Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-03-14
DEVELOPMENTS o. 4 DAY.
OFFICERS STILL ON GUARD

OFFICERS STILL ON GUARD
At the Headquarters OF the Water
Board and the Board of Public
Works-The Safe I'm the Office of
the Former Has Not Yet Been Open
ed-Health Onieer Dispossessed Of
His Office BY q Policeman.
1t was an eventful day at the City
Hall, and all who take an interest in
municipal affairs were kept on the
qui vive. The Register exclusively
published the facts in connection with
the placing of policemen on guard at
the Offices of the Water Board and the
Board of Public Works, and they were
read with great interest. A number OF
persons either directly or indirectly
concerned, assembled in the corridor
Of the public building, and stood about
in groups awaiting developments.
Their curiosity was grati1ed, as there
were a number of exciting incidents
during the day.
The Republicans did not take the an
t~icipated legal steps, but assert in the
most positive terms that they have not
abandoned that portion of their pro-
gramme. 1t is believed that the
damus proceedings will be instituted,
for the reason hat the Republicans
think they have a good case, and
through the courts can reinstate r. E.
Hill as President of the Second Branch.
For the reverse reason, because they
realize that they have no case, and are
said to privately admit it, it is unlike
ly that there will be any action in the
courts TO determine the validity of the
title of the new officials to the offices
to which they have been chosen.
1t was a busy day for the Republic
can leaders and the old office holders,
and they stood about the City Hall
discussing the situation, and entertain
ing the somewhat vague hope that
something might be evolved from the
sum total of their wisdom to enable
them to continue the tenure of office
of the old officials.
At the Water Board,
the two police officers were on guard
through the night, as stated in the
Register yesterday morning. Ross Z.
Chew, the newly elected secretary, vas
admitted, and formally took possession
of the Office. He was not acquainted
with the combination of the safe, how
ever, and found it impossible to trans
act the business of the Office.
When ex-Secretary Shellhase and his
force appeared about eight O'Clock they
found the new officials in possession.
J. r. Butts, a member of the Board,
was also behind the railing, and the
policemen were on duty. 1t did not
take long for Mr.. Schellhase to realize
that he was up against it and he re-
tired, returning later with Henry F.
Jones, ex-member of the Board, who
directed Shellhase to open up and
transact business. Mr.. Shellhase was
powerless, and said so. He told the
new men that they would have to take
the responsibility. About ten O'Clock
Mr.. Jones left the building.
1t was believed throughout the MORN
ing and afternoon that there would be
40 trouble in the Water Board, as Mr..
~Shellhase said he was willing TO turn
over the books and records, but want
cd it done properly. 1t was evident
that the Republican leaders put a bug
into Mr.. Shellhase's ears, as he chang
ed his mind after promising to return
in the afternoon and arrange matters
satisfactorily. No business was trans
acted. Taxpayers who wanted to set
tie their bills were unable to do so,
and hsd to retire with the money in
| their rockets. Mr.. Shellhase was will
ing to- open the safe, but declined to
WORK under the new secretary of the
Board.
Safe VIII Be Opened-
Shortly before moo a member of the
firm of Miller & Stein, dealers in safes,
appeared in the Water Board Office and
was directed to unlock the safe. He
hesitated to proceed and Chief Ritz
told him to go ahead. The expert said
he could open the safe, but he was
afraid that trouble might result from
it, and he preferred to wait until he
received orders from an authority
which he could not question.
Later in the day the officials of the
Water Board found another expert.
The information was given our tina.
the safe would be opened. Almost
simultaneously the Republicans caused
to be circulated = report thar if tie
safe were opened it would be found to
be empty. This information was gen.
orally cOnfidad in a whisner but was