The San Francisco call., 1898-02-26

as he was appointed Woodward pro- claimed through the press that he was "holier than thou" He was going to do what was right, and altogether created very favorable impression. No one now believes that he did not know the purpose for which he was ap- pointed, and having placed himself on a very high pinnacle his fall has been tremendous.
 He is not, however, any more de- serving of censure than Councilman Brosnahan. Brosnahan is truly as MT. Cuvellier said last night, the Brutus in the tragedy. It is not believe that his vote, which of itself gives to the water companies at least $1Oo,O0O, was recorded solely from pique because he could not pass his liquor license ordinance. MT. Bros nahan is far too shrewd a politician to have the impression go before the people that he voted to rob them of huge fortune simply to gratify personal spite on five members of the City Council. The subterfuge is too transparent and is regarded as part of the same plot that put Fi- bush out and put Woodward in. There is increasing indignation in the Fifth Ward. It is customary when a district loses its member from any cause to listen to the representations of leading party men in the ward and to be guided at least partly by their suggestions. In this case Mayor | Thomas showed no courtesy whatever to the Fifth Ward, but with remark able haste forced a man upon them who could not now get a petition with ten names to support him. There was no necessity for Mayor Thomas hasti- ness. Fibush resigned Thursday night; there was no measure of importance needing the vote of the full Council till last night, when the water ordinance came up. Yet MT. Woodward was ap- pointed last Friday, and it is unlucky for Mayor Thomas that it should hap pen that Woodward was ready and on hand to record his infamous vote for the Henneberry resolution introduced stealthily and without warning last Monday night.
 The Fifth Ward, if they believed it would do any good, would to a man sign petition demanding that Wood ward resign. But his actions so far have not indicated that he has any au- lHOItly lO SpGdh lOI llllllSell III IUS I1dI- ter, and it Is certain that those who tied him up are not going to release him.
 On Ninth street this morning there appeared nailed to a telegraph post a large placard. In the center of it was fastened a foot of heavy hemp rope about the size that Warden Hale oc- casionally uses On top of the rope in large letters was the following: "A sample of one of the strings that were not on Woodward, but that ought to be-
 Underneath the rope was the follow ing offer:
 "N. B.-A full line of this sample will be cheerfully furnished on application by the indignant citizens of Oakland"
 The sign was nailed to the post al- Thomas, on Ninth street, and created much diversion during the day. Not the least significant feature of the placard was that it was yellow. This afternoon number of the mem bers of the Army and Navy Republican League signed call for a special meet ing at which they intend to voice their sentiments on the water rate matter. and, incidentally, to see whether some thing cannot be done or undone with Major Woodward.
 Next Monday night the Council meets again, but the ordinance will not have been printed the necessary five days until the following Thursday. In the meantime, the citizens will take every possible measure to prevent that $1OO,- 900 steal
 Mayor Thomas was told tonight of the opinion of many that he should re- yoke the appointment of Woodward and said + was an entirely new idea to him. T cannot say whether I have that power or not" said the Mayor. "but if I have shall certainly use it. l appointed Police Judge and revoked the appointment but whether such an action on my part will hold good re- garding Councilman I cannot say. I shall make it my business to find out the first thing tomorrow morning.
 Regarding the ordinance passed last night I repeat that I shall veto it. It will come up for final passage next week, and then it will have to come to me for signature or disapprovai, and I shall veto it. 1 do not think there is any way to pass it over my veto, for the charter expressly covers the point
 T cannot express my disappointment of Woodward, He is a candidate for Pension Agent in San Francisco, and the petition that he sent to Washington is the finest thing I ever saw. It is signed by every city and county off, cial, by every minister by all the leg islators from this county, by Superior Judges and the best of citizens. Sena- tor Stratton was his friend in the mat ter, and Senator Perkins had given him much encouragement, but now all his chances are gone higher than a kite" :"
 This attitude of the Mayors places the water question in a peculiar posi- ton. Whether the Council after the veto, can start again to fix rates. Feb ruary having passed. Is doubtful. Tn such an event the water companies will undoubtedly try to collect rates un- der the resolution introduced by Hen nebery last Monday night. Then an- other legal question will be raised. City Attorney Dow advised the Council that that resolution is illegal, and Hennebery and the other five of the solid six" accepted his decision. Last night to make their job secure they took it section by section and had it