The leader., 1905-09-06
A CLASH OF AUTHORITY.
A Crowd Of Lively Jackson Kids Cause q
Grave Issue to Be Raised.

A very lively clash of authority
is in progress between the State
and city authorities in Jackson
that promises some highly inter
esting developments.
The controversy reached the
acute stage yesterday afternoon,
and is by no means a closed Incl
dent. Considerable feeling has
been aroused over the matter, and
both factions are determined to as
sert their authority.
The trouble had its origin in a
permit granted by the capitol COM
mission, of which Gov. ardaman
is chairman, to the small boys liv-
ing in the vicinity of the new state
house to use the granolithite
walks around the capitol grounds
for their various sports, which.
consist chiefly Of bicycle riding
and roller skating.
From 90 to 80 small boys avail
themselves each day of this per-
nit, and they we're having a gala
time until a lady residing near
the state house made complaint
to the city authorities, and Mayor
Wharton ordered members of the
police force to go to the scene and
put stop to the sport, at the same
time warning the youngsters that
they would be arrested if again
caught riding their bicycles or US
I ing their roller skates on the side
walks.
When the capitol commission
heard of this order the members
were indignant. A meeting was
held and Hon. FL. E. BlakesIep,
superintendent Of the capitol
grounds, was directed to interview
the mayor and inform him that
the commission had granted per-
mission to the boys to play on the
capitol grounds and interference
with their sports would not be toll
Grated.
The interview between the may
or and SUpt. BIakesIee was quite
breezy. At first there was po-
lite exchange but when the asser-
tion was made that the State Off
cials would exert jurisdiction over
the capitol grounds, Mayor Whar-
ton told Supt. BlakesIee very curt
ly that he would be placed under
arrest if any attempt was made to
interfere with police authority.
/ Mr.. Blakeslee took the message
back to the capitol commission.
and another meeting was forth
with held. Gov. Vardaman called
on Attorney General Williams for
an official opinion as to the legal
status Of the case, and the attorney
general promptly ruled that the.
state has exclusive jurisdiction ov-.
er its own grounds, and the city
officials have no right in law to
exercise police power thereon.
Gov. Vardaman then sent word
TO the boys to 90 ahead with their.
sports and promised them full
protection. He further stated that
If they were arrested by the police
and fined he would pardon them
as fast as the police court could
grind out fines, and all the capi-
tol commission asks is that they
behave themselves properly while
engaged in their sports, and not
to break up the sidewalks.
Both factions are maintaining
an armed armistice today, and fur
ther developments are being
eagerly awaited. Ire lady who
filed the original complaint insists
that The police prevent the boys
from playing and the capitol COM
mission are are equally determined
that they shall play. Jackson
Evening News, End.
The Capitol Commission is COM
posed Of Coy. Vardaman, Seere-
tary Of State Power, State Rev
enue Agent Adams and Hon. H
&. Blakeslee.