The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1905-06-23
MAYOR BLISS
INTERVIEWED
Says He Thinks He Acted Proper
Iy in Removing Comptroller
Morgan.
AYERS THAT cITY'S AFFAIRS
HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED IN A
VERY LOOSE AND UNBUs-
INESSLIkE WAY.

A Journal representative called on
Mayor Bliss yesterday evening and
asked for a stat ement regarding the
removal of Comptroller Morgan and
his reinstatement by the council.
What do you think of the result of
the proceedings of the council today,
was asked? -
Il hardly know what to say" re-
piled Mayor Bliss. Il feel that |
have done my duty as required of me
by law and confess ! was somewhat
surprised at the final action. 1t was
simply another case where the results
were changed by the majority, for rea-
sons best known to themselves, refus-
Ing to vote"
Did you think your. grounds for re-
moval of Mr.. Morgan sufficient to
warrant the approval of the council?
Il certainly did. The law makes II
my duty TO see that ali other officers
do their duty. In case they do not do
their duty | have the power to remove
them from Office. Mr.. Morgan is an
officer appointed by the mayor and
the mayor has the power TO remove
him from Office. Mr.. Morgan absent
ed himself from the city without ask
ing leave. He delegated his authority
to another without authority OF law.
His accounts were kept, bills were
audited, vouchers approved and war
rants drawn by his apDointee, all OF
which has no sanction OF law. 1t would
be a parallel case if We're to leave
the city and appoint some one TO act
as mayor in my stead during my alb
sence in addition to wiffully absent
ing himself from his official duties
find Mr.. Morgan has drawn warrants
which l consider illegal and he, above
all ct her officers is in duty bound to
protect the city's interests. As this
matter is to, be probed further | do
not care to say anything for publica-
ton on this point"
Did you regard il Mr.. Morgan
duty to see that bills were correct be-
fore he drew warrants for them?" was
asked.
Il certainly did. The law so de-
cIares. If every officer is to endorse 9
bill because some one else has done
so, or because it is the custom then
there Is no wonder that public affairs
get into bad shape sometimes"
What do you think will be the eff
feet Of the councils action?"
Il do not know" replied the mayor.
1T practically says to the comptroller:
You may leave the city without the
mayors permission when you please;
you may go where you please and stay
as long as you please. He has no RICH;
TO remove you from office fo- neglect
of duty. The law is a dead letter
But, Notwithstanding this, l believe
the incident will have salutary effect
on public affairs. 1t appears that a
great many things have been done
very loosely. in fact | was very much
surprised at the loose way in va
the business affairs of Che city have
been transacted. No business MAJ
would consent 10 il in his business for
a moment. The only thing / regret
about the matter is that it cannot be
referred to the people. If We had the
recall or the referendum, as it exists
in some places and the matter would
be referred to the people for approval
L feel assured that | would receive a
greater endorsement than / did on
June 9Th"