The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-02-24

For the next two years, beginning on
March 10, ]. c. Michael will answer to
the title of corporation attorney. At
meeting of the two council bodies in
joint sessions last night he
was selected to succeed James
E. Markham, the present in
cumbent. Only one ballot was nee
essary and it's call found him in posses
sion of the full strength of the Demo-
cratic majority, twelve votes. The
other seven votes, which constitute the
Republican minority, were cast for
James E. Markham.
The Democratic conference at Alder
man Huber's restaurant Sunday night
and the announced withdrawal of %.
Z. Holman late yesterday morning
combined to remove all doubt as to
what the result would be when it came
to count the votes.
The Democrats gathered at Alderman
Huber's restaurant last evening and
with a substantial dinner as a dispen-
ser of good cheer kept careful tab on
their forces. The Republican forces,
willing to admit their defeat and yet
hoping against hope, held lonely vigil
in Corporation Attorney Markham's Of
flee.
Republicans Arrive Early.
The Republicans were the first to en-
ter the council chamber, and right here
Mr.. Michaels election might have been
delayed had the minority been a unit.
The hour for the call was s o'clock,
and when it arrived it found only the
Republicans in possession. Twenty
minutes We're allowed to slip by with
out the appearance of the Democrats,
when the suggestion was made by As
semblymen Arnold and Schurmeier that
they call the meeting and announce an
adjournment. Aldermen Corning and
Elder were unwilling, and while they
were in the midst of explanations the
Democrats appeared. Some one had ap-
prised them of the move and they made
haste to reach their seats. Each had a
small bouquet of flowers pinned to his
coat lapel.
President Haas without delay called
the meeting to order and with the read
ing of the call nominations followed.
BY stipulation it was agreed by the
Democratic majority that no names
should be offered, those voting simply
giving their choice, but the Republic
ans insisted and the nominations were
made.
Assemblyman Schurmeier rendered
the name of James E. Markham and
Alderman Dobner followed it with the
name Of James G. Michael. Each
nomination was accompanied by a eu-
lOgistic speech and seconds were num-
erous.
The call of the vote was taken amid
silence; silence so intense that the drop
of a pin might be heard, but the ten
sion was soon relieved, when, with the
announcement of twelve votes for
Michael and seven for Markham, the
Democrats broke into ringing cheer.
Cheers for Michael.
The names Michael and Markham,
so similar in sound, were decidedly
confusing, and the answer of each
member found strained ears waiting to
catch it. Hope was high in the breasts
of the Republican minority that some
Democrat might stray from the
Michael fold, and when Assemblyman
WhltcOmb, through a slip of the tongue
gave an answer that sounded very
much like Markham. expectant glances
were directed his way. He quickly cor
rected himself. and disappointment
plainly showed on the Republican
faces.
The announcement Of Mr. MichaePs
election prompted someone to call for
adjournment. but Assemblyman Arnold
insisted on hearing speech from Cor
poration Attorney Markham and he
was accommodated. Aid. Dobner being
detailed to bring him forward.
Il haven't prepared any remarks on
this side of the play" Mr.. Markham
laughlngly remarked as he faced the
members. Il am afraid it will have to
be entirely impromptu. Leaving all
joking aside, however, 1 want to say
that l leave this office with one thing
to my credit, and that is I believe I
have done my duty. I have tried to
serve the public, and no one faction of
the public, and I think 1 have succeed
ed. 1 have no unkind words to say to
anyone. 1 feel kindly towards those
who have expressed a desire for me to
stay and yet have voted with the ma
jority. 1 think if it were not for party
ties they would have given substantial
evidence of that desire. So long as
party lines control, it is expected that
the offices will go to those that have
rendered service to their party, and I
have no reason to complain.
Pays Tribute to His Successor.
'It is a matter of congratulation to
me, however, that 1 turn the office over
to such a worthy successor. I do not
think you could have selected a better
men. He is a gentleman and a man of
great legal attainments and qualities,
and 1t pleases me to see that you have
named him as corporation attorney.
j. {. Michael, the corporation attor-
ney-elect, who was also called upon for
g speech by Assemblyman Arnold was
breVlty itself in answering to the de-
mand, but he called forth rousing
cheers from the Republican side of the
mouse, when in his remarks he COM
plimented Mr.. Markham.
L esteem this as a great honor" said
Mr.. Michael "and if I can in a measure
maintain the standard set by nv pre-
decessOr L shall be more than satisfied.
In private practice my full duty has al
ways been to my client. and now in ac-
cepting the city of st. Paul as a client
l shall try and see that the same nrin-
clple IS fully carried out. thank Won. ="
When adjournment was announced
Mr.. Michael was the center of attrac~
tiOn, and his hand was kept busy ac-
knowledging congratulations There
was a large crowd of interested spec-
tators in attendance and they WED
with the members of the council in
showing their good will.
Many Candidates to Choose From.
Mr.. Michael will not succeed Mr.
Markham as corporation attorney un-
I'll March 10, but in the meantime he
will select his staff and that means a
task, the extent of which can be real
lied when it is known that fully fortv
persons have asked to be made as
sistants. David PEBBLES is said to he
slated for one of the places, but which
1t is not known. Richard D. O'Rrien
is also spoken of.
The rumor was strong last night that
Thomas McDermott, the present first
assistant corporation attorney, would
be retained, but Mr.. Michael refused
to either deny or confirm it, He dis
missed the question with the answer