The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-15
A Report Calling for 1t WIFI Undoubt-
eddy BE Submitted to the
Council Tonight.
WILL REJECT GAS ORDINANCE
FIVE REPUBLICAN MEMBERS OF
COMMITTEE AGAINST 1T.
A Favorable Report ON Tuxedo An
nexation, but Action on Irving
ton May BE Deferred.

Unless the present plans OF the Repub-
lican members OF the City Council meet
with some Unforeseen obstacle, which Is
altogether improbable, there will be a reso-
luton offered I'm the Council tonight by
Chairman Wheeler, of the committee on
investigation and impeachment. for COM
plete investigation of the city administra-
ton, growing out of the recent action Of
the Board of Public Safety in discharging
the large number of policemen and fire.
men, and also other important questions
and rumors which have been brought to
the notice of the councilmen.
This investigation, according to some of
the prominent members of the Council. has
been under consideration for some time.
Those who have interested themselves in
the matter have become thoroughly con-
versant with all phases of 1t and
have received legal advice from some OF
the leading attorneys Of the city as to
how much power they could exercise in
this investigation. The question came up
when rumors coming from persons in a
position to know the state of affairs went
before some of the influential councilmen
and laid before them statements and
rumors which showed that the matter
should be investigated. Several caucuses
have been held and the decision arrived
at to carry on this investigation was not
matter of a moments excited considera-
ton, but of weeks OF investigation and
research carried on by conservative men,
said one of the councilmen. Those who
have interested themselves in the matter
have consulted with many of the dis
80 hA
forces and they have been told things
which should be brought before the public
only through complete investigation.
DISMIsSALS OF MEN.
The first matter to be taken up and
which will be responsible for the investiga-
ton, to large extent, will be the re-
cent dismissals by the Board of Safety.
After the witnesses are examined In this
matter then other affairs of the Democratic
administration will be thoroughly investi-
gated in an endeavor to ascertain the truth
of many of the rumors that are being cir
culated.
The resolution to be offered tonight will
cover the situation in full and will per-
NIT of a complete examination into the af-
fairs of the administration. 1t is believed
that when the vote is taken on the reso-
luton II will no doubt be party vote
and will be carried by the Republicans, as
they are in the majority. 1t is the inten-
ton OF the Republican members OF the
Council to carry on this proposed inves-
tigation more or less in conjunction with
the suit now pending against the city ad-
ministration and which was filed by At
torneys Duncan. Smith & Hornbrook. in
the interest of many OF the discharged
policemen who demand reinstatement,
claiming that the city charter was vio-
lated in dismissing efficient men without
giving them a trial or an opportunity to
| INT oh hat mi oh N
preferred against them. This will be done
providing the attorneys for the policemen
agree to such action. Some OF the MEM
bers of the Council say that they have
conversed with discharged patrclmen and
have received information which will be
of startling nature when brought before
the public when the investigation is held.
Many or the ex-patrolmen and ex-fire-
men will not talk at this time for pub
lication, but they have expressed their will
ingness to testify should they be called
into court or before the Council.
ABOUT SALOON MEN.
The many rumors now permeating the
atmosphere and which have been in cir
culation for some time regarding many
and divers favors shown to saloon men
who handle syndicate beer will be
brought out in full. This question has also
been considered by the Republicans when
they were I'm caucus sessions and they have
been met by men who were practically
run out of the saloon business because they
did not handle the syndicate" beer. These
evidences of favoritsm were manifested be-
fore the election and are now being shown
by the police department., said one of the
councilmen, through the directions of the
head of the present administration.
Another very interesting matter will
come up when this investigation Is under
way and that will be the examination,
under OATH of certain member of one
n
Taggart, and who is alleged to be a Re-
publican, but who will be asked when he
takes the stand TO answer the question
whether he Is a Republican or Democrat
and when he voted the Republican ticket.
An effort will be made TO show that he
worked against the interests and also voted
against General Harrison when the latter
was the candidate for President, and also
worked for the interests of the Democratic
party in the city campaign. The Repub-
lican members of the Council will try TO
show that this man was appointed in vio-
lation OF the city charter. as he is not a
Republican, and the charter states explic-
lily that one OF the members of this par
ticular board shall be member of the
opposite party 10 the one in power.
WILL TAKE EVIDENCE.
In making this investigation the City
Council will sit as a court and hear all
| the evidence. 1t will be represented by an
attorney and a stenographer will take all
me evidence brought 10 light. The Coun-
Gil will have the same power as Cir
cult Court and can punish any person for
contempt who fails TO answer questions
and institute proceedings against them for
perjury IL the witnesses make false state
nients. III this resolution asking for an In
vestigation Is introduced tonight and
should pass the question has come before
the Republican members of the Council
as to the stand Mayor Taggart will take
on an ordinance appropriating funds to
carry on such an investigation. II he
should veto the ordinance the money
would have TO be raised by popular SUBJ
| scription TO pay the expenses of the in
restigation. such as attorneys fees and
| the expense for stenographer. Such an
| investigation would be carried on publicly
After hearing the evidence taken the men,
| lers OF the Council would then act as u
| jury TO decide the necessity OF bringing
| Impeachment proceedings against tie head
| CT the present administration