The record-union., 1896-01-06

the employment of an attorney for the
city is a part of the patronage of the
Mayor, shall do nothing to take it
away from him. But, of course his
nomination will not amount to any
thing unless the board concur in it.
1T seems to me that it was better
both for him, and for the gentleman
whom he has ir mind, and for the
Trustees, that II Trustees should ex-
press themselve on this proposition,
but as some par les think otherwise, I
am perfectly will ing to abrogate every
thing. I have nc feeling of hostility of
any kind toward Mr.. Johnson, and I
presume that for the heated language
recently used toward me he is sorry
shall do nothing to prevent his con-
firmation and if it is the desire of the
Mayor and the board that he should act
as attorney for the city, shall do
everything in my power to place him in
charge of the cases pending in court,
and give him any information that I
may possess. know of no reason why
he should have any hostility toward
me-
i presume that would be perfectly
justified. by any rule OF ethics, in at
tempting to hold any position or en-
ployment / had as much as he would
have in attempting TO get it. But I
shall not do so, and shall be perfectly
satisfied with him, or with any other
person that may be selected. But if the
majority of the Board of Trustees
should desire me to remain, ask any
body what would he expect me to do?
Il shall send a communication to the
board abrogating all contracts, and I
hope that this will be satisfactory to
everybody. There may come-I hope
there will not a clash of authority
between the Mayor and the Board of
Trustees, and if there should, / shall
have, as long as 1 remain in the en-
ployment of the city, to do my duty as
best 1 can. I do not think that many
who have criticised me have read the
ordinance or the contract, but have
jumped at conclusions. But, to place
myself right before the public and to
give everybody his just due, 1 shall
send tomorrow to the Board of Trus-
tees the following communication"
MR.. DEVLIN'S LETTER.
Sacramento, Cal, Jan. 6, 1896
To the honorable the Board of Trus-
tees of the city of Sacramento-Gentle-
men: Under Ordinance No. 343 I was
employed on May %, 1894, by the Mayor
as attorney-at-law, in addition to the
City Attorney, to advise the city Off
cials and attend to all civil suits and
other matters in which the city might
be legally interested, and on June 13,
1894, your honorable board consented
to and confirmed such employment. The
Inc
ing which my employment shall con-
tinue
Sundry contracts have been made
between myself and the Mayor, in COM
pliance with said ordinance, but it hav-
ing been asserted that am desirous of
claiming rights not conferred by said
ordinance, 1 take this means of mott
flying you that I do not claim, and
hereby abrogate all right, of any kind
whatever, except as founded upon said
original employment and confirmation
by your board; and, to silence all as
sertions to the contrary, l do hereby
abrogate and cancel any and all con-
tracts of every kind and description
with the city of Sacramento or its
Mayor to which I may be party, in
conflict with or other than said original
employment and confirmation of May
21st and June 13, 1894, respectively.
Whenever any other attorney shall
be employed, as provided by said ordi-
nance, 1 do agree Immediately to sub
Stitute him in my place in all cases in
which appear as counsel for the city,
and agree to do any other act that may
be required by such ordinance or by the
Mayor and your honorable board in
relation to the litigation and law bus
mess of the city of Sacramento, and
shall consider the appointment and
confirmation by your board Of any
other attorney as sufficient termination
of my employment, and shall aid him
in every possible way in his duties by
giving him any information, briefs or
points that 1 may have that will be Of
use to him or the city. Yours respect
fully, ROBERT T. DEVLIN.