The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-12-24
RUMORS OF CHANGES
Only a-FeW Candidates Appear in
Opposition to the Present
City Officials
COMMISSIONER PRIOR
HAS A LIKELY ClNCH
Democrats May Oppose City
Treasurer White-NeW Man
Assured as Chief of Police

1t is generally conceded that there
will be few if any changes in the heads
or municipal departments the coming
year. There has been anundercurrent
OF rumor to the effect that the annual
drive at Street Commissioner Wright
). Prior would develop within the COM
ing week, and there are members of
the next city council who say that
something may develop to place an
other man in the field before the an
nual election, but a majority of the
members consider Mr.. Prior's position
far more secure than at any time since
his election. 1t is said that a, ma
Jority, if not all, the new republican
members-elect favor his reelection,
end that the same condition of affairs
exists among the old members in the
council.
Members who are acquainted with
city affairs realize that it takes a new
man year or two to become thor
oughly acquainted with the duties of
his office, and in event of the election
of a new street commissioner, thew
claim that he will have to start over
new, and that the city must, as a mat
ter of course, be a loser by the change.
They claim further, that the work done
on
THE STREETS OF WORCESTER
last year speaks for itself. and the
statement made by leading city hall
officials is that the streets of Worces-
ter, as whole, We're never in better
condition than at present.
There has been considerable talk to
the effect that there would be a change
in the head of the public buildings de-
partment. The names of S. Freder-
cross Bros, and Francis P. Alexander,
foreman in the woodworking shop of
. Frank S. Robbins, have been mention
ed for the place, and it is said that
the friends of Mr.. Alexander are MAX
ing considerable of an effort in his be-
h9" Charles H. Peck the present
incumbent, is not idle, meanwhile and
expresses no apprehension regarding
the outlook. Mr.. Peck has had-a fac
ulty of holding his place against SINH
lar attacks, and his supporters say he
will carry the day this year.
There was rumor about the mu-
nicipal building yesterday, that Super
intendent Of Sewers Harrison P. Eddy
would have opposition for his place.
but little faith is placed in the rumor.
The story that a drive would be made
at City Treasurer Fred w. White,
seems to lack foundation. Leading
democratic members of the city coun-
Gil with whom the move was expected
to originate, admit that Mr.. White
WILL PROBABLYBE REELECTED,
although they still claim that another
candidate may appear at election. The
work Of the treasury department dur
ing the time Mr.. White has had charge
of the office, is the strongest argument
in his favor, and the republicans, at
least, will vote for him to a man.
City Clerk E. H. Towne, City Auditor
John B. Bowker. City Engineer Fred
A Mcclure, Yates Commissioner John
G. Brady, Water Registrar George w.
Batchelder, Amos Parker, chairman of
the board of assessors, Superintendent
of Street Lighting Henry A. Knight,
City Messenger Charles Marvin and
City Physician Walter T. Clark, are
considered sure of reelection.
Men who are in close touch with af-
fairs, say that the next chief of police
is selected to succeed Col. James M
brennan, and, while his identity may
leak out, they decline to divulge it I'M
til as late date as possible. Some men
said yesterday that the pressure being
brought to bear by the friends of Col
brennan might change the decision of
the administration, but unless some
change is brought about, there will be
a new face in the office of the chief of
police.