The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-01-28
CAUTIOUS IN THEIR VIEWS.
ALDERAIEN-ELECT CHARN ABOUT
EXPRESSING THEMSELVES.

Iy Preferred to Discuss These Mat
tiers Among Themselves Before
Giving Definite Expression To
Their Views-A Conference of the
Majority of the Board Held With
MIR. Myers Last NiGht-The Minor
ity Also Reported to Have Held "A
Conference.
The utierauces by Solicitor General Os-
borne upon the subject Of the displacing
of the present city officials who are OBJ
jectionable TO the Myers faction, and the
substitution of others who are in sympa-
thy with that faction, reported in yester-
days Morning News, were the subject
of considerable comment,
The ardent partisans Of Mr.. Myers IN
the recent election expressed their very
cordial approval of Mr.. Osborne's views.
In fact, he had simply voiced their senti-
ments The supporters OF the losing side.
however aud the friends Of the present
officials deprecated such partisan action as
would be necessary to cary the idea ad-
vocated by Mr.. Osborne INTO effect They
pointed 10 the fact that the incoming
board was composed of substantial bust
ness men. for the most part and therefore
of men who would be conservative!y in
clined and not disposed 10 endanger The
city's interests by partisan action.
In order 10 ascertain the position which
the incoming board viii take in reference
TO the subjec, preached by Mr. Osborne,
i la.
got at, were interviewed yesterday They
were not, as a RUE, inclined 10 express
themselves freely on the subject ana evil
DENLY preferred TO await an opportunity
for discussing this matter among them
selves
Mr. George W. Tiedeman, who made a
record while a member of The former
Myers board, for c.carheadedness and in
telligent conservatism in the consideration
of public questions, was asked as 30 Mr..
Osbornes position. Mr.. Tiedeman replied
that he did not think partisan sentiment
would prevail in the incoming board.
Il do not believe" he said in putting
any man out of office. who is capable of
performing the duties of his office, and
who is giving proper attention 10 those
duties simply because of politics. OF
course, a man who gives much attention 10
politics is not likely to be very attentive
to his duties The question of consoidat-
ing some of The city Offices and thereby
decreasing the expense to the city with
out in any way decreasing the efficiency
of The department is not political matter
IL The best interests of the ciiy can be
served by so doing l do not think the
board VIII hesitate 10 take this step"
Mr. J. +. Williams took pretty much the
same position as Mr.. Tiedeman but pre-
ferred not 10 be quoted.
Mr.. James NJ. Dixon, when asked for his
views in the matter, said Il believe in a
man standing by his friends. That is my
position"
This is taken to indicate that Mr.. Dixon
IL in line with Mr.. Osborne in his views on
this question.
Il win says this" said Mr.. Dixon.
There are too many employees in the city
exchange. The number there could be re-
duced and better pay given 10 the men
who do the work, with a saving in expense
to the city. The citys affairs should be
conducted just as are those of private
business. Every employe should be ex-
pected 10 do a fun days work"
Alderman-elect Graham was seen in re-
gard TO the talked of changes The fact
that DR.. Graham was elected on the Lib
eral Club ticket might be expected to in
fluence him in favor of the present incum-
He will enter Council unbound by prom
Uses which Will allow him to pursue an
absolutely impartial course with refer
ence 10 any changes II may be proposed to
make.
About the best explanation of my posi-
ton on all matters which may be referred
20 me officially" said Dr. Graham. lis
that | enter The board as a physician and
not as politician. The people have re-
posed enough confidence in me TO bring
about my election, and ! do not propose to
betray my trust by yielding to the whims
of politicians, whose only purpose in fight
ing for the removal Of incumbents is to
create positions for themselves. Where a
man is performing his duties properly and
satisfactorily, l shall not approve his re-
movai. In the event it is proposed to re-
move any official. however, ] will hear the
reasons for it, and If l consider them just
and proper. ! shall not hesitate 10 ap-
prove such action.
III was not at my solicitation 1 was
elected an alderman continued Dr.
Graham. "Wher l was asked to allow my
name placed on the ticket | consented
but it was with the distinct understand
ing that my efforts as an official were tC
be directed to the advancement of Savan-
nah and its interests. J do not consider
that these interests could be subserved by
any indiscriminate removal of city official;
who did not affiliate with the winning
party"
Alderman-elect ScTeven was asked wha
he thought of the policy as outlined in So
hcitor General Osborue's Interview Ht
was engaged with Mr.. Henry f. Dreeson
who recently resigned as superintendent
OF the scavenger department to max,
room for Mr.. Thomas Cooley, and who i.
understood TO be playing for his old job
Mr. Screven had nothing 10 say abou
politics.
Alderman-elect Bacon, who served under
the former Myers administration. said n,
mad heard a good deal of talk about re
movais. but che opinions, he said, had no
been expressed by a.dermen-elecl Unit
the new board gets together and talk,
over the situation in the city exchange. h,
said. no one viii Know what changes ar,
to come.
speaking for myself" said Mr. Bacon
81 think there are some changes SUI,
70 be made. In cases where officials ar
known 20 have performed their duties con
scientiously, and have not made them
se.ves obstreperous in politics. 1 do no
see any reason for removing them Their
is no objection 10 an official afiliatin.
with the party which put him i'm office