The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-08-23
DR.. Blalock Succeeds Ezra
Meeker as Commissioner.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE.
The Retiring Executive Omcer Out
Voted 1t Every Point-Mr. Meany Re-
Elected Press Agent.


made short address, in which he invited
the cooperation Of all the members of the
commission, in order that what was de-
signed by the legislature might be accom-
pushed. He said that any commissioner
might block the work of the commission
BY seeking legal technicalities, but he ex-
pressed the hope that no lady or gentle
man would do so, and that each would
labor 10 make the proposed exhibition o
success.
Today's meeting lasted three hours and
was mainly taken up with consideration
OF the report of the committee on rules
and acquisitions. Almost every provision
OF the report was antsgonized by Mr..
Meeker, and his objections precipitated
several warm discussions. The first debate
arose over an amendment offered by
Meeker 10 the rule relative TO the duties
Of the treasurer of the body, as follows:
His books, papers, vouchers and accounts
shall at ali times be open TO inspection on de-
mand OF any eommi ssioner.
He stated that the treasurer had denied
him the privilege of inspecting his books,
and the amendment was intended to pre-
vent such refusal in the future.
Commissioner Cavanaugh said that the
amendment was discourteous, and that it
was unnecessary, because the secretary's
books would furnish any information de-
sired as 10 the commissions finances. He
stated that during the years in which he
had held Office he had not permitted peo-
pie to inspect his records, and he declared
that if any public officer should permit
such inspection he would not be fit to hold
office. Citizens might procure certified
transcripts of particular records, but
could not make general inspection, for
that would delay public business.
Mr.. Meekcr replied that it was the right
of any citizen TO inspect the records of
any public Office. A number of the other
commissioners engaged in the discussion.
The amendment was finally voted down.
One OF the proposed rules provided that:
The executive committee shall have power TO
act for and instead of this commission when not
in session, and perform every act that this COM
mission is required to do by the law under
which 1t was created or by these rules and regu-
lations.
Mr.. Meeker attacked this provision and
was seconded by Commissioner Vance,
who asserted tina. the commission could
not legally delegate its powers to the exec
utive committee, as contemplated by the
rule. He contended that if the rule as re-
ported should be adopted the commission
would find itself in more farcical posi-
ton than the one it was in when the dis
covery was made that it had not been
legally organized.
Mr.. Cavanaugh argued that the commits
sion could make a valid delegation of
power as proposed. He took up the mat
ter of the disagreement between the exec
utive committee and Mr.. Meeker, and said
that he had been informed that the latter
had told the committee its only business
was to pay money over to the executive
commissioner, and that after doing that it
should adjourn and save money to the
state.
Mr.. Meeker declared that the report
that he had made such a statement was
totally false
Mr.. Vance called Mr.. Cavanaugh to or
der when the latter charged that it was
Nance's custom to object to being an
swered
Messrs. Cavanaugh and Vance, how
ever, finally drafted the following substi-
tute for the rule in question, which
was adopted:
The executive committee is authorized and
empowered TO act for and instead of the COM
mission when said commission is not in session.
and have all the powers OF the commission ex-
cept in cases In which the act OF the legislature
and the rules and regulations require the action
OF the commission.
The rules and regulations as amended
were finally adopted. By their provisions
the executive commissioner is placed un-
der the control of the executive commit
tee, and his appointments are to be subject
to its approval.
The following resolution validating the
expenditures heretofore made was then
adopted:
Resolved, That al action of the commissioners
In fnrtherance OF and in aid of the Washington
exhibit Is hereby adopted, and all expenses OF
the Worlds fair commission to this date In
elusive, shall be paid upon Deing audited and
approved by the finance committee.
The matter of assisting the Washington
members of the national board of lady
managers in their work was taken up. and
the following resolution was adopted:
Realizing the Importance of the aid and assist.
ance OF the ladies OF the state of Washington at
the Columbian exposition be 1t
Resolved, That the executive commissioner be
and he is hereby instructed to aid the Washing
ton state lady commissioners in their work ana
approve or pay all reasonable bills incurred.
upon properly certified vouchers, in the colIec-
ton, preparation aud transportation of exhibits
secured or prepared by the ladies Of the state.
and they are further authorized to appoint in
each and every county lady or ladies as as
sistants without compensation for carrying out
This work.
DR.. Calhoun raised question as to the
propriety Of DR.. Blalock holding both the
positions of executive commissioner and
chairman of the executive committee. II
was shown that under the law the presi-
dent of the commission was made ex-
oficio chairman of the executive commit
tee and the matter was dropped
The commissioners salary was fixed at
$50 per month.
Mr. Meeker offered resolution decIar-
ing that the accounts of the Worlds Fair
Association, amounting to $3.50. should
not be paid.
A discussion of the resolution disclosed
that in the Worlds fair work done prior M
the passage of the commission law, DR..
Blalock and Commissioner Rochester in
Cured an Indebtedness of $3.50. for the
payment of which $1,000 was borrowed
from the Merchants National Bank of Ia
coma.
DR.. Conover stated his opinion that IL
would be only just for the commission to
pay the debt.
Mr.. Vance said that it was a painful
duty to oppose the payment of the ac-
count, as the association had rendered
good service and had caused the creation
OF the present commission, but he was GER
tain that the commission had no right to
pay the bill.
DR.. Blalock stated that he had no desire
to press the matter, as payment of the ac-
count might affect the unrL- 81 IL. 80.