected in 1844, the office being abolished by ordinance on March 21, 1844. On August 21, 1845, an ordinance was passed to restore the office of recorder, "to be the legal adviser of Council, and it shall be his duty to attend to all tlie legal business of the City, furnishing written opinions to Council whenever they may be called for. It shall also be his duty when called on by Council or any of its committees to draft ordinances." The salary was placed at $500 a year and an election for the office was held on October 21, at which Robert H. Griffin was elected. His tenure of office was brief, the recordership being again abolished by
ordinance on January 22, 1846. Those who held the office of recorder were as follows:
John Glen, 1791-92."
David B. Mitchell, 1793. Charles Harris, 1794-96. Thomas Netherclift, 1798-99William Davies, 1800-04. John McPherson Berrien, 1805. Thomas Whitfield, 1806-08, died January, 1808.
Mossman Houstoun, 1808, resigned in July.
R. W. Habersham, 1808-11.

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HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Mossman Houstoun, 1811-12, resigned July 17.

G. Bailie Mclntosh, 1812-13, died in January.

:

Samuel Mordecai, 1813-17. John C. Nicoll, 1817-22, resigned November 28.

William W. Gordon, 1822-24.

Matthew H. McAllister, 1825-27, resigned June 7.

William B. Bulloch, 1827-36, resigned January 21.

John Millen, January 21, September 29, 1836, resigned.

George J. Kollock, October 14, 1836, to January, 1838.

S. Elbert Muse, January to August, 1838, resigned.

H. K. Preston, August, 1838, to January, 1842.

W. B. Fleming, 1842, resigned October 6.

Levi Sheftall, November, 1842, to January, 1844.

Robert H. Griffin, October 21, 1845, to January 22, 1846.

The City apparently remained without the services of a special

attorney to represent its interests for ten years, engaging counsel whenever the occasion arose. The advisability of retaining a lawyer in an official capacity becoming apparent, on July 24, 1856, an ordi

nance was passed to establish the office of corporation attorney, to represent the City in all suits, to draw ordinances, attend appeal

cases before Council, and generally to act as the legal adviser of the

corporation. The salary of the office was placed at $1,000. On Au

gust 7 Edward J. Harden was elected corporation attorney. He held the office until August 28, 1861, when he resigned and Walter S. Chis-

holm was elected his successor. Under an ordinance of December

18, 1861, the salary was reduced to $600, but on January 14, 1863 it

was restored to $1,000, and in fixing the salaries for the succeeding
year in the following December it was increased to $1,200. Mr. Chisholm continued as corporation attorney until October 7, 1863, when
he resigned to accept the position of Judge of the City Court, to which Council had elected him. On October 21 John Bilbo was elect ed as his successor. Mr. Bilbo held the office until the surrender of

the city to General Sherman. When the city was fully restored to

civil control on November I, 1864, Edward J. Harden was made cor poration attorney again and held the office until his death in April, 1873. The salary after the war was made $1,000 (December 27, 1865).

It was raised to $1,500 on January 23, 1867, arid on December 30 was

reduced to $1,200.

On January 23, 1867, an ordinance was passed requiring the cor

poration attorney to "attend all regular meetings of Council and all

extra and informal meetings when requested by the Mayor to do so/',

and the salary was raised to $1,500, but at the close of the year it was reduced again to $1,200.

On May 21, 1873, an ordinance was passed under which the cor poration attorney was to act as recorder or judge of the Police Court,

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

459*

with a salary for the combined duties of $2,000 a year. William B. Fleming was elected on May 21. This arrangement was apparently not satisfactory in its results. On December 31, 1873, the ordinance was repealed and a recorder was provided for at a salary of $1,200. On February n, 1874, a resolution was adopted by Council to elect a corporation attorney and on March 25 William S. Basinger waselected to the office with his salary fixed at $1,800 a year, the term of office being two years. Mr. Basinger was re-elected in 1876. In 1878 the City was curtailing expenses in every possible way and the salaryof the corporation attorney was placed at $750 a year. It was soonascertained that no lawyer of ability would take the office at this sal ary and it was decided to elect one man to two offices, those of Judge of the City Court and corporation attorney. Judge Chisholm, then incumbent in the City Court, declined to accept both offices on the ground that the duties were conflicting. On January 9, 1878, Council, elected William D. Harden as corporation attorney at $750 a year and Judge of the City Court at $2,000 a year. The two positions wereunited in one person in this way but two years. By an Act of the Legislature Council was required to separate the offices, and at theelection on January 7, 1880, Henry C. Cunningham was elected cor poration attorney, William D. Harden remaining Judge of the City Court. At this time the salary of the corporation attorney \vasraised again to $1,200 a year. On December 21, 1881, the salary was increased to $1,500 a year. Mr. Cunningham held the office until June 15, 1887, when he resigned. On Jure 20 Council elected Samuel B. Adams to the office. Mr. Adams has continued as legal advise/ of the city to the present time, the term of office for which he was last elected expiring in January, 1903. On January 8, 1890, an ordinance was passed changing the title of the office from corporation attorneyto city attorney. The salary was raised by ordinance December 25,. 1889, to $2,100, and by ordinance of December 21 1892, to $2,400, at which it has since remained.
For a number of years it was a frequent thing for the Council toassociate other counsel with The corporation attorney in important litigation. In recent years this has not been done. The present in cumbent has successfully represented the City in several cases of mag nitude, one, that of the ground rent lots, involving the City's right to* tax property of the value of over $1,500,000, and others bringing intoquestion the validity of the City's street paving ordinances or of features of its tax ordinances. These have been the subject of muchr local discussion for years and are still of interest to the public.
References to ground rent lots are found in the minutes of Coun cil from the earliest days of the city government. Lots carved from the public domain were put up for sale at public outcry with a certain minimum price, or "valuation money" attached to each lot. The pur-

460

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

chaser bidding the largest amount of what was called "increase money" had the option of paying this increase money in cash and holding the valuation money at an interest, generally of five per centum per annum, called "ground rent," taking a form of deed which lias been before the courts several times. Some of the subsequent
-ordinances required, as to the property sold under them, the payment of twenty per cent, of the entire valuation money and increase, with
-the option of holding the balance on the ground rent plan. No effort was made to tax the ground rent lots evidently until
after the adoption of the new constitution of the State of Georgia, -which prohibited discrimination in the levying of taxes and provided for a uniform tax rate on all classes of property. On April 3. 1878, Alderman D. G. Purse introduced a resolution in Council directing "the appraisers to place values on all ground rent lots which were thereafter, he held, to be subject to taxation. Under the present Constitution, he maintained, the City could no longer refrain from "taxing these lots. This resolution was adopted. Soon after the ap praisers reported, placing a valuation on the ground rent lots o f $650,530, but stating that every ground rent lot owner would contest the City's right to tax them and it would probably be years before the courts settled the question. Council nevertheless decided to in-
-clude the ground rent lots in its scheme of taxation and levied a gen-eral tax rate of 2 1-2 per cent, on all classes of property.
Here the matter seems to have been held in abeyance. No fur ther reference to ground rent lot taxation appears in Council's pro ceedings until 1889, when a resolution by Alderman L. A. Falligant was adopted asking an opinion from the city attorney as to the legal ity of their taxation by the City. At this time the City was receiving Tents from 631 of these lots, amounting to $28,566.92 annually. On November 18 the city attorney presented an elaborate opinion, which -was received as information, and for which Council extended thanks for "the thorough manner in which he had investigated the subject." On motion of Alderman Falligant, who had been a chief factor in "bringing the question of the taxation of these lots to a focus, the assessment committee was directed to instruct the board of assessors to "assess for taxation for 1890 the lots reported by the city attorney
-as liable to municipal taxation." In his opinion City Attorney Adams gave a concise history of the
-ground rent lots and a thorough analysis of the legal aspects of the question presented to him by Council. As his views have been sits-tained by the State courts, bringing under taxation property to the value of over $1,500,000, and as this opinion is probably the most im portant of the many prepared by the City's !egal adviser, and is of value to the general public through the insight it gives into the theory and practice of the power of taxation, it is given nearly in full.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

461

**'It seems to me," said the city attorney." "that the contention of Attorney-General Charlton, in the case of Gibbons vs. Gibbons, re
ported in T. U. P. Charlton's Reports, to the effect that the purchas ers of these lots are seized of a free hold of inheritance which may be defeated upon the non-performance of a condition subsequent, is clearly correct. This contention was sustained by the Superior Court in a case which determined that these lots were subject to State and county taxation, a determination which necessarily involved the de cision that the property did not belong to the City, but to the hold ers of these titles. Nothing was said or intimated in this case as to the liability to city taxation, but the decision has obviously material bearing upon this question.
"If the City is the owner of this property, it must be the land lord, and the writings under which they are held would be the leases. But for the reasons mentioned by the Attorney-General in the Gib bons case, it cannot, with any show of reason, be claimed that these papers are mere leases. They do not convey a less term than the City had and are not for any determinate period.
"The first ordinance looking to this disposition of the public do main was passed September 28, 1/90, and the subsequent ordinances, including the last passed in 1854, are modeled after this first ordi nance. It and the subsequent ordinances provide for a 'sale* of the lots, not a lease, that the highest bidder shall be deemed 'the pur chaser of the lot then under sale/ and forever secures to the pur chaser, his heirs and assigns the lots sold, subject only to the con dition of his paying what is called a ground rent, but is in reality, only an interest on the portion of the purchase money withheld, gen erally, too. a small interest. One of the ordinances speaks of this ground rent as 'interest or ground rent/ All of the ordinances show an unmistakable purpose, as do the deeds, that the title shall go out of the City and vest absolutely in the purchaser, subject only to the condition mentioned. Other ordinances, such as the paving ordi nances, refer to the holders of the lots as owners and assess them as owners. By an Act of February 10, 1787, the then Wardens of the town of Savannah (whose rights and powers went to their succes sors, the Mayor and Aldermen), were vested with full power *to lease or rent* the public domain 'at public sale/ and between this date and the passage of the Act of December 21. 1822. a large number of these lots were disposed of by the City, and yet we find that at the date last mentioned, the Legislature of Georgia found it necessary to vali date and confirm these sales, because, under the Act of 1760. the City could not alienate or grant an;/ part of the public domain without a statute of the Legislature so authorizing. The first section of the Act of December, 1822, provides 'that all and singular the conveyances heretofore made of the said town common under the authority of the

462

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Mayor and Aldermen, whether in fee simple or otherwise, shall be and

they are hereby declared to be legalized, confirmed, and made valid

to all intents and purposes according to the covenants, limitations and agreements of the same/ This Act, in connection with the prior

legislation noticed, strengthens the position that these conveyances

were not regarded as leases, but rather as alienations of the public

domain requiring direct legislative authorization.

"These lots and the titles under which they are held have been be fore our Supreme Court twice. The first decision is that in the case of Swoll, et al. vs. Oliver, et al., in 61 Georgia, where the Supreme Court sustains the lawfulness of the City's re-entry and the claim of a

purchaser from the City after such re-entry as against the title of

those claiming under the original purchase. No point was decided

in that case of a controlling character, so far as the question now be

ing discussed is concerned. The Court, however, evidently thought

that the holder of one of these lots was the owner and Judge Warner recognizes in terms that a re-entry was essential in order to 're-invest'

the City with the title, before such re-entry the title being out of the

City. In the case of Lawrence, et al., vs. The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, reported in 71 Ga., (decided in 1883) the

question of the City's right under these conveyances was directly ad

judicated, and it is there held by a unanimous Court that the City, in the event of non-compliance by the grantee with the condition of his

deed, could re-enter only for the purpose of re-selling, that the City

must sell, pay itself the balance of the original purchase money, and

hold the residue (should the property at this second sale bring more than the original purchase money) for the holder of its title. In de

livering the decision of the Court, Judge Hall refers to the one of these titles as 'the true owner,' and then uses this

holder of emphatic

language: 'The right reserved by the City was only a pledge, or security, for a debt that might be due to it.' In view of this decision, the City's position with reference to these lots is substantially that of any other vendor who has taken a purchase-money mortgage to se

cure the balance of the purchase money. I know that tfie ordinances

and the deeds use the word 'rent/ but in considering the question as

to the legal status of this title (I am not now touching the question whether they are exempt by contract). I do not consider this word

to be material. The law has very little regard for the mere literalism

of language.

"Are these lots taxable by the City? This question must be an

swered in the affirmative, unless it can be made to appear, to appear clearly, that they are exempt by law, or by a valid, irrepealable con

tract. Under the present Constitution, all property must be taxed, save and except that specially excepted. These specifications are con

strued with great strictness, and the burden is always upon the person

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

463

claiming the exemption to show clearly that he comes within an ex ception. Former Constitutions permitted some discretion as to ex emptions, but the present permits none. As said by the Supreme Court of this State through Judge Hall, in the case of The City of Savannah vs. Crawford and Lovell, (75 Ga.): 'The party claiming the exemption must produce the law exonerating him.' In the language of the same Court in a later case (79 Ga. 801): 'All property of what ever kind in this State, unless expressly exempted by the laws there of, or by the laws of the United States, is subject to taxation and must pay its pro rata part of the taxes for the support of the gov ernment, in whosesoever hands it may be, or whoever may return the same for taxation/ In a still later case, (80 Ga. 64) the Court de cides that the holder of a bond for titles in possession of property, although he has no deed, but merely an agreement under which he may secure title, should pay the taxes, as between himself and the person under whom he holds, although the assessment may be made by the State against either. The Constitution, ex industria, provides that 'all laws exempting property from taxation other than the prop erty enumerated shall be void/ and thus stresses the policy of our fundamental law on this important question. It does not, of course, attempt to impair contracts previously entered into, but it confines exemptions based on statutes, on laws as laws, to the cases enumer ated. Now in the enumeration, the only words that the most ardent advocate of a legal exemption would mention, are the words 'public property/ The other exceptions do not touch these lots even re motely In view of what has already been said, the conclusion is un avoidable, that these lots are not public property, because they do Tiot belong to the City, and it will not be contended that they belong to the United States Government or to the State, or to the County. If the City has parted with the title, then they are not covered by this exemption. I cannot find any law, State or municipal, which pro vides that they shall be exempt. I have looked carefully and found none. If a law had been passed prior to the present Constitution, it would have been repealed and abrogated as a law, and could be of no service to those claiming the exemption, save only in so far as it might be utilized as evidence of a contract. Laws undertaking to ex empt property, perpetually or for any period of time, even when there is no constitutional restriction upon the power of the law-makers to pass such laws, can always be repealed as laws. A valid contract of exemption, if made prior to the Constitution of 1877, is not set aside "by the Constitution, and if a law or ordinance can be cited which pro vides that these lots shall be exempt, such law or ordinance might be of evidential value (although not conclusive) to aid in the proof of a contract. As a mere law or ordinance, however, apart from the idea

464

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

of contract, it would stand repealed. I come, therefore, to the con sideration of the next question.
"Are these lots exempt by a valid, irrepealable contract. * * * * * * No proposition is better established than that such a con tract must be clearly proved by him who asserts it, that all the pre sumptions are, ordinarily, against its existence, and that if there be any fair doubt about its existence, that doubt must be given to the public, because, ordinarily, justice and right are against exemptions, and in favor of the equalization of the burdens of taxation. In the language of our Supreme Court in the case of the Atlanta Street Railroad Company vs. The City of Atlanta: 'All exemptions from le gal taxation are construed strictly. * * * The power to tax is the life blood of the State and of the governing communities, county and municipal, which are the limbs of the State, essential to the well-being of the entire body politic, indeed to its healthful action and the pre servation of life. And the Supreme Court of the union, as of this State, so ruled and the whole current of the law flows in the same channel with scarcely a ripple in its course/ In the language of the Supreme Court of the United States, through Chief Justice Marshall, 'that the taxing power is of vital importance, that it is essential to the existence of government, are truths which it cannot be necessary to re-affirm; they are acknowledged and asserted by all. It would seem that the relinquishment of such a power is never to be assumed/ "
Mr. Adams cited a number of cases showing how strict the law is in preserving the right of taxation and how carefully the courts guard against the power "to implant the seed of dissolution in the body politic" by granting it away. "Before it can be said that a valid, ir repealable contract exists, it must appear, beyond any fair or reasona ble doubt that such a contract was made and for a sufficient considera tion; that a mere promise, a mere gratuitous promise, or assurance contained in an act or an ordinance will not, of itself, constitute such a contract, and that every presumption is made against such a claim, the Courts, even in the plainest cases, yielding a most reluctant sanction. The cases referred to have been generally those in which
the claim or contract was predicated upon some act of a Legislature, or ordinance of a city. But, in the case of the lots now being consid ered, as before noticed, I have not been able to find any Act of the Legislature or ordinance of the City which says a word as to their "exemption from taxation. I have examined the old ordinance books, the old minutes of Council, and all other accessible sources of infor mation, and I can find no expression in any providing for an exemp tion. I have not been able to find anything in the minutes of Council
on this subject, but the fact that the old books of minutes are, un fortunately, not indexed has made an exhaustive examination of them impracticable. If such expressions should be found in an ordinance.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.
or in the minutes, they would, of course, have to be construed in the light of the principles hereinbefore noticed.
"After all, however, the most natural, direct and reasonable source of information on the subject now discussed is the deed itself, On the question as to whether a contract has been made this, in the nature of the case, ought to be the most potential piece of evidence. What do these so-called ground rent deeds say? I have examined the form as used for many years and I find not a word in them as to any exemption from taxation. It is true that these deeds call the small interest paid on the part of the purchase money retained 'ground rent,' and an ingenious mind might find in this the sugges tion that the City did not contemplate, did not intend to tax the lots, but how these words can constitute a complete and a valid contract,. can do so with the,clearness and certainty required by the authorities, I fail to understand. I do, however, find words in these deeds, these contracts, which support materially the proposition that these deeds contemplated the taxation of the lots. In their latter part it is dis tinctly provided that the grantees under them shall be subject ta 'such assessments and burthens as shall be in .common with other lot holders in said City/ This language is very significant, particularly when it is considered that when it was first used and incorporated inthe form there was no law which authorized the City of Savannah, in terms, to 'tax' anybody. A careful examination of the Acts apper taining to the city of Savannah shows that, not until the passage of the Act of December 24, 1825, was the word 'tax' or 'taxation' used in connection with the powers of the City. Previous to that time the enabling Act, that of February 10, 1787, gave the power 'to make,. lay and assess one or more rate or rates, assessment or assessments,. upon all and every person or persons who do or shall inhabit, hold, use or occupy, possess or enjoy any lot, ground, house or place,. building, tenement, or heriditament in any square, street or place within the limits of the town of Savannah/ When therefore the word 'assessments' was used in these deeds it must have meant taxation. If it did not mean that, it was meaningless. Independently of the ar gument deducible from the special facts mentioned the words here used in the deed would include taxation. (See Frederick, et al., vs. City Council of Augusta, 5 Ga. 561; Cooley on Taxation, page 147.)
"The mere fact that the City has never taxed the property does not exempt it. This result does not, ordinarily, follow even where property is exempt under a statute which provides for a perpetual ex emption. It would be competent evidence upon the question as to whether a valid and ifrepealable contract existed, but of itself and by itself this fact would not be in any wise controlling. As said by the Supreme Court of the United States in Vicksburg Railroad Company vs. Dennis, already noticed, in which the claim of exemption was de-

-466

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

nied, *the omission of the taxing officers of the State in previous jrears to assess this property cannot control the duty imposed by law upon their successors, or "the power of the Legislature, or the legal -construction of the statute under which the exemption is claimed/ Jtist so, on the other hand it has been held in a Connecticut case that the payment of taxes for many years, in the case referred to for twen ty years, did not prevent the owner of the property from claiming ex emption where the property was really exempt. The public is never T>arred of the sovereign and vital power of taxation by a mere failure to assert it, no matter how long continued such failure may be. Nor can custom or 'usage make a contract where there is none, or prevent the effect of the settled rules of law/ particularly can it not be considered if it be inconsistent with the writing. (100 U. S. 692, 103 U. S. 162.)
"To prevent any misunderstanding of my view, I add that, if it could be clearly shown that the City, in an authoritative and positive way agreed, or guaranteed, before a lot was sold that it would not tax the lot, and a purchaser upon the faith of such an agreement and Induced by it, had purchased the lot, then it would not be in the -power of the City to tax the lot unless the purchaser, subsequently, entered into a contract with the City under which he waived that right -of exemption and agreed that the property should be taxed. A con tract made, or a guarantee or assurance in the nature of a contract acted upon and accepted prior to the Constitution of 1877 could not "be set aside except by the parties to it. I do not think that the state ment of a city marshal in selling the property, embodying the current -opinion that the property was not taxable, would of itself constitute such a contract, or be, in anywise, tantamount to one. The impres sion has prevailed in the community that these lots would not be -taxed and doubtless this statement has been made by many sellers in order to induce purchasers. I do not think, however, that the city -marshal, of himself and by himself, could make a contract for the City exempting property from taxation perpetually, even if he had really intended to do so and had undertaken to enter into such a contract formally. Council might (before our present Constitution) do it and could authorize him to do it. But I have found no evidence of this -character. It may be that some exists which has escaped me, but very diligent search and inquiry have failed to elicit it. Even if such assurances had been held out by the marshal and by members of 'Council, an assurance intended to be an agreement and not a mere expression of a current opinion, the question would still remain, what is the effect of the deed subsequently entered into between the par-ties? Suppose a purchaser has been fortified with such an assurance. an assurance authorized, could he not waive the right securing there from by becoming a party to this deed subsequently made, a deed in

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

467

which he, in effect, agrees that his lot shall be taxed? As before noticed, however, I do not find any law, ordinance, resolution or official action of any character which promises in any way or inti mates that the property will not be taxed. When I look at the con tract itself, I not only do not find anything of the kind there, but an agreement to the contrary. In a case already noticed, Chief Justice Marshall said: 'We must look for the exemption in the language of the instrument; and if we do not find it there it would be going very far to insert it by construction/ In this case, the instrument is not merely silent on this important question, but in its terms is against the exemption.
"I conclude, then, by saying that I have found neither law nor contract that exempts these lots from municipal taxation. 1 have learned, only, that, in point of fact, they have never heretofore been taxed, that the impression has prevailed that they were not taxable, although this impression has been by no means universal, and I have heard that the marshal, on one or more occasions, in selling these lots, has said they were not taxable, but these facts do not make either law or contract, particularly to the destruction of the sovereign right of taxation over a large and valuable portion of the city. I have experienced great trouble and a good deal of anxious thought in arriving at this conclusion, because the property has been, in fact, free from the burdens of taxation for many years, some of it from a time anterior to the birth of this century, much of it from the early part of this century; it has been bought under the impression that it would never be taxed, and many good citizens seem to believe that it is contrary to good faith now to tax it. On the subject of good faith I find a considerable divergence of opinion. With the question of good faith specifically, I have nothing to do except in so far as it may have become an element of contract. I repeat, however, that no con tract appears. I therefore think that these lots are taxable. If they are, you have no choice in the matter. Under the Constitution of the State, it is your duty to tax all taxable property. Nothing can ex cuse the performance of this duty except the conviction that the property is not taxable."
On December n (1889) after the decision of the Supreme Court of Georgia in favor of the City, a special committee, Aldermen Falligant, Myers, Harris, Cann and Bailey, was appointed to recommend to Council a plan of settlement between the City and the ground rent lot owners, with a view of securing the paying up of the balance of purchase money and interest due the City, with power to confer with the owners of such lots with that object in view. This commit tee reported January 8, 1890, recommending in view of the right of these owners to retain perpetually this balance, the need of the City for this large amount for the improvement of its drainage and the ex-

468

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

tension of its water mains and privileges, and the desire of the City

to avoid litigation with its citizens, that to all of these owners who

settled such balance of purchase money due on their lots by the ist

of May next a discount of 30 per cent, be made by the City, to those

who settled by August I next a discount of 20 per cent., and to those

who settled by October I next a discount of 10 per cent. The adop

tion of this report, it was provided, was not to change or affect the

City's position that these lots were taxable from January i, 1890. Al

derman Falligant presented a minority report, holding that the taxa

tion of the ground rent lots would force the owners to make them

fee simple and such discounts were uncalled for and unjust. The

majority report was adopted by Council. On April 30 following the

time within which the 30 per cent, discount was allowed was extended

from May I to June I. Many holders availed themselves of the offer,

the City receiving $88,709.40 from this source in 1890.

