The San Francisco call., 1906-12-28
MAYOR MOTT Has
NOT DECIDED
Will Give Water Company's S
Offer Consideration and
Later Make His Answer
MUCH SPECULATION

OAKLAND. Dec. 27.-If Mayor Mott
kball decide TO accept the presidency
NJ the PEOPLES Water Company. ano
he signs point strongly in that direc-
ton. he VIII be surrounded in the ad-
tninfstration OF the corporation al
fairs by some Of the most prominent
men in commercial and financis circles
In this city.
Though no definite announcement has
been made as TO the personnel Of the
hoard Of directors. there is much gos-
sfp on the street in that regard. Fairly
authoritative sources have been drawn
tpon with the result that among the
names which have been given place
as directors are those OF w. w. Garth
waite. general manager of the oak
land Bank Of Savings; Anson Blake,
director in the Central Bank, and in
terested. in many other large enter
priscs in this city; p. r. Bowles, head
Of the First National Bank of Oakland
and OF the American National Bank of
San Francisco. and Henry E Bothin,
the capitalist.
The Mayor reiterated today that ne
had not decided whether he would ac-
bept the tender from the new company.
But there are several disclosures which
appear TO indicate his intention to give
a favorable answer to those who have
placed the proposition before him. 1t
has come TO light that the Mayor is
Negotiating with Britain & Co. of Turk
street and Van Ness avenue, San Fran
cisco, for the sale of his hardware and
carriage material business in this city,
which is conducted under the corporate
hame Of the Frank K Mott Company.
NEGOTIATIONS ARE ON
When asked as to this deal the
Mayor said: Negotiations with this
frrg1 in,
time. They We're commenced before
the water company's tender was made
TO me. The sale has not been closed
yet and il would be premature for me
TO say that il viii be made. I do not
care TO go into details on this subject,
as il is one involving entirely my pri-
Nate business affairs"
The man on the street. in CONNER
cial, financial and political circles, how
ever, figures this more as an indication
that Mayor Mott will be clear to accept
the water company offer if he shall so
elect. Street rumor, more or less sub
stantiated, declares that the offer to
Mayor Mott carries with it a contract
with the water company for a term of
not less than five years and a salary of
between $4,000 and $4,000 a year. And
street gossip likewise asserts that the
Mayor has been selected by the water
company as the one man in Oakland
who can bring the new corporation and
the public into harmonious relations.
This is based largely upon the qualities
Mayor Mott has displayed in his ad-
ministration of municipal affairs De-
spite the notorious clashing of factions
in the city's politics. Mayor Mott has
by marked exhibition of tact and
sound judgment brought about a re-
markable unanimity of purpose at the
City Hall. The result has been note
worthy in that progress has been made
with municipal improvements and pro-
jects for bettering general conditions
heretofore unheard of in the city.
POLITICAL SITUATION
Mayor Motifs prospective retirement
from the political field gives rise to
many ambitions and tends to create for
the moment confusion in that circle OF
activity. Many Of those who desire
favor at the hands of their fellow cit
izens expected TO swing along upon
the wave of Mayor Motifs personal
popularity. The situation has changed
with the developments of the last
forty-eight hours. Nearly every one
interested is speculating upon the
theory that the Mayor will accept and
that new battle lineup of the faith
ful viii have to be formed for primary
day. At all events tongues are busily
WaESlng. me mayor SAID IN reply tC
many anxious inquiries today:
1T must be remembered that there
are several points from which TO view
this situation. SO far as the water
company's offer is concerned I musf
take into consideration many phases OF
IL. ] cannot do that in a day or &
week. Whatever decision ! shall reacF
will be given only after the most care
ful study and thought. / feel certain
in my own mind. that. no matter wha
] do. the people OF Oakland who have
honored me and have given me theii
confidence viii have no reason to re
Eret my decision"