The record-union., 1894-05-17
PURE POLITICAL WATER.
How Trustee Devine Carries on the
Campaign.
he Charges Trustee Pennfsh With
s'Falling Down'' After Maxi
ing 'sDeal.''

Whenever the clear water proposition
comes up Trustee Devine takes occasion
to declare that there is '.job'' in it and
to denounce everybody who favors it as
corrupt. He even went so far at late
meeting of the Board of Trustees as to
assert that votes counted for the clear
water plan had never been cast. When
called upon by the RECORD UNION 10
point out where such fraud was perpe-
trated, as it is his sworn duty to do, ne
remained silent. When asked by
representative of the paper why he did
not present his proofs, he confessed ne
had none and that be was merely repeat
ing what he had heard"
When a man continually charges other
people with being dishonest he ought to
so conduct himself as to be above suspi-
oion.
A little incident which is saidto have
resulted from the proceedings at the
meeting of the Board of Trustees Monday
night puts Mr.. Devlne in very unfavor-
able light before the public. At the
meeting of the board Mr.. Devine op-
posed the resolution requesting the
Board of Health to express an opinion
Trustee Pennish voted in favor of the
resolution, his vote being necessary 10
carry it. as Trustees Devire, Leonard,
Kent and Wachhorst voted against it.
Trustee Devine was highly indignant
because Trustee Pennish voted for the
resolution, and in his excitement gave
away most outrageous transaction
which will open the eyes of the people IN
regard to the manner in which city affairs
are conducted.
At least two members of the Board of
Trustees have stated 10 a representative
of the RECORD UNION that on the day
after the meeting Trustee Devine, in the
presence of five members OF the board,
stated that he had entered into an agree
ment with Trustee Pennish that he would
vote for the confirmation of MIR. Pen
nish's brother as policeman if Pennish
would vote with him every time TO de-
feat the clear water contract. He said
that after the vote had been taken on the
confirmation of Pennish's brother, the
vote being to 4, Pennish 'swent back on
him." and voted against him on the water
resolution.
What do the people think of this state
of affairs? Here is an appointee of the
Mayor confirmed by majority
OF only one vote, which Trustee
DeVine declares he cast because of
an agreement with Trustee Pennish
That IN consideration OF that vote he
would oppose the water contract which
was entered into by direct instructions OF
the people, who voted in favor of it by an
Overwhelming majority when 1t was sub
mitted TO them at special election.
As the statement made by Trustee De-
vine also put Trustee Pennish in an un-
favorable light. that gentleman was ask ed
last evening what he had to say about
Devine's charge. He replied:
II emphatieally deny that [ ever asked
Devine TO vote Tor my brother. He sits
beside me in the board, and on the night
OF the election he leaned over to me and
said, L am going to vote for Martin, and
l want you to vote against this clear
water and | said, Never mind that;
don't you know l was always against
that clear water?' When it came time TO
vote he showed me his ballot for my
brother and said he wanted me to vote
against the water. l did not agree to do
SO, TOR | want TO lind out ii the water is
really good water.
81 was against the water at the time of
the election, but after Rising's report L
was inclined TO be for it, until Ray came
ia and said that you could not wash with
It. After that | wanted chance TO try il.
II / could take some of the water home
and found that it was good to wash with
/ would vote Tor it every time.
II expected Devine would vote for my
brother. anyhow, andI think he would
yet, because the families have been
friends for years. He may have voted
with the understanding he says. but L
did not agree TO any such proposition,
though l believe he thinks / did,