The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-10-11
ALL WORK STOPPED.
Supreme Court to Settle Uni
versity Warrant Matter.
THE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION.
Tacoma and Olympia Harbor Lines
Gen. O'Brien's Charges Not Yst
Filed, but viii BE.

oLYPMrA, Oct 1o.-[special THE university
warrant question will be carried to the supreme
court That was decided upon at the meeting
OF the building commission in Governor Ferry's
on1ce. Attorney-Gsreral Jones arrived today,
and was requested By the commission to insti-
tute m2ndamus proceedings against Auditor
Reed TO test the sound1sss OF the auditors OBJ
lection. The attorney general was busy this
afternoon and evening examining the law on the
subject. He was asked tonight which side he
would feel IL his duty law officer OF the state
10 appear for. Attorney General Jones re-
Piled that that would depend upon the
result OF his investigation of the
statutes and authorities, as he would
feel bound to represent the side which he should
determine TO be correct. In reply TO an inquiry
as to when the proceedings would be COM
meneed, ne said that the date had not been de-
cided upon. He said. further, that there was
some doubt as TO the procedure.
1t is an open question in this state whether
the supreme court can mandamus a state execu-
tive officer. 1t is true the court in denying the
writ in the geological survey case examined
the subject on its merits without considering
the question OF jurisdiction. but the latter ques-
ton was not presented to the court in that case.
However, it may be predicted that in few days
the application for the writ in the university
matter will be presented to the court.
John Arthur, a member of the or1mission, IN
formed the PosT-ISTELLIGEScER respondent
tonight that the commission would endeayor 10
hasten the legal proceedings to secure
early settlement of the question as possible
A dspatch, he said, had been sent to Seattle to
suspend operations on the university grounds
at O'Clock this evening. He stated that the
commission very much disappointed over
the complication, as 1t had consulted the audi
tor at the beginning and had been assured by
him that warrants would be issued. He recog-
nized, however, that Mr. Reed had right 10
change his mlnd that he could not be blamed
Tor desiring Judicial authority for the issuance
OF the warrants, and that the members of the
board were satisfied OF his entire sincerity. Mr..
Arthur said the commissioners were convinced
that the decisions of other states cited by Mr..
Reed were not analogous. and that the supreme
court would hold that the warrants should be-
issued.
At the meeting last evening great feeling was
manifested. Major Hayden and Charles F.
Leavenworth became explosive and used severe
language. Mr.. Reed defended himself vigor-
ously. The four commissioners threatened to
resign, but they concluded to await the result of
the legal proceedings which Mr.. Reed urged
them 10 take. They were somewhat mollited
by the decision OF the auditor to issue warrants
for all debts contracted for labor to date. The
bills of the work men will all be paid. Archi-
tects Boone & Wilcox's bill for $1,000 Will be
hung up for the present
The session this morning was more amiable
one, and the proceedings were concluded In
harmony. Auditor Reed is in favor of calling
an extra session of the legislature for the pur-
pose of disposing OF this and other difficulties
by making appropriations for the university
building; for the compensation of state
agents appointed to cruise lands to be-
selected under the enabling act: for the trans
portation of children to the reform school;
for the expenses OF school land sales, and other
matters. For all the purposes stated the audi.
tor is directed by the statutes to draw warrants,
but no moneys have been appropriated out Of
which 10 pay them.
The military accounts are In q somewhat SIM
liar situation. A special tax of one-fifth mill il
provided for for the maintenance of the National
Guard, but of the revenue arising from this levy
no fixed sum has been appropriated. tits main
tained however, that the military warrants may
be legally issued because the exact sum avail
able may be computed from the assessment rolls
OF the state.
There has been good deal Of discussion today
regarding the desirability of an extra session, in
case the decision of the supreme court should be
adverse to the issuance OF warrants. Treasurer
Lindsey is OF the same opinion as Auditor Reed
relative to the university matter, and he says
that he would not accept the warrants II they
should be presented 10 him.