The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-01-26

In snosher eosumn viii be found letter
from Mr.. W. A. Peters. secretary Of the
Seattle Brick and Tie Company, which
appeared in the telegraph Of January -
IL Is In answer to the TeseesapAs editorial
attack on that company which appeared
on the previous day, and in which what
amounted 10 q conspiracy agsinst the city
was charged against the officers OF the
company. Every material allegation Of
the telegraph is denied point blank by Mr..
Peters.
The snimus of the Teleerspks attack on
the company - apparent. In the FIRST
place ID falsely represented Mr.. George II.
Hebron as being an officer Of the CON-
pany. with which he has had no connec-
ton, either as officer or stakeholder, for
several years. The desire to sssaa Mr..
Hebron was manifest More Important
in the eyes OF the Telegraph. however. was
the necessity Of confusing the public mind
In regard 20 the charges which have been
so freely made In regard 10 the faithless-
ness TO the public interest apparent in the
purchase of certain brick TO be used IN the
construction OF the sewers.
II Is true that the Seattle Brick ard Tile
Company has been furnishing brick 10 the
city. IL there is any question as TO the
quality OF this brick. the price paid for il
or the conditions attending its purchase.
the matter should DO investigated. along
with the many others which require ex-
animation. The fact that moro than one
quality OF brick Is used in building the
sewers and that the brick are furnished by
more than one company should not, how
ever, be permitted TO cloud the public
mind as TO the real question at issue.
Here are the simple facts:
The city purchased for use in the con-
struction of the sewers large quantity Of
brick manufactured by the Pontiac Brick
and Tile Company. paying for them eight
dollars per thousand Mr.. James F. Nc
Elroy, prominent Democrat and man
of responsibility. thereupon stated that
the identical brick sold TO the city for eight
dollars per thousand had previously been
offered to one of his clients for five dollars
and a quarter per thousand.
This 10 the case as Ii stands. and ID Is
certainly one which justiies a thorough
investigation. IL the city Is paying more
for material than others would be called
upon to pay. the people are entitled TO
know the reason for the difference and to
know where the difference goes.
There may he, and doubtless are, other
matters connected with the city govern
ment which should be investigated The
Posr-IsrEIrIGKscEs, for its part, is anx-
ions to have every instance of corruption,
from the establishment OF the city govern
ment to the present hour, brought to light
and 10 have the criminals punished
wherever crime is proven. 1t believes that
the interests of the city have been shame
lessly betrayed. not In the sewer contracts
alone. but in printing contracts and other
contracts as well. The investigation of
the affairs Of the city cannot be too broad
or too sweeping. and where criminal Is
found he should be punished regardless of
whether he is tall or short. Republican or
Democrat blonde or brunette.
The question most prominently at Issue
just now. however. Is that raised by Mr..
McElroy, Itcertainiy requires a thorough
and impartial investigation. and the peo-
pie should not permit them selves TO be
blinded 30 the nature of the charge by
statements made by the Telegraph with
pomp and circumstance on one day and
retracted with abjectness on the next.