In his report for 1889 Mayor Schwarz said: "Council acting on

the opinion of the corporation attorney, decided by resolution adopt

ed November 19, to have the ground rent lots assessed for purposes

of taxation. It is generally believed that an injunction to restrain

the City from levying and collecting a tax on these lots will be ap

plied for by the owners thereof and this matter will doubtless be car

ried to the Supreme Court for final settlement. It is considered as

almost certain that in the event the Supreme Court should decide

that said lots are liable to taxation as other real property, the own

ers will pay up the unpaid purchase money to avoid payment of in

terest thereon, and thus make the lots fee simple, a result, which, if

obtained, will definitely settle this question for the future."

As expected, the lot holders began litigation at once to prevent

the City from carrying out its plans. A test case was made in the

-' I

Superior Court of Chatham County, where application was made for

an injunction to prevent the enforcement of the tax executions. The

decision of the Court was in favor of the City. The case was then

carried to the Supreme Court of Georgia, where the validity of the

taxation of the ground rent lots was fully and emphatically sustained

in the foUowing year (1891.)

On August 5, 1891, Council adopted a resolution that "whereas,

under the recent decision of the Supreme Court of Georgia the legal

right of the City to tax that class of property known as ground rent

lots is clearly and finally established, and whereas the owners of such

property have the right to perpetually retain the unpaid balance of

purchase money, and whereas in view of the need of the City for funds

with which to erect new waterworks, establish a proper system of

R

house drainage, pave its streets, etc., therefore be it resolved that upon all of the above mentioned unpaid balance of purchase money

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

469

that may be paid by or before December I, 1891, there shall be al lowed a discount of 15 per cent."
A number of ground rent lot owners accepted the City's proposi tion, there being paid into the treasury during-the year $23,721.55 as balance of purchase money. Many, though, decided to continue the fight against the City. On August 19 Attorney J. R. Saussy, rep resenting these ground rent lot owners, presented a petition to Coun cil in their behalf. He stated in it that it was the intention of such lot holders to have their rights in the premises adjudicated by the court of final resort, claiming, as they did, that the ordinance of the City levying a tax on these lots in addition to the ground rent im paired the obligation of the contract made by the City in the original lease as construed by* the municipal authorities themselves for nearly one hundred years. "Questions of this character come within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the United States, and that court alone can determine its own jurisdiction. As some time must elapse in the regular progress of the case before a final judgment in the Supreme Court of the United States can be reached, and as un der the decision of the State courts refusing a temporary injunction there is now no legal obstacle to the collection by the City of the dis puted tax on these lots, and in order that the rights of the holders of these lots may be preserved and protected during the further pen dency of the litigation, and that the payment of the disputed tax may be made without prejudice to the right to recover the same in the event of a reversal of the judgment of the State Courts, and may alsobe made with as little friction as possible, we respectfully request that by resolution of Council the city treasurer or other collecting officer be authorized to receive the disputed tax on these lots from the lot holders as paid under protest, so that it shall clearly appear that the tax is not voluntarily paid, and that the city treasurer be authorized to allow the usual reduction for payments that may be made within the fifteen days after due, though paid under protest, so that as far as allowing a rebate for prompt payment these disputed taxes shall be on the same footing as other taxes; that in compliance with the opin ion expressed by the Supreme Court of the State, the actual and true taxable value of these lots be ascertained by a reassessment to Be made in conformity with that opinion. The Court says: 'If that value is any less on account of tte subjection of the property to ground rents or unpaid purchase money than.it otherwise would be that fact would no doubt be taken into consideration when the as sessment was made* and as the courts entertain no doubt that it will be taken into consideration, we ask that the City conform to the de cision in the assessment as well as to the lot holders in paying the tax. We respectfully ask the consideration of Council to these mat ters. If Council arbitrarily refuse to arrange for payment under pro-

470

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

test it will not deprive the lot holders from paying under protest, as

a payment after issue and levy of the fi fa is a payment under pro

test, but an arrangement as sugges ed secures a prompt payment of

the tax without friction or surrender of any right, either of the City

or the lot holders until the pending litigation can be finally termi

nated"

The petition was referred to City Attorney Adams who, under

date of August 26, 1891, advised that Council refuse to comply with

these requests. "In view of the adjudication of the courts of this

State and the position taken by Council and sustained by these courts,

I do not see how Council can properly or consistently do this. I ad

vise against any reassessment of the property, as this would be a

recognition that the assessment already made was not lawfully

made. The decision of the Supreme Court does not hold, or inti

mate, that the course pursued by Council was in any respect unlawful;

it fully sustains the judgment of the Court below refusing to inter

fere with executions based upon the assessment which the City had

made of this property, and fully sustains these executions. In sus

taining the proposition, made by the City, that this property was tax

able according to its market value, the Supreme Court used this

language: 'The real owners of the money which these lots would

i.

now sell for on the market are the persons whom we have designated as

owners, and it is upon the cash market value that taxes are assessable.

If that value is any less on account of the subjection of the property

to ground rents or unpaid purchase money than it would otherwise

be, that fact would no doubt be taken into consideration in making

the assessment. The market value, whatever that may be, is the

proper basis.' The Supreme Court does not here say that this fact

E* -I

was not taken into consideration in making the assessment, and could

not have done so under the undisputed evidence before it. The state

ment in the City's verified answer, which was before the Supreme

Court, was that 'these lots were duly assessed for taxation anil ac

cording to the assessment these lots were assessed at the sum of one

million, five hundred and fifty-nine thousand, four hundred and sev

enty-one dollars ($1,559,471), and defendants say that these lots held

as they are are fairly and justly assessed.' The correctness of this

statement was in nowise challenged, the only complaint in the bill for

injunction being that the assessment was greatly in excess of the

original valuation money placed upon the property when originally

sold. Special and prominent attention was called to this fact, both

in the printed brief handed to the Supreme Court, and in the oral ar

gument. The Court could not, therefore, have suggested that there

was anything wrong, in the assessment, and, as already noticed,

necessarily held that the assessment was valid in sustaining the exe

cutions based thereon. The executions before the Court were for the

taxes for 1890 and were based upon the assessment for that year.

-!

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

471

"On the 3Oth day of October, 1889, Council passed a resolution providing that the city assessors should thereafter include this class of property in their assessments. On the 2pth day of the next month an ordinance was passed providing for an assessment of all real prop erty in the city of Savannah, the second section of which declares that 'it shall be the duty of said assessors to assess and value lands and improvements separately and at their market value, that is to say, for such sum as they really believe the property would be reasonably and fairly worth at private sale/ The section then goes on to pro vide for an affidavit to be made by each assessor before beginning the work of assessing in accordance with this section, and which makes it his duty to assess ground rent lots and all other property at their market value. The next section of this ordinance provides that the return of the assessors shall be filed in the office of the city treas urer for inspection, and that public notice shall be'given of the filing, which shall specify that objections thereto must be filed within thirty days, and that 'where objections are not made within the said thirty days then the assessment and valuation shall be final and form the basis of taxation for the year 1890.'
"On the I3th day of December, 1890,*' continued the city attor ney, "an ordinance was passed providing that the assessment made under the previous ordinance should be continued as the basis of taxa tion for 1891, except as the same might be corrected as provided in the next two sections of the ordinance. In these sections this ordi nance provides for a publication in both papers each day for fifteen days of a notice notifying the property owners that the assessment had been continued for 1891 and that 'in the absence of objections within the time specified, the assessment and valuation already made will be considered as satisfactory and will be binding for the year 1891.' There was nothing to prevent the owners of ground rent prop erty making objections to the valuations placed upon their property, and by so doing they would not have impaired or surrendered their right to contest their liability to the tax. The point made by them would have been confined to the sole question as to the market value of their property, and the right to contest the tax could have been expressly reserved. Whether this be so or not, it is of course too late, under the ordinances, for objections now to be made. I believe that it is in the power of Council, should it see proper to do so, to pass an ordinance now for the making and hearing of objections to the assessment of this property and giving such time as it may see fit to give. I am satisfied that it would not be proper to have this property reassessed."
On September 30, 1891, the Committee of the Whole, to which the matter had been referred, reported adversely to the petition rel ative to the collection of taxes under protest and a reassessment of the valuations of the lots.

472

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

The ground rent lot owners, though, did not cease their efforts and although no further petition was made by them to Council, their wishes were acceded to. so far as paying under protest was concerned, on April 12, 1893, when the following resolution by Alderman M. W. Dixon was adopted:
"Resolved, That the holders of those lots of land in the city of Savannah called ground rent lots, who are contesting the right of the City of Savannah to collect taxes on their said property in addition to the ground rent, are authorized to pay such taxes, under protest, at any time after they are due and payable (with the usual privilege of the 10 per cent, discount for prompt payment) without awaiting the issuing of an execution and levy, with the same rights in such holders as if they paid under execution and levy, provided such par ties notify the treasurer that they pay under protest. The city treas urer shall make a note or memorandum of srch payment under pro test." This was adopted by a vote of 8 to 2.
On July 5, 1893, a resolution was adopted that owners of ground1 rent lots then in arrears for ground rent and taxes would be permitted to pay the amount due, and upon the payment of the amount due to date on or before July 15, 1893, the property was directed not to be sold as advertised.
On November 4, 1896, an ordinance was passed amending the ex isting ordinance so that thereafter it was lawful for Council by reso lution to authorize in its discretion a division of land held in the city of Savannah under deeds commonly known as ground rent titles not withstanding the fact that the division asked for would cause a part or portion of said land to have a frontage of less than twenty feet on a public street or square.
The City continued its liberal policy toward the holders of this class of lots. On December 29, 1897, a resolution was adopted tRat in order to realize funds for opening streets in the extended limits all holders of ground rent lots held under fee simple conditional titles who would pay at any time within ninety days from the adoption of this resolution the balance of purchase money due on said lots and make their titles fee simple and absolute should be allowed a discount of 25 per cent., the money so obtained by the City to be used exclu sively for street opening purposes. This resulted in the City receiv ing $43,772.48 from parties taking advantage of the proposition.
A full report was made in 1898 giving the number of lots still paying ground rent, the value of the improvements thereon, the value of the lots, the balance of unpaid purchase money, and the rate of in terest. This report showed that the City had an asset in the ground rent lots amounting to $243,000. For this an offer of $250,000 cash was made by Northern capitalists, but after sorre discussion it was
declined by Council.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

473

Under the decision of the Supreme Court of Georgia in 1891 the

lot owners were compelled to pay the executions then outstanding against them for taxes on such property and taxes falling due since then have been paid as though no case were pending. The

case remained on the docket of the Superior Court, where it was

brought up for a final hearing, and after the introduction of the evidence for the plaintiffs the City Attorney made a motion to

dismiss the case, basing this motion upon the adjudication of the law point by the Supreme Court. The motion was sustained and the case went back to the Supreme Court of Georgia, which adhered to its

former ruling and affirmed this final decree in the City's favor. In accordance with their announced intentions the ground rent lot own

ers, who were averse to accepting as final the decision of the Supreme

Court of the State, have carried their case before the United States

Supreme Court, on the ground that the taxation of such lots is an impairment of a contract and a violation of that provision of the Con

stitution of the United States which prohibits the passage of a law impairing the obligations of a contract. The attorneys for the lot

holders insist that there is such a contract and that the ordinance

taxing the lots.is inconsistent with this contract. The contention of

the City is that no contract on this subject has been shown save that in the deed which provides that these lot holders "shall be subject to

the assessment and burdens of other lot holders in the city of Savan nah." Messrs. J. R. Saussy and Pope Barrow, attorneys for the lot

holders, claim that as this provision is not found in any ordinance it crept into the deed or conveyance without any authority whatever,

and possesses no legal force. In his report for 1900 City Attorney Adams stated that he did not anticipate any interference with the de

cision of the State courts. The case came up for a hearing at Wash

ington on April 9, 1901.

Since the question of the taxation of such lots was decided in

favor of the City by the Georgia courts the City has received from

the holders of such properties desiring to make their titles fee sim ple the following amounts in payment of balances of purchase money:

Year.

Balance Purchase Money Paid

1890........................................................ $ 88,709 40

1891......................................................... 23,721 55

1892 ........................................................ 1,531 oo

1893............................................ ............ 3,243 33

1894......................................................... 987 98

1895......................................................... 1,026 07

1896......................................................... 2,156 88

1897................................... ..................... 8,121 53

1898....................................... ................. 43,772 48

1899......................................................... I7,3H 20

1900 ....................... ................................ 4,681 47

Total......................................... $195,262 89

474

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

The revenue derived by the City from ground rents diminished from $31,143.98 in 1889 to $13,626.08 in 1900.
Another case involving a large amount of money and the con stitutionality of the street paving ordinance was that growing out of the paving of Liberty street with asphalt. Many of the owners of property located on this street refused to pay their portion of the cost of the paving and carried the matter into the courts for the pur pose of restraining and finally preventing the City from collecting the amounts due by them. A large number of illegality cases arose, con testing the validity of the executions of the City. In the first case called, in 1890, City Attorney Adams made a motion to dismiss the illegality upon the contention that none of the grounds set forth any legal defense. This motion was sustained and the judgment of dis missal was taken to the Supreme Court, where it was determined to ward the close of the year. "Although there was a technical reversal of the judgment of the court below," said the city attorney in his re port for the year, "yet all of the material legal questions were decided in the City's favor, and under the decision, as I understand it, the City has charged the property owners lets than it could lawfully have done." The validity of the City's improvement law was fully sus tained. The case then came up for trial before the Superior Court for trial under the facts, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the bills against the property owners on Liberty street were too large, in the light of the adjudication of the Supreme Court. The case of Mr. D. C. Bacon was tried and a verdict rendered in favor of the City for the full amount of the paving claim, A motion for a new trial was filed by Mr. Bacon's attorney. The evidence in the case, said the city attorney, showed clearly that the property owners were not charged a dollar in excess of what was due, but on the contrary the City might have made their bills larger. Contrary to the city attorney's expectations, the Supreme Court set aside the judgment of the Su perior Court in this case, on the ground that the Act of the Legisla ture and the paving ordinance did not seem to the Court to be in en tire accord. "I was under the impression," said the city attorney in his report, "that there was no substantial difference. The Act of the Legislature provides that the City should be considered as a prop erty owner with reference to intersecting streets and the ordinance directed that the cost of the work for the intersecting streets should be deducted before any amount was pro-rated among the property owners. This exclusion resulted in the City paying for these inter secting streets. In the trial before the jury in the Superior Court the City showed that an assessment under the Act and under the ordi nance would result in the same amount exactly for each property owner as to any street in Savannah except Liberty street, and that an assessment under the ordinance made the bills of the property

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

475

owners smaller, as to this street, by reason of the grass plats. Thistestimony was undisputed." The city attorney in his report for 1892 expressed the belief that every dollar of the claims of the City would eventually be collected in full. The constitutionality of the legislation having been fully sustained an assessment could be made in compli ance with every suggestion of the Supreme Court and he believed this assessment would stand. A re-assessment was made in accordance with the decision of the Supreme Court and under it the amounts chargeable to the property owners were increased. The last decision was carefully followed and the city attorney in his report for 1893 saw no reason why the executions should not be collected in full, with 7 per cent, interest. In view of the provision as to interest the delay was not as objectionable to the City as it had heretofore been.
There were originally 104 claims by the City against parties on Liberty street. All had been settled by January I, 1894, except thirtyfour. These cases were assigned for trial January 27, 1896. Two of the cases were tried in 1896 and resulted in judgments for the City tothe full amount with interest and costs. The property owners were still endeavoring to get rid of these adjudications but the city attor ney was convinced that the amounts claimed by the City would have to be paid with interest and costs. He believed that the Supreme Court intended that its last decision should finally dispose of this liti gation. While the litigation had been protracted, yet in its essential and controlling results the decision of the Supreme Court had been,, in the main, favorable to the City. In these cases the constitutional ity of the Act of 1887 and of like legislation had been vigorously as sailed upon various grounds, which, if sustained, would have deprived the City of making such street improvements unless the entire ex^ pense was paid out of the city treasury. The sustaining of the valid ity of the legislation permitted the City to do a great deal of im provement which would probably not have been done had the law been set aside.
Mr. Bacon's appeal was set for a hearing at the March term, 1898, and resulted again in favor of the City, and the litigation which had run over eight years was finally concluded and the bulk of the money due paid to the City with interest.
The last judgment was sustained by the Supreme Court and all Ihe Liberty street executions have been collected in full except one,, which is involved in other litigation.
The total cost of paving Liberty street appears from the Treas urer's report to have been $71,926.76. The City received from the street car company and property owners $44,770.44. as follows: 1889, $18,143.88; 1890, $3,709.44; 1891, $2,961.29; 1892, $165.79; 1893, $7,710.25; 1895, $448.95; 1896, $180.01; 1898, $9,149.28; 1899, $2,301.55.

476

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

In another case, that of Thomas Mulligan vs. The City, in 1895, the question of the City's liability for property destroyed to prevent the spread of a contagious disease (scarlet fever, in this instance; was carried to the Supreme Court of Georgia and decided in favor of the City, the decisions in the Justice's Court and the Superior Court having been against the City. The Court held that "the evidence showed conclusively that the property destroyed was in fact a nuis ance, endangering the public health, having been used as bedding by a person who had scarlet fever, a highly contagious disease, and the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, under its charter, had ample authority to abate the nuisance, and that consequently the de struction of the property was lawful and the owner was not entitled to recover its value from the City." In this decision the Court also held that "in cases of emergency, the municipal authorities, if author ized by their charter to abate a nuisance, are not bound before or dering the destruction of property as a nuisance, to wait until the fact the property is a nuisance is judicially determined. In such cases the destruction may be ordered without a preliminary condemnation. Unless, however, the property is first condemned as a nuisance by ap propriate proceedings, its destruction will be at the peril of the munic ipal authorities, and when sued for its value, the burden is upon them of showing that it was in fact a nuisance, and that its destruction was really necessary to the public health and safety/'" This decision has saved the City from a large number of such claims. While not liable for damages the City has made it a rule to grant some compensation to poor persons suffering losses in this way.
In the same year (1895) the right of the City to condemn .rights of way across the tracks of the Savannah, Florida & Western Rail way Company for street purposes, was heard in the Supreme Court, to which it had been carried by the railroad company, and where the decision of the court below in favor of the City was reversed upon the ground that so much of the charter of the City of Savannah as pro vided for condemnation was void, because it did not in terms provide for notice to the property owners of the award after the same had been filed. This decision made all the proceedings taken under the charter null and void. At the next session of the Legislature a spe cial Act was passed remedying the defect, and "the City now has full power of condemnation under an Act which seems to be free from the objections suggested by the Supreme Court and from any other constitutional objections. The portion of the charter which had been the law had been acted upon certainly since January I, 1863, when the first Code of Georgia went into operation, but, under the decision it had always been void and inoperative."
Litigation with the Georgia State Building & Loan Asociation involved the constitutionality of an Act of the Legislature of Georgia

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

477

which undertook to exempt from all municipal taxation, save only a business tax, "all building and loan associations or other associa tions of like character." The City issued executions which were not sustainable under this law, and, to a petition for an injunction to pre vent the enforcement of the executions, the City's reply was that this law was unconstitutional and void. This reply was sustained by the Judge of the Superior Court, and, on appeal, by the Supreme' Court of the State, thus finally settling this important litigation in the City's
favor. Litigation with the Savannah, Thunderbolt & Isle of Hope Rail
way Company arose because of the passage by the City of an ordi nance to require not only a car tax at the rate of twenty-five dollars a car, but, in addition, a specific tax based on the mileage at the rate of one hundred dollars a mile for all the tracks in the city of Savannah used by the Railroad Company. The company filed a petition for an injunction, taking the position that the City could not charge it a bus iness or specific!.tax of any character, but the City's right to do this was sustained by the Judge of the Superior Court, and, on appeal, by the Supreme Court of the State. A case is now pending with the same Railroad Company involving the right of the taxation of its property in Collinsville before the passage of the Act of 1899.

CHAPTER XV.
GRANTS PROM THE CITY FOR RELIGIOUS AND OTHER PURPOSES.
(In preceding chapters references will be found to grants of lots for religious, educational and other public purposes. These are pre sented herewith, together with other grants made at later dates. Ev ery effort has been made to give a complete list, but some difficulty has been experienced in this owing to the fact that occasionally a petition would be reported on favorably by a committee of Council and no further reference appear to the passage of an ordinance or to a title being executed.)
An ordinance of September 28, 1790, providing for the laying off of certain parts of the commons, reserved and vested forever four lots in the church wardens and vestry of the Episcopal Church called

478

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Christ Church; three lots in the trustees of the Presbyterian Meet

ing House; two lots in the trustees and wardens of the German Luth

eran Church; one lot in the Hebrew Congregation; eight lots in the

trustees of the Academy for the County of Chatham; two lots in the

Commissioners of the Hospital.

By an ordinance of January 12, 1791, these lots were specified as

follows:

Episcopal Church, lots Nos. 25, 26, 27 and 28 Washington square,

fronting on Congress street;

German Lutheran Church, lots Nos. 39 and 40 Warren square,

fronting Broughton street;

Presbyterian Church, lots Nos. 26, 27 and 28 Warren ward;

Baptist Society, lot No. 29, Washington square, fronting Duke

street, subsequently exchanged for lot No. 19, Franklin square.

Academy, lots Nos. 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 Warren square,

the first four fronting on Duke street and the last four on Broughton

street;

Hospital, lots Nos. 33 and 34 Washington square, fronting

Broughton street, subsequently sold to S. C. Dunning.

The Hebrew Congregation was given a lot of the value of seventy

pounds in the east common, but offered to relinquish this and pay the

difference in value for a lot on Franklin square, on the west common.

This was accepted, the difference being put at eighty pounds due and

lot No. 23 Franklin square was given to it. By ordinance of August

4> I795 the congregation was relieved from the payment of the inter

est annually (4 per cent.) on the remaining eighty pounds due and the

lot was declared to be absolutely vested in the Hebrew congregation

for the erection of a house of worship.

The same ordinance transferred lot No. 19 Franklin square to the

trustees of the Calvanistic Baptist Society (Ebenezer Hills, John

Hamilton, Thomas Harrison, John H. Roberts. John Millen, Thomas

Polhill, Samuel G. Sargeant) in exchange for lot No. 29 Washington

square.

By ordinance of May 30, 1799, providing for laying off other parts

of the commons, one lot was ordered reserved for the Roman Cath

olic Church "about to be established in this city," two lots for the

Presbyterian congregation, one lot for the Methodist congregation,

one lot for the Episcopal congregation, one lot for the German Luth

eran congregation.

Lot. No. 19 Liberty square was accordingly appropriated for the

use of the Roman Catholic Church; lots Nos. 17 and 18 Columbia

square for the Presbyterian, lot No. 19 Columbia square for the

Methodist, lot No. 26 Columbia square for the Episcopal, lot No. 27

f

Columbia square for the German Lutheran:

5.

0n May 30, 1799, lots No. 26 Columbia ward and Nos. 4 and 5

i

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

479

Jackson ward were granted Christ Church in exchange for 150 feet by 90 feet on Wright's square claimed by the church under grant of the Colony in 1763.
On August 10, 1801, the Baptist Church was granted as an addi tional lot lot No. 20 Franklin ward.
In November, 1802, a lot 220 by 300 feet was ordered granted to the trustees of the Chatham Academy.
On August 3, 1807, lot No. 13, Greene ward, was deeded to the Female Asylum at a rent of one cent per annum. In 1839 permission was given to sell the lot and apply the proceeds in building a new structure on other lots granted by the City.
On June II, 1810, lot No. 40 Columbia ward was granted the Methodist Church in exchange for its claim to lot 19 Columbia ward (donated in. 1799), the title then being in dispute.
On October 19, 1807, three-qcarters of lot E was leased for ten years to the Chatham Artillery for laboratory, gunhouse and other purposes, at $1.00 a year. On December 2, 1816, the lease was re newed for twenty-one years. On its expiration it was again renewed. The lease expiring February 20, 1845, it was granted in fee simple. On June 29, 1854, the property was exempted from taxation as long as used for military purposes.
On April 30, 1810, a block of five lots, Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 Brown ward, were granted the Chatham Academy and Union Society, being bounded by South Broad, Drayton and Bull streets and the lane to the south, 300 by 90 feet in area, on which to erect a build ing for educational purposes. The trustees in exchange relinquished their title to land on the south commons granted on June 13, 1803, as a site for an academy. On June 5, 1812, a lease for fifty years was granted the Union Society and trustees of Chatham Academy on five lots, Nos. 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 Brown ward, including the intermediate lane, for extending the limits of the Academy yard. On March 22, 1813, they were allowed to extend the northern boundary 25 feet.
On July 15, 1816, lots Nos. 29 and 30 Brown ward, Chippewa square, were granted as a site for a theatre in place of lots Nos. 27 and 28 granted for this purpose a short time previously.
On May 20, 1816, lot No. 5, Brown ward, was granted the Inde pendent Presbyterian church.
On May 20, 1816, lot No. 19, Greene ward, which had been granted to the Second Colored Baptist church, was relieved from any City assessment or ground rent.
On June 17, 1816, lots Nos. 47 and 48 Brown ward were vested in the wardens and vestry of Christ church, the condition being that they should build on them in four years. It was not found possible to comply with this provision and on May n, 1820, these lots were vested in the Church in fee simple and placed at its entire disposal.

