St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-07-30
rfR. HOLMAN EXPLAINS.
The City Attorney Democrat
From Way Back.

The City Attorney a Democrat
From Way Back.
The Daily Item, of Allentown, Pa,
in recent issue, contains the follow
ing:
The many friends of Oscar E. Holman,
ESQ.,, lately of this city, but now residing and
practicing law in st. Paul, MIMI, will be
gratified in reading the following extract
from the message of Hon. Robert A. Smith:
mayor of st. Paul. Mr.. Holman was elected
corporation counsel about a year ago, ana
the mayor, in commenting upon the conouet
of the law department, uses the following
complimentary language:
''lf there is a department in this city en-
titled to universal commentator, 1t Is the
one presided over and managed by the pres
ent corporation attorney. This official en-
tered upon the duties of his position on the
first day of July, 1889, a young man. mex
perienced in municipal affairs. yet he at once
reduced the force in his office and brougnt 70
the discharge of its duties a determination,
energy and ability that deserved and won
success in a manner unprecedented; ana,
Notwithstanding the labor in preparing his
cases for trial in the courts. he has person
ally attended the meetings OF the common
council committee Oh Streets committee on
claims, committee on public accounts, Doard
of education and board OF public works. Inc
services of such an officer are Invaluable 70
the city,
When Mr.. Holman resided and practlced
law in this county his friends felt confident
that he would attain considerable success.
He had the advantages of a good educauon
and brought to his profession both lntelil-
gence and industry We recall with pleasure
the many good, sound Democratic speeches
he delivered from 1874 to 1884. He took an
active part in every political contest ana ulu
good service for Mr.. Tilden i'll S76 and Gen.
Hancock in 1880. He represented the Filth
ward as Democratic member OF the city
council. In every congressional contest ME-
Holman was emphatic and pronounced IN
his support of Democratic principles.
lieve that In his new Western home he would
take the same active part as he did here.
Now that the great issues OF tariff re1orm'
ballot reform ana civil service reform are as
tinctly raised before the people, and the
great Northwest is showing significant signs
of leaving the Republican party upon these
great questions, we will be greatly dlsap-
pointed if Mr.. Holman's voice and influence
are not raised and heard In favor OF me me
Democratic party. His friends here Will
watch his course with deep interest so far
| he has confined himself exclusively to the
practice of his profession. No doubt he is
| laying solid foundation, ana, When- ne
deems this securely laid, will doubtless exert
| his influence in political circles. we WISH
| him large measure OF s1ccess."
A GLOBE reporter called upon City
| Attorney Holman yesterday, and,
speaking in reference to this extract,
| he made the following statement:
1.-THE facts mentioned in the article
are correct. and have never attempted
| to conceal them from any one. When
at Allentown last March my Democratic
| friends there frequently asked me to
! explain how / happened to be elected
| corporation attorney by a Republican
council. | could only answer that L
was not elected to the Office as poiiti-
clan, but rather as compromise candi-
date, and largely because OF my Ger
man descent: that asked no one to vote
for me, and did not know OF my nominal
| ton until few hours before my election.
want to say in justice to the aldermen
| who honored me with the Important
office hold that no pledges and no
| political favors OF any kind were ever
| asked of me by them. | have attempted
to reward their confidence by a faithful
| discharge of my duties to the best OF
my ability and with all the energy l
| possess. A profitable law practice was
| sacrificed by me in order that might
accomplish such results. Certain ele-
ments of the Republican party under
took to dictate to me a line OF political
action, and to have my Office run in the
interests of their party; because de-
clined to submit to their eXactlons L
have incurred their enmity and opposi-
ton. | mistake the feelings OF the cltl-
zens of ST. Paul if my conduct in this
regard is not indOrsed."