The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-11-21

rectiOn.
Mr. Miller's name was called to vote.
He said: II believe that the majority OF
the people of the First ward wish me 70
vote for the confirmation of Mr.. Stahl.
The petition presented does not repre-
sent the full wishes of the people OF the
First ward either. Only a part or the
ward was canvassed I believe that W
per cent of them want me to vote 70 con-
firm the appointment of Mr.. StahI as
chief of police. I propose to do as they
request me. I believe Mr.. Stahl Is a
capable and efficient man in that place
It may be true that burglarles nave peen
committed, but Mr.. Stahl is not alone
responsible. 1t is true that the Grim
inals have not been arrested for these
robberies, but an officer has got 70 una
the criminals before he can arrest them.
There is a large percentage OF patrol
men that served under the last eXecu-
tive still on. They have had the exper-
fence. have talked with some of them
and they have told me that Mr.. Stahl is
q good officer. Believing that 1t IS Tor
the best interests Of the city vote aye
I'm sorry / can't quite agree with the
gentleman from the Second ward, said
Mr.. Mergen, whose turn come next. u
have an interest in the whole city.
Whatever we do we owe it to the tax
payers of the city of Topeka Look at
this fine building we are in, look at the
miles of paved streets. look at our otner
various public improveme nts. They were
created, paid for, used and directed by
men in this city. Look at them and ask
me if we can't get q, respectable capable
citizen for the position of chief Of police
without going out of the city Is there
no citizen of Topeka who can fn the
place? I believe there are men in this
city fully capable. I believe in putting
a good man in and keeping him there,
not changing about every little while.
IF had my way, good man could
stay there for ten years before politics
should be allowed to drive him out. I
want the city to have for chief OF po-
lice a man who is not afraid to bounce
~ vtanv~ {~ n ~
force the laws, a. man of experience and
one acquainted with the city and Its
business.
Mr.. stahl is a gentleman OF IN
questioned morality and honesty, but
he is inadequate to fill the position for
which he has been nominated He Is
stranger; he knows little about the
city We have good citizens here and
those who will enforce the law. I will
not say by any word or action that no
good man can be found in the city for
chief of police, and for that reason
will vote no."
Councilman Myers said he was not ac-
quainted personally with Mr.. Stahl.
THE only objection would urge against
him IS that he Is not a resident or To-
peka- However, most of the people of
the Second ward want me to vote for
him. The mayor Is responsible Tor this
appointment, not the council. He asks
this council to confirm his appointment,
and I vote aye"
the newspaper had told how he would
vote. THAT the mayor did not consult
counci1men is due to the fact that it was
customary years ago, but has since been
changed I can't blame Mayor Drew for
doing as he did and shall be glad TO
support him. There is not a good foun-
dalton for any of the complaints"
No one ever approached Councilman
Snattinger to influence him, he said, but
two ladies of the W. G. T. u, and they
gave him up as a hopeless case He
maintained that a chief of police must
have experience and knowledge on ms
business. Here comes a man., he said,
who has all the requisites for a good
policemen-in time. But that does not
make a good chief of police. He is
good, virtuous man, from all hear He
don't go down into Smoky Row or into
the joints, that's true. I do not either,
and don't see why the mayor did not
I was not fit for 1t. While Mr.. Stahl
is absolutely honest there are certain
things he can not do. If you Will tell me
of a man, whether be is from New York
or ST Louis. who can get criminals, close
Joints and gambling houses. III vote for
him Mr. Stahl does not fill the bill. In
order to protect our city I want man
I'VE want man who has had exper-
fence at the head Of our police depart
Wanted a farmer, Mr. stahI would do.
think we could find man IN the city
capable. and need not go out of the city
firmation.
Councilman CLANCY voted in the mega
apology, that he had always been an adj
ninistration man, whatever that may
gonittee Of fhs Tw H1sfH4 un G9asM Mr. stai
was appointed, and they were doing in
mayor 6gEew was g sneere ana give h
due credit. But the police committee is
pression Of the Joints IS the paramount
issue, there are other things. Business
stain h was appointed I prophesied that the
Joints would be closed up. am disap-
ever AS to robberies. I had a case in
my own store: called in competent
in as minutes he had the thief. I believe
if I had called in Chief Stahl, he would
have 5ssn f bunting 1d4e Es Mr. tah But
can't be accused Of being IN l;,,,o whisky sSI
II believe 7 serve the interests of the
city by voting no, said Councilman
Warner, very tersely.
Councilman Roundtree said he had been
trying to persuade himself that ne would
Stahi. but after two months of holding
his own counsel, he had concluded to vote
administration man. he said.
In presenting a few observations on gov
charges lsir against those who voted dGffer-
entity from himself, Councilman SWend- |
sheets OF his typewriter speech he stepped |
out into the rectangle and read his es- |
say in a voice full of bitterness and ner- |
vousness. He begged the kind indulgence
of his audience to make few remarks |
for the good name Of his native state, to |
enter a plea for harmony of government |
and the spirit of progress. The attack |
came in the concluding paragraph, winch |
was as follows:
mo reason has been assigned tonight |
for opposition to this confirmation, that is |
not a, mere pretext, mask, and 1t is |
useless for any member of this council /
to attempt to cover his real reason for |
opposing this appointment. You have mis- !
led no one; the people understand you. |
and now, whether the nomination is CON- /
hrTned or not, regardless of what action /
may be taken by any other citizen or Of |
hcer I beg to go on record standing 1
loyal to government, national, state and /
municipal, and in this confirmation to cast |
ave-