4&>

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

On May 3, 1819, the Commissioners of the Poor House and Hos

pital were given permission to convey lot 23 occupied by it to be ap

plied as so much reimbursed on account of the hospital then building.

On August 23,1819, lot No. 55, south commons, Brown ward, was

granted to the Hebrew congregation as a site for a synagogue. On

March 27, 1820, this was exchanged for lot No. 64 Brown ward, and

by ordinance of March 12, 1829, this lot was vested in Moses Shef-

tall, Abraham DeLyon, Isaac Cohen, David L,eon, Jacob De La-

Motta, Sheftall Sheftall and Levi Hart, and their successors, for the

Hebrew congregation.

|

On May 4, 1818, lot No. 39, Brown ward, on a corner of Whitaker

street, was granted to the Savannah Free School. On May 17, 1819,.

a committee of Council reported that any buildings erected on this

lot could be removed by the owners if the institution failed in its

objects.

On December 6, 1819, lot No. 57, Brown ward, was granted the

Baptist congregation.

By ordinance of June 5, 1820, the trustees of the Methodist

Church were authorized to sell lot No. 40, Brown ward, and appro

priate the proceeds in such way as they might think proper. This lot

had been granted by ordinance of February 22, 1819.

On February 22, 1819, lots Nos. 33 and 34, Brown ward, were

granted to the Roman Catholic Church. By ordinance of June 27,

1822, these lots were vested in the Church in fee simple. Prior to this

(April 25, 1819) permission had been given to sell lot No. 19, Liberty

square, and use proceeds in new building.

!

By ordinance of February 12, 1829, lots Nos. 27 and 28. Brown

\

ward, were vested in the deacons of the Baptist Church (John Shick,.

'

Horace Blair, Thomas Tupper and their successors) in fee simple,

r

provided a place of worship be erected within five years.

1

By ordinance of March 25, 1829, a conveyance was directed made

;

in fee simple to the State of Georgia of the western half of trust lot

;

letter G, Percival ward, fronting on Whitaker street, north by Presi-

'

dent and south by York, for the purpose of building an arsenal of

I

brick or stone thereon. The General Assembly at its last session had



. passed an Act providing for the building of such an arsenal in Sa-

'>

vannah.

'

By ordinance of June 30, 1831, lots Nos. 35 and 36, Brown ward,

were vested in fee simple in John Davidson, Jeremiah Stone, L,. Bald-

i

win, Edward Padelford and Samuel Phrlbrick, trustees of the Uni

tarian Society, and their successors, for the erection of a place of

worship thereon within five years. On March 7, 1833, they were al

lowed to designate two other lots belonging to the City in exchange



for these lots, and if suitable lots were not found then the City agreed

to purchase the lots previously granted by it, the funds so obtained to-

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

481

be used in the purchase of suitable lots for a church building. By ordinance of April 18, 1833, they were authorized to sell lots 35 and 36 and use the proceeds in the purchase of a lot, subject to the con ditions of the original grant.
On August 25, 1831, permission was given to erect a church on lot No. n, Yamacraw, for the First African Church.
On October 4, 1832, lots Nos. 37 and 38, Brown ward, were granted to the Savannah Academy for school purposes on condition that a building be erected within two years.
On April 19, 1832, the two lots east of the old cemetery, each <x> by 90 feet, were vested in Eliza Mackay, Elizabeth Lloyd and Mary E. Demere, in trust, for the erection of a building thereon for widow sr affording them a place of refuge and habitation.
On June 26, 1834, lots Nos. 37 and 38, Brown ward, were vested in George G. Faries, William King and William Crabtree, Jr., and their successors, for the First Presbyterian Church, and they were empowered to dispose of the same, the proceeds to be applied to the uses of the Church.
On December n, 1834, lot No. 48, Jackson ward, at Liberty and Jefferson streets, was vested in Samuel J. Bryan, Francis M. Stone,. L/aban Wright, Benjamin Snider, John B. Davis, Nathaniel 31/ewisr Murray Reed and William Quantock, in trust for the Methodist Episcopal Church in Savannah (not yet incorporated by the General Assembly) with permission to sell or lease for the benefit of the said Church. Council declined to grant these petitioners a lot south of Liberty street, as that section was not yet definitely laid out.
On November 24, 1836, an ordinance was passed granting to the Central Railroad and Banking Company for the erection thereon of a depot, shops,, etc., five acres of land to be selected by it within the bounds of West Broad street, Masgrove creek, Augusta Road, and Oak street, and a line extended west from its western termination,, with the low lands adjoining and the right of way through City lands from thence to the Musgrove creek. On January 30, 1840, another ordinance granted to the Central Railroad and Banking Company all the part of the public lot of land known as the Spring Hill lot, which lay between Oak street, after it was widened to 60 feet and extended to the canal, and the land heretofore granted to the company, and be tween land heretofore granted to the company, and West Boundary
street. On February 23, 1839, lots Nos. 32 and 33, Jasper ward, on the
east side of Bull street continued, were granted to the Savannah Fe male Asylum for the erection thereon of a substantial building for the use and accommodation of the female orphan children under the
charge of the directresses.

m
N
* ij*
\*
JPi

I

482

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

On August n, 1842, lots Nos. 25 and 26, Lafayette ward, each 60 T>y 100 feet, at Liberty and Abercorn streets, were granted and vested in the vestry of the Church of St. John the Baptist, for the use of an institution to be established styled "A branch of the Sisters of Char ity or Mercy," provided said building of brick or other durable ma terial be erected within three years.
On July 25, 1844, lot No. 10, Crawford ward, was granted to F. M. Stone, Laban Wright, Asa Holt, Benjamin Snider, Emanuel Sheftall, Emanuel Heidt, James Porcher, Mordecai Sheftall, Jr., and William Quantock, trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Savannah, on which to erect a house of religious worship for their <olored members, with full power to sell the lot and apply the pro ceeds in purchase of another lot or otherwise.
On September 19,1844, lot No. 32, Pulaski ward, at Whitaker and Jones streets, was granted to and vested in the wardens and vestry of St. John's Episcopal Church, in fee simple, with full power to sell -or otherwise dispose of the same for the benefit of the Church.
On November 28, 1844, the Georgia Historical Society was granted lot No. 73 Liberty street, in Lafayette ward, and it was ex empted from ground rent. By ordinance of August 6, 1846, it was allowed to exchange this for another lot. By ordinance of July 22, 1847, lot No. 73, Lafayette ward, was granted to and vested in the historical Society in fee simple absolute. By ordinance of August 19, 1847, the word Crawford was substituted for Lafayette in the pre vious ordinance. By ordinance of June 2, 1854, the lot and building thereon of the Georgia Historical Society (lot No. 9, Derby ward), were relieved from taxation.
On November 28, 1848, lot No. 45, Crawford ward, Perry and Price streets, was granted to Abraham Harm on, Thomas Do well and -George W. Davis, deacons of the Second Baptist Church, with full power to sell and reinvest the funds for the Church.
On September 23, 1852, the Savannah Free School Society was authorized to sell lot No. 39 Brown ward (granted May 4, 1818) and purchase another lot, said lot likewise to be exempt from taxation
and subject to conditions of former grant. On September 8, 1853, lots Nos. 13 and 14, Wesley ward, upon
-which the Savannah Medical College building was erected, were re lieved from ground rent as long as used as a site for a medical
-college. St. John's Church having bought lot No. 26 Calhoun ward, for a
free church, the City on March 9, 1854, remitted the ground rent, the lot to be used as a site for an edifice to be dedicated to free worship
-forever. On October 30, 1856, the City granted 20 feet square at East
Broad and Perry streets to the United States government for light-
"house purposes.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

483

On December 29, 1856, the German Lutheran Church was granted trust lot No. 30, Calhoun ward, in exchange for lot No. 28, lot No. 30 being more suitable for a church building. Lot No. 30 was also relieved from ground rent.
On March 5, 1857, trust lots Nos. 23 and 24 Monterey ward, oc cupied by the First Presbyterian Church, were exempted from ground rent as long as used for public worship.
On October 29, 1857, lot No. 69 Brown ward, was exempted from ground rent to be used for educational purposes by the Roman Cath olic Church.
On January 7, 1858, lot No. 10, Cravsrford ward, east, was granted for a colored Methodist Church. On May 12, 1859, exchanged for lot No. 4 Charlton ward, with power to sell and apply proceeds for the Church.
On April i, 1858, lot No. 31 Jasper ward, was relieved from ground rent as long as used for charitable purposes by the Female Asylum. On September 30, 1891, made fee simple title.
On March 31, 1859, an ordinance vested in the Savannah Volun teer Guards a fee simple.title to the western halves of lots Nos. 27 and 28 Forsyth ward, with full power to sell.
On April 14, 1859, an ordinance vested in the Republican Blues fee simple title to eastern halves of lots Nos. 27 and 28 Forsyth ward, with full power to sell.
On August 18, 1859, lots Nos. 20 and 21 Brown ward, corner Bull and Hull streets, were granted to the Union Society for educa tional purposes; if ever cease to be used for this purpose to revert to the City. This was a renewal of the old lease.
On December 22, 1859, lots Nos. 17, 18 and 19 Brown ward, and such portion of adjacent lanes then enclosed, were granted to the trustees of the Chatham Academy for as long as used for educa tional purposes, provided five City scholars, to be taken from the Massie school, be educated free.
On March 29, 1860, lot No. 18 Troup ward was relieved of ground rent to be used as a site for a place of worship for St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, colored.
On December 5, 1860, the eastern half of lot No. 27 Franklin ward, was granted to the German Fire Company, provided it erected thereon an engine house costing not less than $3,000.
On May 8, 1861, a piece of land in Crawford ward, in the rear of the police barracks, was granted to the Savannah Artillery for mili tary purposes, to be enclosed with a brick fence and to revert to the City when not used for military purposes.
On September 25, 1861, a lot on Gordon street, east of Massie school, was granted to the directresses of the Orphan Home of the Protestant Episcopal Church in place of a lot south of the hospital

484

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

and east of Forsyth place which was not considered healthful and

was returned to the City. This lot had been granted by the City in

exchange for a lot on the new parade ground which had been surren

dered to the City.

On December 18, 1861, the Union Society was granted as an en

dowment fund the balance of the purchase money due on nineteen

Springfield lots, said balance being payable in fifteen years, together

with the accrued interest, with the proviso that after the war the in

terest annually accruing together with the principal when paid should

be appropriated only to the increase of the funded means of the So

ciety.

On August 12, 1863, the Union Society was granted fee simple

titles to lots Nos. 6, 7, 20 and 21 Brown ward and the use of the en

closed portion of the adjoining lane, for the education of youth, with

full authority to sell and dispose of the same, the City reserving the

right to reopen the lane and the proceeds of any sale to be reinvested

<

as a part of the Society's permanent fund. On April 4, 1866, lot No. 27 Calhoun ward was exempted from

ground rent as long as used by the Methodist Episcopal Church.

On June 14, 1866, the ground rent on lot No. 36 Franklin ward,

occupied by the Congregation of B'nai Brith, was remitted.

On June 26, 1856, lot No. 36 Forsyth ward, was granted to the

Episcopal Orphanage. On March 6, 1867, lot No. 36 Calhoun ward,

was granted in exchange for lot No. 36 Forsyth ward, and on July

10, 1867, permission was given to sell this and invest the proceeds in

another lot recently purchased.

On July 10, 1867, Mickva Israel Congregation was granted per

mission to sell lot No. 64 Brown ward and reinvest the funds in a

better situated lot.

On December 30, 1867, the Savannah Widow's Society was au

thorized to sell lots Nos. I and 2, at the sortheast corner of South

Broad and Habersham streets, Crawford ward, the money to be in

vested in securities for the benefit of the institution.

On August 5, 1868, the Baptist Church was relieved from the pay

ment of ground rent on lot No. 19, Lloyd ward, as long as used for

religious purposes.

On August 19, 1868, titles to the eastern halves of lots Nos. 27

and 28 Forsyth ward were made fee simple in the Republican Blues,

with full power to sell.

On April 14, 1869, lot No. 60 Forsyth ward, was granted to Mrs.

John Cass, Mrs. Mary E. Gue, Miss Emily G. Gaudry and their asso

ciates, for a male Catholic white orphan asylum, under the control of

the Sisters of St. Joseph, and to revert to the City if otherwise used.

On June 23, 1869, lot No. 48 Crawford ward, was granted to the

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

485

Bethlehem Baptist Church, with full power to sell and reinvest in an other lot for the same purpose.
On August 4, 1869, certain lands on Hutchinson's island, 600 feet long, were granted to Michael P. Usina and Marion Jones for twen ty-five years on the payment of $i annually, with the condition that they place thereon a dock, fully equipped with the latest appliances for the repair of vessels, etc. Usina & Jones failed to gi/e the guar anty and security required by this ordinance and on May I, 1878, the land in question was granted by Council to John R. Wilder and Jos eph J. Wilder, trading as Wilder & Co., for a term of twenty-five years from March I, 1878, on the payment annually to the City of $i and the giving of good security that they would within six months construct a properly equipped dry dock capable of holding the largest vessels coming to Savannah, and that the charges for docking and re pairs should not exceed those current at Charleston and Wilmington. At the expiration of the twenty-five years the grant to be re newed upon terms and conditions to be agreed on by the City and Wilder & Co., or their representatives or assigns. In 1898 the Geor gia and Alabama Terminal Company purchased the dry dock and concessions in question and the City subsequently sold and trans ferred to this company its title to the land.
On August 4, 1869, lots Nos. 49 and 52 Forsyth ward were grant ed to Mrs. George W. Wylly, Mrs. P. M. Kollock, Mrs. L. J. Rosenfeld, Mrs. Thomas Purse, Mrs. R. Mclntire, Mrs. Luke Canon and Mrs. Alex. Campbell and their successors, as a site for the Refuge for the Homeless, to be erected within five years. On September 14, 1870, the sale of these lots was authorized, the proceeds to be in vested in other lots.
On August 18, 1869, lot No. 32 Charlton ward was granted to the wardens and vestry of St. John's Episcopal Church, in trust for the St. John's Aid Society, for the purpose of erecting thereon a Church, sittings in which should be forever free.
In October, 1869, the money received for lot No. 19, Lloyd ward, bought by the Savannah Baptist Church for mission purposes, was ordered refunded and the lot put on the same footing as other church lots.
On November 24, 1869, lot No. 20 Lloyd ward, Barnard and Bolton streets, was granted the Independent Presbyterian Church for re ligious purposes.
On January 5, 1870, lot No. 7, Crawford ward east, was donated the First Congregational Church, colored.
On December 21, 1870, ground rent was remitted for the lot of the Independent Presbyterian Church and it was relieved from all fu ture ground rent.

486

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

On May 27, 1871, lots Nos. 13 and 14, Crawford ward, were

granted to the Georgia Infirmary.

On July 19, 1871, the west one-half of lot No. 7, Jasper ward,

purchased for a Roman Catholic Episcopal residence, was relieved

of ground rent and taxation.

On November 8, 1871, lot No. 23, Jackson ward and improve

ments, was exempted from ground, rent and taxation as long as used

for ecclesiastical purposes by Trinity M. E. Church.

[

In January, 1872, the sale by the trustees of Wesley Chapel of lot

No. 40, Columbia ward, was ratified by Council, the proceeds having

been used in the purchase of lots Nos. 27 and 28 Calhoun ward.

On March 13, 1872, lot No. 61 Forsyth ward, used by the Orphan

Asylum, was relieved from ground rent.

On August 14, 1872, lots Nos. 21 and 22 Franklin ward, were ex

empted from ground rent as long as used by the Savannah Port So

ciety as a site for a sailors' home and chapel.

On August 26, 1874, ground rent was remitted on lots Nos. 25

and 26 Monterey ward, on which Mickva Israel synagogue was to be

erected.

On November 4, 1874, seven acres of Hutchinson island, with a

jj

river front of 350 feet and a depth of 375 feet, was authorized sold to

Usina & Jones, owner of dry dock, for $2,000 on certain conditions

as to the maintenance of docking facilities for the port.

On December 17, 1878, Bishop Gross and the Carmelite Nuns

were given permission to close up lane in Lloyd ward under condi

tions of an Act of the Legislature passed in relation thereto Decem

ber 17. They had bought eight Iqts, Nos. 55, 56, 65, 66, 67, 68, 77 and

78 Lloyd ward and the lane lay between them.

On September 3, 1879, permission was given to the Roman Cath

olic Bishop and the Sisters of Mercy to close up Liberty street lane

between Abercorn and Lincoln streets, under a recent Act of the

Legislature.

On July 4, 1883, Council agreed to sign a deed of release and quit

iClaim of all right of reversion or revesting in the western one-half of

lot G, Percival ward, if the State would likewise convey its interest

to the Savannah Volunteer Guards, this lot having been conveyed by

the State to the Mayor and Aldermen April 9, 1829, as a site for an

arsenal, the Guards agreeing to improve the property thereon for this

purpose.

On June 18, 1884, under a resolution lots Nos. 60 and 61 Forsyth

ward were ordered sold to the First Regiment at a nominal price.

On March n, 1885, a deed in fee simple was ordered made to the

deacons of the Baptist Church in Savannah of lot No. 19 Lloyd ward,

said lot having been "dedicated to the said Church by the action of

Council in returning the purchase money for said lot to said Church."

Ii

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

487

On February 16, 1886, fee simple titles were granted the Union Society for lots Nos. 6, 7, 20 and 21 Brown ward, granted in 1863, the proceeds of any sale to be securely invested as part of the Society's permanent fund.
On June i, 1887, a fee simple title was granted by Council to the wardens and vestry of St. John's Church, in trust, for lot No. 32, Charlton ward (granted August 18, 1869), the lot to be sold and the proceeds to be applied in the purchase of lot No. 31 Gallic ward, to be dedicated to the same purposes as the lot originally granted.
On October 3, 1888, the City granted the county eight feet from the south side of President street, between Bull and Drayton streets, to be added to lot H, Percival ward, on which it was proposed to erect a court house. On February 6, 1889, an ordinance was passed allowing the new court house to extend westward beyond the line of lot on which it was to be built 2 feet 6 inches for the southern 48 feet 6 inches of its western wall, and 6 feet 6 incher for the northern 20 feet of its western wall.
On May 15, 1889, an ordinance was passed granting the Savannah Volunteer Guards eight feet from the south side of President street, between Whitaker and Wright square. An Act of the General As sembly was approved October 26, 1889, to permit the Guards to sell the western half of lot G, Percival ward. The City Council approved this on November 29, the funds arising from the sale to be reinvested in another lot and building for armory purposes. On July 22, 1891, a quit claim deed was ordered made to the Guards to the eastern portion of the eastern half of lot letter G, Percival -ward.
On February 19, 1890, an ordinance was passed giving the Savan nah Female Asylum permission to sell lots Nos. 32 and 33, Jasper ward, granted under ordinance of February 23, 1839, the proceeds to be devoted to the uses of the Asylum.
In January 20, 1892, nine feet of ground on Bull street, was granted to the Savannah Theatre Company for the purpose of en abling it to remodel the building. The Legislature approved this. (See Act December 15, 1892). When the building ceases to be used for theatrical purposes the nine feet referred to reverts to the City.
On October 21, 1896, an ordinance was passed granting Wesley M. E. Church 10 feet to be taken from the west side of Abercorn street, increasing the depth of trust lot No. 27 Calhoun ward.
On January 18, 1897, an ordinance was passed providing that the old artesian well lot at Cuyler and New Houston streets, sub-division B, lot No. 5, Marshall ward, should be sold to the First Batallion of Infantry, Georgia Volunteers, colored, for $1.00.
(For recent sales of City land to railroad corporations see pre ceding chapter.)

488

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

CHAPTER XVI.
6 LISTS OP CITY OFFICERS, UNITED STATES CENSUS,
ETC.
Lists of those who have held the various City offices are pre sented herewith, together with the United States Census for Savan nah and Georgia and other information of interest:
Chief* of the Fire Department.
For a number of years the engines and other apparatus of the fire department were under the control of fire masters, selected an nually by Council. This continued until 1814, when Council made a change and appointed a director, with two managers for each engine in actual sen-ice. Francis Roma served ?.s director for several years, Council then confining itself to selecting managers.
From the minutes of Council the following lists of fire masters were obtained:
1800-01, Richard Wayne, Jr., Joseph Miller, Ulric Tobler, Chris topher Gugel. James Dickson, Benjamin Ansley, William Belcher, John E. Hartridge, William Blogg.
1801-02. Thomas Young, John Love, Robert Mackay, Levi Sheftallr Edward Stebbins. William Holzendorf, Matthew Johnston, Wil liam Xorris. William Warrington, Joseph Arnold, Thomas F. Flytning.
1802-03. Elias Robert, William H. Mathers, Thomas Rice. Thom as Decheneaux, Edward Griffith, John Long, John Bolton, Richard M. Stiles. Ebenezer Hills, Thomas Smith, John Gromet, Nichol Germain.
1803-04, Ebenezer Stark, Christian Gugel, James Marshall, Thom as Decheneaux, Thomas Hogg, George W. Nichols, John Bacon, James Shaffer, Thomas Young, Jr., Frederick Shaffer, John Lawson, Jacob Harstene.
1804-05, Lewis Cope, Samuel Simons, James Cleland, Isaac Minis, George Anderson, Benjamin Ansley, Joseph Machin, William B. Bulloch, Thomas Beggs, Isham Malone, William Taylor, Philip D. Woolhopter.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

489

1805-06, John E. Hartridge, Norman McLeod, Abraham Woodsides. Levi Sheftall, George Enoe, Nicholas Turnbull, John Shellman. Silas Richards, Edmund Bacon. George Myers, Daniel Gugel, Randsom Stone,
1806-07, Jonathan Cline, William N. Harman, George Scott. John Eppinger, William Willson, Regnal N. Groves. Abraham Richards, Samuel Howard. J. A. Scott. Thomas F. Williams, Thomas Schley, Peter Wiley, Peter N. Brinsmade. George Myers.
1807-08, Adam Cope. Samuel BarnetL George Glen. John HDuebell, Gurdon J. Seymour. Josiah Smith, Richard F. Williams, Alexander S. Roe, Francis H. Wellman, William B. Barnes. Joseph H. Clark, John Waters.
1808-09, F. Triebner, T. W. Rodman, J. N. Brailsford, John Anderson, Calvin Baker, F. T. Flyming, Moses SheftalL A. Pemberton, Dr. Harral, Lewis Cooper. Thomas Young. Jr., Morris Miller.
1809-10, William B. Barnes, Alex. Hunter, William Woodbridge, John Bacon, James Beggs, Gardner Tufts, Fred Densler, J. E. White, Isaac Minis, J. J. Evans, B. McKinne, L. Cope, Joseph Pindar.
1810-11, David Taylor, I. Davenport, Benjamin Wall, G. Miilen, John Lawson, Alfred Cuthbert. Samuel Williams. William Gaston, Frederick Herb, Thomas Jones, Jacob Hersbman.
1811-12, C. F. Treebner, G. Myers. T. V. Gray, Henry Harford, L. Miller. Joel Bridge, John Ralston. J. Blanchard. George Shick. Jonathan Cline, Morris Miller, Robert Mackay.
1812-13. William Davies, A. S- Bulloch. George Ackerrnan. Thom as Xewell. Petit de Villers. Gardner Tufts. G. S. Bunch, S. Barnett. James C. Morris. Andrew Knox. Thomas Young, Daniel Remslifcrt, Robert Xewell, David Williford.
1813-14, Petit de Villers, Andrew Knox, George Atkinson, George Myers, A. Hunter, Emannel Wimbersee, Ephraim 'Brown, Benjamin Sheftall, Thomas Decheneaux, A. Cope. X. Bayard. Wil liam Starr. Josiah Penfield.
Under an Act of the Legislature in 1824 a fire coinpsjiy of twen ty-one members -was provided for. and on February 3, 1825, the com pany was selected by Council. From this grew by degrees the pres ent fire department. The head officers Lave been as follows:
1825, Robert CampbelL 1826-34, Samuel B. Philbrick.
1835-46. George A. Ash, resigned June u. 1846-48, Thomas Purse, resigned April 7. 1848-51, Joseph L. Fay. 1852-53, A. X. Miller, resigned Xovember 17. 1853-54- Thomas Purse, 1855. Daniel H. Stewart. 1856-60, Montgomery Gumming.

