The San Francisco call., 1903-01-08
nAYOR SCHnITZ MATES THE COMMISSIONERS TO FILL
THE VACANCIES ON THE VARIOUS r1UNCIPAL BOARDS

Eur AYOR SCHMITZ has again ex-
HWV ercized the appointing power
" IN conferred by the charter Many
~ ~ of the men who were diligent
yesterday in seeking the favor
of the municipal executive have been
turned down. Now they belong to the
army of the disappointed and will pass
their days and nights in hurting invec-
tive at the Mayor. The number of offices
at the disposal of the Mayor is out of all
proportion to the number of applicants
for official recognition. Therefore it is
readily perceived that the bestowal of
patronage in a limited degree creates ten
enemies when it develops one friend.
The appointment made at the eleventh
hour of ]. A Drinkhouse to the Board of
Police Commissioners is significant. 1t
was fancied by many of the politicians
that influences other than those emanat
ing from A. Ruef would prevail in this
appointment, but the naming of Drink
house signifies that Ruef is still the
power behind the throne. The leader of
the old Republican Primary League came
down from Sacramento to see the slate in
the MAYORS office and did not rest until
the official signature of Schmitz adorned
the commission of Drinkhouse. Ruef was
not alone in urging the issue of the war
rant emitting DrinkhouSe to a place on
the police governing board. Men repre-
senting important unions waited on the
Mayor and recommended the appoint
ment. The plea was advanced that John
A. Drinkhouse was the friend of the sail
ors when friendship was needed; that
during the strike he cashed their checks
and went security on their bonds Ihe
molders and core workers also spoke of
Drinkhouse in terms of warmest com
mendation. Others recollect the political
incident that DrinkhOuse took an active
part as the friend of Eugene E. Schmitz
in the campaign which eliminated in the
election of the latter. The sum of money
expended by Drfhkhouse in the cause of
the Union Labor nominee for Mayor is
estimated at several thousand dollars
In 1899 Drinkhouse was elected on the
Republican ticket to the office of Public
Administrator. He was chosen for a term
of four years, but the charter coming into
effect legislated him out of office. Dur
ing his career as Public Administrator his
attorney was A. Ruef. The mercantile
house of Drinkhouse was founded in 1850
The founder has passed away, but his
sons survive and conduct the business
John A is a director in the Society of
California Pioneers, Native Son OF the
Golden West and q member of the Pres
byterian church. The friendship existing
between the Mayor and Drinkhouse is
cordial and intimate.
The appointment of Louis ]. Ohnimus
to the Board of Public Works was unex-
pected. There was general surmise yes
terday forenoon that he would be appoint
ed Police Commissioner. 1t is general
comment that he will display firmness of
character and resOlute activity on the
board 1t is common gossip at the City
Hall that Ohnimus will not take orders
from Michael Casey.
The appointment of John w. Rogers to
the Civil Service Commission was quite
unexpected so far as Rogers was con-
cerned. He did not know until a late
hour yesterday that he slated In
fact the Mayor didn't know it until Ruef
arrived from Sacramento.
John w. Rogers was a director of the
Primary League. He was chosen as a
representative of the ultra-conservative
Republican citizenship. Mr.. Rogers is a
holder Of office more conspicuous for dig
nifty than for emolument. For example.
he is chairman of the good citizenship
committee of the Christian EndeavOr. All
of cur citizens who are familiar with the
affairs of this excellent organization
know that the salary attaching to the po-
sition is not lucrative. Mr. Rogers is also
president of the Good Government Club
of San Francisco and a shining light in
the Law and Order League. He is a
young man of sterling character and fine
attainmentS.