The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1893-04-21
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COUP D'EIAT.
Mayor Wanser Gives the
Politicians a Real Sur
prise Party.
FINANCIERS NAMED
AND SWORN In, TOO.
They Are Jacob Detwiller and
John D. Fraser in Place
Of Edelstein and
Peterson.
FAR REACHING CONSEQUENCES.
Even If Their Appointments Are
Valid They May Legally Con-
firm Future Appointees.
DEMOCRATIC WATERLOO
Here Is the Plight to Which
Robert Davis Leadership
Has Brought the Party.

Mayor Wanssr made coup d etdt this
morning which threw the politicians into
state of the widest excitement.
His Honor ignored the recent law
passed by the Legislature, making it
necessary to have 6 twc-tnirds vote
in the Board of Finance TO
confirm his appointments. He made two
appointments to the Board of Finance. to
succeed President John Edelstein and
Commissioner George w. Peterson, and
his appointees were at once sworn In by
City Clerk Scott.
The appointees are Jacob Detwiller. of
No. 56 Danforth avenue, Greenville, to
succeed Commissioner George W. Peter
SOD, for two years, dating from
April %. which happens to fail on Sum
day: ard John u. Fraser, appointed for
term also of two years, to succeed Presi-
dent John Edelstein.
The prevailing idea that City Clerk
John E. Scott would not administer the
oath of Office to Mayor orWanser'sappointees
was knocked into cooked hat in short
order. Mr.. Fraser and Mr.. Det-
willer received their respec-
tive commissions at the
moment wheh the clock in
Mayor Wanser's Office pointed to
twelve noon. Three minutes later.
the gentlemen accompanied by
john -yanser. of City Clerk Scott's
Office, repaired TO Mr. Scott's office. and
at ten minutes past twelve O'clock both
T. oSt q he
Board of Finance.
BoMBsHELL.
The fact that Mayor Wanser had ap-
pointed members to the Board of Finance
was bombshell which nearly
shook the old City Hall of
its foundations. But when it
became known that Mr. Scott had recog-
nized Mayor Wanser's commissions to
Mr.. Fraser and Mr.. Detwiller. restora
tiyes had to be applied To certain ofic-
ials.
Shortly after tbs new Finance Com
missioners had b b sworn In, they
sailed forth and VIE instantly made the
recipients Of many hearty congratulations.
The first official to congratulate them
was Finance Commissioner Killer. Mr..
Detweller and Mr.. Fraser had lots of
business on hand, and they soon placed
the City Hall far behind them.
WHO THEY ARE.
Mr.. Jacob Detwiller is salmost too well
known to require any Introduction TO the
public. His residence in GreenviIle has
been the scene OF many brilliant social
events. Mr.. Detwiiler is not a
politician, but he is a business man Of
enviable repute. He is retired fire.
works manufacturer. Recently he sold
out. or leased for q period of ten
years. his fireworks plant to the fireworks
trust for 81. 0.000. Mr.. Detwiller
came to this country in 1859.
and since that time has been
identified with every public improve
ment association Ia the city. His public
spfritedness has won him the general
respect Of every proDerty owner in the city.
Mr.. John D. Frazer, tho other appointee,
is equally well known. Mr.. Fraser is
Mayor Wanser's Democratic appointee.
Mr.. Fraser Is well known in po-
litical and social circles. His
home is at No. LEG Mercer street. He is
spoken of as reform Democrat. Mr..
Fraser is an iron manufacturer, and has
an extensive plant at Port Ches-
ter, New York. Mr.. Fraser is
now a member of the Board OF Com
mIssioners of Appeal. appointed by Mayor
Wanser. In 1889. Mr.. Fraser was
a member of the famous Board
of Finance. the members of which
were ousted from Office by the enactment
and acceptance of ex-Mayor Cleveland,s
new charter.
THE OUTS.
The terms of President Edelstein and
Commissioner Peterson expire on April
%. which happens to fall on Sunday. this
year. The probability is that the
new Board of Finance will organize for
the ensuing year on saturday next, this
being done to prevent the city from be-
Jug withoutia full complement Of officials
iyr minute.
The fact that Mr.. Peterson had
decided to vote with President
Edeistein now carries with It NO
effecr nor does it hinder Mayor
Wanser's appointees. II i said, from