490

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

1861, Francis Blair. 1862-64, Wallace Gumming. 1865-67, Christopher C. Casey. 1868. J. F. Waring. 1869. Charles Gordon. 1870-72, Joseph A. Roberts. 1873, William Swoll. 1874-75. Philip M. Russell, to June 2. 1875-81, Francis Blair. 1882-84, Osceola Butler, resigned in November. 1884-88, Adolph Fernandez. 1889-95, William B. Puder. 1896-99, John E. Maguire. iSo9, Michael Hanley, from January n to January 30. 1899-1901, John E. Maguire, re-elected January 12, 1901, for two years.
Chiefs of the Police Department.
The police department was organized as a city watch in Decemb.er, 1806. Prior to this there had been a militia patrol or guard, in stituted in 1796 under Captain Edward White, with Jabez Beeman and William Child as sergeants, with 21 guardsmen. This patrol was only for nights. Adjutant L,yon was placed in charge in 1800-01, and Green R. Duke was in charge in 1801-04, the captains then assuming control. The superintendents of the watch, when it was established, were chosen by Council and were as follows:
1806-07, James Clark. 1807-12, Peter Shick. 1812-13, William Maxwell, resigned in April. 1813-15, James Clark. 1816-29, Peter Shick. 1830-36, A. Harmon. 1836-43, Frederick E. Tebeau, resigned November 16. "" 1843-48, John F. Tucker. 1849-51, Mordecai Sheftall, Jr. 1852, William W. Oates. 1853-54, Edward M. Prendergast. The deputy superintendents during this period were as follows: 1806-07, John Pettibone. 1808-11, James Claik. 1812. Isaac Russell. 1813. John P. Oates. 1816-19, James Clark, died in April. 1819-22, Isaac Russell.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

491

1823-28, Abram Harmon.

1829-30, L. Petty, resigned in October.

1830-36, Frederick E. Tebeau.

1837-40, Thomas H. Williams, died in June.

1840-41, J. Barthelmess.

1842. August Bolineau.

1843. Mordecai Sheftall, Jr.

1844-48, August Bolineau.

1849-50, Henry G. Oliver, resigned November 6.

1851. Waring Russell.

1852. Mordecai S. DeLyon.

1853-54, William F. Shearer.' On June 22, 1854, a city police force was established, the head

officers of which, known as captains, were as follows:

1854-56, Joseph Bryan, resigned December 8.

r 1856-58, John P. W. Read, resigned December I.

1858-59, L. L. Goodwin.

On January 5, 1860, an ordinance was passed reorganizing the

police department. Under this the title of the head of the depart

ment was changed to chief of police, the incumbents since then being:

1860-63, I*. I*. Goodwin.

1863, Alexander F. Bennett.

1865-88, Robert H. Anderson, died February 8.

1888-94, John Green.

1895-98, Frank McDermott.

1899-1901, Thomas Screven, resigned March *2.

.

1901, Owen F. Reilly, elected April 3 to fill unexpired term

ending January, 1903.

Those who have been second in command since the war have

been as follows:

1864-72, Lieut. William Wray, who acted as Chief of Detectives,

and Lieut. Jett T. Howard.

1873-79, Lieut. Jett T. Howard.

1880-82, Lieut. Jett T. Howard, Lieut. Thomas J. Sheftall. Lieu,

Howard died May 24, 1882, and on August 16 John

Green was made lieutenant.

1883, Lieutenant Thomas J. Sheftall and John Green. The

office of lieutenant was abolished May 23, 1883, an^ the

same date that of Assistant Chief of Police was create^

1883-88, Assistant Chief of Police, John Green. The office was

abolished on the election of Green as chief to succeed

Gen. Anderson, deceased.

1891-92, Assistant Chief of Police (office re-established), John B.

Killourhy.

492

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

1893-99, Assistant Chief of Police, Owen F. Reilly. The office was abolished on January 30, 1899, and that of Senior Sergeant provided for on February 22.
1899-1901, Senior Sergeant, Owen F. Reilly.
City Clerks or Clerks or Council.
1791-93, Thomas Pitt. 1793-95, William Norment. 1796-1803, Thomas Pitt, resigned October 17. 1803-06, James M. Wilson, resigned June 10. 1806-07, Job T. Bolles, resigned March 10. 1807, Alexander S. Roe, March to September. 1807-16, D. D. Williams, died in October. 1816-18, John B. Norris. 1818-19, Richard R. Cuyler. resigned November 15. 1819-41, Mordecai Myers. 1842-43, Elisha Wylly. 1844. W. P. Bowen. 1845. Edward G. Wilson. 1846-48, A. C. Davenport. 1849-51, Edward G. Wilson. 1852, R. F. Akin. 1853-54, Edward G. Wilson. 1855, A. C." Davenport. 1856-59, Edward G. Wilson. 1860-64, Richard W. Cope, resigned July 17. 1864. James Gugel. 1865. R. T. Gibson. 1865, James Stewart, elected October 26. 1866-75, James Stewart, died in April. 1875, (April 2i)-i878, E. A. Silva, resigned in March. 1878, (March 20)-1894, Frank E. Rebarer. 1895-96, Adolph N. Manucy. 1897-1900, * William P. Bailey, present incumbent, re-elected Janu
ary 12, 1901, for two years.
City Marshals.
1790-91, John Coxe. 1792-93, Peter S. Lafitte. I793 Thomas Norton. 1794. James McConky. 1795. Thomas Norton. 1795-96, Green Sampson.

f
3

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

493

1797-98, O. Bowen. 1798, Benjamin Wall. *799> Thomas Norton. 1800-02, Adam Cope. 1802-03, John Williams, removed for neglect of duty. 1803-04, Green R. Duke, removed for neglect of duty. 1804, Edward Griffith, removed for neglect of duty. 1804, Green R. Duke, re-elected. 1805-09, Charles Cope, died in February. 1809-11, William Maxwell. 1811-15, Noble W. Glen, vacated by reason of absence. 1815-36, Francis M. Stone. 1837-43, Abram Harmon. 1844-48, John S. Montmollin. 1849-51, Daniel H. Stewart 1852, Edward M. Prendergast. 1853-54, Philip M. Russell. 1855, Francis M. Stone. 1856-59, Daniel H. Stewart. 1860-61, John D. Charlton. 1862-64, Thomas S. Wayne. 1865, L. L. Goodwin. 1866-69, Thomas S. Wayne. 1870-77, George W. Stiles, died June 6. 1877-87, L. L. Goodwin, resigned March 30. 1887-94, Robert J. Wade. 1895-1900, John Power. 1901, Henry E. Dreeson, elected January 12, for term of two years.
City Surveyors and Engineers.
The title of this office was changed from city surveyor to city engineer by ordinance of January 8, 1890.
1798, Peter S. Laffitte. 1799-1801, John McKinnon. 1801-03. Willliam Gardiner. 1803. Elias Roberts. 1804. John Barren. 1804, Samuel Houstoun. 1805-09, Isadora Stouf. 1810-11, Thomas Robertson. 1811-12, William Lucas. 1812-13, Isidore Stouf. 1813-20, John McKinnon.

494

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

1820-21, Isidore Stouf. 1821-25, John McKinnon. (Mr. McKinnon disappeared in 1825,
and was supposed to have been murdered. Council on November 9 offered a reward of $500 for the discovery and conviction of his mur derers. The proceedings of Council for the next three years do not show that any surveyor was elected.)
1829-36, Charles Stephens, resigned May 26. 1836, John Norton. 1837-44, Charles Stephens. 1845, O. B. Cluskey. 1846-48, Charles Stephens. 1849-50, James W. DeLyon. 1851-54, Joseph M. Shellman. 1855, John B. Hogg. 1856-57, William P. Bowen, Jr. 1858-79, John B. Hogg (name then changed to Howard.) 1880-88, John B. Howard, died in April. 1888-(May 2)-1901, W. J. Winn, re-elected January 12, 1901, for
another term of two years.

City Treasurers.

1790-91, John Gibbons.

1

1792-93, Jonathan Clarke.

1793-94, John Peter Lange.

li

1794-96, William Henry Lange. 1797-1803, John Gibbons.

1803-06, Jeremiah Cuyler.

1806-11, James Marshall.

1811-12, Thomas Burke.

1812-14, John Pettibone, died in October.

1814-15, Emanuel Wambersie.

* ,;j

1815-24, John J. Roberts. (Died.)

? j|

1824-31, Matthew W. Stewart

1831-39, Patrick Houstoun, resigned February 21.

1839-41, Joseph Felt.

I

1842-43, H. K. Preston.

.

*

1844-48, John C. Hunter.

1849-51, Joseph Felt.

1852-53, Joseph George, died tn September.

1853-55, Joseph W. Roberts, resigned August 3.

1855, Thomas H. Harden.

1856-58, James S. Wilkins, resigned November I.

rt

.

1858-59, William H. Gladding.

It

1860-63, George W. Davis.

,

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

495

1864, Edward G. Wilson, resigned July 17. 1864-66, R. T. Gibson, resigned August 8. 1866-69, John Williamson. 1870-80, John R. Johnson, died October 27. 1880-83, James E. Cope, resigned January 31, 1883. 1883-1901, Charles S. Hardee; re-elected January 12, IQOI, for a
term of two years.
Clerks of the Market.
I79i-95j John Shick. 1796-99, John N. Fry. 1800-08, John Trevor. 1808-17, John Dillon. 1820-22, Robert Christie. 1822-23, W. Rahn. 1824-29, William Starr, resigned March 12. 1829-30, Isaac DeLyon. 1831-37, Jacob Miller. 1838-40, A. J. DeLyon. 1841. J. E. Davis. 1842. George W. Wylly. 1843. Y. S. Packard, resigned May 18. 1843. John H. Crawford. 1844. Reuben I. Brantley. 1845. H. Knapp. 1846-47, George W. Wylly. 1848, Benjamin L. Cole. 1849-50, J. R. Johnson. I85I-S3, John E. Davis, resigned June 2. 1853-54, Waring Russell. 1855, Benjamin L. Cole. 1856-59, Mathias H. Meyer. 1860-61, Michael Bryan. 1862, John H. Dews. 1863-64, Isaac Brunner, resigned February 24. 1864-65, Emanuel Sheftall. 1866-69, Isaac Brunner. 1870-81, Henry L. Davis. 1882-86, W. H. Bordley. 1887-90, Thomas A. Maddox. 1891-94, J. P. O'Brien. 1895-96, David Gardner. 1897-1900, L,. P. Masters. 1901, Present incumbent, Aleck Mendel, elected January 12 for
term of two years.

:/

496

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

Harbor Masters.

Under the Act incorporating the city the Governor appointed

the harbor master until November 24, 1824, when an Act of the Leg

islature made this office elective by Council.

1824-29, John W. Stirk, resigned February 12.

1829-38, Jonathan Cooper, died in March.

1858-41, John Low.

1842. Frederick Huntington.

1843. John H. Hale.

1844. Frederick Huntington.

1843, John H. Hale.

*

1846-48, Henry J. Dickerson.

1849-50, Luke Christie.

1851, John Makin.

1852-53, Henry J. Dickerson.

1854. William Cullen.

1855. Frederick W. Bailey.

1856-59, William Cullen, died in August.

1859. Christopher Hussey.

1860. John Stevenson.

1861. Christopher Hussey.

1862-64, William Thomas.

1865, Henry J. Dickerson.

1866-67, Thomas Lyon, resigned November 13.

1868, William Dixon.

1869-70, Thomas H. Laird.

1871-76, Thomas Lyons, died in October.

1876-78, Julius Myers.

1879-84, John D. TenBroeck.

1885-94, Robert C. Kennedy, died in November.

1894, John Reilly, to January 28, 1895.

1895-96, James J. Graham.

1897-1900, John Reilly.

1901, James McBride, elected January 12 for two years.

Health Officers.

From the incorporation of the city in 1790 until 1823 the health

officer was an appointee of the Governor. In 1823 an Act of the Leg

islature gave Council the power to elect this official. Among those

who served as appointees of the Governor were the following, the

%

City records not giving a complete list:

ft

1790-91, Dr. Ignatius Geoghagan.

j-f

1791-92, Dr. George Jones.

1792, Dr. Goodwin Wilson.

.

tJ ,

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

497

I795~99> Dr. M. Burke.

1800-02, Dr. Moses Sheftall.

1803-06, Dr. William Cocke.

.

1811-12, Dr. Charles Williamson.

1815-16, Dr. Casey.

Those elected by Council have been as follows:

1824-26, Dr. James P. Screven, resigned in March.

1826-34, Dr. J. C. Habersham, resigned in October.

1834-35, Dr. A. Y. Nicoll.

1835, Dr. R. D. Arnold, from April 15.

1836-39, Dr. A. Y. Nicoll, died in July.

1839-41, Dr. R. D. Arnold, to August 12.

1841. Dr. William Bacon Stevens.

1842. Dr. H. Saunders.

1843. Dr. James S. Morel.

1844. Dr. J. Blakely Tufts.

1845. Dr. J. M. Schley.

1846-48, Dr. Henry Saunders.

1849, Dr. James S. Morel.

1850-51, Dr. Charles Ganahl.

1852-53, Dr. James B. Read.

1854. Dr. Richard C. Mackall.

1855. Dr. John M. Johnson.

1856-58, Dr. Francis H. Demere, died in February.

1858-59, Dr. Joseph M. Turner, died in February.

1859, Dr. James E. Godfrey.

1860-61, Dr. John T. McFarland.

1862-63, Dr. Louis A. Falligant.

1864, Dr. E. Yonge.

1865-69, Dr. J. T. McFarland.

1870-74, Dr. James C. Habersham.

I875-/6, Dr. J. T. McFarland.

1877-79, Dr. James C. Habersham.

1880-88, Dr. J. T. McFarland, died in March.

1888-97, Dr. William F. Brunner, resigned to take effect April 24.

1897 (May 5)-i899 (June 5), Dr. J. C. LeHardy.

1899 (June 19)-1901, Dr. William F. Brunner, re-elected January

12 for term of two years.

Jailors.
The jail was under the charge of the Mayor and Aldermen from 1791 to 1822 and from 1834 to 1881. Those elected to the position of jailor and their terms of office were as follows:
1791, Frederick Long.

I

I

498

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

1802-04, John Pitts Gates.

1805-06, William Pinder, died in August.

1806-23, Hugh McCall.

1835-38, Y. L. Pickard.

1838-43, Peter G. Shick.

1844-50, C. L. Patterson.

j

1850-53, Isaac DeLyon. (The records are deficient between 1853

and 1859.)

j

1859, Charles Van Horn, resigned in August.

\

1859 (Sept. )-i884 (Jan. 5), Waring Russell.

(On November 14, 1859, as stated in Chapter 9, Waring Russell

was removed by Council and Charles W. Stone was made jailor. In

September, 1861, the Superior Court held that his removal was illegal

and he was reinstated, Mr. Russell receiving full compensation for

the time he had been prevented from discharging the duties of the

office.)

Keepers of* Cemetery.

1809-13, Jacob Cune, died in January.

1813-16, James Watt.

1816-20, William R. Cox.

1820-21, Charles Kane.

1821-34, Laban Wright.

1835-41, Burrel Lathrop.

ii

1842. Ben. T. Theus.

(

1843, Burrel Lathrop.

1844-48, Ben. T. Theus.

1849-52, Burrel Lathrop.

Laurel Grove Cemetery was established in 1853. The keepers

F? < :

have been:

1853-88, A. F. Torlay, died in August.

1888, James Maddock.

1889-92, W. L. Haupt, died in January,

fl

1892, H. S. Haupt.

3

1893-94, George W. Alley.

J

1895-96, A. B. LaRoche.

1

1897-1903, J. V. Kennickell, to January 12.

1900, C. C. Hill, to October 10.

J

1900, Henry Garwes, from November 10; re-elected January

|

12, 1901, for term of two yeais.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

499

Keepers of Forsyth Place.
1863-66, James Walsh. 1867-69, Patrick Scanlan. 1870-72, James Walsh. 1873-91, Theodore Mevcs. 1892-95, Gustave Kiesling.
Keepers of Powder Magazine.
The minutes of Council do not give a continuous list of the oc cupants of this office. Reference is'made to a Mr. Blogg as keeper in 1807, he being succeeded by Samuel Brownjohn, who evidently re tained the position until 1813, when George Atkinson succeeded him. In 1819 Brownjohn again held the office a short time, being succeed ed by John A. Beaulard. From then until 1874 the records show the election of keepers by Council. At that time the elections ceased and the office became an appointive one in the gift of the Mayor. Those elected by Council during this period were:
1819-32, John A. Beaulard. 1833-41, John Haupt. 1842. Peter Worthington. 1843. Joseph E. Silveira. 1844. James D. Masson, resigned March 7. 1844. William Canuet. 1845. Joseph E. Silveira. 1846-48, Elisha Hager. 1849-51, Joseph E. Silveira. 1852, Joseph Lfippman. 1853-54, William Burke. J855, James L. Haupt, resigned January 25 1855-57, William Burke, resigned May 28. 1857-61, J. H. Steegin, resigned September 25. 1865, George Murken. 1866-69, H. L. Davis. 1870-74, Edward Powers.
messengers of Council.
1791. Samuel Dameron. 1792. Alexander Chambers. 1792, John Hart Richards. 1792-94, William Child. 1795-1800, John McCullough. 1801, William Child.

Soo HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

1802-11, Frederick Long, died in October.

1811-12, Henry Tucker.

1812-19, Samuel Mordecai, died in February.

1819-26, Sampson Mordecai.

1827-28, William A. Moore.

1829, Jacob Miller, resigned April 23.

1829-33, George J. Henley, resigned May 29.

1833-36, Thomas H. Williams.

1837-38, W. White, resigned November 8.

1838-41, R. V. Grumbles.

1842. L. Connell.

1843. Hiram Waller.

1844. Charles A. Brieder.

1845. R- Donovan.

1846-47, Hugh Logan.

1848, Robert N. Adams.

1849-51, F. F. Strobhart.

1852. Martin Quinn.

1853. Hugh Logan, resigned July 28.

i;:.

I853, John A. Richardson.

i ,

1854-55, Robert D. Papot.

i1

1856-57, Dennis Holland.
1858-59, William Swoll. ..
1860-62, Emanuel Mendel, resigned in October

1862-63, John H. Steegin, resigned August 12.

1863. Hanford Knapp.

1864. Benjamin Franklin.

I

1866-68, John McDermott, resigned November u. 1868^69, Francjs J. Cercopuley, died in August.

1869-86, Luke Logan, died August 26.

1887-96, John Harrison.

I897~99, Isaac Cohn, resigned December i.

1809-1000, John Harrison, died August 26.

1900, Charles A. Gradot, re-elected January 12, 1901, for term

of two years.

t
Port Wardens.

On December 16, 1812, Aldermen Read, Bulloch and Duke were appointed a committee of Council to draft an ordinance for Port Wardens. This ordinance provided for five port wardens. The first election under it was held on January 14. 1813, the term being for one year.
1813, Capt. Nichols, J. P. Henry, Robert Mackay, Petit de Villers, Emanuel Wimbersee.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT,

501

1814. Abram Nichols, Emanuel Wimbersee, Alexander Hunter,

Tobias V. Gray, Francis Guillemot.

1815. Abram Nichols, Alexander Hunter, Petit de Villers, Steele

White, resigned June 19; Emanuel Wimbersee; T. V.. Gray, from

June 19.

1816. Abram Nichols, Alexander Hunter, Charles Howard, Isaac

Russell;-Benjamin Wall.

1817. W. H. Thompson, T. V. Gray, Alex. Hunter, Benjamin

Wall, A. Nichols.

1818. Alex-. Hunter, Abram Nichols, Charles Rockwell, Reuben

Newcomb, Tobias V. Gray; July 15 John Dawson, William H.

Thompson and EHas Reid appointed in place of Newcomb, Gray and

Rockwell, absent from city.

1819. Abram Nichols, Alex. Hunter, Thomas Pains, Jr., resigned

July 26; Tobias V. Gray, Joseph Davis; John Kelley, from August 9.

1820. William Belcher, Joseph Davis, Alex. Hunter, Abram

Nichols, George Schley.

1821. Joseph Davis, Abram Nichols, Charles Stubbs, J. Kelley,

William Belcher.

1822. Abram Nichols, William Belcher, Calvin Baker, Joseph Da-

vis, John H. Ash.

1823. Joseph Davis, Abram Nichols, William Belcher, William

Hunter, Calvin Baker, resigned May'15; John Kelley elected suc

cessor.

1824. Abram Nichols, William Belcher, Alex. Hunter, W. P. Hun

ter, John Kelley; Oliver Sturges elected August 19 in place A. Hun

ter, absent.

1825. Abram Nichols, J. S. Bulloch, James Hills, Alex. Hunter,

James M. Wallace.

1826. Abram Nichols, Alex. Hunter, James Hills, James M. Wal

lace, Calvin Baker, resigned in March and Joseph Davis elected.

1827. James Hills, Alex. Hunter, J jseph Davis, Abram Nichols,

James M. Wallace.

. 1828, Elias Reed, Samuel Phiibrick, W. A. Moore, W. Bruen,

James Hills.

1829. S. Phiibrick, J. Hills, J. Davidson, Wickliffe Bruen, W. P.

Bowen, William Marshall elected October 8, succeeding Hills, de

ceased.

1830. J. B. Herbert, John Davidson, William Marshall, S. Phil-

brick, W. Bruen.

1831. J. B. Herbert, William Marshall, Samuel Phiibrick, Wick

liffe Bruen, William Smith, Peter G. Shick elected December T, suc

ceeding Herbert, resigned.

1833, Samuel Phiibrick, John Davidson, Peter G. Shick, W.

Bruen, William Marshall.

>

502

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

1834. Peter G. Shick, W. Bruen, John Davidson, Samuel Phil-

brick, William Marshall.

.

1835. Ellas Bliss, John Davidson J. H. Wade, John Hunter, J.

B. Miller, William P. Clark, elected August 20, succeeding John Da

vidson, deceased; Levi Hart, elected September, succeeding J. H.

Wade resigned September 17.

1836. B. Mills, John Hunter, Levi Hart, J. M. McFarland, W. P.

Clark.

1837. Levi Hart, John Hunter, John McFarland, W. Gale, John

Candler, James M. Folson, elected September 28, succeeding Mc

Farland, resigned; Frederick Huntington, elected October 26, suc

ceeding John Candler, position vacated owing to absence.

1838. John Hunter, Levi Hart, Fred. Huntington, C. B. Carter,

H.-H. Baker, Jacob Chadbourne, elected August 30, succeeding H.

H. Baker, position vacated by Council.

1839. James M. Folsom, Levi Hart, John Hunter, Thomas S.

Wayne, Jacob Chadbourne.

1840. Thomas S. Wayne, William Patterson. Levi Hart, James

M. Folsom, John Hunter.



1841. Thomas S. Wayne, Levi Hart, L.W. Smith, John Hunter,

Thomas Ward.

1842. T. R. Mills, A. K. Moore, J. G. Cooke, M. P. Dillon, Wick-

liffe Bruen, John Hunter, elected May 5, succeeding J. G. Cooke, re

t

signed; Lemuel W. Smith, elected October 6, succeeding A. K. Moor.e, place vacated by Council.

1843* John Hunter, Frederick A. Tupper, Thomas S. Wayne, Levi

Hart, Joseph George; L. W. Smith and James Folsom elected June

15. succeeding Levi Hart and Joseph George, resigned.

1844. Robert Raiford, Richard T. Turner, John F. Berthelot,

Samuel Philbrick, Wickliffe Bruen.

f

1845. F. A. Tupper, John Hunter, Levi Hart, J. R. Johnson,

'1

Thomas Weed, Lemuel W. Smith, elected February 20, succeeding J. R. Johnson, resigned.

f,

1846. J. H. S. Branch, Richard T. Turner, Elijah Henderson, Al

bert H. White, Robert Raiford.

*t

1847. Samuel Philbrick, Thomas J. Walsh, Michael Finney, James

t

Cleland, Richard T. Turner.

