Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-03-12
CANNOT MAKE UP HIS MIND.
GOVERNOR STILL PtZzLEb OVER
POLICE CoMMIssiONERsHIP
Kansas city Politicians still at the
Capital in the Interests of Their
Favorstes-Scarritt and Greg
ory still the Favorites.


jefferson City, No.. March n.-tSpecial.)
The Karsas City police Conmissionership
situation is in about the same condition
tonight as twcnty-four hours ago. The
governor il not yet ready TO send the
names of the men he intends TO appoint 10
the senate fer confirmation. To some of
his friends he made 1he statement tnat he
had made UP his mind rs to the appoint-
ecs on Wednesday, but after hearing the
statements of several Kansas Cityans con-
cerning the different men whose names he
has under consideration. he began to doubt
the wisdom of his selections and resolved
TO wait Il few days before sending names TO
tho senate.
1he friends of Commissioners Fyke and
johnson ana Chief Julian III this city stiiI
insist that Governor stephens Is gong TO
Kansas City before he makes the appolnt-
ments. The fact that Joe shannon, Judse
Scarritt, Il. r. Swinney, L. X Bah and
oIner Kansas CiIyans, who came here 10
urge the claims of their respective cdndl-
dates, have returned home, seems to con-
the governor is Teticent, refusing 10 say
what he will do in the matter.
The Jefferson City members of the sham
non-O' Neill gang still insist that William
C.Scarritt and R.L-Gregory will be appoint
ed. Their connrmation IS another matter
and of this these individuals are not so Ger
tain. The present hostile attitude -ot sew
eral of the Democratic senators will doubt
less cause the governor tp wait Few days
before sending in any names, even II ne
has made up his mind as 10 the appointeeS.
1t is said that he is still determined TO
keep Chief Julian at the head of the police
department. The opponents of the police
commissioners and of the chief say that
all the indications point to the speedy GUST
ing OF the latter, and to the appointment OF
Colonel George P. Gross as his successor.
w. c. Scarritt and r. l.. Gregory were
the favOrites in the guessing yesterday as
to the personnel of the Kansas City police
board. 1t was pointed out that Mr.. Scar
ritts appointment would be satisfactory
10 the silkstocking element in the Demo-
cratic party in this city. While Mr.. Scar
ritt is an attorney of ability and recognized
standing at the Kansas City bar, he is att
the same time thoroughly in touch with
the politicians of the party who are just
now in the ascendant.
Mr.. Gregory is a well known business
nan whose appointment would be capital
for the Democrats. He is brother-in-law
of e. +. Holmes, who stands very close
the sentiment among those who pretend
ed TO be well informed as to the probable
tiles yesterday was strongly in favor of
Scarritt and Gregory.
They talk great deal about purifying
the police department" said ex-Lieutenant
7. S. Boulware yesterday, but there will
b. no publication as long as the commits
sioners are appointed by the gcTernor and
not selected by the people. | do not be-
IieVe that half dozen men will be dropped
from the force unless il Is few Repub-
llcanS WtlO are ltlI ana VINO TeIuSe. as L
did. TO do the political work of the Demo-
cratic gang. | do not believe that police
men should engage in political work while
on the force In the eyes of Democratic
commissioners. who hold their office by the
grace of a Democratic governor, it is high
II reprehensble for policemen TO be Re-
puhlicans. but perfectly proper TO act as
Democratic ward heelers.
Il see that policeman was suspended
to-day for being drunk. 1t has not been
very long since man much higher than
Officer Wright reeled down the elevated
road steps TO the depot in state of beast
~ irtoxicaton. He is not the only one"
IMPRESSION seemed to be that w. G. Scar
ritt was slated for one of the places on the
police board. The second commissioner,
however was not so easily picked.
Mayor Jones said that at the earliest
practicable moment he would insist on a
thorough overhauling and reorganization of
the fcrce from top to bottom. Whether he
will be sustained by the new members of
the board or not is another question.