The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-01-30
MAYOR Is WAITING
CONSULTED BOARD OF WORKS, DUT
HAS TAKEN NO ACTION.
Speculation stiII Rife as TO What the
Final Outcome of the Invesd-
CATION VIII He.

The report of the Merritt investigating
committee upon the affairs of the Depart
ment of Public Works was freely discussed
Yesterday about the city offices, but little
was heard of 1t upon the streets. The
average person regards the report as
rather tame document and not in har-
mony with the great cry that was raised
at the time the committee was hearing evil
dence. Lawyers say it would be impossi-
bic to impeach any member of the city
administration upon the report of the COM
mittees work. 1t is the common belief
that should Mr.. Denny decide to make any
removals 1T will be for political reasons, in
response to the demands of the committee,
and not for any serious mistakes or negli-
gence. The most which the report shows
was that several mistakes were made, no
more. however. than are likely to occur
In any business where so large work
Is involved.
Mayor Denny is as mute regarding the
report as he was about his appointments
when first elected. He asks time for con-
sderation before speaking. Yesterday he
held short conference with the board,
but it is said that the question of re-
movals was not preached 1t is conceded
that the committee has placed Mr.. Denny
in very close place. If he makes any
removals it will be upon the unwritten wish
of the committee, and not upon the report.
and he will have to bear the blame that
may follow. The members of the board
have no intention of resigning. They say
the report Of the committee does not re-
fleet upon them, but their designations at
this time would be reflection. These men
reel that they have done great deal for
the city In the matter of sewer work
n
them. They also feel that the report was
not altogether fair, for several mistakes
them So, under these circumstances. they
feel no inclination to resign, unless the
Mayor should demand it.
Inc city engineer does not intend to re-
sign. He is very well satisfied with the
report except that he says it does him
s an injustice ~ in two or three respects. He
put mas treated them all in a business-like
manner. He acknowledges that 1T was per-
to accent faYor Oh ociai equeire for him
used In public work, but he adds that
his motives were honest and he was act
q, few weeks ago, thought the investiga-
ton threw a bad light upon the affairs
OF the street commissioner Office, but. the
great extent. and his resignation is not
now considered as a probability. MT.
signing The board in its recent annual
report commended both him and Mr.. Brown
TOR their services. As these two offices are
under the control of the board 1t Is hardly
probable that the board will ask for the
designations of the two officials after
speaking SO favorably of their work. Jacob
Scholl the sprinklng inspector, seems to
be the only one specially marked for dis
missal.
Journal reporter yesterday made a can
vass of the city offices. and not a man
could be found who would express a de-
sire to resign. Mr.. Trusler. who was not
investigated. denied intending to resign.
and City Clerk Nixon has decided to hold
on to his position There seems to be a
general impression that some one must re-
sign, and the reporter rried to find the
some one. but failed.