1848. Thomas J. Walsh, Samuel Philbrick, Michael Finney, J. H.

S. Branch, Richard T. Turner.

1849. John Hunter, Thomas Holcombe, F. Shields, W. H. W.

1

Kelly, H. W. Smith. 1850. Thomas Holcombt,, John Hunter, W. H. W. Kelly, H. W.

Smith, Hanford Knapp.

1851, Henry W. Smith, William H. Kelly, Hanford Knapp, John

Hunter, John H. Steegin, resigned January 30, succeeded by Samuel P.

Bell. *

I

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

503

1852. John Stevenson, F. W. Bailey, Edward W. Baker, John V.

Tarver, William Hone.

:

1853. Robert Austin, Henry W. Smith, John Hunter, resigned

July 14; succeeded by Richard T. lurner; H. Knapp, M. Amarous.

1854. M. Amarous, Henry W. Smith, Richard T. Turner, James

E. Hogg, Joseph S. McDonell.

1855. John Wilder, William Hone, Richard T. Turner, William

H. Kelly, John V. Tarver.

1856. M. Amarous, William H. Gladding, Lawrence Connell,

Robert Austin, H. W. Smith.

1857. Lawrence Connell, William H. Gladding, Mathias Amarous,

Robert Austin, Henry W. Smith.

1858. William H. Gladding, Lawrence Connell, Mathias Amar

ous, Henry W. Smith, Edward G. Kempton, succeeded August 19 by

William T. Thompson.

1859. Lawrence Connell, Mathias Amarous, Henry W. Smith,

William T. Thompson, Levi S. Russell.

1860. William H. Gladding, M. Hackett, O. C. Parker, William

Hone, John B. Barnwell.

1861. William Hone,.J. T>. Delannoy, William T. Thompson,

William H. Gladding, Levi S. Russell.

1862. O. C. Parker, Robert Hardie, John A. Slater, E. Kempton,

R. T. Turner.

1863. Lawrence Connell, John D. Delannoy, Richard T. Turner,

John A. Staley, Robert Hardie.

1864. John D. Delannoy, Lawrence Council, J. A. Staley, Robert

Hardie, R. T. Turner.

1865. Samuel P. Bell, Thomas Holcombe, Levi S. Russell, Thom

as S. Wayne, R. T. Turner, Lawrence Conneil.

1866. Thomas Holcombe, resigned February 7; Richard T. Tur

ner, from February 21; F. W. Bailey, Samuel P. Bell, R. D. Walker,

W. H. Patterson.

1867-69, Robert D. Walker, Richard T. Turner, William H. Pat

terson, W. W. Wash, William R. Symons.

1870-72, R. T. Turner, W. W. Wash, Alex. Abrams, Lawrence

Connell, W. H. Patterson.

1873. Richar4 T. Turner, W. W. Wash, W. H. May, Lawrence

Connell, Edmond Flaherty.

1874. R. T. Turner, W. W. Wash, Edmond Flaherty, A. N. Miller,

Peter Donelan.

1875. R. T. Turner, W. W. Wash, Peter Donelan, Alvin N. Miller,

J. S. Kennard.

1876. R. T. Turner, W. W. Wash, A. N. Miller, J. S. Kennard, W.

F. Black.

1877. R. T. Turner, died in February; Thomas H. Laird.

March 7; W. F. Black, Robert H, Lewis, Peter Donelaw.

504

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

1878-81, A. N. Miller, Robert H. Lewis, Peter Donelan, Thomas H. Laird. Charles Van Horn.
1882-84. T. H. Laird, Charles Van Horn, Charles Werner, John Power, Alex. Abrams.
1885, T. H. Laird, Charles Van Horn, William R. Pritchard, S. J. M. Baker, John Power.
1887-8, Tnomas H. Laird, resigned April 6, 1887; William B. Adams, elected May 4, 1887; John Power, Lewis Wiggins, W. R. Pritchard, S. J. M. Baker.
By ordinance adopted August 21, 1889, the number of port war dens was reduced to four, and by ordinance of June n. 1890, to three.
1889. William B. Adams, Lewis Wiggins, William R. Pritchard, S. J. M. Bafcer, John Power.
1890. William B. Adams, S. J. M. Baker, John Power. Lewis Wiggins.
1891-94, William B; Adams. John Power, Lewis Wiggins. > B\T ordinance of January 28, 1895, the number of port wardens was reduced to two, at which it has since remained. 1895-1900, William B. Adams, Lewis Wiggins, both re-elected January 12, 1901, for another term of two years. Mr. Adams died May 8, 1901, and on May 10 Frank McDermott was appointed ad interim. J. H. Hennessey served from October 24, 1894, to January 28, 1895-
M*assie School Commissioners.
1866-69, Rev. Sylvanus Landrum, Dr. James B. Read, Bernard Mallon.
1870-71, Rer. Sylvanus Ivandrum, Mayor John Screven, Dr. James B. Read.
1872, Mayor John Screven, William Law, Dr. James B. Read. *&73i William Law, John McMahon, Dr. James B. Read. 1874, Dr. W. M. Charters, John McMahon, Dr. James B. Read.' 1875-76, Dr. W. M. Charters, John McMahon, John A. Douglass. 1877-78, Mayor John F. Wheaton, Dr. William Duncan, John McMahon. 1879-80, Mayor John F. Wheaton, Dr. William Duncan, H. S. Haines. 1881. Mayor John F. Wheaton, Dr. William Duncan, S. P. Ham ilton. 1882. Mayor John F. Wheaton, Dr. William Duncan, County Commissioner R. D. Walker. 1883-84,' Mayor Rufus E. Lester, S. P. Hamilton, County Com missioner R. D. Walker.

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

505

1885, Mayor Rufus E. Lester, J. H. Estill, County Commisioner R. D. Walker,
1886-87, Mayor Rufus E. fester, J. R. F. Tattnall, County Com missioner R. D. Walker.
1888, Mayor Rufus E. Lester, Lee Roy Myers, County Commis sioner R. D. Walker.
1889-90, Mayor John Schwarz, Lee Roy Myers, County Commis sioner R. D. Walker.
1891-92, Mayor John J. McDonough, Randolph Axson, County Commissioner R. D. Walker.
1893-94, Mayor John J, McDonough, Dr. T. j. Charlton, Randolph Axson.
c
1895. Mayor Herman Myers, Dr. T. J. Charlton, Randolph Axson. 1896. Mayor Herman Myers, P. A. Stovall, Dr. T. J. Charlton, 1897-98, Mayor P. W. Meldrim, Dr. T. J. Charlton, P. A. Stovall. 1899-1901, Mayor Herman Myers, P. A. Stovall, F. G. duBignon.
Sanitary Commissioners.
Appointed under ordinance of February .21, 1877, creating Board. The Mayor and Health Officer are ex-officio members of the Board, the Mayor being chairman and the Health Officer secretary.
1877-78, list of appointments not given in records of City. 1879, Aldermen Duncan and Freeman, Citizens J. R. Hamlet, J. R. Saussy and Dr. J. T. McFarland. 1880-82, Aldermen Duncan and Freeman, Citizens J. R. Hamlet, J. R. Saussy and D$, L. A. Falligant. 1883-84, Aldermen Hamlet and Thomas, Citizens J. R. Saussy, John F. Wheaton and..Dr. William Duncan. 1885-86, Aldermen Duncan and Thomas, Citizens J. R. Saussy, J. F. Wheaton and George L. Cope. 1887. Aldermen Duncan and Bogart, Citizens J. R. Saussy, J. F. Wheaton and George L. Cope. 1888. Aldermen Duncan and Myers, Citizens J. R.' Saussy, J. F. Wheaton and George L. Cope. 1889-90, Aldermen Harris and Myers, Citizens J. R. Saussy, J. F. Wheaton and George L. Cope. Mr. Cope died January 10, 1890, and was succeeded by J. R. Sheldon. 1891-92, Aldermen Harris and Myers, Citizens J. R. Saussy, J. F. Wheaton and J. R. Sheldon. 1893* Aldermen Harris and Myers, Citizens J. R. Sheldon, P. J. O'Connor and F. D. Bloodworth. 1894, Aldermen Myers and Harris, Citizens P. J. O'Connor, J. F. B. Beckwith and Dr. B. S. Purse.

506

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT

1895. Aldermen Garrard and Falligant, Citizens J. F. B. Beckwith, Edward Karow and Dr. A. B. Simmons.
1896. Aldermen Garrard and Falligant, Citizens J. F. B. Beckwith, J. M. Barnard, Jr., and Dr. A. B. Simmons.
1897. Aldermen Owens and Wylly, Citizens P. J. O'Connor, W. B. Stillwell and Dr. William Duncan.
1898. Aldermen Owens, Wylly, resigned, Duncan, Citizens W. B. Stillwell, P. J. O'Connor, Dr. William Duncan and Rev. Dr. W. C. Schaeffer.
1899-1900, Aldermen Graham and Jarrell, Citizens J. M. Solomons, Beirne Gordon and Rev. Dr. W. C. Schaeffer.
1901, Aldermen Jones and Dixon, Citizens J. M. Solomons, Beirne Gordon and Rev*. Dr. W. C. Schaeffer.
Fund Commlssoners.
First elected December 28, 1878, to serve ten years. 1878-82, John Flannery, S. Guckeuheimer, Joseph D. Weed, D. R. Thomas, C. C. Casey. 1883-88, John Flannery, S. Guckenheimer, Joseph D. Weed, John L. Hardee, C. C. Casey. Mr. Casey died July 22, 1888, and his position was not filled until the succeeding year. 1889-90, Joseph D. Weed, S. Guckenheimer, John L. Hammond, William Garrard, John L. Hardee. 1891-94, Joseph D. Weed, S. Guckenheimer, William Garrard, D. R. Thomas, John Lyons. 1895-96, Joseph D. Weed, S. Guckenheimer, John Lyons, D. R. Thomas, S. P. Hamilton. 1897-98, Joseph D. Weed, S. Guckenheimer, John Lyons, Isaac G. Haas, H. P. Smart. 1899. J. D. Weed, S. Guckenheimer, (died) ; H. P. Smart, I. B. Tiedeman, (resigned). 1900. Joseph D. Weed, John Lyons, Charles G. Bell, S. Herman, H. P. Smart. 1901. Joseph D. Weed, S. Herman, H. P. Smart, John Lyons, Charles G. Bell.
f< l

HISTORY OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT.

5P7

United States Census of Savannah.

Population.

.............................. 54,244

1890 ............................. 43,189

1880 ............................. 30,709

1870 ............................. 28,235

1860 .................. .......... 22,292

1850 ............................. 15.312

1840 ............................. 11,214

1830 .............................

7.776

1820 .............................. 7,523

1810 ............................. 5,215

1800 ............................. 5,166

Increase. 11,055 12,480 2,474 5,043 6,980 4.098 3,438 253
2,308 49
....

*
United States Census of Georgia.

Per Cent. Increase.
25.5 40.6 8.7 26.6 45.5 36-5 44-2 3-3
44-2 0.9 ....

1900 ...........................
1890 ........................... 1880 ........................... 1870 ............................
1860 ...........................
1850 ........................... 1840 ........................... 1830 ........................... 1820 ............................ 1810 ............................ 1800 ........................... 1790 ............................

Population.
2,216,331 1,837,353 1,542,180 1,184,109
1,057,286
906,185 691,392 516,823 340,985 252,433 162,686 82,548

Increase.
378,978 295,173 358,071 126,823
151^101
214,793 174,569 175,838 88,552 89,747 80,138
....

Per Cent. Increase.
20.6 IQ.I 30.2 ii .9
16.6
3*-0 33-7 5i-5 35-o 55.i 97-0 ....

r.i

INDEX.
Abduction of seamen broken up, 240. Acclimation, time required for, 113-14. Act of incorporation of Savann?.h, 47. Adams, action of Council on death of ex-President> 201. Admiral Cochrane, proclamation issued by, 103. Alabama Press Association, visit of, 440. Alarms, method of giving district fire, 197. Aldermen of Savannah, alphabetical roster of, 11-22. Aldermen, one for each ward, 47: to choose mayor, 47; all to be
elected on one ticket, 47; first election of, 48; fined for being- late at Council meetings, 49; fined for leaving meeting without per mission, 49; early xluties of, 57-58; to patrol streets on Sunday, 66; discussion of Council proceedings improper by, 70-72; strict performance of duties required from, 73; absent three times va cated seat of, 73; fined for non-attendance at meetings, 73; not to be interested in any contract, 73; empowered to commit persons for crimes, 73; crape to be worn on death of, 73-74; pro position to change election to wards voted down by people, 186; majority in city made a legal quorum, 185. Alderman Jones censured by Council and resigns, 69-72. Alderman Pettibone, expulsion of, 69. Aliens, introduction in summer months prohibited, 81, 114 Amusements, efforts to restrict, 54; popular forms of, 54. Anderson, actioV of Council on death of Chief of Police, 438-30. Anderson, donation to reimburse Mayor, 267; resolutions on retire ment of Mayor, 338-39. Apprentices, trials by Council of complaints from, 58. Appropriations by Congress for river and harbor work, 435-36. Appropriations for public defense, 102-05. (See civil war.) Arnold, action of Council on death of ex-Mayor, 338. Arrests, number made by police, 1881 to 1900, 412. Artesian water, analysis of, 373. Artesian water, introduction of, 372-75. (See waterworks.) Artesian wells, shooting of, 377. Assessed valuation, first, 53. Assessment for defense of city, 100.

INDEX TO HISTORY.

Atlanta exposition, Savannah's exhibit at, 441.

Atlantic & Gulf Railroad, bankruptcy of, 293; validity of City's en

dorsement of bonds questioned, 299; suits in the United States

Court, 299; decision of Supreme Court of United States, against

City, 299; compromise with bondholders, 295-300. (See Savan

nah, Albany & Gulf.)

Attorney, fees for collecting rents paid, 57.

Augusta, Intendant and wardens of contribute to defense fund, 105.

Augusta, State government removed to, 45.

Augusta & Savannah railroad, projected, 177; meeting of citizens

called to elect delegates to convention at Waynesboro, 193; mass

meeting favors construction of road from Central to the Georgia

road, 195; Council's committee recommends connection by way

of Burke county, 194; Council resolves to subscribe $60,000 to

ward road, 194; convention held at Waynesboio, 194; Waynes

boro route selected, 194; Savannah's subscription increased to

$200.000, 194; holdings of City in 1857, 226; payment of first divi

n

dend, 226; sales of City's holdings in road, 226; discovery that se cret dividend had been declared and road leased to Central, 226:

suit ordered instituted in behalf of City, 227; stock exchanged for

Gulf bonds, 227; City's holdings at close of 1862, 227; sale of

'V

stock in 1874, 291.

>

l?\ Hs
B

Badges refused negro wenches during sickly season, 112.

Bailiffs of colony, 28.

Bainbridge, visit of Commodore, 161.

Bankruptcy, difficult to keep City from, 243; Alderman Waring's res

olution declaring City in state of, 203.

Baptism, fee for certificate of, 56.

Baptist Church, lots granted to, 84, 87, 477-78, 479, 480, 484, 485, 486.

Baptist Church, (Second), lot granted to, 482. *

Baptist Church, Second Colored, lot granted to, 86; relieved of

f

ground rent, 479.

Bars, hours for closing, 75.

Barracks, see military and police.

"r

Bartow, action of Council on death of Col., 253-54; Mayor Jones sug

gests monument to, 252; site ordered appropriated for monument

to, 442-

Beacon light erected by government, 247.

Bell to ring to announce meeting of Council, 49.

Bells on churches, Exchange and guard house to announce fires,

196-97-

Bethlehem Baptist Church, grant of lot to, 484.

>, \

INDEX TO HISTORY.

511

Biddle, visit of Commodore, 161. Bills of credit issued, 60-61.
Billiard table, license for, 56. B'nai Brith Congregation, grant of lot to, 484. Bogart, action of Council on death of Alderman, 438. Board of Health established, 146; discontinued, 235; re-established,
235; early members of, 83. Board of Wardens established, 44; presidents of, 44. Bonaventure, purchase of suggested to City, 199; sold to Evergreen
Cemetery Company, 199; further efforts to sell to City, 213, 386. Bonds issued for public improvements, 268; outstanding in 1877, 294. Bonded indebtedness limited to seven per cent, of taxable property,
376. Bonds, movement to transfer railroad stocks to Southwestern with
Central's endorsement and relieve City of payment of, 268-69. Boston, public meeting for relief of Savannah at, 263-64. Brannan, surrender of civil affairs to Council by Gen., 266. Bread inspected and weighed by marshal and aldermen, 57-58; assize
re-established, 199-200. Breastworks ordered leveled to ground, in. Brick buildings, recorder holds that City can compel erection of,
150; required erected for certain purposes, 150. Bridge over Savannah river, efforts to secure, 159- 61. British armed schooner captured by patriots, 42. British men-of-war ascend river to capture rice ships, 43. British squadron off St. Mary's, 103. Brown, visit of Gen., 161. Budget, first City, 52-53. Building and Loan Associations, litigation over exemption from tax
ation of, 4/7. Burial ground, addition to, 61. Burial places near cities condemned by Council, 81. Burr, visit of Vice-president, 90-91; medals presented to City by,
90-91. Business, decay between 1820 and 1830 of Savannah's, 141.

Calhoun, action of Council on death of John C., 202. Carolina, sale by Lords Proprietors to King, 23. Cartaret's sale to Trustees for Colony of Georgia, 23. Canine madness, epidemic of, 60. Caledonia, bringing into port of British ship, 100. Carmelite Nuns, permission to close lane given to, 486. Catholic schools, negotiations relative to admission to public school
system and final compromise, 281-84.

512

INDEX TO HISTORY.

Celebration, over successes of American vessels, 99; over victories on Lakes Erie and Ontario, 102; over victory of Gen. Harrison over British under Proctor, 102; over victories of Gen. Floyd, 103; of July 4. 1813, 103; over victory of Jackson at New Orleans, 106; on announcement of peace with Great Britain, 106.
Cemetery, suggestion for new, 199; citizens petition Council to estab lish new, 199; report of committee on cemeteries near city, 199: claim of Christ Church to portion of old, 207-13. (See Laurel Grove, colored cemetery, grave yard, etc.)
Census, first taken by City (1809), 87-88; one published by Georgia Gazette in 1708, 88; in 1818, 114; during yellow fever epidemic of 1820, 114; of Savannah from 1800 to 1900, 506; of Georgia from 1790 to 1900. 506.
Central Railroad, projecting of, 170; ^mass meeting of citizens re quests City to assist project, 170; Congressman Berrien re quested to secure government engineer, 171; estimate of survey for, 171; Council contributes $5,000 toward expenses of survey, i/i; Engineer Cruger contracted with and makes survey, 171-72; negotiations with the City of Macon, 172; Savannah subscribes for 5,000 shares, 172-73; Macon surrenders its interest in charter to Savannah, 172; subscription books opened at Savannah and elsewhere, 173; report of the commissioners, 173; Legislature re fuses banking privileges to company, 174; action of Legislature changed, 174; one hundred feet of track laid on Bull street, 174; celebration on beginning of road, 174; amended charter received and commissioners appointed, 175; first election of directors, 176; money borrowed from banks to pay City's subscription, 174-76; five acres land granted to railroad, 176; City's subscription paid in full, 176; committee to report on expenses of road, 176; com mittee of Council-attends celebration at Macon on completion of road to that point, 176; number of directors of company in creased, 177; committee appointed on celebration of completion of road, 177; dividends received by the City to 1842, 189; sale of City's stock urged, 100-91; Central's tickets used as money, 192-93; Mayor and Aldermen attend., celebration at Atlanta on completion of road, 193; City favors increase of stock, 194; dis satisfied with its representation on directorate, 194-95; sales of Central stock, 225-26; final redemption of bonds issued on account of Central stock, 226; close of the City's connection with the Central, 226; raih-oad depot built, 227; permission given City to cut wood oti Central's property for poor, 259; erects monument to W. W. Gordon, 336-37; thanks .of City tendered for monument, 337; part of old waterworks tract sold by City for site of grain elevator, 374; grants of land to, 481.
Charlton, resolutions by T. U. P.? 95-96.

INDEX TO HISTORY.

513

v

Channel, condition of in 1840, 187; in 1843, 187; in 1860, 247; at close of war, 268-69. (See river- and harbor improvements.)
Charter from George II. for Colony of Georgia, 23-25. Chatham Academy, land granted to, 84-85, 478, 479, 483. Chatham Artillery, lot granted to, 85, 479; detachment sent to Fort
Jackson, $7; requested to fire salute in celebration of Harrison's victory, 102.
Chatham County, creation of, 208-09. Chauncy, thanks to Commodore, 102. Charleston, people visit Savannah to escape unhealthfulness of, 142;
JMayor and aldermen exchange visits with Mayor and aldermen of Savannah, 227; requests Savannah to establish quarantine, 234. Charleston & Memphis railroad, celebration on completion of, 228. Christ Church, parish established. 208; incorporated, 210-11; lots vested in, 477-78; 479. 479-80; claim to portion of old cemetery and report of Corporation Attorney Harden thereon, 207-13; memorial from relative to old burying ground allowed spread on minutes of Council, 213; petition from for control of old burying ground, 213. (See grave yard.)
Chiefs of fire department, list of, 488-500.
Chiefs of police department, list of, 491-92.
Chippewa square, fountain presented for, 336.
Cholera (Asiatic) appears near city, 179; hospital established and otlier arrangements made, 179-80; in 1849, 199; in 1.866, 267.
Christmas holidays, number of negroes in from plantations limited .during, 69.
Cisterns built, 196. City, address to Washington from, 89. City, address to Burr from, 90. City, address to Governor Tattnall from, 91. City aid to Ogeechee canal, 168-70: City benefits at theatre, 54. City clerks, list of, 492. City Court of Savannah, history of, 453-54; lists of Judges, clerks aud
% sheriffs of, 454.
City Exchange, history of, 131-39; trustees of, 134; receptions to disr-tinguished visitors in, 137.
City's floating debt in 1828 funded, 157. City lamps provided for, 77; number in 1810, 77. (See lighting.) City lighting. (See lighting). City limits, extension of, 29, 47; scheme of Radicals for extension of,
V3$i.
City lots sold to obtain money for lights, 77. Citizens, how summoned to mass meetings, 53, 59, 60. Citizens Industrial Committee, appropriations for, 441.

514

INDEX TO HISTORY.

City market, building of present, 320-21.

City marshals, list of, 492-93.

City officers, provided for, 48; first salaries of, 48; first incumbents,

49; Council resents election by people of, 73; changes in time of

election of, 185.

City physicians provided for, 346; negro city physicians provided for,

346; list of, 346-47; patients treated by, 347.

City scrip, 189, 191-93-

City stock issued for internal improvements, 176.

City store established during civil war, 258, 260-61.

City surveyors, list of, 493-94.

City treasurers, list of, 494.

Civil war, Savannah during, 252-65.

Civil war, remarks of Mayor Jones on the struggle, 252-53; Council

orders ammunition, 253; magazine erected on Springfield planta

tion, 253; meeting of State convention, 253; committee organized

to receive donations for volunteers, 253; appropriation by City,

253; day of fasting and prayer, 253; action on death of Bartow,

253-54; steps to obstruct river, 254; closing of bar rooms, 254;

Gen. Harrison requested to move troops to.Savannah, 254; citi

zens called on to do patrol duty, 254; donation from Dr. Waring,

254; reception of remains of members of Oglethorpe Light In

fantry, 254; appropriation to erect defenses, 254; conference with

Gen. Lee, 254; day of humiliation and prayer, 255; plan for bat

tery defense, 255: appropriation for relief of families of soldiers,

255; books of City sent to Milledgeville, 255; notice from Gen.

Lawton of intention to defend city to last extremity, 255; Coun

cil declines to request martial law, 255; declines to tear down

buildings on Bay, 255; calls on citizens to enroll to aid the mili

tary, 255; withdrawal of troops by Gen. Pemberton, 256; protest

made to President Davis, 259; vigorous steps taken by Gen. Mer

cer to defend the city, 256; iron of Atlantic & Gulf seized by navy

fit *<

department, 256; vessels sunk in river, 256; report of Mayor Purse on progress of war, 256-57; $10,000 donated Charleston,

I

257; surrender of Fort Pulaski, 257; attack on Fort McAllister,

257; Gen. Mercer recommends removal of women and children,

257; food supplies become scarce, 257; appropriation to buy meat

for poor, 257; banks loan the City money to buy provisions, 257;

railroads furnish transportation free, 258; establishment of City

store, 258; report of Mayor Holcombe on operations City store,

258: troops and guns moved from city, 259; Mayor directed to as

certain Gen. Beauregard's intentions, 259; Col. Capers placed in

charge of defenses, 259; slave owners called on to send slaves to

work on fortifications, 259; indignation over evictions of families

of soldiers, 259; wood bought for the poor, 259; further appro-

INDEX TO HISTORY.

