The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-09-27
READ HIN LECTURE
Queer Proceedings of a
Topeka Councilman.
DENOUNCED THE MAYOR
Using Manuscript TO Express
His Feelings.

Topeka. Kan. Sept. 26-In the city
council last night Councilman Swend-
son made written face TO face attack on
Mayor Parker. reading written lecture
to him personally. He addressed him as
follows:
MIR. Democratic Mayor. you know.
every member of this council knows and
it is clear TO the public mind. that under
your administration. law enforcement is
a farce. travesty or burlesque on jus
tice from the start to the finish, there
being but few if any bona fde prose
cutors Of violators Of law. for the purpose
OK stopping and preventing crime and evil
and giving to society the protection guar
anteed by law; but rather, no doubt in
Difference TO a Democratic constituency,
! including whisky men and saloon keepers.
with gamblers and prostitutes closely
allied in interest, you, the Democratic
chief executive, here. by failure to en-
force the laws, nullihed the same, and
Rave substituted for the law, your poll
icy, which, while it does exercise discre-
| tionary power, in you an executive officer
and violates your oath of Office and every
principle of political honesty, yet such is
no doubt in hearty accord with your
Democratic principles. before referred to-
The merits or dement's. ACCESSIBILITY or
justice of any law are not at issue or I'M
der consideration at this time The con-
stitution, statutes and ordinance have
been made by the people. through their
duly accredited representatives and in ac-
cordance with established forms and Gus
toms, and that you have, in Difference
to Democratic principle, or a Demo-
cratic constituency, failed as chief ex-
ecutive of this city, is a condition, for
which there is no defense except that of
the common criminal. 1t is apparent that
you have Inundated. Disguised and de-
Toralized parts of the people OF this city,
by your failure as chief executive, by the
substitution of your policy which in
consideration Of q few dollars for the city
treasury, results in Democratic protec-
ton; for the unlimited multiplication and
unrestrained operation of the establish
lrents of a large part of your Democratic
constituency in rum holes, gambling hells
and dens Of prostitution and vice. You
have in your famous Democratic policy
Of license Of vice, protection TO vice, pros
tjtuted our police force, composed largely
or honorable, experienced and capable
men, into the position Of middlemen; be-
tween a gang Of bribing, boodling, out
laws. many OF whom in right and justice
ought to be deprived of their liberty, and
the persons who operate the various dens
n ba
moralizing Democratic policy of license
of vice for revenue Only note the scan
dals, unexplained unchallenged and IN
answered, detailed in the current press
and the public mind, concerning you. your
policy and your neutrality-suspicious.
cratic
If you, Mr.. Mayor were not almost
void of honor, you would welcome the
opportunity TO resign the position YOU
have disgraced and dishonored by your
dishonesty and perjury Since the law.
honesty. position and public opinion all
fail 10 move you from loyalty to your
Democratic policy, and your Iawless
Democratic constituency, who are behind
you and no doubt dictate to and control
you-under all conditions. I see no other
way advisable now but TO look upon this
Democratic administration of a Demo-
cratic chief executive, as an exemplifica-
ton of Thomas Jeferson-Albert Parker ?
lied Democracy policy which in it's
lesults, is largely synonymous with a car
rival of crime and vice, a reign of an
archy and even hell itself"
When he had completed and sat down.
after moving the adoption Of the resolu-
ton. the Democratic councilmen looked
at each other in sort of mutual appeal
Finally Councilman Griley arose and re-
marked that he thought the gentleman
vas mistaken and had prepared his +
PAPER for the wrong meeting
THAT paper" said Mr.. Griley, should
have been read down stairs at the mass
meeting"
Mayor Parker remarked that the peo-
pie had stood it this long and as it was
rot a great while until election. ne
guessed they could continue to stand IL
until then.
Councilman Snyder arose to inquire il
the gentleman from the Sixth ward had
made a poll of the saloonkeepers and
jcintists of the city TO ascertain if they
were all Democrats.