The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1897-11-21


says he will not resign. Although it has
been strongly intimated to him by the
powers that be that his resignation would
be most acceptable. he has concluded to
assume an attitude of defiance, so 20
speak. and intends. in the language OF his
friends. to defend his rights.
Yesterday the Observation-Disclosures pub
lished an account of a meeting called at
the prosecuting attorneys Office for the
purpose of considering a proposition made
by certain people in behalf Of Levi Smith.
1t was designed TO restrict all knowledge
of what occurred at the meeting 10 the
favored few who attended. but the story
go, out and its publication in yesterdays
Post-Intellgencer caused a genuine seasa-
ton, particularly among the fusion poiiti-
clans.
The story was read by no one with more
interest than by the gentlemen who were
present. Some of them denied 10 their
friends that the matters referred to IN
the Post-Intelligencer were discussed. But
as to the vital matters concerning Hea-
ton and Smith. there was no serious at
tempt at denial.
1t was asserted yesterday that the mat
ter of forcing County Commissioner Boyce
to make way for another was not dis
cussed at the meeting in Prosecuting At
torney McElroy's office. However this
may be. 1t is true that a notice that his
resignation must be forthcoming was
served on Mr.. Boyce by one Of his asso-
ciates in the courthouse, and that ii is
declared by interested persons that the
Inspiration for the action emanated from
the office of County Attorney McElroy.
The prosecutingf attorney says he has
held the position ever since Mr.. Boyce's
connection with the Heaton frauds be-
came known that the county commission
err from the Third district should resign
his office This position was made known
to Mr.. Boyce last spring. but he did not
agree with the county attorney and re-
fused to vacate his job or cease drawing
his pay from the county.
1t required but a little investigation yes
terday TO ascertain the fact that there is
considerable fusion politics mixed up In
the Boyce affair. Those who are quail
fled to speak for the county commissioner
allege that there is something more back
of the present move to Gust him than ap-
pears on the surface. IT is claimed that
Mr.. Boyce has been recognized by some
of the members of the present county adj
ministration an honest man. who If
not entirely blameless in the Heaton
transactions in county paper. yet was IN
nocent of willfui wronsdong. They point
TO the fact that the board of county COM
missioners, under the advice of Prose
cutting Attorney McElroy, instructed the
Boyce something over 500. which It was
shown he was short in his accounts 1t
is rather broadly intimated by those who
enjoy Mr.. Boyce's confidence that this act
on his part was to be taken as an ac-
counting morally. as well as financially
and that the effort to rid the county Of
him Is inspired by other reasons than he
odium that may rest on the administra ton
by his continued occupancy OF his office.
OF course. this Is Mr.. Boyces case as
presented by his friends. It must be said
that the commissioner from the Third dis
trct himself refuses 10 discuss the mat
ter one way or another. and that his posi-
ton In the matter. II reflected by the
statements Of his friends is without mis-
authority. Under the advice of his attor-
eny Judge Winsor. Commissioner Rovce
Is putting his time in thinking and saw
ing nothing.
Altogether. II IS pretty evident that a
warm contest Is on between the proser,,t
ing attorneys office on one hand and fhe
friends of the accused commissioner IN
the other. Mr.. Royce has consulted his at
torneys with reference 20 the latest devel-
orments in his case. Judge Winsor said
last night that Mr.. Boyce had determined
not 10 resign, and no such Intention had
ever been harbore1 IN his mind He does
| not intend 10 resign" said Judge Wjusor
II know Of no reason why he should shan-
$50 - NN'N' ~ mas itot iuuiCdte1 10 me
that he had considered the proposition. and
! believe he would have said something ~
1t II such purpose had entered his mind -
This WIS all that Judge Winsor would
say. II IS understood. however. that II an
attack Is made on him. Mr. Royce will
oher the strongest kind of resistance in
the matter of legal counsel. and will fight
every inch ~ ground
The talk Of Mr.. Boyces probable resig-
nation has set the politically wise TO talk
ing about who his successor will b.. II
was stated yesterday on good authority
thai William H. White the war horse Of
Democracy who IS now a resident % the
Third district. has been chosen 10 succeed
Mr.. Boyce.
Bob Thorn ia also talked % as his pos
sible successor
There are others.