515

priations to feed the poor, 260; relief sent to Macon, 260; City store continued, 260-61; distress of citizens, 260-61; order from Gen. Beauregard relative to food supplies for Savannah, 261; Capt. Wetter s assistance in supplying cheap food, 261; commit tee to tender hospitality of City to President Davis, 261; Coun cil attends address by Gen. Cobb, 261; committee to purchase supplies for sick and wounded soldiers of Johnston's army, 261; evacuation of City by Confederate army, 261-62; certificates of election served on Mayor and aldermen, 261; Council proceeds to meet Federal troops, 262; resolutions by Council thanking United States Brig.-Gen. Geary, 262; Gen. Sherman directs rice and other provisions seized by City authorities for use of people, 263; terms of all City officers ended, 263; relief supplies received from New Y<rk, Boston and Philadelphia, 263-64; statement of rice taken possession of by. City, 264; people dependent on char ity, 265; meeting of citizens to express indignation over assassi nation of Lincoln, 265; visit of Provisional Governor Johnson, 265; celebration of July 4, in 1865, 265; all civil officers ordered to resume functions, 265; civil affairs of city turned over to Mayor and Aldermen, 266; election of Mayor and Aldermen or dered by State convention, 266. Claims made on Federal government for money expended on forti-
cations, in. Clay, reception to Henry, 201; action of Council on death of, 248. Cleburne hose company organized, 278.
Clerks of Council, list of. 492.
Cleveland, visit of President and Mrs., 438. Clerks of market, list of, 495. Cloud's dispute with City over lot granted to Methodists, 84-85. Cobb, Council attends address by Gen. Howell, 261. Colony, original trustees for, 26; Council appointed for, 32-33; relig
ious worship established for, 207-08.
Colonial days, 23-41. Colonists, leave Gravesend for Georgia, 25, arrive at Charleston and
Beaufort, 26; have thanksgiving for safe arrival, 26; donations received from South Carolina, 26-27; town lot, garden lot and
farm lot given to each freeholder, 28. Colonial park, 390-93. (See graveyard.) Columbus, visit to Savannah of Mayor and Aldermen of, 227. Colored children admitted to privileges of free schools, 285. Commercial house, first established, 34. Commerce in 1765 and in 1773, 34; in 1869, 274.
Commissioners of market, 120-21. Commissions in Savannah, history of, 444-49.

I
f!
I
I
it-

516

INDEX TO HISTORY.

Committee of citizens to assist finance committee in preparing tax ordinance, 243.
Committee on defenses, 103-04. Committee of safety appointed (1813), 102. Committee on relief of sufferers by fire of 1820, 115-16.
Committee of vigilance, 104. Committee to sink vessels in river, 105.
Commodore Campbell, thanks to, 99, 106.
Commons, Legislature legalizes sales on, 185; ordinance to lay off, 53.
Condition of the city in 1871, Mayor Screven's description of, 289-90. Confederate monument, permission to erect in'park extension, 332;
dedication of, 332; placed under charge of the City, 333. Confederate Veterans Association, appropriation for reunion of, 441. Congregational Church (colored), lot granted to, 485. C< nstable drawn for each ward, 58; City constables added to watch,
198. Constitutional convention, holding of first, 43. Continental Congress, delegates electedr to, 42. Contagious or infectious diseases, right of City to destroy property
to prevent spreading of, 476. Corporation attorney (City attorney), office established, 458; salaries
paid, 458-59; incumbents, 458-59; consolidated with recorder, 458-59; consolidating ordinance repealed, 459; consolidated with judge of City Court, 459; offices separated, 459; important work of present incumbent, 459-77. Cotton, not over five bales allowed unpacked, 76. Council, first meeting of, 48; purchasing power of committees limited, 73:'sets bond and accepts security for persons committed for crimes, 73; dispute with Governor Johnson, 78; dispute with Gov ernor Jackson, 77-78; sustains Mayor Noel in contempt of Court, 78-79: in conflict with the grand jury, 79; resents interference of United States Judge Stephens, 122; decides that its members not subject to Federal draft, 122; calls on William H. Crawford, 161; calls on Senator David B. Hill, 440. Council of safety appointed (1775), 42. County, grant for court house to, 487. County jail, history of, 413-16. Court of Common Pleas, history of, 451-55. Court of Common Pleas, lists of judges, clerks and sheriffs of, 452. Court house built by City, 66. Cows, Board of Health requests that they be allowed to roam streets, 236. Cowards of war of 1812, resolutions condemning and ordering names published, 107; protests against failure of Council to publish names, 108-09.

INDEX TO HISTORY.

517

Crawford, Council calls on William H., 161. Crematory, building of, 394; work of, 394-95; superintendents of,
394-95' report of committee on different makes of, 395.

Daniell, action of Council on-retirement of Mayor, 74. Davis, hospitality of City tendered to President, 261; action of Coun
cil on death of, 439-40. Day police force established, 239. Deaths from natural causes, 1855 to I9o 342Death rate, causes of decrease in, 344. Deaths, establishment of record of, 81. Debt of City, efforts to defer payment of, 190. Debt, report of committee on City's, 189-90. Debt, refunding of the City's, 288-300. Decatur, action of Council on death of Commodore, 201. Declaration of Independence received, 43. Development of the City from 1880 to 1900, 341. Dewey, visit of Admiral, 442. Dillon tract, purchase of, 423-24. Diseases, report on deaths from autumnal, 144-45. Dispensary, Georgia Medical Society calls for, 113; committee re
ports in favor of, 113; ordinance providing for, 113; apothecary elected, 113; Georgia Medical Society to nominate physicians for, 113; abolished, 113; committee to re-establish, 113; Chatham Dis pensary .established, 113: City divided into dispensary districts, 235; any physician authorized to prescribe for the poor at City's expense, 235; present dispensary system established, 235; amend ment to ordinance, 348; repealed and old ordinance re-esta blished, 348; dispensary abolished and prescriptions filled at drug stores by contract, 348; return to dispensary system, 349-50; sale of old dispensary building, 350; list of keepers of dispensary. 350; number of prescriptions filled, 350. Dixon, action of Council on resignation of Alderman M. \V., 440. Donations received for sufferers of fire of 1796, 52; sent to yellow fever sufferers at Philadelphia, 52; to various places, 117; to Charleston, 257; to Wilmington, 259; to Macon, 260; for yellow fever sufferers in 1876, 302-03; to Chicago, 443; to Michigan, 443; to Pehsacola, 443: to Galveston, 443. . Donations of land against public policy, report of committee, 191. Drainage commissioners appointed after epidemic of 1876, 304; State appropriation for and work done, 305. Drainage, City given power to condemn land for, 345 Drainage system, citizens refuse to endorse issue of bonds for, 235.

INDEX TO HISTORY.
Dredging plant bought by City, 271; sale of, 322. Drum beat to advertise official acts, 60. Dry culture initiated, 141; report of committee in 1822, 142; City
stock issued for, 142; commissioners of appointed, 142-43; con tracts made for, 143; committee recommends revocation of, 143, people vote to sustain dry culture, 143; commissioners abolished and dry culture placed under committee of Council, 143; report by I}r. Screven on dry culture hi south of Europe, 144; report of committee in 1850, 200-01. Duel between Gwinnett and Mclntosh, 43. Duncan, action of Council on death of ex-Alderman, 442.

Earthquake shocks, 437 38.

East Florida, citizens call on government to seize, 96.

Educational institutions assisted, 84-86.

Elections of city officers, times at which held, 185; made biennial, 185.

Elections, where held in early years, 65.

Encampment of Fifth Georgia Cavalry, 443; of United States troops,

443-44-

Encroachments on river, 87; no compensation to be accepted for

those on streets and squares, 123.

Engine houses, lots set aside for, 236; in squares, 196-97, 236, 239. 278;

denounced as ugly excrescences, 236; erection of new houses in

squares or improvements of old ones prohibited, 236; removed

from Washington square, 316.



Episcopacy made the religion of the province, 207-08, 221.

Plit

Episcopal Orphans Home, grant of lot to, 483, 484; relieved of

ground rent, 486.

.

Eppinger, action of Council on death of ex-Aldeman, 74.

Estill park, offer of county to donate 275 acres land accepted, 333;

agreement with county, 333; ordinance dedicating park, 333; com

missioners appointed for, 333; expenditure of appropriations

stopped, 334; unsuccessful conferences with County Commission

ers, and withdrawal of land by them, 335.

Evacuation of city by British, 45: by Confederates, 261-62.

Everett, hospitality of City tendered to Edward, 247.

Executive committee appointed, 43.

Expenditures by City on river and harbor, summary of, 273; General

Assembly memorializes Congress to reimburse, 274. (See river

and harbor.)

Expenditures for public defense, 102.

*~

Expenditures for permanent improvements, *88i to 1900, 425.

INDEX TO HISTORY.

519

Fahrenbach, action of Council on death of Policeman, 440. Female Asylum, grants of lots to, 84, 87, 479, 481; relieved of ground,
rent, 483; made fee simple, 483; permission to sell, 487. Fevers, report of Georgia Medical Society on change in character of,
219.
Fillmore, visit of ex-President, 247. Financial condition of City in 1804-30, 156-57; in 1841, 188-89; in 1866,
267; in 1870, 268; in 1872, to 1878, 288-98; report of committee on, 292-03.
Fines, half paid to informers, 57; to police, 240; committee report against system, 241; abolishment of, 241.
Fire alarm system installed, 278; number of alarms 1881 to 1900, 408. Fire commissioners, list of, 447. Fire department, expenses of, 1881 to 1900, 408. Fire department, appropriation for fire engines, 50; fire hooks and
ladders required, 50; first engine house contracted for, 5-3; pur chase of second engine, 56; two fire companies organized, 50; first uniform of firemen, 50; fire masters elected, 50,. fines for be ing delinquent in fire buckets, 51; fines for fires in chimneys, 51; great fire of November 26, 1796, 51-52; two new engines bought, 76; managers for fire engines, 76; fire bell to be rung, 76; floating fire engine bought, 76; great fire of 1820, 115-16; condition of de partment in 1820, 117; election of chief director and managers of engines, 118-19, 150-51; improvements in department, 119; im provements and changes between .1820 and 1830, 150-54; rewards to first engine playing on fires, 150; rewards to first and second bells to announce fires, 150; rewards to negro firemen, 152; watchman stationed in Exchange steeple, 150-51; new engines bought and old ones sold, 150-52; Savannah Fire Company pro vided for by Legislature and organized, 150; all free negroes and slaves liable to fire service. 151-52; all citizens required to assist firemen, 151-52; military to furnish guards at fires, 152; special fire tax levied, 152; fire apparatus in 1827, 152; in 1828, 153; fire in Yamacraw in 1828, 153; water obtained from wells, 153; improvements in department between 1830 and 1850, 195; small frame engine houses give way to two-story brick houses, 195; erection of frame buildings in city regulated, 195; new en gines bought, 195-97; liquor furnished slaves and others at fires, 196; fire limits extended, 196; cisterns built, 196, church bells to be rung for fires, 196; Oglethorpe Fire Company chartered, 196; city divided into five fire districts, 196; method of giving alarms by districts, 197; fire sentry box built on Exchange, 197; watch men provided with firearms to discharge to announce fires, 197; dissensions between Savannah Fire Company and Oglethorpe Fire Company over uniforming negro firemen, 197; appropria-

4*
H'

520

INDEX TO HISTORY.

tions made to fire companies, 197; increased efficiency between 1850 and 1860, 236; new apparatus bought, 236; dissensions be tween Savannah Fire Company and Oglethorpe Fire Company over mistreatment of negroes, 237; all members of Savannah Fire Company resign, 237; new company appointed, 237; Thomas Purse made chief fireman, 237; site for firemen's hall provided, 236; contracts for erection of hall, 236-37; bequest of $5,000 for department from William Robertson, 237; water hydrants painted black and white, 237; Lafayette hook and ladder company organ ized, 237; more trouble with Savannah Fire Company, 237; conv pany sustained by Council, 237; composition of department in l#57> 238; bell removed to jail, 238; lot bought for and house built for Germania Fire Company, 238; agitation for home fire insurance company, 238-^9; bell tower erected at West Broad and Wayne streets, 239; engine lost on surrender of Fort Pulaski, 239; detail from First Reginient serve as firemen, 239; pay of ne groes increased, 239; hose ordered imported from England, 239; engine house in Columbia square ordered removed, 239; steam engines substituted for hand engines, 274-75; dissensions between Savannah Fire Company and other companies, 275-77; reorgan ization of department, 276; special powers of Savannah Fire Company repealed and all companies put on same footing, 276; protest of Savannah Fire Company, 296; all steam engines to be come property of City, 2>6; election of Col. Waring as chief; arri val of steamers J. J. Waver and John W. Anderson, 276-77; in junction to restrain new officers from taking charge, 277; Savan nah Fire Company relinquishes control, 2/7; salaries paid engi neers. 277; department at the close of 1868, 278: appropriation to each engine, 278; hose companies organized, 278; fire alarm sys tem put in, 278; lots granted companies, 278; engine houses for Germania and Oglethorpe companies, 315; watchman stationed in Independent Presbyterian Church tower to ring bell, 315; horses purchased for department, 315-16; time required to answer alarms reduced, 316; Metropolitan company's e'ngine bought by City, 316; engine drivers required to drive street Carts, 316; fire alarm bell bought, 316; report of committee of Council on department in 1875, 3*6-17; proposition to unite police and fire departments rejected by Council, 317; partly paid department introduced, 317; volunteer companies disband, 317; bell tower erected, 318-; work of department during epidemic of 1876, 318; publication of annual reports begin, 318; the department from 1875 to 1882, 318; Yamacraw fire. 395; report of committee on Teofganization, 396; re jection of plan for consolidation of police and fire departments, 396; chief required to give entire time to department, 396; the de partment as reorganized in 1883, 396-97; call men succeed the vol-

INDEX TO HISTORY.

521

tmteers, 397; Mutual Protection Hose Company accepted as aux iliary, 397; Werner Company's hook and ladder bought by City, 397; pay of call men raised, 397; new bell tower erected at headquarters, 398; improvements in department in 1886, 389; Broughton street fires of 1889, 398; improvements in 1889, 399; reports of committee on fire department, 399; fully paid fire de partment goes into effect, 399-400; improvements 1890-94, 399-400; Savannah Grocery Company building fire; 400; raising of insur ance rates, 399-400; appointment of committee to confer with Southeastern Tariff Association, 400; report of committee, 401; inspection of department by Chief Hale, 401-02; efforts to burn cotton ships, 402; improvements 1804-97, 403; department under fire commissioners, 403-06; headquarters "removed to Tynan building, 403: attack on Chief Maguire, 404; exonerated by Commission, 404; conflict between Commission and Council, 404-06; abolishment of Commission, 406; improvements 1898-1900, 407-08; pensions for firemen, 408; electric inspections provided for, 408; expenditures, fire alarms and fire losses, 1881 to 1900, 408. Fire engine managers, 118-19, 150-51. Firemen's hall, lot set aside for, 236; contract for erection of, 236-37; held to belong to entire department, 277. Fire loss, 1881 to 1900, 408. Fire masters, list of, 51. Firemen, pensions for, 408. Fires, 1796, 51; 1820, 115; Yamacraw (1883), 395; Broughton street
(1889), 598. First African Church, lot granted for, 481. First Battalion Georgia Infantry, colored, grant of land to, 487. First Regiment, 96, 97, 239; lots sold to at nominal price, 486. Flint & Ocmulgee Railroad's note endorsed, 177; further assistance
refused to, 178. Florida, assistance to quell Indians in, 181-82. Florida Central & Peninsular railroad, concessions 'to, 429. Food, prices for set by City after fire of 1706, 52; inspected as to
purity, 55; prices, quality and quantity set by ordinance, 85. Forsyth park, conceived by William Hodgson, 331; known as Hodg-
son park, 332; name changed by City to Forsyth place, 332; laid out by City, 332; contract for iron fence, 332; fountain purchased for, 332; trouble with negroes infesting, 332; closed to the public temporarily, 332; statue of Mercury presented, 332; Confederate monument erected, 332-33; petition from Georgia Historical So ciety asking that name be changed to Hodgson park refused, 3331 sphinxes bought, 333; removed and replaced, 333; iron fence removed. 333; drinking fountain presented, 333. (See parade ground.)

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522

INDEX TO HISTORY. .

Fortifications in war of 1812, plan of, 105. Fort Jackson, detachment of Chatham Artillery sent to, 97. Fort Pulaski, troops removed to from Oglethorpe barracks, 240.
(See civil war.) Fort Wayne, site granted by City for, 04; building of, 96; efforts of
City to buy site of, in; City authorized to open street through tract, in. Fountain in Forsyth park, 352; in Chippewa square, 336; drinking fountain presented by Mayor Myers, 333; by John P. King, 336. Freeman, resolutions on death of Alderman Henry C., 337. Free persons of color, City refused to receive money from sale of, 157Free school, grant of lot to Savannah, 480, 482. French privateers, outrages by, 58. French sailors, riots between American and, 94-95; French consul leaves city, 95. Funerals, fee for inviting to, 56. Funerals, firing at requested discontinued in September and Octo ber, 81. Funeral rites, fee set for, 56. Funded debt, increase of, 293-91.

Galloping through the streets, fines for, 56. Gambling, license for, 56; not permitted after up. m., 56; faro deal
ers fined, 75. Garden banks, origin of, 245. Garfield. action of Council on shooting and death of President,
436-37. Gas, committee of Council calls for organization of company to light
with. 214; committee directed to secure charter from Legislature, 214; meeting of citizens authorizes Council to subscribe for stock in company, 214; Council adopts resolution from citizens to light streets with gas, 214; cost of lamps and posts, 214; contract be tween City and gas company, 214; City's transactions in gas stock, 214; new contract with .gas company for ten years, 214; effect of civil war on gas company, 214-15; fails to meet its con tract after war, 215; proposition to lease or sell plant to City, 215; new contract for lighting streets, 215; report of Georgia Historical Society on gas, 215: later contracts for gas, 215. General Assembly, visit of, 439. Gen. Floyd requested to enforce involuntary service. 105. Georgia & Alabania Terminal Company, concessions to, 428. Georgia Gazette, first number issued 'of, 39.

INDEX TO HISTORY.

523

Georgia Medical Society called on for health observations, 112; re ports on heavy mortality of the fall months, 113; committee from investigates causes ot yellow fever, 301.
Georgia Medical College, application for site for, 285; efforts to sell City building for school purposes, 284-85.
Georgia Historical Society, grant of lot to, 482. Georgia Hussars, act as special policemen, 319. Georgia Infirmary, condition of negroes after war, 313; public meet-
ing to establish hospitals for them, 313; Oglethorpe Hospital Association organized, 313; bequest of $10,000 from Mr. Padelford, 313; incorporation of Georgia Infirmary, 314; Oglethorpe Hospital Association merged in Georgia Infirmary, 314; grant of lots by City, 314. 486; Council notified hospital ready for use, 314; appropriations by City. 314; sale of land on White Bluff road to City, 314; annual appropriations by City, 311-12. Georgia Steam Fire Company, organization of, 318. Germania Fire Company, lot bought and building erected for, 238; sells apparatus and buys steam engine, 275; appropriation to ward erecting engine house, 315-16; buys lot from City, 318. (See fire department.) Gift of $1,500 to Mayor Charlton, 138. Gordon, City gives consent to erection of monument to W. W., 336; City accepts monument, 336-37. Governor, aid solicited from for defense of city, 101; sends $IO,OOD for relief of fire sufferers, 116. Governor Early, thanks to, 106. Governor Ellis, arrival of, 33. Governor Jackson's attack on the city government, 77, 78. Governor Johnson's tilt with the City, 78. Governor Reynolds, arrival of, 33. Governor Telfair fined for chimney fire, 51. Governor (Lieutenant) Wright's arrival, 33; arrested by patriots, 42. Geary, resolutions of thanks from Council to U. S. Brig.-Gen., 262. Grand' Jury, presentments of read to Council, 156; criticises alder men, 79. Grant, visit of ex-President, 436. Grants of land for religious and other purposes, 84-86, 477-87. Grave .yard, laid out for strangers, 123-24; sexton of to wear black, 123; trees ordered planted around, 109; interments in prohibited, 207; claim of Christ Church to portion of and report thereon of corporation attorney, reviewing history of old grave yard, 207-13; petitions from Christ Church and Bishop Persico to erect build ings in, 213; care of turned over to City by Old Cemetery Associ ation, 213; disgraceful condition of, 287-88; efforts of City to im prove thwarted, 388; litigation resulting, 388; final decree vesting

5^4

INDEX TO HISTORY.

title in City and providing for establishment of Colonial park, 390-93Great Britain, subjects of, ordered registered, 97. Greene, efforts to discover remains of Gen. Nathanael, 124-27; corner stone laid of monument to, 165; lottery for monument, 165; com mittee in charge of monument to, 165; tablets placed on monu ment to. 334-35; reference in Boston resolutions to, 264; visiting Rhode Islanders pay tribute to memory of, 441. Gresham, visit of Postmaster-General, 438. Groover, resolutions on death of Alderman, 339. Ground rent lots, origin of, 459-60; first steps to tax, 460; sec ond movement to tax. 460; opinion of City Attorney Adams on right of City to tax, 460-67; plan of settlement prepared by com mittee of Council, 467-68; discounts offered lot holders making fee simple, 468-65;. 472; validity of taxation by City sustained in Superior Court, 468; in Supreme Court of Georgia, 468; petition from lot holders to be allowed to pay taxes under protest, 40970; opinion of city attorney thereon, 470-71; refused by City, 471; report on ground, rent lots and offer to buy that asset of City, 472; further litigation resulting in favor of City, 473; carried to United States Supreme Court, 473; balances of purchase money paid to City. 1890 to 1900, 473; revenues from ground rents, 474. NOTE.--On May 13, 1901, the decision of the Supreme Court of the
United States, was handed down, affirming the decisions of the Supreme Court of Georgia, which had affirmed the de cisions of the Superior Court of Chatham County, and sus taining in every respect the position assumed by the City, through its attorney, in regard to its right to tax ground rent lots. Guard established, 59; discontinued in summer, 66; committee ap pointed to devise more effective, 67; permitted to adopt uniform, 119; required to call hour and weather, 119; use of fife and drum abolished. 155. (See watch and police). Guard ship, committee appointed to buy, 99. Gunpowder seized by patriots, 42; removed from magazine to city, 94; taken possession of by fire masters, 94; contribution of by Samuel Howard, 94; committee appointed to purchase, 94~99-
.*
H
r
Haines, action of Council on resignation of Alderman, 440. Hale, inspection of fire department by chief, 401-02. Hamilton, action of Council oh death of ex-Alderman, 441. Hamlet, action of Council oh death of Alderman, 438.
Harbor masters, list of, 496.

i:

INDEX TO HISTORY.

