The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-05-10
SECRETS OF SUPERVISORS
Political and Social Relations
Used to Form the
Solid Eight.
Be Removed In Short
Time.

The attempt to form ring in the Board
of Supervisors sufficiently strong to deliver
goods of any kind to corporations was the
well-prepared plan OF a small party OF Re
publican and Democratic politicians, but it
has been foiled by the presence of too
many honest men on the board. The main
plan was to secure another Solid Nine,
such as disgraced the City a few years ago.
This failed, and all the schemers could
accomplish was temporary organization
known as the Solid Eight. Taylor, Di-
mond, Spreckels and Hobbs prevented the
and Morgenstern realized that they were
likely to lose their regulations as honest
citizens by any longer connection with the
Solid Eight. They then jumped the COM
bine, and now the clique controls but six
Of the Board of Supervisors, and it is
probable that the clique will soon lose an
other member, and thus be thrown into a
powerless minority.
The inside history of the attempt to get
ontrol of the board may be interesting to
thos who wonder how such combinations
can be for med when men whose reputa-
tions have been high for years are classed
with alleged corrupt men.
II common rumor be correct, and it is
generally based on facts e. G. Hughes is
the main factor of the once solid five Re-
publicans who controlled the ''Solid
Eight"
The different ways by which combines
are brought about can be explained by
some of the facts which are connected with
the present Board of Supervisors, espe-
cially as regards bunker and Scully, two
members of the defunct "Solid Eight"
ID IL / l. o1,x,, l, I
names in this community, and great won
der was expressed when it became known
that they had apparently allied them
selves with men who are looked upon as
boodlers.
it seemed that bunker did not realize his
position at first, but when 1t dawned upon
him that INSCRIPTIONS persons we're
attempting to make tool of him he
quickly changed his mind. AS he has lived
in San Francisco many years and has
always borne good reputation he decided
that he could no longer continue in
position where his reputation was liable to
suffer merely to oblige friend.
Scully is still being held in line by
Democratic politician, though tits probable
that he will soon come to the conclusion
reached by bunker. Scully is a man well
advanced in years. He has been hereto
fore considered a most honorable man,
and his friends all confidently expect that
he will return to his standing as true
representative of his constituents.
By many it is thought that Scully was
not entirely to blame in the matter. 1t is
believed that he was guided by improper
suggestions from person in whom he
placed entire confidence. In consequence
Scuily was accused of dishonest intentions,
much to the surprise of the people who
have known him for years. How long he
will remain under cloud is to be seen.
The matter is in his own hands, and he
may decide for himself.
II is not regarded as probable that
Hirschs position will be materially
changed.
OF course Joe King is looked upon as an
out-an out disciple of Colonel Mazuma,
Benjamin is an imported programmer,
Wagner is supposed to be willing to sub
NIT to whatever service the boss may de-
mand, and Hughes, who has recently
secured considerable printing from the
Southern Pacific Company and expects to
secure that of other corporations as soon as
he can earn it, is in position to repeat
Vanderbilt's noted saying about the public.
1t is pretty sure that there will be solid
five even if Scully restores his name to the
honest list, but they will be powerless to
do much. This five will be King, Benja-
min, Wagner, Hirsch and Hughes. What
change will take place when it comes time
to set the Spring Valley water rates and
the gas rates remains to be seen. By that
time the public will know whether it will
have to execrate and abuse sinful six"
or look with contempt on fooled five"
IneradicabIe