The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-10-12
BRIDGES AND GLASFORD lNDULc.
ED IN PERSONALITIES At THE
COUNCIL MEETING.
Amusing Battle Of Words Over Pur.
chase Of New Fire Engine
and Truck.

Councilmen Bridges and Glasford
assumed the leading roles in the com
edy that was enacted at the city
council last night, which furnished
much amusement for large crowd of
citizens who had gathered with the
expectation that something out of
the ordinary would transpire during
the evening. Mr.. Long and Mr. Morley,
rival fire engine agents, and Coun-
Gilman Kirkman were also in the cast,
but the part they took was not so
prominent as that assumed by the
two councilmen.
The title of the comedy, which came
near resulting in a small tragedy be-
fore the curtain was rung down on tn
last act, was (Which Engine Shall
We Buy?"
The fun began after majority and
minority reports on the engine ques-
ton were filed by the committees. The
majority report was signed by Chair
man Bridges and Cox and recommend
ed that the contract for the engine be
awarded to Mr.. Morley, who represent
ed the Mott Engine company. This re-
port also recommended that as the city
had no extra room the matter of pur-
chasing a hook and ladder truck be
postponed for the present.
Minority Report.
Councilman Glasford submitted the
minority report in which it was rec
commended that for reasons which were
too numerous to mention the con-
tract for furnishing a Metropolitan
engine and hook and ladder truck be
awarded to Mr.. Long.
A motion was made by Councilman
Kirkman to adopt the majority re-
port, while Councilman Mexican
moved for the adoption of the minor
ity. 1t was at this point when the
principals appeared upon the stage
and began their amusing and extreme
ly pointed discussion. Councilman
Bridges read about so letters and tel
egrams that he had received from the
chiefs of fire departments in cities all
over the United States which gave
strong endorsement for the Mott en-
CINE, many claiming that the engine
was equally as good if not better
than the Metropolitan. This occu-
pied about 80 minutes and was fol-
lowed by Bridges, making a strong
plea for the Mott steamer.
Attacked CounciImen.
He accused some of the members
Of the council of trying to force the
city to pay $4OO more for an engine
by shutting out competition, showing
that the bids submitted for the Metro
politan was $3.50, while that of
the Mott company was $4S5O. He ac-
cused one of the members of going
up and down the streets of Walla
Walla advocating the merits of the
Metropolitan and seeking to induce
the other members of the council to
vote for the selection of that par
ticular machine. During his re-
marks he alluded to Glasford as being
obstinate in the matter and limited
that his actions relative to the paw
ing question were very peculiar.
Long Was Smooth.
He claimed that Morley had not been
given a square deal in the matter and
that Long by his smooth talk mad
captivated a majority of the council.
Turning to Glasford he declared that
the venerable councilman had re-
fused to sign the majority report.
This brought Glasford to his feet and
he retorted in very forcible language,
''Mr. Bridges, you are telling some
thing that is untrue" you did re-
fuse to sign the report" declared
/ Bridges. You are no gentleman"
said Glasford. you are another; no,
I mean you are a gentleman" replied
Bridges. At this point Mayor Hunt