New-York tribune., 1906-09-23
WEAVER MEN RESIGN |
OTHERS NAY FOLLOW.
City Party in Tumult-InUestigat-
ing Bribery Charge.

Philadelphia Sept 22.-COIonel Sheldon Pot
ter, director Of the Department OF Public Safety.
and Thomas W. South. the assistant director.
to-day suddenly resigned their offices. intimating
that Mayor Weaver had desired them 10 use the
members Of the police and fire departments "f
the city in the interests of his candidate for the
City party nomination for district attorney, in
violation Of a state law prohibiting Officeholders
from taking an active part in politics
The action of the director and assistant di-
rector, coming so close on the refusal OF D.
Clarence Gibboney 10 take the nomination for
district attorney because bribery had oeeh
charged by Mayor Weaver. created a tremeh-
dous sensation, and has caused the spht In the
ranks of the reformers 20 become wider than
ever. The air is thick with rumors of more
designations, but UP to late hour tonight no
other member of the Mayors cabinet has quit
Office
There has been friction between the Mayor
and the men who resigned over politics and
Mayor Weaver evidently expected the resigna-
tions. for a short time after they were handed 20
him he appointed Robert Fl. McKent superin-
tendent of the House of Correction, TO take the
place of Colonel Potter The assistant director
ship vacancy will be filled next week.
The designations are the climax of a bitter
fight within the City party, which last year and
this spring two notable victories over the
regular Republican organization. The City party
was solid and harmonious organization unth
Frederick J. Shoyer, director OF the Department
Of Supplies. recently resigned his office and an
nounced himself as a candidate for District At
torney. He had the strong backing OF the Mayor.
Those In the City party who were opposed 70
MI Shoyer started a campaign for ID. Clarence
Gibboney, secretary OF the Law and order So
eiety and real estate deputy in the Office OF the
Sheriff After a hot fight Gibboney won the
nomination by a small majority. Mayor Weaver
publicly expressed his disa appointment and said
the defeat of his candidate was a direct slap
at himself by certain elements in the City party.
He also said that Nj. Gibboney's nomination
was brought about by the open practice of
bribery"
AIr. Gibboney challenged the Mayor to prove
his charges and at reconvened meeting of the
City party convention last night Mr.. Weaver
laid evidence before the convention tending 70
prove his statement. This resulted in the ap-
pointment OF a committee Of seven 70 investi
gate the evidence and this committee held its
first session to-day. In the mean time Mr.. Glib
honey refused the nomination. declaring that he
would not take anything that was tainted.
Mayor Weaver az the meeting Of the in
vestigating committee this afternoon when he
received the designations OF Colonel Potter and
Mr.. South. When shown a statement by Mr.
South that he iJhe Mayor had asked the di-
rector 10 use his office in the interests OF Mr.
Shoyer, he emphatically denied the allegation
The committee investigating the bribery
charges At its meeting to-day heard q number
Of witnesses behind closed doors. From what
could be learned the examination did not reach
the more serious charges contained in Mayor
WeGveT's evidence. The Mayor was present and
examined the witnesses in the presence Of COun-
sci representing Mr. Gibboney. The committee
VIII hold daily sessions and Will make a report
% the City party convention when IL shall have
finished taking evidence
The principal fight in this city this fall is for
the Office OF District Attorney. Mr.. Gibboney
besides receiving the City party nOminat tion. was
inGOrsed by the Democrats and the Prohibition
lists The Republican candidate for the office is
Samuel F. Rotan