The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1905-07-18
SETBACK FOR WEAVER
Council Didn't ComplyWithRequest
to Employ Special Counsel.
FRANCHISES REPEALED
Philadelphia Mayor Will Confer With
Elihu Root Before Taking Next Step
In Filtration Scandal-May Swear
Out Warrants.

Philadelphia. July l4-For the first
time since ne began his campaign for
municipal reform. Mayor Weaver re-
cciyed a setback at the hands Of com
mon council. when that body did not
comply with his request TO authorize
him to employ special counsel 10 rep
resent the city in the matter OF GER
tain contracts that are to be brought
before the courts. The ordinance au-
thorizing the mayor TO employ special
counsel was introduced last week. ana
referred 10 the finance committee. Inc
MAYOR sent a communication TO com
mon council. asking that body TO take
immediate action. and giving as a rea-
son that IL will be necessary within Il
short time to have the courts pass on
contracts involving millions OF dollars.
Ne further stated that no more import
ant matter t0 the city. financially, has
ever been before The local courts, ana
that he desired the city to be repre-
scented by the best legal talent mat
can be- obtained The mayors com
munication was read. and without de-
bate it was voted 10 refer the mayor 8
request 10 the same committee to
which the ordinance was sent
Alter sending the letter TO the IL
nance committee. common council took
up the three bids repeating ordinances
giving the Philadelphia Rapid Transit
Company tho right 10 lay tracks on
an additional TOO miles Of streets with
ont the city receiving anything for the
privilege. and passed them as request
ed by the Mayor. The ordinances CIV
ing the franchises 10 the Traction Com
pany were passed about the same time
that councils were considering the gas
lease. After Mayor Viewers victory
IN that contest be set 10 work To have
councils repeal the ordinances. which
they had passed oyer his veto. lie
met with opposition. but success final
ly came.
Before deciding upon the next step
to be- taken in connection with his in
vcstigation into the filtration scandal.
and his desire TO bring TO justice the
men he suspects of having reaped
enormous fortunes at the expense OF
the city, Moy0r Weaver will consult
with Hon Elhu Root. of New York.
who was retained by him some weeks
ago. and who is about e lover his
connection with the case owing to mo
selection by President Roosevelt as
secretary Of state.
The consultation viii be held In New
York. and will Doe attended by Mayor
Weaver. Mr. Root James Gay Gordon.
private counsel for Mayor Weaver;
Joseph S. Aucrbach. OF New York.
counsel Tor the committee OF seventy
and possibly by Hon. Wayne Mae
Veagh and William VI. Meredith.
So far as can be learned now, the
conference is likely to result in the
decision that in case Mr.. Bell persists
m his refusal 10 initiate the proceed
ings against the men who are regarded
by the mayor as the real heads OF the
alleged conspiracy. the mayor shall
cause warrants TO be issued for the ar
rest of the suspected parties Natu-
rally none of those who are to be at
the conference will admit that this
will De the outcome but since they all
admit that there are many objections
TO the plan OF asking the appointment
of special district attorney, it would
seem that the only thing left for them
to do is to assume the initiative them
selves and bring the prosecution the
district attorney is so loath to insti-
tutp