The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-04-10
THE CITY CHANGE.
The Formal Appointments to
Be Made Tonight = Many
Officials Will Be Retained
Some Changes.

The first official act of Mayor Drew will
be to make the appointments of the
heads of departments of the city adj
ministration. This will be done immedi-
ately after the reception this evening.
1t is generally known what the ap-
pointments will be and consequently
there will be no one surprised when the
list is read. Mayor Drew will adhere
to the original programme as outlined
and will name the men before an
nounced.
The appointments in the main are
quite sure to give satisfaction.
There is some strong sentiment
against the proposed change in the sup
erintendency of the city electric light
Stitution and there is some fear if
John Marshall is supplanted as light
superintendent that it will mean the
disintegration of the famous band of
which Mr.. Marshall is the head.
This sentiment was not unforeseen by
Mr.. Drew when he decided to make
change in that department. He says
that he understood the popularity of
the band and is as proud of that organ
ization as any citizen in Topeka. II
feel, however,, said he, that the city
should have a man in charge of the
electric light plant who can give his
whole time to the city. The plant is a
large one, must be greatly extended and
will require the constant attention of
some one who understands electrical
machinery.
Il selected Mr.. Goodrich because I
know that he is a competent man.
did not inquire anything about his poll
tics. I found that he is an electrician
and machinist and that is the kind of a
man who should be in charge of the
electric light plant and L am satisfied
that Mr.. Goodrich fills the bill. was
not induced by political or personal con-
siderations to make the change. 1t is
simply business proposition.
Il am not rich but would be willing
to contribute my share toward a fund
to pay Mr.. Marshall for his valuable
services as a leader of the band. have,
however, decided to appoint Mr.. Good
rich and 1 will do so and leave his con-
firmation to the city council.
Some of the friends of Mr.. Marshall
have been circulating petitions and
they have also seen the members of the
council to try to prevent the confirma-
ton of Mr.. Goodrich. The petitions will
be presented at the council meeting to-
night. Just what the vote will be on
the confirmation of Mr.. Goodrich is not
known at this time and it is possible
that he may not be confirmed but even
that would not secure the reappoint-
ment of Mr.. Marshall, says Mayor Drew,
who has decided that there must be a
change.
In this connection it might be said
that the city and the citizens would do
a good thing for the town if it could BE-
arranged so that Mr. Marshall could be
paid for devOting his whole time to the
band as a Topeka institution for the
benefit of the people. Many individuals
would gladly contribute to a fund for
this purpose and the city could afford
to make a regular appropriation.
The entertainment of the people by
public and popular band concerts, and
many of them, is important to the well
fare of the city, as well as other things
of more material moment.
The appointment of DR.. A. A. Raub
as city physician is making a great deal
of trouble for Mayor Drew and his con-
nrma ton is not likely. Many reputable
physicians are opposing the appoint
ment of DR.. Raub because he is not a
graduate of a regular school. The ap-
pointment may be regarded as one of
those mistakes in minor offices which
an executive might easily make, and
could be corrected by the council whose
advise and consent a mayor is sup
posed to possess.
James Ramsey will be confirmed as
chief of police with little or-no opposi-
ton. He has made an excellent record
during his four years service as street
commissioner and the members of the
council and Mayor Drew have conf
dence in his executive ability to handle
the police department.
Frank Snyder of the Fifth ward
will be confirmed as street commissioner
without opposition. He stands well with
everyone and will make a good officer,
so far as can be foretold.
City Engineer Barnes, who is one of
the most capable men in Mayor Fellows
administration, will be confirmed with |
out opposition.
Fire Marshal Wilmarth will, of course,
be confirmed without opposition. He is
always appointed as a matter of FORM |
and the people never expect any change.
There is no politics in the fire depart
ment, and that is one reason why it is
so efficient.
J. P. Farnsworth, who has success
fully mastered the duties of food in
spector, will be reappointed and con-
firmed.
Ticansa ColIactor T. n RaiIev will Joa
reappointed and no opposition to his
confirma ton has developed. He has
proved good investment to the city of
Topeka and has collected enough from
insurance companies alone to more than
pay his salary.