Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1907-09-28
WaYOR Gray
RESIGNED OFFICE
UnfairneSs of Ordinance Creating
New Ward Lines Cause of
the Mayors Action.

NA"yOi Nus S' NAAyp 0luSbSu
of Pullman by the "citixens" party.
resigned his Office last Monday rather
than sign the ordinance that was
passed by majority of the city coun-
Gil that was elected upon the same
platform with himself. The story of
this ordinance. which changed the
ward lines Of the various wards of
the city, was told in the Herald last
week. The council had evidently fig
ured without its host, for Mayor Gray
proved bigger than his party, and re-
fused to stand for the job that was be-
ing put upon the people.
Sunday he notified members of the
council of his attitude toward the OBJ
noxious ordinance and told them that
they could have either his resignation
or veto. They chose the former,
and special session of the council
was called for Monday morning at ten
O'Clock to accetp the resignation and
to appoint his successor.
In the absence Of Mayor Gray,
Councilman Staley was made mayor
pro tenn, all members Of the council
being present except Mr.. Scott. The
call for the meeting was read, when
Mr.. Lanning moved that the resigna-
tion be accepted. Mr.. Fulmer moved
as a substitute that no action be taken
upon the resignation, as it could not
be legally acted upon at a special ses-
sion. This substitute motion was sup
poted by Fulmer and Duthie. but was
defeated by the votes of Staley, Scott.
Mcguire and Lanning. The resigna-
tion was accepted by the same 4 to 2
vote. ~
Lanning nominated P. w. Lawrence
for mayor, Fulmer protesting against
an election on the ground that election
at the special meeting would not be
legal. Lawrence was elected by the
same A to vote. The council then
adjourned.
Mr.. Lawrence qualified as mayor
Monday afternoon, and with almost
the same stoke of the pen signed the
job ordinance, and it will become a
law five days after its publication.
Those opposed to the ordinance contend
that the actions of the special session
were not legal, and will base legal
action upon that contention.
Mayor Grays objections to the ordi-
nance were expressed in a statement
issued by him to the press Sunday. the
statement reading as follows:
In considering the measure passed
by the city council at its last session,
| find that we are plainly at odds and
| am forced to take the broader view
in the sense that the will of the peo-
pie is and should be sovereign, and by
all government in it's truest sense
should simply be an instrument in
their hands and through proper repre-
sentation only to carry out their will.
And in making an application of this
principle to our city affairs l held that
the use of arbitrary power in effecting
such changes in territory as are con-
templated in the above measure, what
ever the purpose. without an express
ion of the will of the people residing
therein. to be dangerous in principle
an violation Of the sovereignty of
citizens.
notwithstanding the struggle and
many heart -burnings this decision has
cost me, chief of which is the possible
loss of old and valued friends, yet my
duty as l see it calls me above the
sectional strife and party clamor.
Face to face with the God who inspires
all justice and all right, and before
whom conscience ever has hearing,
am constrained to voice my official
disapproval of the above measure.