The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1893-07-20
HE RESIGNS.

Engineer Groves Tenders His Resignation
to the Board Of Public Works.
For some time past things have not
been moving smoothly out at the dam
owing to sharp little controversies be-
tween Superintendent Groves and
Mayor Mcdonald. If all reports be
true it seems that Mayor Mcdonald
has been taking entirely too much
dish in the matter. Superintendent
Groves instructs his men to do 30 and
so and just about the time they finish
the task Mayor Mcdonald comes out
and orders it done another way.
Wednesday afternoon such an Incl
dent as has been narrated occurred.
Superintendent Groves had some work
done and when the mayor reached the
scene in the afternoon he ordered
the work done another way. Super
intendent Groves refused to do it,,
without an order from the board OF
public works, and Mayor Mcdonald
returning to the city obtained a meet
ing of the board and secured an order
authorizing him to do as he pleased
about the matter. This was more
than Superintendent Groves could
stand. He said he would not and
could not understand any such do
ings, and Immediately he prepared a
letter, which is given below, stating
his reasons for rendering his rtsigna-
ton as superintendent of the work.
But the board yesterday reconsidered
it's action and telephoned cut that the
work proceed as Mr., Groves had COM
menced it. The board met yesterday
and accepted his resignation and
made arrangements to have Engineer
Tanning come down and supervise
the work. 1t is understood that Cap
| tain Walsh will be in charge of the
work being done in the way of ex-
cavating until Engineer Tanning ar
rives, which will be on the 18th.
Engineer Tanning was told to bring
an engineer with him to superintend
the work. The matters of note Incl
dental to the resignation of Superin-
tendent Groves are explained in the
following letter which he sent to the
board of public wor ks giving his rea-
son for his rel ignation:
AUSTIN, Tex, July 10.
Honorable Board of Public Works
GENTLEMEN-After having served
you over three years, l am now forced
to tender you my resignation, and in
doing so desire to state as briefly as
possible my reasons therefor. Being
satisfied of the dangerous nature OF
the work of repairing the headgate
masonry and the power house founda.
ton, | was convinced that the best
interests of the work demanded that
if possible the water in the lake should
be- drawn off, and in this [ had the
support of some members of the board
Mayor Mcdonald being largely inter
ested in boats, etc., became very an
CRY and insulting. Not long ago he
charged me before you with exploding
three kegs OF powder in the founda
ton under the headgate masonry. You
investigated this matter and L now
ask YOU as honest men if there was
one word of truth in his assertion
Yesterday he came on the work and
in an insulting manner accused me OF
ignoring your instructions. had nc
definite instructions in regard to what
1 was doing, but was doing it in the
best and cheapest manner possible,
doing it so that L was saving not less
than 500 for the city. can no longer
submit to his interference and insults
and ask you to take some action IN the
matter. Yours ETC.,
E. w. GROVES, Engineer.