The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-06-25
FOSTERS TRIAL SET.
Evidence to Be Offered the COun-
Gil on Thursday Next.
RONALD LEAVES FOR NEW YORK.
Meeting Of the City Council to Hear
Vfzthum's Testimony Fosters
Counsel Asks Time to Answer.

Mayor Ronald left the city last night for New
York and President Sweeney accordingly be-
came acting mayor. This threw upon DR.. J. 3.
hioeber, as president OF the house of delegates,
the duty of presiding over the joint session OF
the council convened to inquire into the charges
against James Foster. one of the fire comlais-
sioners.
packed lobby, Aldermen Wolfe, earle, Cram,
Ingram; Delegates Cook. Ryan, Lyon, Coryell,
Crichton, Brace, Calligan aud Drew.
commissioner Foster was accompanied by
Attorney W. II. White and Chief kellogg
watched the proceedings from the lobby. Cor
poration Counsel Donworth appeared for the
city. Oswald Vitzthum, who accuses Foster was
also in the chamber.
City Clerk Stoneman read the mayors
notice and the charge that Foster had re-
celved $3.50 from Oswald Vitzthum for obtaining
position for him as stoker in the fire depart
ment, and borrowed q further 500 from him
with the understanding that Fosters influence
was to be used in Vitzthum's favor.
Mr.. White said he appeared for Foster, who
was charged with very serious offense, namely,
accepting bride for appointing man to Office.
roster had received the charge late on Thurs
day night Early yesterday Foster called on
Attorney White to defend him, but he was en-
gagged all morning in the United States court
and in the afternoon was with his Masonic
the charges; and Mr. White read his copy of
the notice TO show that it was not an exact copy.
For his part, he thought the mayor would be
justified in handing the matter over to the pros
ecuting attorney for the county on a criminal
charge, and the council should therefore give
Foster as fair and impartial investigation as
before a committing magistrate. lie asked for
time to look into the testimony and prepare .
defense. He would like the hearing to be on
Thursday night Foster was charged with a
crime and not mere dereiiction of duty. He
promised to interpose no trivial obstacles, but
asked TO be afforded reasonable time
Mr.. Donworh said there was much reason in
Mr.. Whites request, and he saw no objection to
granting further time. TWAS for the council to
say at what time the hearing should be set.
Delegate Drew offered motion that the hear
ing be on Thursday. Alderman Ingram sug-
gested Tuesday night.
Mr.. White said the public would find fault
with the council If it did not go about this in
Qury with perfect fairness.
After some remarks by Alderman Ingram and
Delegate Crichton, the council resolved to set
the hearing Tor Thursday night.
Alter the joint session the aldermen dispersed,
there being no quorum, but the delegates went
into session and transacted some routine bust
ness.
DR.. Crichten moved that a committee of FIVE
be appointed to inquire into the insurance rates
paid by cities of like size and circumstances
with Seattle, and also the proportion OF reduc-
ton made since the freboat went into commits
sion.
1t was adopted and the chair appointed erich.
ton, Lyon, Brace, Drew and Coryell.
The following petitions were received
BY the Madison Street Cable Company for the
creation of liquor license district described so
as to include the Madison pavilion and Laurel
Shade; referred to license committee.
By the trustees of Calvary Presbyterian church
for remission of city taxes for $780, and cancela-
ton oil certificate OF sale; judiciary committee
The house adjourned until Thursday night
next