The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-04-24
Trustee Lukens' Resignation the
Subject of Speculation
ALTADENA'S INCORPORATION
The Opera Olivette for the Last
Time
Hotel Green ArrivaIs--Runaway Accident
Shakespeare Club--Interesting
News Notes

~ PASADENA, April 23.-The matter of
the withdrawal by Trustee Lukens of his
resignation from the council is still the
principal subject of conversation, owing
to the feeling that has been aroused on
both sides, and the evident determination
not to let the matter drop at this
stage OF the proceedings.
Mr.. Coffin and his friends resent the
statements of Mr.. Lukens concerning his
reasons for withdrawal of his resignation,
as implying more than simply that Mr..
Coffin is not the choice of the First Ward
for councilman. They say there is an
insinuation made that he is not fit man
for the place, and they desire if there are
any charges to be made, they be brought
out plainly and Enthusiastically that the
matter may be brought to an Issue at
s. once.
ri 1t is to be regretted that the matter has
B, assumed it's present aspect, as personal
u feeling enters so largely into the case,
and much bitterness has arisen. which
will not easily subside. 1t is limited that
the right of Mr.. Lukens to Withdraw his
resignation in the manner in which it
was done may be contested.
Councilman Hamilton says he has no
objection to Mr.. Willett, and had he not
{ promised to vote for Mr.. Coffin before he
had even heard of Mr.. Willet's candi-
dacy, would not have hesitated to vote
for the latter. Mayor Cox says he was
= surprised at Mr.. Lukens' opposition to
=. the appointment of Mr.. Coffin. Mr..
Washburn is the only other mem Der Of
the council to be considered, Judge Weed
, being absent in the east. He is under
stood to have been in favor of Mr.. Willett
for the place.
Mr.. Willett states that he acceded to
the desire of his friends that petition
be circulated, thinking there would be no
opposition. and not caring to accept in
case there was.
The following card was handed in for
publication in one of the town papers by
Mr.. Lukens as containing his statement
of the matter.
Regarding the councilmanship and
my resignation thereof, as considerable
misstatement has been made of my action
and attitude in that regard, | deem it
just to state exactly it's status. The resig-
nation was made in good faith upon the
assumption that my colleagues of the
council would appoint as my successor
whoever was desired by my constituents
of the First ward. | soon learned, how
ever, that this would not be done, and
that, on the contrary, two of them. con-
shutting a majority, had already prom
Used to appoint a party whom I do not
believe to be the choice of my constitu-
ents or a majority Of them. My resigna-
ton under the circumstances would be a
betrayal of their interests, and promptly
withdrew it, as | claim l had a right to
do. care not who is my successor, and
do not pretend to control it any further
than that he shall be the choice or my
ward. This much l deem to be right and
just and l shall stick to it.
"T. p. LUKENS."
Mr.. iLukens stated further to The Her.
aid correspondent that it is not true that
be said, in regard to the proposed ap-
pointment Of certain party, other than
Mr.. Coffin, that he would not resign if
that man was to be appointed In his
stead He says he only desires that a
man shall be appointed who is the choice
of the people OF the First ward.
Why wouldn't it be a good idea for the
people of the First ward to take him at
his word and hold meeting to elect a
candidate whom they could then present
to the council as being their choice for
the position which Mr.. Lukens would, no
doubt, gracefully gn in his favor? And
the council would hardly feel like doing
otherwise than acceding to their wish so
plainly expressed.
Then, perhaps all concerned would
bury the Ratchet and let peace reign once
more.