The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-01-13
Oakland Republicans Who Are Jest Now in the Public Eye
of Oakland

did him an injustice and credited him
with making political alliances which he
considers discreditabie. Considering the
virile manner in which local politics have
been for years and are being carried on,
this statement is somewhat OF surprise
to the politicians. Mr.. Leach evidently
thought that remarks passed upon his
personal stand in politics referred to his
business enterprise and character. Such,
however, could not be the deduction de-
rived from an impartial review of the stu
alton.
In his explanation published tonight
he says: "These publications certainly de-
mand some response from the Enquirer.
Reluctant as we may be to say things that
must cause heartburnings and engender
passion, that should never find place in
the discussion of politics or the fitness of
men for public office; therefore. We shall
give another chapter of this most unpleas-
ant subject and it will rest upon those who
attacked the Enquirer if the story shall
be continued TO its minutest detail, and it
is not impossible that the law may be yet
invoked and some of the conspirators in
this infamous job shall meet their deserts
behind tie bars"
Mr.. Leach re peated to-day his assertion
that Frank Moffitt had been reported as
having purchased the City Committee of
the Republican party in the interest of
the new water company, and this state
ment Mr. Motfitt positively denies.
Councilman Bassett, who is close stu
dent of the local situation. said to-day
that so far as he can learn the present out
break is simply another chapter OF the in
terminable quarrel between Frank Leach
and Frank Moffitt. at is absurd to sup
pose" said Mr.. Bassett, that man as
astute as DR.. Pardee could be blinded for
whole month as to the purpose of the City
Committee in appointing that Committee
of Twenty one, if they had purpose.
Mr.. Leach has made himself a power in
local politics, and it is very amusing to
hear him say that other peoples opinions
of him are unjust and uncalled-for. There
are many dark schemes being Matched in
connection with the coming municipal
campaign that are still behind the scenes,
but which cannot be covered much
longer"
The Com mittee of Twenty-one hello an
important meeting tonight and took deci-
siye action on the situation.
The following declaration of indepen-
dence was unanim ously adopted:
We, the members of the committee of twenty
one Of the Republican party OF the city Of Oak
land, do hereby make the following statement
of our aims and objects, in order that the
voters OF the party may understand the mo-
tives that have prompted US in accepting this
trust:
The committee OF twenty-one was appointed
by the Repu blcan City Central Committee OF
the city of Oakland entirely at the motion OF
the city committee and without request from
US or from any one of whom We have any
knowledge. The members thereof were not
told that any sucn action was con tenn plated by
the city central committee and were app inted
AM wi anv
previous consultation with any one upon the
matter.
The committee has no knowledge of any
transaction aside from the resolution passed
by the City Central Committee creating the
committee OF twenty-one and announcing the
appointments thereof, aud this committee re-
pudiates and condemns in the strongest man.
ner possible any action of the City Central
Committee as body or as individuals or of
any other person or persons that gives any
color to or susp cion of any attempt upon the
part OF any corporation or any person 10 con-
lrol or dictate in any manner the action of
this committee in the selection of delegates
to the convention of the mem bers of the
convention so selected.
The members of this committee were given
the power to appoint LAT good and true Re-
publicans to form city convention of the
Republican party. No pledges OF any kind
were exacted from the committee as d whole,
nor from any individuals composing the COM
mfttee. There was no understanding between
this committee as q whole, nor of any men,
had no knowledge of our proposed selection
until our names were published By the city
central committee. We recognize the right OF
that committee to determine the manner of
the formation OF the Republican city conven-
ton, and we accepted the trust imposed upon
us with no other purpose than to select the
names OF lat inteligent t, reliable. DISTINGUISHED
and rep esenta tive citizens, who would con-
scientiously and impariially nominate such
men for municipal Offices as they should deem
best fitted for the respective positions.
In our earnest attempt to discharge this duty
we have not In any instance sought to pro-
mote the interests OF any corpora ton or of
any individual nor has any man beel selected
by us a delegate by reason of his favor for
or his opposition to any measure or any man.
In many instances names have been rejected
by US because they seemed to be thrust upon
us by parties appearing to have personal in
terests to be served, ano we have endeavored
to select gentlemen as delegates of whose per-
sonal preferences for possible Candidates we
were ignorant. No pledges have been solic-
cited or made as condition of selection as
delegates.
This committee of twenty-one has sought
earnestly 10 secure not only honest and disin-
terested delegates but men who would repre-