The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-04-09

As appointment as Police Com missioner
to Succeed Keck Reported Made on
Tuesday but That is All He Knows of 1t
Report is Probably True as such Ac-
ton WAS Expected for Some Time-He
Does not Know Whether He Will Quail
lfy OF not but the Indications are That
He wiII-No Change of Policy.
Late last evening Mr.. R. r. Vermil-
hon had received no afficial notification
of his appointment as member OF the
board of police commissioners to sue
coed L. Keck, resigned. He was APP
pointed Tuesday and it is a matter of
some surprise that the official notifica-
zion has not come to him yet. He could
not be seen late last night but his stem
ographer gave it out that he had not
been notified of mis- appointment up to
that time.
There is something almighty strange
and unusual about that appointment.
The people have not felt il with any
degree of interest. This is, perhaps, be-
cause nothing definite is known of it so
far. SO far as known not a soul in
Wichita has heard of it directly. The
Kansas City Star contains few lines
about it and the Topeka Capital gives
1t only eight lines under a single head
line in an obscure part of the paper.
This fact in itself is out Of the ordinary
as the Capital, usually, gives more at
tentinn to the affairs of Wichita than it
does to the affairs Of its own town.
Mr.. EckStein is at Topeka and was
L. a 1Tvafy ant 9
made and he did not advise any of his
friends Of it, as they would expect him
to do.
There Is no reason, however, to doubt
the appointment as It has been expected
Mr.. Vermillion would be appointed but
for several days 1t was no secret that
there was some doubt whether he would
accept the place.
a reporter for the Eagle asked him
yesterday afternoon concerning his ap-
pOintment and if he would accept the
place. He said that he had no notifica-
ton whatever of an official character of
his appointment and all he knew about
1t was what he had heard reported in
the streets. He did not positively say
whether he would or would not accept
the appointment. IT have not my mind
made UP yet" said he, nor do L know
how 1 viii make il up. I am very much
embarrassed. The fact is I don't want
The position but have placed myself in
such an awkward position that I cam
not positively say that l will refuse It
The fact is that when, few months
ago, eve were in such a dreadful posi-
ton l then urged some men to accept
an appointment on the board on the
theory that they could afford TO sacrifice
their personal interest and comfort m
the interest Of the city which, at that
time, was so unanimous for change.
This same argument is being made in
my case now and while don't want the
place cannot see how I can overcome
an argument made only a short time
ago by myself"
The above is, in substance, what Mr..
Vermillion said. The impression he left
with the Eagle reporter is that he is
willing to accept the office but that ne
does not intend to serve long on the
board.
If he does accept the place it is not
very likely that he will take a very &C
tive part in its work. He is a pretty
busy man and cannot spare much time
from his law business to give to work
outside the line of his profession. He
and Mr.. Smith are warm friends and
ne VIII pIODdply ISdVe oscar 10 DO all
the work as he has the utmost conf
6ence in his ability. IF he does accept
the place no change of the policy pur-
sued by Mr.. Smith and Mr.. McCandless
is expected. In the meantime Governor
Morrill, has promoted Mr.. Smith to be
president Of the board and ex-Presi-
dent McCandless is now secretary.
Mack was perfectly willing to surren-
der the honor for the increased salary
that goes with the office of secretary.
1t is possible not only but probable
that Mr.. VermilEon's appointment VIII
arrive here this morning.