St. Paul daily globe., 1892-07-01

was recorded on the Suspension of the
rules previous to the offering of the
amendment.
MIR. Lightner said ne could not sup
port tue ordinance, because it simply
re-enactS an ordinance now on the
books. There, was no reason for its
adoption by law, and the only effect
would be to vacate all office and turn
out the present incumbent The only
change would be to turn out the old
and elect new inspector. The council
Ii there was any diSSatlSfac lion
with the present officer it would seem
proper. This not being the case the
ground for removal was political and
was done because the power was in the
hands of the council. He was satisfied
lie was not. nor were others, elected to
turn out of Office any man doing his
duty simply on account of his politics.
For that reason there was no valid
ground for the adoption of the
ordinance at this time. The pao-
pie were indebted to the former
building inspector. but the change
should not be made to pay political
debts. 1t is not done in stale or national
offices, and none of the present mem
bers were elected by the people to take
such steps. If the ordinance passed it
would lay down rule that in turn
would be used by the other party when
in power.
Van Slyke thought it would do no
good, but he wanted to say that eight
years ago. and at other elections, Mr..
johnson had received the unanimous
vote of Democratic body for building
inspector. He was sorry to see any
such action taken. The present incum-
bent was good man for the place, and
he hoped the ordinance would not pass.
Mr.. Pike said there was no doubt but
that it was simply removing one officer
and electing another. He reeog-
niZed the services Of Mr. JOHNSON,
but this was not the right way to reward
him. The passage of the ordinance i'll
wolves the lesson that the city govern.
ment should be run on other claims
than that of ''tO the victor belongs the
spoiis." The Republican party. as the
mayor had said, would be held re-
sponslble for the conduct of the
city affairs. If the Republican
party expected to be able to
conduct any future reform in this city
OF county the passage of this ordinance
would certainly XIII such movement.
II personal claims were to be paid in
this way the party would not last. Mr..
JoHilSOn agreed WITH many LnlngS SAID
by Mr.. Pike. He would vote for the
ordinance, not to put Mr.. johnson in,
but because the action OF the old coun-
Gil was all wrong. -,.s
Mr.. ReardOn said he was like the boy
who liked the bread we'll enough, but
not the way it was cut. He did not like
the manner in which the old council
threw out MIR. Johnson.
The vote for the passage of the Or di
nance resulted in Messrs. johnson
Reardon, Sandell and Wolterstorff yot-
ing for.its passage, and Lightner, Pike
and Van Slyke agaihstit.
The ordinance now goes to the board
of aldermen for. concurrence in the
amendment. This body meets July 5,
and MIR. Fuller took pains to explain
last night it would pass unanimously,
and MIR. Johnson elected to the office
July IL.
The question as to Johnson's elegibil-
lty was beyond all doubt, he said. In,
fact, it was his private opinion that
johnson was more of a practical architect
and sanitary engineer than the present
incumbent. JOhnson'S experience in
the Office had fitted him for the work,
and the question would not be raised as
to his qualifications.