The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-05-30
SURRENDERS TO WEAVER Republican Organization
 Gives Up Fight. DURHAM'S ANNOUNCEMENT Philadelphia Mayor is a Hap
 py Man. Delegations of Citizens Call and one, Their Assistance--Telegram of
 Congratulation From Governor Folk.
DURHAM's ANNOUNCEMENT

Philadelphia, May 29.--State Insur' ance Commissioner Israel w. Durham leader of the Republican organization in Philadelphia for the last ten years and whose influence reaches far into the interior of Pennsylvania. late this afternoon internationally surrendered to Mayor John Weaver, who opened tht
 The action of Leader Durham was 2 great surprise to, the people of the city, as all his lieutenants and the rank and file or the organization had beer given to understand that the fight be- gun by Mayor Weaver over the gas lease would be fought to finish. Il had been announced that the fight the organization was making In the courts against the Mayors new directors talk council when the Mayor sent in their names for confirmation. The Mayor and his friends promptly took up the gage and started to wage a bitter war on the councilmen who intended to vote against confirmation of the new officials.
 In the forenoon today Leader Dur ham sent for the ward leaders, nearly all of whom responded and pledged their fealty to the organization and 1t looked as though the fight would be a long one. Shortly after the meeting however, William s. Ware, Recorder of Deeds. a close political friend of Dur ham, called on the Mayor and assured him that he and his brother. State Sem ator George A. Ware, would stand by him. The Ware brothers hold large city contracts, among them being the street cleaning contract for this year This move caused sensation in po- litical circles and rumors became cur rent that the organization was crumb- ling. Mir. Durham sent for some of the ward leaders and after conference he released them from their pledges tc stand by him and made the following announcement;
 MT. T5urham's Advice.
 T have advised my friends not te oppose the confirmation of A. Lincoln Acker as director Of public works, and Colonel sbelden Fptter as director oi public safety, if their names are sen; to select council by the Mayor"
 The Mayor Is now practically in con trol of municipal affairs What the organization will now do nas not yet been definitely determined. Reform organizations of the city have already announced that they will follow up tho advantage already gained and attempt to defeat Parry Ransley. President of Select Council. who Is the Republican organizations candidate for 5hsrlfe at the November elections.
 Mayor Weaver was happy man to- day. Much of his time was taken up with delegations of citizens who called on him to offer their assistance m his fight. The largest delegation to call was a committee of business rlen from the Twenty sixth Ward. To them he said that too much credit aad been given him for the victory already won, as it was the people who had won the fight and not him.
 In view of the abandonment of the fight against the Mayor 1t is probable that the injunction proceedings insti- tuted last week and which win come up to argument in common pleas court on Wednesday, will be dropped. Coun- sel for the plaintiffs will hold a confer ence tomorrow night
 Eight ward meetings planned last week were held tonight at which ad- dresses were made by prominent citi- zens in which they called upon those assembled to stand by the Mayor in whatever action he may taken in the future for the good of the city.
 Mayor Weaver today received the following telegram from Governor Folk of Missouri:
 1 Keep up the fight The cost will Sometimes seem hard and the way dark, but remember no matter how mighty the forces of corruption may be you have behind you the strongest ma chine ID the world-the heart and con- science or the people of America"