Omaha daily bee., 1906-05-13
DEMOCRATS SICKEN At DUNN
New Administration Disguised at Burnsm's
Choice, Plans to Keep Herdmsn.
PROPOSES TO HAVE CORPORATION COUNSEL
Hauseated at Dose Thrust Down Their
Threats by walter Noise New
OmcIaIs Adopt Nearest
Means of Relief.

Announcement by City Attorney-elect
Burnam that he would appoint Ignatus
Jehovah Dunn az his first assistant means
the creation Of the separate ONCE Of cor
poration counsel. according to information
from sources representing the new admin
istration
Dunn's selection al Noises direction has
aroused indignation among many Of the
officers-eect and better element Of demo-
Gratis and threats were made by councllmen
that they would not confirm the appoint
ment. Inquiry showed them, however that
the attorney is the sole arblter in the mat
ter Of choosing his assistant, and neither
the mayor nor the council has anything TO
say about It.
In view Of the circumstances Mayor
zimman's proposal to make the new office
of corporation counsel has increased
greatly In favor with the democrats from
Mayor-elect Dahlman down; in fact, II was
said IN a semi-oficial way Saturday morn
ing that so great was the disgust over
Dunns selection no doubt remained Of
carrying out the plan.
As proposed, the corporation counsel
would receive $500 a year. His duties
would be to advise the mayor and other
city officers In legal matters and to pass
approval as 20 form on all ordinances, con-
tracts and other documents requiring care
In preparation. He would be named by
the mayor, subject TO confirmation by a
majority OF the council. Lawyers say the
charter definition of the city attorneys
duties will not hinder the new office To
the city attorney and his assistant would
remain the litigation of all kinds in which
the city is involved.
wnI Herdman for the Place.
1t is no secret at the city hall that in all
probability W. II. Herdman, who for three
years has been assistant city attorney,
will be the first corporation counsel. Herd
man supported his chief, a republican in
the last election and his retention as as
sistant has not been counted on Despite
this fact It was not concealed by the demo-
Gratis who hope for the best from the ad-
ministration that they desired Herdman
kept In a position where he could help it
by reason OF the experience and familiarity
with municipal affairs he has acquired.
Neither has 1t been any secret that Bur
nam is regarded exceedingly light from
professional standpoint for the place of
city attorney No one supposed the demo-
Gratis would win 1t and he was the only
man who could be induced TO take the NOM
iuation. Il WAS hoped he would appoint
Of proved capacity. TIE Dunn announce
ment surprised nearly everyone and the
'0lHrEe was made at once that IL repre-
sented TIE hand OF Walter Noise. 1t has
not been CHARGED Up TO Mayor-eect Dahl
man. who, IT Is understood, has kent his
hands eff the legal department altogether
Dahlman had man i'm mind for second as
sistant. but as this office was abolished it
probably will not be recreated in view of
the corporation counsel.
Plan to Bar Dunn from city Hall.
Burnam's choice was announced Friday
night bu. was not generally known until
the papers published it the next morning.
Before 10 o'clock oficers-elect were holding
conferences trying to figure out a way Of
barring Dunn from the city hall. After
sitting the matter down ii was agreed the
creation Or tile corporation counsels office
would be the only way OF keeping the ad-
niinistration from the mercy Of Burnam and
Dunn.
'Dunn's reputation, his connections with
Walter Noise and his professional and pri-
waite conduct generally make him odious to
the majority OF the men who will take office
May p. said one of the number. 1T is
a bad blow to the new administration and
will cripple it severely. Dunn, and not
BurnanI will be the real city attorney, and
that is another OF the bad features"