The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1904-12-17
THE POLICE COMMISSION
They Are Many People Who Have
Ideas Of Their Own and Who Are
Not Afraid TO Express Their
Convictions In Public.

joke. That kind OF politics win not be
Endorsed even by those who have been
in the habit Of swallowing anything the
leaders demand. President Roosevelt
is determined to purify national poll
ties and is careful about his selections
for various positions, and IL Is the
duty OF the republicans OF Clatsop
county to follow his example.
O o o
What will the council do about the
police commission" said a councilman
yesterday morning, in answer to an in.
ouiry well. I'll tell you what they
ought to do, Some time ago was I'M
portuned by republican leader to use
my efforts to have the offices OF Barker
and Cook declared vacant. and have the
mayor appoint two police commission
ers. ! agreed 10 II, provided that one
republican and one democrat be ap-
pointed. as Barker is republican and
Cook is a democrat, leaving the board
as 1t now stands. We are willing TO do
this or we will put up candidates
against their candidates and elect them
The Offices OF Barker and Cook ought
to be declared vacant by the council
and the vacancy filed. II this ls done
and Mayor Surprenant appoints one
republican and one democrat, l am
satisfied the council viii confirm the
appointments unanimously.
@ @ @
"The time has come" said a proml-
nent business man. for a reorganiza-
tion of the republican party. All OF It's
best workers have been read out OF
the party, and It Is completely demoral-
lied, so far as city and county politics
are concerned. win tell you what we
are going to do. We are going to form
an organization of all republicans OPP
posed to ring rule. unite with the citi- |
zens at next December and June elec-
tions, and put up a citizens ticket. COM |
posed equally OF republicans and demo-
Gratis. The democrats have agreed to |
this. Then the manufacturers OF po-
lice commissioners on the installment |
plan, can put up their slate and we'll /
put bigger crack In 1t than has been
discovered in the moon. large ma
lority OF the republicans are with us
IN this movement, and It is a sure go.
~
We'll, sir, what do think of the po-
ice commission business? Well, be-
ieve as great many others do, that
when men leave the state, take their
'amilies with them. and have no in
erests here, as neither Barkr or Cook
nave, that their Offices should be de-
Jared vacant, and the vacancies filled
according to the charter. They would
lold until the next city election, at
which time a new police commission
an be elected. am opposed to poll
ical chicanery and the nomination OF
'fficers by few of the select. The re-
'ublicans will not stand for 1t any long, \
n ,and It is time this was understood
y those who are trying to wreck the /
,arty." /,
mo! Honest to God, didn't know .
hing about my name being put on the I
allot for police commissioner until the /.
otes we're counted In the Second
Tard," said one Of the recently self
lected police commissioners. II havn't
ecided what to do In the matter.
m like Carnegie, / don't care to be
Interviewed on such a painful sub
ect."
"Oh, l don't care" said Chief Hal
'ck. "As soon as the item appeared in
ne Astorian, was offered three diff
srent Jobs, at larger salaries than I
m receiving now. I have tried to be
onest, and there is not a man living
no can say there has been any graft
/ my Office. know am accused OF
, like everybody that holds a public
fice, but am charitably inclined and e
verlook the Ignorance of politicians 9
no are only actuated by mercenary y
otives. ] expect to continue as chief :
police until my successor is appoint. e
!. / have handled over $3O,0 of the @
tvs money this year, and every cent G
as been turned over to the proper =
ficer, and have the receipts. No city :
] the coast Is as free from crime as =
storia, and I think the police ought to d
} given some credit for it. It has e
'rtainly saved the taxpayers of the :
ty and county thousands of dollars.
O O O
My opinion is," said conservative 4
publican, that the police commission
lould be reorganized We have no
'lice commission now. and haven't
I'd for five years. 1t is a disgrace to (,
e city that such state Of affairs =
ls been allowed to exist. While I i
mt exactly coincide with the action