The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-12

lieve any one of them ever thought of self
interest in any matter connected with the
institution.
sngle-tax idea If l could do such thing l
could do no better, for the single-tax idea
means fairness and JUSTICE 10 all.
So he proposes, TO elect hve new trustees,
five as he did when he ran himself, he'll meet
with considerable difficulty.
AS to the board being run by solid four or
five, Pa like to ask how five men can run a
board of fourteen And, another thing since
have been there, the time has never occurred
when there has been majority and minority
factions.
So he's going to court and before the Grand
Jury is he? / wish to say that am ready to
go to court or before the Grand jury with Mr..
Phillips at any time, and II he Will just make q
specific charge against Joseph Leggett I'll take
him there and more quickly than he will de-
sire.
AS to the books that have disappeared, any
man who has any sense knows we can't help a
few books getting away when 1000 members
have tree access to the shelves. He charges
part of the loss to the negligence of the libra
rian's assistants If he knew OF any assistant
who was responsible for the disappearance OF
books why did he not inform the board? If he
had the welfare of the institute very much at
heart that is what he would do, and he would
not rush into print with such nonsensical
charges
He asks why $1O5 900 was paid for the Fol-
som and Sixteenth streets property when it was
not worth $4,000. l wish to say that the
present board is not to blame even if that be
true, as not one of the members was in Office in
1879 when it was purchased. The property
was worth more than 1000, and it is now;
but even If it were not, the trustees of that
time must be blamed. However, / am not
ready to believe there was any corruption IN
|. the purchase for don't know anything about
the conditions of that time, and expect that
board considered it was doing for the BEST l
should like to ask Mr.. Phillips why he has not
brought the matter up years before this?
With reference to his charge concerning the
alterations OF the Post-street building, the con-
tact was let TO the lowest bidder upon the
recommendation OF special committee APP
pointed on account OF its especial qualifica-
lions to judge.
He speaks of patronage. don't know VIII at
he means. unless he refers to the late fair, and,
so far as | know, there was nothing Irregular
about the appointment OF the employees there.
think the record of the boards manage
ment is the best means OF judging it, We'con-
Quoted fair after two years OF hard times had
been upon the country, cleared $4,000. AS
compared with the result OF the one in 1898,
in good times, when there was a deficiency OF
$4,000 | think we did fairly we'll Besides,
when this board took hold dues We're only
being COLLECTED from between 5000 and 1000
members. Now they are collected regularly
from 400 | guess the board's record will
stand for itself.
Trustee George Cummings said:
Phillips is only anxious for a little notorety.
and he can't get it without making fuss. He
has got to be noticed, and it breaks his heart
because we haven't paid any attention to him.
There is nothing to be investigated.
Trustees Henry Root, F. Formhales and
E. H. Cole said if there is any crookedness
anywhere they would like to know it and
would like Mr.. Phillips to make specific
charges.
President Hallidie of the trustees said:
I've nothing TO say-the absurdity of the
charge speaks for itself.
The board Of trustees held meeting YES
terdav to consider the manner of disposinp
of the $4,000 bequeathed to the library
by James Lick. A special committee was
appointed to investigate the matter and
report at future meeting.