The San Francisco call., 1903-09-25
MAHONY LIKES
TO HOLD OFFICE
He Desires to Remain
County Clerk Two
Years More.
Most Of His Deputies Refuse
to Further His Ambition
With Their Cash.

The fact that A. B. Mahony IS very fond
OF the position Of County Clerk, despite
the fsct that since his election he has re-
oeived but few words OF praise for his
method OF conducting il, has long been
known. as has also been the fact that he
INTENDED 10 make e battle TO keep the
position for four years. His frequent
threats 10 test the validity OF the law
that declares that a County Clerk shall
only hold Office for but two years cul-
minated yesterday in the filing Of a suit
for an Injunction restraining the Election
Commissioners and Registrar Walsh from
spending any OF the city's funds in max
ing any preparation for the election Of a
successor 10 Mahony at the coming cleo
ton. To add a flavor OF sincerity TO the
suit and probably TO reduce the expense
of the action TO Mahony, the court is
asked TO prevent the city officials from
expending any money in furthering the
ambitions OF those who al the recent con-
ventions were nominated for the Offices OF
Recorder. District Attorney Coroner
Public Administrator and Sheriff Ihe
suit is brought by Richard Bradley, a
personal friend Of the County Clerk and
one who, according TO a statement made
by Mehony, is indignant because the law
cuts short AIahony's period of usefulness
dahony's attorney is Peter F. Dunno
While there are no grounds OF actlon SET
forth in the complaint except that OF
needless expense 10 the city, il is expected
that when the case comes before Judge
Seaweu the point will be that the office
Of the County Clerk is a county office,
and therefore not governed by the city
charter.
Just who shall defray the costs Of the
suit is a question that is bothering Ma
hony. He expected that when he an
rounced his intention Of fighting 10 hold
the Office the men employed by him as
courtroom clerks. copyists and deputies
would flock 10 his support and dig into
their pockets for funds TO keep him where
he is In fact, John McKenna, a hench-
man Of the County Clerk, was sent upon
2 trip through the Office TO feel the finan-
cial pulse Of the men, His reception was
not warm, for MahOny's clerks rather like
the idea OF drawing full salaries during
the last few months OF Mahony's tenure
Of Office, and they made unexpected re-
sponses that dampened McKenna's zeal
Some said they would see about the as
sessment and others fatty refused 10 put
up" The number that refused was aug
mented after the clerks had a chance to
discuss the matter, so Mahony was COM
PEELED 10 90 ahead on his chances Of col
lecring from those who said they would
s-see q bout it, and the hope that II his
suit is successful the other officers whom
a favorable opinion viii affect viii help
him raise counsel fees.
Deputy Sheriff George Hare. in the alb
sence Of Sheriff Lacknann. stated yes
terday that his chief is not a party to the
suit brought by Bradley. Hare said that
Lackmann had been. importuned for the
last six months 10 contribute toward the
expense Of bringing the suit. but had re-
fused. Lackmann believes~that the char
ter fixing the term of his Office at two
years is the law
Recorder Godchaux said that he had
not been consulted regarding the bring
ing of the suit to determine the legal term
OF his and other Offices.
Il was elected Recorder" said Cod
chaux. "only after I had pledged ale
glance 10 the charter which 1 regard as
the supreme Jaw OF the municipality. /
am loyal 10 that allegiance and have no
desire 70 have any court ruling on the
point"
District Attorney Byington is not a par
ty 70 the suit He said yesterday that he
ha6-absolYtely no interest in It.