The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-04-08
Mayor w. H. Davis. Who Took tn
City's Helm Last Night.

Mr.. Davis took the oath of Office as
mayor of Topeka eight minutes before
midnight last night w. S. Bergund-
thai the retiring mayor, administered
the oath Of Office to the newly elected
mayor Following close after, at
1902, the six councilmen newly
elected were sworn in by City
Clerk SQuires. As the city clerk read
eff the names of the gentlemen, Coun-
cilmen F. 3. Simms, Joseph Griley, F.
E. NippS and c. E. Horn walked up
to the desk of the city clerk, Council
men J. c.. Sinner and S. A SWendScn
remaining standing beside their desks
in the chamber. The oath was then
administered and the new councilmen
were conducted to their seats by the
retiring cOuncilmen.
Mayor Davis in response to the in
PRODUCTION and tender of the office by
the retiring mayor said: Il presume
| that on an occasion of this nature
that a few remarks are expected from
me but on account Of the lateness of
the hour and the fact that I am not
a public speaker I will not make an
extended address. I want to say that
am not insensibIe to the honor which
something of which any one should be
proud to be chief executive of this
city, the best city in the state; yes,
the best city in the United States. I
presume that I should say that I ap-
prOach this Office with fear and trenl-
bling. but such is not the case. I feel
that I am associated with one of the
best council bodies in the history of
the city and I believe that they will
aid me. I am unacquainted with the
duties of this Office but I expect to
learn. Though I am entirely new to
the Office the council and I will work
together and shall expect 10
learn from them. My cause shall be
as their cause, and while I shall have
to ask their indulgence for a time, Z
expect to be able to carry my part of
the load after have gained a knowl-
edge of the duties of the Office.
It shall depart from the custom of
the Office insofar as not making any
appointments tonight I understand
that it has been the custom of pre-
ViOuS mayors to make such appoint
ments at this time. But this is not a
/ whim on my part 1 am simply TAX
ing the same precautions in securing
the proper character of men that I
would if it were my own business.
| Heretofore, I believe, every mayor
who has served has secured acquaint-
ance with the needs of the city
through prior service in the council.
| That is not the case with me. 1 shall
have to study the needs and become
acquainted with what is best to do.
have received a number of appiica-
/ lions for every position and want to
/ get the men best fitted for the posi-
tons. I shall give this matter my
| very best attention and have talked
with a number Of men in an effort to
discover the proper men to be ap
| pointed I believe that shall be in a
position to announce my appointments
by Monday night"
AS soon as the applause subsidized and
/ Mayor Davis had resumed his seat. W.
/ S. Bergundthal, the retiring mayor,
took his formal departure from the
/ council as its presiding officer in a short
| speech. He said: In laying down the
/ duties of this Office I lay down the per-
1 SOnal association with the council. The
Sol r7r,As oil
listed between me and the members of
/ the council. I want to thank you gen
tlemen for the consideration which you
have at all times extended towards me.
You have treated me fairly and be-
speak for Mr.. Davis the same loyal sup
port and treatmen which you Dave &C
/ corded me. I shall always remember
the boys of the press for the pleasant
I associations which have existed between
them and me and feel that assured that
same relationship will exist with Mr..
Davis. To all of you gentlemen eX-
tend my thanks
In response to demands each of the
new cOuncilmen made brief talks.
Mayor Davis exercised his first priv
/ ileges, last night, as presiding ofncer
! in the election of q president OF the
council. Ex-Mayor Bergundthal1 occu-
pied a place close to the right of the
mayors chair and prompted the new
incumbent as Mayor Davis turned TO
him for advice as to procedure.
1 Considerable wire pulling mad been
1 INDUCED in just previous to the con-
vening OF the council and the lines in
the body of the council were closely
drawn. It was supposed in the after
noon that no opposition would arise TO
I the nomination and election OF Council
man Swendson inasrnuch as promises
were exacted from a number of the
councilmen in favor Of Swendson, SUI
/ ficient at all events to carry him
+ through. But with an active lobby at
work during the interim of the council
meeting and right previous, this work
4 of the afternoon was largely upset
/ The nomination for president afford
! ed an opportunity for the first time for