Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1904-06-11

President E. G.. Patterson of the
city council, who becomes acting
mayor in the absence of Mayor Regis
ter, this morning removed Chief Of
Police Ritchey in the following COM
munication which was delivered to
the chief this morning:
To John Ritchie:
Sir: l., Edward G. Patterson, acting
Mayor of the city of Bismarck, North
Dakota, do hereby remove you from
the Office of chief of police of said
city. Said removal to take effect
forthwith.
Your removal is because of your
failure to perform the duties of your
said Office.
Because Of the open and fragrant vio-
lations of the prohibition laws OF the
state of North Dakota, and your ap-
parent connivance at the same in the
city Of Bismarck. $50
Because of your wanton disregard
Of the enforcement of the ordinances
of said city of Bismarck.
And further, because in my opinion,
as the acting mayor of said city, the
interests of the city demands your re-
moval.
~ You are hereby directed to turn over
to the city auditor, all property books
and papers in your hands belonging
to. said city.
Witness my hand as the acting
mayor of the city of Bismarck, North
Dakota, this 18th day of June, 1904.
E. G.. Patterson,
- President of the City Council and
acting mayor.
Immediately upon the delivery of
this communication, the city council
met in special session at the court
house, with President Patterson, of
the council presiding and Aldermen
McGillis, Mckenzie, Tatley and Horn
er in attendance. Alderman Smyth
arrived later, after the business of the
meeting had been transacted. Presi-
dent Patterson stated his action in
removing Chief Ritchey, and appoint
ed Alexander Mcdonald to fill the va
cancy. The council confirmed the ap-
pointment and approved the minutes
of the meeting and then adjourned.
Chief Ritchey has been persona non
grata to the majority of the members
Of the council, and this action was
not unexpected. The mayor pro TEN
has the same powers as the mayor in
the absence of that official and there
seems TO be no question but that he
has the power to remove officials, and
make appointments. What further &C.
ton will be taken by Mayor Register
upon his return is not known. Should
he remove the appointee of President
Patterson and reappoint Mr.. Ritchey
the council will in all probability re-
fuse to confirm the appointment.
Mr.. Mcdonald is we'll known in Bis
marck- familiarly as SANDY McDon-
aid. He is a brother of Mrs. J. H.
Marshall and was for many years a
resident of Ada, MINI. The mayor Of
Ada, when he left that city gave Mr..
Mcdonald very fatbering endorse
ment, declaring that during the II
years he was city marshal of Ada
he filled that position with honor to
himself and all concerned.
Mr.. Mcdonald accepts the position
as the representative of no faction
and promises to discharge the duties
of the ofice-compicated though it is
combining as it does the duties of
street commissioner as we'll as chief
of police-to the best of his ability.
Mayor Register on his return, may
or he may not attempt to remove the
present incumbent and restore Mr..
Ritchie, but the council is over
whelmingly against Mr.. Ritchie and
wcufd not confirm him if reappointed.
It will therefore be unwise to keep up
the friction. If the mayor has NO
serious charges against Mr. Mcdonald
it will be best to let the action of the
mayor pro TEN and the council stand.
The following is the city auditors
record Of the proceedings: Il
I'd Council Chambers, June II, '04.
MISSOURI SLOPE ITEMS. +.
- 4" ',>5y$& - r. -' .!s& r.
The reform school at Mandan now