The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-04
j. H. MAHONEY DOOMED
FOR SECRETARY OF THE LEAGUE
OF AMERICAN MUNICIPALITIES.
indianapolis Delegation, However, Is
Not Confident of Success-TOpics
Discussed by the Mayors.

DETROIT, Aug. 3.-After listening TO
some exhaustive essays on water supply,
the members of the American League of
municipalities spent the afternoon aboard
the ferry steamer Pleasure, the Mayor Of
Detroit having previously assured the con-
vention there would be no occasion for
thirst as there was a great quantity of good
water on all Sides to say nothing of what
refreshments might be provided on board.
The question of remuneration to cities for
franchise rights in streets and alleys was
discussed to-day in paper by Mayor Nc
Murray, of Denver. The people, he said,
were beginning to realize that if a franchise
is a thing of value as soon as received by
the corporation obtaining it, then there is
no reason why it should be considered a
thing of value, worthy of adequate COM
pensation, when being asked for at the
hands of the representatives of the people.
Mayor McMurray believed that ownership
of all the public utilities must be arrived a.
gradually. He insisted that a street-railway
franchise, for instance, constitutes a part
nership with the city. Under past ex-
periences, however, the city had been I'M
recognized as partner and had been al
lowed no consideration for its share of the
joint investment. The theory of the Denver
Mayor is that the bills or ordinances pro-
viding for street-railway franchises should
be prepared by the city authorities; that
bids for the franchise should then be in
vited and the privileges be granted to the
highest bidder, subject, however, to ratifi-
cation by vote of the citizens.
Mayor MCGUIRE, of Syracuse spoke on
public water supplies and the advantages
which had accrued to his city from being
naturally in a position to furnish water
more cheaply than any other city.
Reservoir and filtration systems were
treated by George Hillyer, president of the
Atlanta Water Works Board. He related
how thoroughly, cheaper and conveniently
Atlanta purified the red waters taken from
the Chattahoochie river.
Mayor LeVagood, of Elyria, O., asserted
he was the only mayor present who car
ried bottle. He fiourished a flask filled
with Paincsvile, o., water which, he
filtration.
Distribution of offices was the subject Of
animated discussions tonight among the
throng of official delegates IN the lobby of
the Hotel Cadillac. There was much Of
button-holing this afternoon on board the
two steamers which carried the delegates
and crowd of unofficial guests of the city
on an enjoyable excursion across Lake St.
Clair The situation became doubly inter-
esting by this evening. The secretaryship
ton Secretary Gilkison announced to-day
that he would not be a candidate for re-
election. He followed it up tonight with
the statement that the president, Mayor
John Mac Vicar, of Des Moines, Ia, is a
candidate for secretary, having the back
ing of Gilkison and his friends The In
dianapolis delegation have been pushing
John H. Mahoney, president of the Indian
apOliS Common Council, for the secretary
ship, but they are doubtful of Mahoney' s
success since Mac Vicar has become a can
didate
Much dissatisfaction has been expressed
report concerning his handling of the
leagues funds. The constitution requires
that all fees and dues collected be paid by
the secretary to the treasurer quarterly.
Mr. Gilkson, on the contrary, reported
having collected some 81, 30O of which about
$500 was paid to himself salary and the
balance for sundry expenses but he sub
mitted no vouchers for the sundries. His
report contained an apology for violation of
the constitutions provisions. The report
of the treasurer, Mayor Black of Columbus,
showed that he had handled only $500 of the
leagues money. He submitted vouchers
for his expenditures. A special committee
was appointed to audit these accounts. Mr..
Gilkison informed the committee that his
mittee can only report tomorrow that the
vouchers requested have not been produced
and that 1t cannot therefore properly audit
the secretary's accounts.
Backers of Mr.. Mahoney have not been
slow to take advantage of this matter in
booming their candidate, but his chances
were not considered reassuring tonight
under the circumstances. Two candidates
are talked of for league president. Mayor
Black, of Columbus, and Mayor Maybury,
of Detroit. Mayor Blacks friends are max
ing especially active canvass.