525

Harden, action of Council on death of Corporation Attorney, Harris, action of Council on death of Alderman, 2or.
Harris, Council condemns action of Mayor, 73. Harrison, action of Council on death of President, 201. Hartridge, action of Council on death of Congressman Julian, 339. Health, creation of Board of, 82; members of, 83. Health, effect of dry culture on, 144. Health districts, city divided into and inspectors appointed, 235. Health, Council established committee on, 83. Health conditions in 1810, Si; in 1850, 200-01; 205. Health officers, list of, 496-97. Health officer appointed by Governor, 47; Dr. Jones appointed, 60;
extra compensation for, 60-61 ; to fire on vessels refusing to come to, 61; election vested in City of, 146; required to put up pre scriptions for the poor and salary increased, 199; relieved oLthis work, 199; death of Dr. McFarland. 344; increase in salary of, 344-45; additional duties imposed on, 344; resignation of Dr. Brunner, 344; resignation of Dr. LeHardy, and election of Dr. Brunner, 345; increased powers of, 345. Hebrew congregation, grant of lot to, 477-78, 480. Hendricks, action of Council on death of Vice-President, 437. Hill, Council calls on Senator David B., 440. Holcombe, report on conditions in 1863 by Mayor, 260; thanks of Council to Mayor, 260. Hospital, lottery for, 81-82; commissioners appointed for, 82; lots granted to, 477-78; appropriation- of $3,000 by City for, 82: pur chase of building for, 82; petition for charter for, 82; operations in 1811, 82; surgical supplies given to, 146; appropriation to build new, 146; managers authorized to sell lots, 146-47, 480; five acres of land granted to, 147; donation of $500 to, 147; donation of $5,000 by State to, 147; donation of $1,000 by City to, 147; building bought in by banks at public sale, 147-48; offer from banks to sell to City, 148; legal right to ground in City, 148; purchased by City from banks, 148; leased to private physicians, 148; association of citizens formed to re-open and conduct, 148; City places institu tion under their control, 149; City takes controliof during chol era, 149: appropriation of $500 by City, and of $1,800, 149; City takes possession of for cholera patients, 179-80; botanical gardens established around the hospital, 180-81; present site of Savannah Hospital granted by City in 1852 for land occupied by it, 307; tax on auction sales conferred by State, 307; City considers hospital a "close corporation" and refuses to pay for interment of pau pers dying there, 308; in hands of Federal troops, 308; appropria tion from City requested, 308; burial expenses of paupers remit ted, 308; report of committee giving history of, 308-10; property

526

INDEX TO HISTORY.

and work of hospital in 1869, 308-39; presidents of hospital, 309-

10; bequests to hospital by Young and Wallace, 310; change of

title of institution, 310; tender of hospital by managers to City,

310-11; City unable to accept, 311; number of beds for paupers

limited, 311; City agrees to pay for treatment of poor patients,

311; rate of pay changed, 312; appropriations made by City from

1876 to 1901, 311-12; reasons for change from per diem payments

to annual appropriations, 313; City's claim of right to vote for

directors refused, 314; movement to secure representation for

City on board of managers, 315: public meeting to disctfss hos

pital conditions, 315; Mayor and health officer elected directors,

1

315. (See also St. Joseph's Infirmary and Georgia Infirmary.) House drainage system, inauguration of movement, 365; City Engi

neer Winn visits Memphis and other cities, 365; plan prepared by

Col. Winn, 365; special committee on house drainage appointed,

365; Rudolph Herring prepares a plan, 365-66; estimate of cost of

canal near course of Bilbo canal, 366; Dr. Falligant's estimate of

cost under Herring plan, 366; commission provided for, 366; re

port of Mayor Myers on progress of commission, 366; plans for

outlet into Wilmington river, 367; at Causton's Bluff, 367;'report

on sewers of city, 367; committee recommend adoption of Col.

Winn's plan, 367; work done by city engineer, 367-68; committee

of Council succeeds commissioners, 368-69; recommends adoption

of plan by Col. Waring, 369; the work done under this plan to

1901, 370-72; expenditures on system to 1901, 372.

Howard, contribution of gunpowder by Samuel, 94.

i rJ 1 *t

Hutchinson's Island, predictions as to future of, 158; grants of land on, 485,486. -

*M

I

Importation of yellow fever denied, 503-04. Improvements in City, 243; from 1870 to 1873, 200. Incendiaries attempt to burn city, 75, 76, 117, 118, 119, 150, 196. Incendiaries attempt to burn cotton steamships, 402. Income of City in 1790, 52-53. Income and expenditures of quarantine station, 364. Income and expenditures of waterworks, 382. Incomes, tax placed on, 188-80: legality of attacked, 191; abolished
and citizens remunerated, 191. Independent Presbyterian Church, grants to, see Presbyterian; de
stroyed by fire, 51. 398. Infected vessels, sulphur and tar burned in, 60. Injunction to restrain City from collecting taxes, 291; action of Su
preme Court thereon, 293.

INDEX TO HISTORY.

527

Inoculation for smallpox introduced and endorsed by Council, 80. (See vaccination.)
Initiative and referendum enjoyed by citizens, 195. Insurance, agitation for home company, 238-39. Interments in Laurel Grove cemetery by years, 387. Internal improvement convention at Atlanta, 195. Internal improvements, stock issued for, 176. Ireland, actions of Council in reference to, 438. Irish immigrants chief sufferers from epidemic of 1820, 115. Irish Jasper Greens, City contributes to equipment of, 202; provides
measures for relief of families of, 203.

J

Jail, ordered built, 58; control vested in City, 66; new one built by City, 66; control of vested in Inferior Court, 155; writ of man damus against City, 155; control of returned to City, 155; man damus proceedings required. 155; new jail and court house built, 156; surrendered to City by military authorities, 266.
Jailer, removal of Waring Russell and reinstatement, 242; election Charles W. Stone, 242.
Jackson, thanks for victory at New Orleans to General, 106. Jackson, action of Council on death of Gen. James, 74 Jackson, action of Council on death of ex-President, 201-02. Jail lots granted county commissioners, 414-16. Jailers, list of, 497-98. Jasper, death of Sergeant, 44; monument, to, 336. Jefferson, action of Council on death of ex-President, 201. Jockey Club requested no't to have horses practiced on Sunday, 57. Johnson.square laid out and named, 28. Johnson, resolutions on death of City Treasurer, 339. Jones, action of Council on death of Dr. George Wimberly, 74. Jones, letter relative to fortifications from George, 94. Jones, remarks on the civil war by Mayor, 252-53. Jones, rebuke by Council to Alderman, 69-72. Judges called on for patrol duty, 58. July Fourth, celebration of, 127.. 265. Jury, first empaneled in Georgia, 28.

I

K

Keepers of cemetery, list of, 498. Keepers of Forsyth park, list of, 499. Keepers of powder magazine, list of, 498. Kelley, Council attends unveiling of monument to John J., 336. Kennedy, action of Council on death of Harbor Master, 440-41. Knoll, City undertakes removal of, 246-47. Kollock, thanksgiving discourse by Rev. Dr., HI.

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I:.:
t*
i

528

INDEX TO HISTORY.

Labor, nine hours established as a day's, 442. Lafayette, visit of General, 161-65: action of Council on death of, 201. Lafayette Hook and Ladder Company organized, 237. La Francaise, burning of French privateer, 95. Laurel Grove cemetery: Board of Health petitions for new ceme
tery, 205; purchase of Springfield plantation, 205; high land re served for cemetery, 205; Engineer Morse's plan for laying out adopted, 206; new cemetery named, 206; City subscribes to Ogeechee Plank Road Company, 206; one-fifth of cemetery of fered Catholic Church, 206; unsuccessful negotiations with Bishop Gartland, 206-07; contract for erection of necessary buildings, 207; section set aside for Hebrews, 207; section for ne groes, 207; all bodies in potter's field and negro cemetery ex humed and placed in new cemetery, 207; area of cemetery extend ed, 213; comments of Mayors and health officers on Uiihealtnful effects of Laurel Grove, 383-85; low lands drained and prepared for burial lots, 384; report of committee on capacity and fitness of cemetery, 385; advertisement for land for new cemetery, 386; re port of committee on offers of land, 386-87; report tabled, 387; cemetery put under Park and Tree Commission, 387; list of keepers, 498; interments by years, 387. La Vengeance, burning of French privateer, 95. Lazaretto island, City given use by Governor of, 179. Lazaretto, State appropriation for,'180; report of committee on site for, 180; site bought near Thunderbolt, 180; its use discontinued by Act of Legislature, 180; efforts to secure money from State, 180. (See pest house.) Lee, action of Council on death of Gen. Robert ., 337; birthday of made holiday, 337; oil portrait of purchased for Council chamber, 337Legislature, convening of first, 43: first session after independence, 45Liberty pole erected, 42. Liberty street paving, litigation over, 474-75; cost of and amounts re ceived by City, 475. License, first petition for, 53. Lighting streets provided for, 77; suspended, 119-20; from 1820 to 1830, 156; in 1846, 214; in 1848, 214; trouble after war, 215; new contract, 215; later contracts for gas, 215; contracts with Savan nah Gas Company, 1877 to 1881, 417; unsuccessful lighting with Naphtha, 417; contract with Brush Electric Lighting Company, 417; destruction of plant by fire, 417; contracts from 1885 to 1900, 417-18; expenses of lighting city, 1881 to 1900, 419.

INDEX 1*0 HISTORY.

529

Liquor, applications to sell, 54; licenses fixed, 54; prices at taverns

set by ordinance, 55; dealers in required to be residents one year,

75; grand jury recommends decrease in number of dealers., 75;

licenses to sell refused to mechanics, 75; furnished to negroes

and others assisting at fires. 196.

Lincoln, meeting of citizens to express indignation at assassination

of President, 265:

Lincoln, thanks for use of Oglethorpe barracks to Secretary of War,

396.

.

Lookout boats established, 100; money from State for, 103.

Lotteries to raise money for wells, 50; for monument to Greene and

Pulaski, 165; for hospital, 81-82, 146.

Low water, line of in iSor, 87.

Lutheran Church, grant of lot to, 477-78, 483.

M
Macon, Dublin & Savannah railroad, concessions to, 428-29. Magazine, list of keepers of po\vder, 499. Magazine, gunpowder taken from by patriots, 42; gunpowder re
moved from to city, 94; placed in charge of Mayor, 94; keys placed in hands United States military agent, 97; sold to State, 102; use of magazine at Fort Wa3Tie given City, TII; purchase of Old Confederate, 290. Maguire, efforts to remove Fire Chief, 404-06. Marine Hospital service, quarantine turned over to, 361-64. Marine police force established, .198. Market, contract for fish and poultry market at foot Bull street, 120; destroyed by fire and rebuilt, 120; new one in Ellis square, 120: one built in Warren square, 120; removed and market erected opposite Exchange dock, 120; commissioners appointed for, 120-21; allowed to remain open Sundays, 121; closed on Sundays, 121; sales therein limited to Georgia and South Carolina prodace, 121; constitutionality of this attacked, 122; repealed as in jurious to trade, 122: people decided in favor of change of site, 122; new market built on South Broad street and name that street changed to Market, 122; Act of Legislature authorizing citizens to build market in Ellis square, 122; market tendered City and accepted, 123; market on Market street sold and re moved, 123; building of new market, 320-21; cost of, J2I. Market commissioners, list of, 120-21. Marriage, fees for, 55. Massie School, see public schools; list of commissioners of, 504-05. Mass meeting to provide special tax for fortifications, 100.

fiefi'
5

530

INDEX TO HISTORY.

Mayors of Savannah, roster of arranged chronologically, 3-6; roster of arranged alphabetically, 6-10.
Mayor, manner of election of, 47; election of first, 48; separate office provided for in Exchange, 137; election of placed in the hands of people, 186; movement to pay salary to, 183-84; found illegal un der existing law, 184; special Act secured, 184; salary fixed, 184; changes in salary from 1822 to 1900, 184.
Mayor Anderson donated $1,000, 130. Mayor Charlton, thanks of Council to, 150; presented with purse of
$1,500, 130; resignation of, 130. Mayor's Court, history of, 449-51. Mayor Harris's course condemned by Council, 73. Mayor's Court, list of clerks and sheriffs of, 450-51. Mayor Holcombe reinmbursed for expenditures for charity, 130. Mayor (ex) Houstoun donated $750, 130. Ma3'or McAllister. thanks to, 107. Mayor Noel fined for lending ladder, 51; fined for contempt of Su
perior Court, 78-79; thanked by Council for defense of City's rights, 79. Mayor Wiring's election legalized by Legislature, 185. Mayor Wayne, death and funeral of, 248. Mayor and aldermen, granted jurisdiction in civil causes, 48; work on the fortifications, 105; visit Charleston, 227-28; committee from visit Memphis, 228; visit Davisboro, 228; visit Bainbridge, 224. Meats, cuts of regulated, 55. Medical faculty organized into hospital corps, 105. Medicine, practice of limited to regular practitioners, 179. Medical College, exemption from ground rent of, 482. Medicines furnished poor, 113; contract with apothecary, 198; health officer required to put up prescriptions, 198. (See Dispensary.) Merchants, visit from those along South Bound railroad, 440. Memphis, Mayor and aldermen invited to visit, 228. Mercury, presentation of statue of, 332. Messengers of Council, list of, 499-500. Meters, introduction of water, 381. Methodist Church, grant of lot to, 84, 85, 479; permission to sell lot, 480. Methodist Episcopal Society, lot granted to, 86; permission to sell lot, 86, 481, 482, 484. Methodist Church, Colored, grant of lot to, 483. Metropolitan Fire Company, appropriations by City to buy engine for, 275; lot granted to, 278; engine bought by City, 316; buys lot from City, 317. Mickva Israel Congregation, permission to sell lot given to, 484; re mission of ground rent, 485.

I

INDEX TO HISTORY.

531

Middle Georgia & Atlantic railroad, concessions to, 428.

Militia called on for guard duty, 58; requested to discontinue firing

at funerals, 81: requested to discontinue drum beat and firing

salutes at marriages, 81; patrol put on because of fires, 196.

Military, Secretary of War urged to station at Savannah, 154; com

mittee of Council reports on barracks for, 154; housed in theatre

for summer of 1831, 154; City sells land at Liberty and Bull

streets for barracks, 155.

Ministers, fees of set by Council, 55.

Monroe, visit of President, 128-29.

Monroe railroad, citizens endorse subscription to, 178; report of

committee on, 178; bonds issued to assist, 178; railroad levied on

and sold by sheriff, 178.

Montgomery & West Point railroad, city's holdings in, 226.

Morse, meeting in memory of Prof., 195.

Mortality from 1817 to* 1826, 145. (See deaths.)

Mulberry trees ordered removed from vicinity of wells and pumps,

153.

McDohough, action of Council on retirement of Mayor, 441.

McFarland, death of Health Officer, 344.

Mclntosh, lines established by Gen. Lachlan, 53.

Mclntosh, resolutions expressing confidence in Gen. John, 100;

thanks to Gen. John., 107.

Mclntosh, Council attends funeral of Col. James S., 202.

McKinley, visit of President, 444.

McL/aws, site appropriated for monument to Gen., 442.

f

\

N

National Board of Health, opposition to, 307. Negroes, alarm through insurrections in San Domingo of, 59, 68;
plot for uprising of reported, 59; French frigates try to land San Domingo, 59; burial place provided for, 61; whipped in market square, 65; Council opposed to public whippings of, 65; insur rection in South Carolina of, 68; unlawful to import from West Indies or Bahama islands, 69; twenty-one from Jamaica seized, 69; military called on to seize, 69; seizure of and conflict with Governor Johnson resulting therefrom, 78; condition of after civil war, 313; mortality among, 342-44. Negro firemen, dissensions over uniforming, 197.
New jail, see county jail. New York, supplies sent to Savannah from, 263. New waterworks, see waterworks* Norfolk, aid sent to, 235.

532

INDEX TO HISTORY.

o
Obstructions sunk in liver during Revolution, 245; during civil war, 268-69.
Ocean Steamship Company police force organized, 319-20. Odorless excavating plant introduced, 306. Offal from city sold to gardeners, 199. Ogeechee canal, early history of, 167-70. Ogeecliee plank road, City subscribes to stock in, 206; consents to
sale of road. 206. Oglethorpe, brief sketch of, 24; enters into treaty with Tomochichi,
26; first letter from Savannah, 27; monument to, 334, 335-36. Oglethorpe barracks, erection of by government, 154; troops re
moved to Fort Pulaski from, 240; use given to City for police, 240; used by State as rendezvous for Confederate troops, 241; City opposes proposition to convert into Marine Hospital, 306; use 'of granted for sufferers by Yarrmcraw fire, 397; torn down to make way for De Soto hotel, 155. Oglethorpe Fire Company chartered, 196; building bought for, 315. Oglethorpe Light Infantry, reception of remains of members of, 254. Oil, city lighted by, 65. (See lighting.) Old burying ground, brick wall built around, 61-62. (See graveyard) Opelika branch, bonds redeemed of, 291. Opening streets, expenditures from 1870 to 1900 for, 424. Opening years of the century, 62-91. Organization of city government, 46-49.

i
Parade ground, petition of 1821 for portion of south common. 326; petition of 1843, 326; grant by Council of area on Abercorn street, known as the "Military square," 326; petition for part of Springfield plantation, 326; committee sent by Council to Wash ington to buy old cantonment ground for military, 326; ceded by Congress to City, 326; petition of military for twenty acres, 327: section west of Whitaker street granted, 327; area definitely out lined, 327; exchanged for area south of Forsyth park, 327--28; appropriation by City toward fence, 328: abstract of disburse ments by City, 328; dedicated to military, 329; condition at close of war, 329; dedicatory ordinance repealed, 329; enclosed with posts and rails by City and included in Forsyth place, 329; re garded as subject to Council, 329-30; communication from com mittee of officers asserting right of military to parade ground, 330-31; no action taken by Council, 331; present status of, 331.

T I

INDEX TO HISTORY.

533

Park and Tree Commission, cemetery placed under, 387; Colonial park placed under, 393; Estill park placed under, 333.
Park and Tree Commissioners, list of, 448. Patients treated by City physicians, number of, 347-48.
Patriots meeting (1/74) proclaimed unconstitutional, 42.
Patrol companies formed, 58. Patrol by militia at nights inadequate, 65. Paving streets, expenditures for, 419-22.
Patrol law, strict enforcement of asked, 68.
Pensions for fremen, 408; for police, 410. Perry's victory on Lake Erie, celebration of, 102. Persico, petition to erect cathedral in old cemetery from Bishop, 213. Pest house established, 77; at Fair Lawn, 179; at Thunderbolt, 180;
at Timber Landing, 305.
Pettibone, expulsion from Council of Alderman, 69. Pettibone, action by Council on death of City Treasurer, 74.. Pierce, invitation to visit Savannaji to President, 247; his reply, 247.
Pinckney, thanks to Gen. Thomas, 106.
Polk, visit of ex-President, 202.
Poor house and hospital. (See hospital.)
Police (see also guard and watch): Force established for day time, 239; re-organization t>f force in 1854, 239; guard house ordered built east of old cemetery, 239; Joseph Bryan made captain, 239; temporary accommodations in Oglethorpe barracks, 240; con tract for guard house, 240; project dropped, 240; one-half fines paid to police, 240; faithfulness of force daring epidemic of 1854, 240; abduction of seamen broken up, 240; expenses of department in 1857, 240; quarters transferred to City Exchange, 241; com mittee reports against dual system of day police and night walch, 241; night watch abolished and first complete police force pro vided for. 241: force re-organized by Mayor Arnold, 241: Ly "e Goodwin made chief, 241; system of giving half fines to police abolished, 241; captains and lieutenants of home guard made special police, 241; temporary barracks erected, 242; force drilled as infantry reserve, 242; committee appointed after war to reor ganize force, 266; strength of force, 279; comments of Mayor Anderson on force, 279: increase? in pay of privates, 279; force reduced in summer months, 279; portions of city not guarded, 279; pay of privates reduced, 279; restored to $70, 280; mounted patrolmen put on, 280; killing of Bryson and Read in riot. 280; police detailed as sanitary inspectors, 280; City begins paying for uniforms, 280; reduction of force and expenses, 319; personnel of force in 1871, 319; strength of force from 1870 to 1881, 319; labor troubles of 1881 and killing of Sergeant Harvey, 319; Ocean Steamship Company's force organized, 320; efforts to consolidate

'
),

534

INDEX TO HISTORY.

police and fire departments, 319, 320; work of department from 1881 to 1900. 409-13; Plant railroad police, 409; Seaboard Air Uine railroad police, 409; committee on police provided for, 409; whis tles succeed rattles, 409; pay of chief increased, 409; death of Lieut. Howard, 409; tribute to Lieut. Howard, 409; abolishments o; lieutenants and creation of assistant chief, 409; increase in pay of privates, 410; pensions provided for police, 410; changes in force from 1881 to 1900, 410; election of Chief Green, 410; labor trou ble of 1891, 410; Gamewell system installed, 410-11; murder of Private Neve by Abe Small, 411; election of Chief McDermott, 411; M. & M. police. 411; department under commissioners, 411-12; appropriation made for white military companies as police reserve, 411; building erected for recorder's court, 411; office of chief abolished and superintendent created, 411; election Superin tendent Screven, 411; election Superintendent Reilly, 412; work of department from 1881 to 1900, 412; fines collected in police court 1881 to 1900, 413. Police commissioners, list of, 447. Police court, fines collected, 413. Police court, history of, 455-56. (See also Mayor's court and recor der.) Police department, expenses of from 1881 to 1900, 412, Police force, strength of from 1881 to 1900, 412. Police sergeants, 410, 411, 412. Port Society, exemption from ground rent of lots of, 486. Port wardens, list of, 500-04. Poor, city physicians to attend, 113. Porter, visit of Commodore David, 161. Porter, thanks to Capt. David, 103. Postmaster, Robert Bolton appointed Savannah's first, 33. Powder, sale of restricted, 68. Prayers, day set for public, 76, 97, 101-02, in, 199, 253, 254-55. Prescriptions, number filled at City dispensary, 350-51. Presbyterian Church (First), grant of lot to, 481; exemption from ground rent, 483. Presbyterian Church (Independent), permission given to sell lots, 86; grants to, 477-7, 479> 485. President Monroe, visit of, 128-29. Printing press, first set up in Georgia, 33; first run by steam in Georgia, 137. Provincial Congress, meeting of, 42. Public burial ground, 61; see cemetery. Public meeting to express opinion on existing conditions, 1812, 95-96.

INDEX TO HISTORY.

535

Public schools: bequest of Peter Massie, 228; City's suit to secure, 228; claim settled in full, 228; investment of funds, 228-29; Massie Poor School Fund Committee constituted, 229; proposition to es tablish free schools, 229; City declines to mix Massie fund with any ether, 230; lots set aside lor schools, 230; City appropriation for building, 230; appropriation made to erect Massie School, 230; Massie accounts closed up, 230; report of commissioners for 1859-60, 231; appointment of Massie School Commissioners changed, 231; Mayor Jones recommendation for public schools, 280; Board of Education incorporated, 280; plans of the Board, 280-81; Massie School placed under Board of Education 281; ap propriations by City for schools, 280-85; negotiations relative to Catholic schools, 281-84; Superintendent Baker condemns" giving of prizes, 284; efforts to sell City Georgia Medical College for school purposes, 284-85; colored children admitted to benefits of school system, 285; growth of school system, 286.
Pump water, contaminated by seepage, 373. Pulaski, death of, 44; corner stone laid for monument to Greene
and, 165; corner stone laid for monment to. 334. Pumpage of waterworks from 1877 to 1900, 382. Purse, report on progress of the war by Mayor, 256-57; action o*
Council on death of ex-Mayor, 338.
Q
Quarantine officers, list of, 306. Quarantine, violations of fined, 78; conflict between City and Super
ior Court over right to fine for violations of, 78; Charleston re quests Savannah to establish quarantine, 2.34; refusal of Savan nah, 234; held to be no barrier to yellow fever, 304; lules and reg ulations established by Sanitary Commissioners for, 305; com missioners sent to inspect New Orleans station, 505; report of commissioners, 305; improvements at local station resulting therefrom, 305; quarantine officer employed, 306; first regular quarantine established, 306. City favors United States govern ment assuming charge of, 306; delegates to convention at Jack sonville, 306; delegates to convention at Washington in favor of uniform quarantine regulations, 306; Sapelo station opened, 306; list of quarantine officers, 306; station destroyed by storm of 1881, 307, 352; quarantine system in 1876, 351-52; location of quar antine grounds, 351; Mayor Andcrson favors government control of. 352; uniform regulations adopted for Savannah and Charles ton, 352-53; improvements in 1883, 353; reduction in charges, 353; rules modified in 1884, 353; unsuccessful efforts for conference of health authorities of Georgia seaports, 353; the tilt with

c;
sif

536

INDEX TO HISTORY.

Sackville West over the British steamship Sylvia, 354; regula tions amended in 1886, 355; naptha launch purchased, 355; sta tion removed to Long Island, 355; investigation of charges against and exoneration of quarantine officer, 355; inefficiency of plant, 355; improvements in 1890, 356; purchase of tug for station, 356; telephone line established. 356; competitive examinations for quarantine officer, 356, 358; committee of Council inspects plants at Charleston, New Orleans and Pensacola, 357; recommenda tions of committee, 35;; meeting of health officers with Surgeon General of Marine Hospital Service, 357-58; efforts to re-estab lish a State Board of Health, 358; devastation of station by storm of 1893, 358; improved disinfecting plant erected, 358; quarantine charges removed, 358; conference with commercial representa tives as to regulations, 359: modification of, 359; investigation of charges against and exoneration of quarantine officer, 359; com parison of detention with that at other ports, 359; notice from War Department to remove station, 360; effect of new harbor line on station, 360: removal of harbor line and permission to dump ballast as before, 360; formaldehyde introduced, 360; com mittee of Cpuncil visits New Orleans to investigate plant and service, (1897). 361; public meeting to consider recommendations, 361; improvements at station in 1898, 361; sale of station to United States government, 361-65; income and expenditures of station from 1878 to 1900, 364.

