The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-05-26
Old Directors Arc Out, New
Men Are In and Mayor
is Chtered
FORCE is THREATENED
TO GUST The OFFICIALS
Philadelphia Reorganization" susy
and Fight Promises to Be the
Greatest In the History of
American Cities. -

ing that has been engineered DW the
gas lease fight was intensified today when
Mayor Weaver practically elected from
the office of the departments of public
safety and public works his former di-
rector, and again installed those put in
by him on Tuesday night.
The moment the news flashed through
the great city building that the old di-
rectors were out, and the new men in,
rumors flew thick and fast that whole
sale dismissal of bureau chiefs and other
officials was about to occur. The news
created considerable excitement in the city
hall and on the political "Ralto," and
nearly all that were interested assem-
bled in the vicinity of the mayors office
to learn of the next move This came
quickly but from unexpected quarter
the state supreme court.
While the mayor yas ordering his old
directors out of their office, his aliens
appeared in the supreme court and OBJ
tanned a supercedas suspendng the tenn
porary injunction granted to the old di-
rectors yesterday by the county court.
Another dramatic incident was the ova-
tion given Mayor Weaver by several
persons on his way from the city hall to
the Union League for lunch. 1t was a
sensational demonstration and looked up
on by those opposed to the lease as an
Indication of the trend of popular senti-
ment.
Story Of impeachment.
In the thick of the fight this afternoon
came the story, but from where no one
appears to know, that the mayor is to
be impeached. For what particular Of
Tense was not clearly defined. One ru-
NOR had it that he would be brought
before the bar of the city councils for
his conduct of an election fraud case,
while he was district attorney. and an
other runor had it that he was to be
made to answer for some alleged lapse
of duty while in his present position. All
attempts to confirm the impeachment
NOR failed, but at the same time no one
could be induced to deny them. The
leaders of the organization were closeted
all day. either with their sman army of
attorneys or were receiving reports from
their ward leaders. All were silent on
the Impeachment story, and on all pro-
posed plans for the future.
The organization leaders say they will
continue to stand pat on the gas lease
and that their ranks are solid. On the
other hand Mayor Weaver announced
late today that he had assurance that
the vote In both council chambers when
his veto is considered, will be changed
materially from the vote taken last week.
One councilman said today that he would
change his vote, and 1t is understood
the mayor has the direct promise from
several others that they will sustain
him.
Situation Grows More Tense.
The situation is daily growing more
tense. In all sections of the city the re-
form organizations and the newspapers
have aroused citizens to take hand in
the fight. The councilmen who favor the
gas lease are having a hard time of 1t.
They are being swamped with protests
and delegations of neighbors are calling
on them at their homes or places of
business or are holding them up on the
streets. Many Of them reply that they
are for the lease so long the peerless
leader" as Commissioner Durham Is af-
fectionately called by the organization
men, Is for It.
The ousting of the old directors was
the first move of the day. p. e. Costello
was apparently performing his routine
duties In the office of public works when
Mayor Weaver, followed by Former Judge
J. G.. Gordon entered the office. After
formally greeting Mr.. Costello. the Mayor
handed him letter which he asked him
to read. The letter recited the action
taken by the county court yesterday In
restraining his new directors from taking
office and continued.
This writ and decree OF the court I
and the officer designated by to fill
the existing vacancy, will scrupulously
obey. Since, however, you have return
ed and taken possession of the rooms
and property OF the office from which
you were removed. By this act you have
constituted yourself trespasser and are
acting in defiance and resistance of execu-
tive authority. l give you formal notice
to Immediately Ieave the rooms and
abandon the office and property of the
director of the department of public
works. Should you refuse to do this peace
fully, you will be Immediately elected by
tho use Of whatever force is necessary for
the purpose"
Mr. Costello read it. flushed up and
said:
II always obey the mandate of the law"
Detective Is Placed in Charge.
A detective was placed in charge of
the office and the mayor. Judge Gordon
and Captain Donaghy then went to the
office of the director of public safety.
Mr. Smith had been informed of what
was to happen before the mayor stepped
into the room.
After Mr. Smith had read the letter
handed to him. which was Identical with
the one handed Mr.. Costello, he picked
IN his hat to go, but the mayor detained
him and held a short conversation with
him A detective was placed in charge
of the office. Subsequently the two dis
missed directors sent identical letters to
the mayor, which read:
''In your letter of this date you assume
what is vet to be decided by the court
under the proceedings instituted by me.
viz: that have been removed from office
and yeu assert an intention to do what
am advised will be contempt of court.
Until II Is decided to the contrary. I will
assert my right TO discharge the duties
OF my office from which as yet. as am
advised. I have not been removed, but
IN view Of your threat of violence. and
of my desire that there shall be an order
w determination by a judicial tribunal of
the trouble Of legal question, I win do