The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1890-02-06
TRIO OF LOCAL REFORMERS
Zeal in Partisan Methods Brings Upon
Them a Complaint for Injunction.
Street Commissioner De Ruiter Does Not Pro-
pose to Be Made Responsible for Men to Be
Employed Solely for Political Purposes.

Street Commissioner De Ruiter has
brought suit in the Superior Court against
Councilmen Hicklin, Olsen and Murphy.
to enjoin them from interfering with and
usurping mis- powers aad rights and the
rights of the Council and Board of Alder
men. In his complaint MIR. De RuIter
charges that the ordinance under which
the defendants are assuming to act
specifically provides for a representative
from the political party having the largest
minority in the Council, and that in dis
regarding this provision and electing these
three Democrats on the Board of Public
Improvements the joint convention has
rendered the organization of the board
illegal. Again. it is charged that the de-
PENDANTS, assuming to be legally consti-
tuted as such board. have ordered the
plaintiff not to do any work on the streets,
purchase any materials. or en-
ploy any laborers or teams here
after, and have notified him that
they will hereafter buy all supplies, en-
ploy all laborers and teams, and direct him
what work to do, thus usurping his powers
as defined by law. 1t is also shown that
the ordinance itself is illegal and void,
in that it attempts to give to the members
of the Board of Public improvements
rights which do not belong to such a board,
even if legally constituted, but which be-
lone to the street commissioner in part and
the Council and Board of Aldermen in part,
and that none of the powers which these
three Councilmen are now taking unto
themselves. are authorized by the statutes
of the State. The plaintiff does not ask for
o temporary Injunction, but desires the
case to be heard on its merits in the first
instance on the final hearing.
When the defendants in this suit as the
Board of improvements began their deal
that he was ready to do all he could to
maintain pleasant official relations with
them. In doing this, however, he was
cOgnizant, he says, of the rights and
to permit no encroachment upon them.
But he early saw evidence of the purpose
of the board to arrange affairs SO they could
use the patronage of the street commission
er's office for political purposes. This could
mitted Mr. De Ruiter to exercise
the power he and his predecessors have al
ways possessed. ITO accomplish their pur-
poses.o said Mr.. De Ruiter, last night, "Ol-
sen, Hicklin and Murphy Set about, under
they could. They would like to have the
public believe there is crookedness in the
Office. but in trying to create this impress
sian they fail to bring any specific charges:
Oiscu W6utCu iuO W LCpOtt hbo % IA
my transactions of tho past year. L
told him if he had any charge of dis
honest or negligent dealing by me
during my official term / would make such
"A report. AS he had none / took the ground
that as my accounts and transactions as
street commissioner had been passed upon
and approved by the old Board of Improve
ments and the last Common Council
nothing to do with them. If Olsen and his
colleagues have charges to prefer, then an
investigation will be in ORDER, but / do not
propose to nave these men throw out a
drag-net just TO see what they can pull in.
This board has seen fit to address to me
an insulting letter in which it is sought in
every line to create a suspicion as TO my
official conduct. That / will not stand.
and hence / have brought this suit to deter
mine who is TO control the street commits
sioner's department, the beard or myself.
If it is decided that the board Is to have
control in the smallest particular. and that
no act of mine can be performed without
its especial approval IN each instance the
ply and HIcklin, who give no bond. will
have power to control all expenditures,
while /, who am under bond, can do moth
ing but make myself liable in doing their
bidding"
"Olsen stated in Council Monday night
that you kept no books" suggested the re-
porter.
II know he did," Mr.. De Ruiter replied.
II was away from the city at the Time. OF L
could have had him informed at that meet
ing that / have a complete set of books. 1
have repeatedly asked him to come into my
office and examine them, but he has not &C
copied the invitation
"Have you attended all meetings of the
Olsen boards"
mot since the first one. At that meeting
Olsen ordered an adjournment subject to
his call. Since then several meetings have
been held, but where / do not know, as [
~aa nauar notified OIaon HicEln and
Murphy transact their business wheneverit
suits Olsen to call them together in a star
chamber session.
In view of the spring election il seems, so
far. that the aim of the Board of Improve
ments is to employ all the Transfers and
laborers il can, and make Street Commits
sioner De Ruiter responsible for them. To
tina he will not submit.