Railroad convention at Knoxville, delegates to, 176; convention at Macon, 176.
Railroad, citizens endorse subscription to Monroe, 178. Railroad to Augtfsta endorsed. 177. Railroad, Council endorses note for Ocmulgee & Flint River, 177. Railroads, report of committee on effects on commerce of building,
186. Real estate assessments, 1836 to iqoo, 427. Reconstruction days, Savannah during, 250-52. 266-67. Recorders (of police court), list of, 456. Recorders (City attorney), list of, 456-58. Recorders court, building erected for, 411; fines collected in, 413Refuge for sufferers by fire of 1820, 116. Refunding of public debt: unsettled condition of Citys finances, 288;
conditions in 1871, 289; Mayors notes discounted and sales of binds, 290; public improvements, 290; increase in funded debt from 1869 to 1873, 291; injunction to restrain City from collecting taxes in dispute, 291; retrenchment of expenses, 292; effect of

INDEX TO HISTORY.

537

epidemic on revenues, 293; Alderman Waring's resolution de claring City bankrupt, 293; Atlantic & Gulf railroad becomes bankrupt, 293; report of finance committee of Council recom mending conference with creditors, 294; meeting of bondholders at New York, 294; bonds outstanding in 1877, 294; report of finance committee on City's liabilities and assets, 294-95; meet ing of bondholders at City Exchange, 296; recommendations of committee of bondholders, 296-97; City's plan rejected, 297; suits instituted, 297; acceptance of bondholders' proposition and estab lishment of sinking fund commission, 298-99; legality of endorse ment of Atlantic & Gulf bonds questioned, 299; suits in United States Court, 299; decision of United States Supreme Court against City, 299; compromise with bondholders, 299-300. Refuge for Homeless, grant of lots for, 485. Religious institutions, grants of land for, 84-86. Remshart, committee appointed for relief of Daniel, 119. Republican Blues thanked for services in East Florida, 98; grant of lot to, 483, 484. Resolutions on death of ex-President Adams, 74; on death of Dr. N. W. Jones, 74; on death of Dr. Henry Kollock, 74; on retirement of Mayor McDaniell, 74; adopted by citizens endorsing national administration and calling for war against Great Britain and France, 96; in reply to articles in Federal papers North, 97-98; thanking troops for services in East Florida, 98-99; on victory of Perry on Lake Erie, 162; ordering publication of names of cow ards, 107; on retirement of Mayor T. U. P. Charlton, 130; ask ing for State appropriation lor monument to Oglethorpe, 334, 336; on retirement of Mayor Anderson, 338-39. (See Thanks.) Revolutionary days, 41-45. Reward of $500 for incendiaries, 118. Rice, Legislature passes Act prohibiting cultivation of, 145. Rice ships, burning of, 43. Rice, quantity taken possession of by City after evacuation by Con federates, 264. Riots between American and French sailors, 94-95. Riot at polls and killing of Policemen Bryson and Read, 280. River and harbor: Memorial to Congress to improve (1825), 157-58; appropriation of $50,000 by Congress in 1829, 158; Schultze's plan to improve, 158; work done under Dr. Daniell of little value, 158-59; topographical survey by Capt. Mackay, 159; depth of channel in 1840, 187; condition of in 1843, 187; survey made by Capt. Mackay, 187; appropriation secured in 1844, 187; delegates appointed to convention to protest against President's veto of bill for im provement of rivers and harbors, 187; approval of Lieut. Smith's plan for removal of obstructions, 188; memorial to Congress to

538

INDEX TO HISTORY.

reimburse City for expenditures, 243; citizens endorse issue of $160,000 of bonds for improvements, 244; appropriation by Con gress to remove the wrecks, 244; work on wrecks under Lieut. Gilmer. 244; front channel deepened two feet, 244; appropriation of $160,000 by Congress to remove revolutionary wrecks, 245; appropriation held strictly to the purpose for which made, 245; origin of garden banks. 245; amendment to Act secured, 246; work suspended by Secretary of War, 246; President Buchanan acts in behalf of improvements, 246; Li cut. Whiting succeeds Gil mer, 246; City undertakes removal of the knoll, 246-47; condi tion of channel in 1860, 247; obstructions sunk in river, 256; condi tion of channel at close of war, 268-69; removal of cribs, etc., by quartermaster's department, 269; negotiations with Webster to free channel of obstructions, 269-70; Treasury department re vokes authority given to City to remove obstructions, 270; con tract between Treasury department and Henry S. Welles, 270; committee sent by City to Washington to ask intervention of President, 270; Welles' contract enlarged, 270; work done tinder this contract, 270-71; dredge bought by City, 271; work done by dredge, 271; effect on harbor, 271; further expenditures by City, 271-72; ex-Mayor Anderson sent to Washington, 272; Congress memorialized, 272; survey made by Col. Ludlow, 272; report by Capt. Kennard on City's expenditures, 273; report of Coast Sur vey, 273; appropriation by Congress in 1872, 274; contracts be tween City and government, 274-75; United States engineer as sumes charge of work, 274; General Assembly memorializes Con gress to reimburse Savannah, 274; operations under 22 foot plan, 321-25; expiration of City's dredging contract, 321; contract with American Dredging Company, 322, sale of City's dredging plant, 322; French's prediction- of Savannah's future, 323; Gen. Gilmore's enlarged plan, 323; survey of 1881, 323; resolutions by Council extending thanks to Gen. Gilmore, 324; work damaged by storm of 1885, 325; result of work up to 1885, 325; depth of channel in 1887, 325; plan submitted for 28 feet of water, 430; 26 foot project prepared and submitted, 431; $10,000 appropriated for expenses of committee to secure appropriation for deepening channel, 431; work of committee, 432; tribute to Capt. D. G. Purse. 432; appropriation made for 26 feet project, 432-33; con tract let., 433; work done under project, 433-35; various appro priations made by Congress for work on river and harbor, 435-36. River, committee appointed to obstruct, 100; Legislature requested to improve between Savannah and Augusta, 159; efforts to have bridge erected over, 159-61. Biver street, Mr. Lamar's proposition to lay tracks on, 175.

INDEX TO HISTORY.

539

Robertsoiv, bequest of $5,000 for fire department from William, 237. Roman Catholic Church, lots granted to, 86-87; permission given to
sell lots, 87, 477-78; permission to sell, 480; new lots granted. 480: ground rent remitted on lot for educational purposes, 483; lot for episcopal residence relieved from ground rent, 486. Russell, removal by Council of Jailer Waring, 242; reinstated by or der of Superior Court, 242. Russell Hose Company oganized, 278.

Sackville West, tilt over quarantining of steamship Sylvia with Lord, 354-
Sailors fined if ashore after hours, 57, 75. Sailors, riots between French and American, 94-95. Salaries, payment changed from quarterly to monthly, 185. Saloons, presentments of grand jury against, 54-55. Sanitary commissioners, creation of Board of, 305.
Sanitary commissioners, list of, 505-06. Sanitary purposes, jurisdiction of City extended for, 345. Sanitary inspectors, police detailed for as, 345; regular corps ap
pointed, 345. San Domingo, appropriation for relief of, 61; book prohibited on in
surrection in, 68.
Savannah Academy, grant of lots to, 481. Savannah, act of incorporation of, 47. Savannah Artillery, lot granted in rear of barracks to, 242, 483. Savannah's awakening described by Macon Telegraph, 177. Savannah Benevolent Association incorporated, 234; during yellow
fever epidemic of 1876, 301-04. Savannah & Albany railroad: road projected to connect Savannah
with Mobile and Mississippi river, 220; City requested to provide funds for survey to Albany and subscribe to stock, 220; Council subscribed $500,000, 220; survey by Holcombe, 221; railroad pro jected to Pensacola, 221; mass meeting requests City to appro priate one million dollars, 221; delegates sent to convention at Taliahassee, 221; $1,000 appropriated toward survey of Savannah & Pensacola railroad, 221; board of directors selected, 221; ordi nance to subscribe one million dollars, to stock of Savannah & Albany railroad, 221; depot located on east of city, 222; City with out representation on board, 222; name changed to Savannah, Albany & Gulf, 222; statement of state of road at close of 1854, 222; cost of building and equipping road to Altamaha river, 222; total of subscriptions to 1855, 222; delegates sent to convention at Thomasville, 223; City subscribes $500,000 to the Atlantic &

540

INDEX TO HISTORY.

Gulf road, and completes its payment of one million dollars to Sa vannah. Albany & Gulf, 223; payments begin to Atlantic & Gulf, 223; City endorses issue of $300,000 of bonds for Savannah. Al bany & Gulf, 223; offer to purchase City's stock in Savannah, Al bany & Gulf, 223; movement to consolidate Savannah, Albany & Gulf and Atlantic & Gulf, 223; first dividend from Atlantic & Gulf, 223; condition of road in 1865, 223; Council attends celebra tion at Bainbridge, 224; second proposition to buy City's hold ings, 224. litigation resulting therefrom, and failure of plan, 225: City's holdings at close of 1862, 227; iron of road seized by agent Confederate navy, 256; movement to transfer stock to Southwestern with Central's endorsement and relieve City of liability for bonds, 268-69. Savannah & Atlantic railroad, efforts to induce City to aid. 225. Savannah & Charleston railroad, convention held at Charleston. 2^7; Savannah's delegates, 227; no financial aid asked from Savan nah, 227; contract for use of Central's tracks'and depot, 227; cel ebration on completion of road, 227. Savannah's commercial and political progress between 1840 and 1850, 182-203.
Savannah, conditions in 1800, 64; from 1820 to 1830, 141.
Savannah, capture by British, 43-44. Savannah, siege and attack by French and Americans. 44. Savannah, Gen. Barnard's prediction as to the future of, 158.
Savannah, description of in 1766, 33-34. Savannah, evacuation by British, 45. Savannah's financial condition in 1804, 30; in 1841, 188-89; in 1866, 267;
in 1870. 268; in 1872, 278. Savannah, first ball in, 31. Savannah fire company organized, 150; dissensions with Oglethorpe
fire company, 237; all members resign, 237; new company ap pointed by Council, 237; dissensions with other companies, 275; report of committee of Council on, 275; special powers of re pealed. 276; litigation resulting, 277; relinquishes control of ap
paratus, 277. Savannah, Florida & Western railway, litigation over opening streets
across right of way of, 476. Savannah Free School, lot granted to, 86, 480. Savannah's health in 1850, 200-01, 206. Savannah's Heavy Artillery, guns presented to, 99.
Savannah, laying out of, 27.
Savannah, limits of in 1770, 35. Savannah, Moore's description of in 1736, 30-31. Savannah Poor House and Hospital, see hospital.

INDEX TO HISTORY.

541

\
Savannah river water, report on, 216; mixed with artesian water de clared wholesome, 376.
Savannah Sabbath School, lot granted to, 86. Savaniiali, Thunderbolt & Isle of Hope railway, litigation over mile
age tax on, 477. Savannah Volunteer Guards, guarding French frigate La Vengeance,
93- thanks to detachment serving in East Florida, 98; grant of lot to, 483; City gives quit claim deed for lot to, 486; grant on Pres ident street to, 487; City gives consent to sale of lot by, 487. Savannah Union Station Company, concessions to, 429-32. Scavenger department, City resumes charge of, 393; expenses of from 1881 to 1900, 394. Sclmrz, visit of Hon. Carl, 438. Scott, visit of Gen., 161. Screven hose company organized, 278. Screven, report on dry culture in Europe by Dr., 144. Screven, death of ex-Mayor, 248. Screven, action of Council on death of ex-Mayor John, 442. Seal of the City, 49. Seamen, trouble from riotous, 58; abduction of, 240; required to sleep on shore, 353, 356. Search of city for suspicious characters, 118. Sentry box built on Exchange, 197. Sexton, fees of, 56. Sewers built on Perry and West Broad streels, 199; on Liberty street, 236; on Perry street lane, 236; on various streets, 2<x>; re port of Engineer Thomas on city's, 367. Sheftall Sheftall relieved from taxes, 202. Shops required to close at certain hours, 55, 75. Shuffle boards, license for, 56. Sidewalks, tax to raise funds for, 202. Signals, arrangements to indicate approach of enerny by, 99, 100, 104. Sinking fund commissioners, list of, 506. Sisters of Charity, grant lots to, 482; permission to close lane given to, 486. Skittle boards, license for, 56. Slaves, owners fined, 57; required to clean streets, 57. Smallpox, constant recurrence of, 77; pest house established, 77; conflict between City and State, 77-78; negroes subjected to be re moved to Tybee, 79; inoculation for, 80; expenses for guards, etc., thrown on City, 80; in 1811, 112, in 1817, 112; in 1824, 179; in 1830, 179; Governor called on for assistance in eradicating, 112; City unable to expend more money against, 112; in 1865, 266; in 1876 and 1877, 304-05.

542

INDEX TO HISTORY.

Smoking prohibited in public places, 76. Soil, upturning of in summer time limited, 306. Solomon, action on death of ex-alderman, 338. South Bound railroad, concessions from City to, 428. Southwestern railroad, citizens recommend appropriation of $250,-
ooo for, 194; Council resolves to subscribe $150,000 to stock, 19,4; report of committee on railroad iron, 194; City subscribes $100,000 toward building road from Fort Valley to Muscogee road, 220; sales of Southwestern stock, 226; Mayor and aldermen visit Davidson on completion of road there, 228; movement to sell City's holdings in Atlantic & Gulf and other roads to the Southwestern with the Central's endorsement, 268-69. Southern extension brought into city limits, 423; taxed, 427. Springfield plantation, suits o\er rice cultivation on, 146; purchased by City. 205; committee appointed on disposal of, 205. Squares, derivation of names of, 35-36. Stamps, ship Speedwell arrives with, 33.' Staffs of officers selected, 49. Standard time, efforts to establish, 430. Slate of Georgia, lot granted for armory to, 480. Stephens, arrival of Secretary of Trustees William, 31. Stephens, Council attends funeral of Governor, 437. Stocks ordered built, 58. Stone, five shares Central railroad presented F. M., 234. Stocks. City restrained from further sales of railroad, 267-68; move ment to transfer stocks to Southwestern, with Central's en dorsement, and litigation resulting therefrom, 268-69. (See Cen tral. Southwestern, Savannah & Albany, etc.) Storm of 1820. 115: of 1854. 233; of 1881, 307; of 1885, 325; of 1893,
S5& St. Stephens Colored Episcopal Church, grant of lot to, 483. St. John's Episcopal Church, grant of lot to, 482; ground rent re
mitted, 482; grant of lot for Mission, 485; fee simple title given,
487St. Joseph's Infirmary, appropriations to, 311-12. St. Joseph's Orphanage, grant of lot for, 484. Street;, derivation of names of, 38-41. Street railways, litigation over tax on mileage of, 477.
Street paving, 410-22. Strangers ordered to report to clerk of Council, 103; names ordered
reported to committee of vigilance, 104. , Subsetiptions for public purposes ordered collected, 49; opened for
support of volunteer riflemen, 101; books opened for public de
fense, 104.

INDEX XO HISTORY.

543

Subscriptions to railroads, 242-43. (See Central, Augusta & Savan nah, Southwestern, Monroe, Savannah, Albany & Gulf, Atlantic & Gulf, Opelika branch, Montgomery & West Point, etc.)
Summer, introduction of aliens prohibited in, 81. Sunday, unnecessary work, prohibited on, 51; abuse by merchants
of, 66. Superintendents of crematories^ 394-95. Superintendents scavenger department, 393. Superintendents of waterworks, 383.

Tax assessors, list of, 448-49. Tattnall, address from City to Governor, 91; action of Council on
death of Commodore, 338. Taverns, rate of board and liquor established for, 55. Taxes reduced generally, 190; collected monthly after war, 267; City
restrained by injunction from collecting, 291; Council appeals to citi/ens to pay, 293; amounts unpaid for several years, 293.
Tax digests, recapitulation of, 426.
Tax rates, 1881 to 1900, 425. Taxation, new scheme of rendered necessary by increasing debt of
City, 243; committee of citizens appointed to co-operate v^ith finance committee, 243; new tax ordinance adopted, 243; "state
ment of property not subject to, 292. Telegraph companies, representatives of visit Savannah, 195; first
telegram received, 195; meeting in memory of Prof. Morse, 195. Thanksgiving, day set aside for victory of American vessels, 99; for
unusual health, 146. Thanks from City to Mayor Noel for defending rights of the cor
poration, 79; to Colonel Williamson and Tennessee soldiers, 99; to Commodore Campbell, 09, 106; to Commodore Chauncy for victory on Lake Ontario, 102; to Capt. David Porter for victory over Phoebe and Cherub, 103; to Governor for exertions for de fense of Savannah, 105; to military from the interior, 105; to Gen.. Jackson and colleagues for victory at New Orleans, 106; to Gov ernor Early, 106; to Gen. Thomas Pinckney, 106; to Mayor McAllister, 106; to the President of the United States, 107; to Gen. John Mclntosh, 107; to Mayor Thomas U. P. Charlton, 130; to Congressman Stiles for securing appropriation for river and har bor, 187; to Alderman Harris, 201; to those who assisted City during epidemic of 1854, 233; to defenders of Forts Pulaski and McAllister, 259; to Mayor Holcombe for his services, 260; to Capt. A. P. Wetter for aid in supplying cheap food, 261; to United States Brigadier-General Geary for discipline maintained

544

INDEX TO HISTORY.

and courtesy shown Savannahians, 262; to Congressman O'Neill

for efforts in behalf of harbor appropriation, 274; to contributors

to relief fund for yellow fever sufferers in 1876, 302-03; to police

for efficient services during labor troubles, 319; to Gen. Q. A. Gil-

more for interest in river and harbor work, 324; to Central rail

road for monument to W. W. Gordon, 337; to Secretary of War

Lincoln for use of Oglethorpe barracks, 306; to Senator Brown,

439: to Alderman Willi'im Duncan, 439; to Mayor Schwarz, 440;

to Capt. D. G. Purse, 441; to Mayor Smythe, of Charleston, and

the South and West Grain and Trade Congress, 441.

Theatre. City benefits at, 54; refreshments sold at, 54; allowed open

on Satitrday night. 70-73; closed on Saturday night, 72; lots

granted to, 85-86. 479; City subscription to stock of, 85-86; used

as barracks for United States troops, 154; nine feet of Bull street

granted to, 487.

Thomas park, 333.

Tison, resolution on death of Alderman, 339.

Tolling the bell, fee for, 56.

Tomochichi. Oglethorpe enters into treaty with, 26; visits England,

29; death and funeral of, 32; monument to, 32.

Town commons, location of, 28-29.

;

Town clerks, 45.

Trash thrown in gully and burned, 57.

Treasury on verge of bankruptcy, 57.

Trees, early appropriations for, 83-84; early fines for injuring, 83: su

perintendent of created, 83; regulations as to planting, 83: Pride

of India the favorite, 84; nursery established for, 84; put out in

streets and squares after war of 1812. 123; damaged by storm of

1824, 181: committee to ascertain trees best suited for planting,

181; improvements from 1820 to 1840, 181; species designated by

Council for citizens to plant and distances apart, 181; effort to

secure tree commission, 445; repoft of committee of Council on

trees, 445.

Trinity M. E. Church, relieved from ground rent and taxes, 486.

Trial of Jailer Waring Russell, 242.

Trcup, action of Council on death of ex-Governor. 248.

Turner, action of Council on death of ex-Mayor, 338.
u

Unior Society, land granted to. 85, 479, 483, 484, 487.

Union troops enter Savannah, 262. -

3

Unitarian Society, grant of lot to, 480.

Vaccine agent appointed, 199. Vaccination insisted on by Council, 80; proclamation calling on citi
zens to vaccinate their households, 80; revaccination recommend ed by Council, 199; vaccination in 1876 and 1877, 305; health of-

INDEX TO HISTORY.

545


ficer advocates compulsory, 305; Legislature confers power on Beard of Education to enforce, 305, 345; ordinance requiring vac cination, 345: Legislative Act of 1897, 345. Vagrancy laws, judges called to enforce, 7S-7& Vigilance committee appointed, 101, ro6. Voters, original qualifications of, 47; no City employe to vote for aldermen, .48; qualifications changed, 48; qualifications of 1806 to 1829. 184-85.
w
War of 1812, 03-111. Wards,, derivation of names of, 36-38. Wardens, Savannah placed under authority of, 45. Waring, report on yellow fever epidemic of 1820 by Alderman, 114. Wraringr, cryptogram theory of yellow fever by Dr., 301-02; adoption
by Council of report on yellow fever epidemic of 1876 by, 304. Warrenton, visit of Commodore, 161. Washington, visit of President, 88-90; reply to address from City,
89-90; failure to erect a monument to, 90; action of Council on death of, 74. Washington National Monument, subscription by Savannah to, 334. Washington fire company, lot bought for, 316; house built for, 317. Watch, tax levied for, 67; provided for and organized, 67; changes in, 67-68; certificates required as to sobriety and honesty of watch men, 68: provided with lanthorn and rattle, 68; volunteer corps of citizens to assist, 75; watchman not to leave city, 09; allowed to uniform and required to call hour and weather, 119; to dis charge firearms in event of fire, 197; increased in number, 108; relieved of carrying muskets, 198; development of from 1793 to 1851. 198; muskets secured from Governor for, 239; increased in number, 239; day police force established, 239; watch reorganized in 1854, 239; expenses of in 1854, 239; guard house ordered erected east of old cemetery, 239; Mayor Ward on abolishment of old guard or watch system, 240; night watch abolished, 241. (See police.) Water commissioners, list of, 448. Waterworks, early propositions to erect, 153; proposition from Richardson & Roberts in 1850, 215; agent sent North by City to secure information, 215-16; Engineer Morse engaged to make survey, 216; his report on Savannah river water, 216; public meeting- of citizens endorses project, 216; committee appointed to select plan, 216; report thereof, 216; Engineer Craven engaged as consulting engineer, 216; laud bought for site, 216; bonds issued, 216-17; plant put in charge of commissioners, 217; reports on filtering, 217; plant to secure water from higher up the river, 217;

546

INDEX TO HISTORY.

consumption passes the^capacity of the works, 217; contract for

new engine, 217-18; movement for new waterworks, 2*8-19;

Mayor Wheaton recommends artesian wells, 218; waterworks

placed under the control of committee of Council, 219; water de

clared impure by State Board of Health, 219; report from Geor

gia Medical Society on necessity of larger supply of water,. 219;

new waterworks decided on, 219; the building thereof, 219-20;

total cost, 220; artesian water introduced, 373-75; analysis of arte

sian water, 374-75; report of Mayor Lester on, 374; growth of

artesian well system, 373-78; building of new waterworks, third

plant for Savannah, 374-81; contracts let, 378-79; total cost of new

works, 381; use of surface wells prohibited, 381; water meters in

troduced, 381; installation of electric lighting plant, 381; machin

ery at old works put in order, 382; expenditures and income of

X,

waterworks, 1877 to 1900, 382; pumpage of water, 382; list of su

perintendents, 383.

Wayne, action of Council on death of Mayor, 248.

Webster, entertainment of Daniel, 202.

Wells ordered sunk in squares, 50; ordinance prohibiting use of sur

face, 381.

Wells, action of Council on resignation of Alderman, 439.

Wells park, 333.

Wesley Chapel, sale of lot by confirmed, 486; grant of 10 feet from

Abercorn street to, 487.

Wetter, efforts to supply cheap food by Capt. A. P., 261.

-s,

Wesleys, arrival of, 32.

\

Wharf lots, s'urvey completed, 87; suits against owners of, 87; report

giving history of, 87.

Whitefield, arrival of, 32.

White Bluff road, purchase of portion within city, 425.

"Widows' Home, grant of lot to, 481; permission to sell, 484.

Williams, action of Council on death of Clerk, 74.

Wiiliamson, thanks to Col., 99.

Wrecks, work for removal of, 243-47. (See river and harbor im

provements.)

Yamacraw, great fire in, 395. Yellow fever, river patrolled by revenue cuter, 60; gun boat to patrol
river, 60; in North, 77; epidemic in 1820, 114-15; in 1854, 232-33; in 1858, 234-35; at Norfolk relief sent by Savannah, 235; commis sion to inquire into causes of, 235; recommendations of, 235-36; druggists sent to Wilmington, 259; Alderman Waring's report on causes of epidemic of 1820, 114; epidemic of 1876, 301-04. Yc ung Men's Benevolent Association, work of during epidemic of
-1854.233-34.

i