New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-27
tBY TELEGRAPH 10 THE rr1nryr. I

against Mayor Weaver and the attempt of the
ring to force the United Gas Improvement bill
through the Councils. undisputed dictator of the
organization and iron handed ruler of the
municipality. Is learning the truth of Mirabeaus
fiery declaration that 1t Is but step from the
throne to the Tarpeian Rock. Tonight the
battle is practically Won The regulars are
the run. Desertion after desertion from the
colors is being reported. The people
aroused as this lethargic city has not been
aroused in the recollection OF it's oldest citizens.
1t has been militant and outraged citizenship
against the most compact powerful and AFRO
CANT organization ever known in municipality.
Resolved, That we, citizens of Philadelphia,
without regard to party or politics, do hereby,
before God and man, pledge our life, liberty
and sacred honor to the complete overthrow of
despotc methods in municipal affairs and the
restoration of the American principles for which
our fathers fought, and which shall ever be our
glory while we remain worthy to be called their
children"
Amid tremendous cheering and the waving of
flags several thousand persons packed in the
Academy of Music tonight to hear prominent
PhiladeIphians express their protest against the
gas lease. adopted the above resolution 1t was
a scene that gave the opponents of the lease
renewed inspiration
The victory of the Mayor and the naon1a
against the ring, foreshadowed only now but as
certain as anything can be in affairs of this
Klnd' means the passing of Durham the de-
struction Of the machine and a cleaner md bet
ter government for the city. Incidentally II is
said by Durham's friends tonight that he is a
sick man. that this was to have been his last
night and that ne wants TO get out anyway
THE MAYOR JUBILANT.
1t has been day of consultations on both
sides. The Mayor is on the aggressive. The
ring is on the defensive. The Mayor has all the
best Of II. The ring leaders are trying to hold
their forces but they appear to be unable to do
SO They will not admit defeat but are silent
and grim. On the other hand, the Mayor is
jubilant
Can you assure the public that veto of the
gas lease will be sustained by Councils?" he was
asked this evening
Things look brighter every minute That is
all care to say now" he replied
Have you been surprised at the attitude of
the people toward you personally in the last few
days?"
Not only surprised, but I have been very
much gratifed"
viii there be any further suspensions or re-
movals of oficeholders before the argument on
Monday"
Il cannot answer that question"
Have you taken steps to have the street
cleaning and garbage contracts readvertised?'
Il have not yet considered that"
"Mr. Mayor. it is reported that you have re-
ceived pledges from Councilmen with the I'M
derstanding that their names be not divuIged
Is that so?'
Naturally, I cannot answer that question"
1T is rumored that you intend prosecuting
several members of the organization crfminaIly.
Is that SOP"
Il must refer you TO my lawyer"
But you yourself lawyer Mr.. Mayor"
Yes, but you know the old proverb that
man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a
client. l wish that 1 did stand as lawyer and
not client in this case"
Have you vetoed the gas lease?"
II don't want TO answer that now, as a veto
is never a veto until it has been transmitted to
Councils"
TREMENDOUS PRESSURE ON COUNCILS.
The struggle to hold win councilmen is
growing hotter, and many of the city fathers
have expressed the wish that they had never
been elected to the legislative body. They de-
clare that they all their success in life to
the organization, and that it would be an act
Of extreme disloyalty TO go hack on their lead
ers in time of trouble. Then. on the other hand.
the pressure brought TO bear by neighbors and
TO abandon the organization and uphold the
Mayor is so great that they do not know what
to do Some of the councilmen are pursued even
into their homes. and delegations are calling on
them at all hours of the day and night.
The first man to be won over to-day came to
the Mayors office with delegation of his con-
stituents He Charles f. Connell, Of the Com
mon Council. He with the Mayor about
ten minutes. When he left the office he was
asked if he was going to vote against the lease,
and with considerable show of feeling. he said:
My God, what else is there for me 70 do? If
do not vote against the lease will be out Of
my ward. cannot help myself. Even my own
family are pleading with me to join the Mayor.
and l had to yield"
George B. Edward. a member of the Select
Council. also saw the Mayor. He voted for the
gas lease and the pressure on him has been par
ticuIarly strong. On leaving the Mayor he said:
We talked over the gas lease. but did not
agree to anything. shall act as l think best,
and no one knows how 1 will vote"
Mayor Weaver stanchly supported by the vigi-
lance committee, surrounding him in his fight
against the organization and the United Gas
Improvement Company, is dealing blow after
blow against his enemies. while the organization.
strongly intrenched. is making desperate Efforts
TO keep its lines intact and hold its majority
until next Thursday when the question of
passing the gas lease the Mayors veto will
come up In the Councils. 1t is necessary for the
Mayor to have seventeen votes in the Select and
thtrty-four votes in the Common Council 10 pre-
vent the plans OF the organization being effec-
tive To-day has the desertion of seven
members Of Councils from the organization
ranks. and the assertion is broadly made that
by next Thursday the Mayor will have more
than enough votes to sustain his stand. To-
out OF seventeen necessary, and in the Common
Council twenty out of the requisite thirty-four