The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-04-06
OFF ACIN, ON ACIN
That Appears to Be Chief of
Police Situation.
Col. j. ID. Norton :Reconsiders
His Acceptance.
GALL UP A TREE"
That LIS How Situation Stands
Says Mayor Green.
John Rodgers Takes Charge of
City Engineers Office.

The office of chief of police is still
open.
Col. John D. Norton reconsidered
his acceptance of the position rendered
him and this morning notified Mayor
William Green at the city hall that it
would be impossible for him to ac-
cept and that he would have to de-
cline for personal reasons.
Mayor Green was visibly disappoint-
ed. TITS all up a tree" was his only
comment
AS soon as some of his friends had
learned yesterday that Col. Norton had
decided to accept they got busy with
him and pleaded against the step on
the grounds that he was imperiling his
political future.
Last evening it was rumored that
Norton had acceded to the wishes of
his friends and would insist on with
drawing. The argument used and
which counted heavily was that in the
position of chief of police Norton
would make enemies no matter how
earnest might be his efforts to give
good service-the office carries with it
always the possibility of making more
enemies than friends. 1t is considered
species of political graveyard. Nor
toms supporters have am bitions which
take in the scope of electing him sher-
dersheriff, Norton has a chance of
making acquaintance all over the
county,of making friends with a very
small chance of ever mourning any
ones enmity. The position is as lu-
cratfve as that of chief of police and
has aside from the political aspect
more pleasant conditions surrounding
ii. 81
Personally, Norton preferred Z to re-
main where he was but it. had been put
to him in the light of duty to accept
the head of the police departm and
this swayed him. In addition to. the
political inducements which caused the
declnation to take the appointment this
morning members of Mr.. 7Norton's fam
lily and Mrs. Norton were strongly op-
posed to his accepting the chef of po-
lice berth. Mrs Norton who is an in
valid, felt that ass ehie[s of police Mr..
Norton would be forcedSto be up at ali
hours of the night and day and she did
not look with favor with the proposed
change partially on this account.
H satisfactory arrangements can be
made-and it is very probable that they
can be-Tim Donovan VIII remain tenn
porarfly at the head of the department
No definite decision has been made
by the mayor as to whom he will appoint
now. He had dismissed the office from
his mind for the time being, feeling Sc
cure that the appointment was satisfac-
torily adjusted and that it met with
general approval.
Mayor Green did not however, at
tempt to persuade Mr.. Norton to recon-
slider his refusal this morning. He stat
ed that he had made the offer of the
office and that Mr.. Norton would be
free to use his own discretion-he did not
care to say anything either way any
further.
With rthe-situation as it stands now
Tim Donovan and Winfield Eaton can
be both considered possibilities.
T hrae-
believe that with the right instructions
he can organize a force, keep it dis
and enforce the laws. Frank
Snyder favors the appointment of
Eaton.
Rodgers Is City Engineer.
John Rodgers, county surveyor,
took charge of the office of city engi-
neer this morning. He was called to
the Office of the mayor this morning
and notified that he had been selected
to running right away said the may
or. L want some one in the Office of
city engineer to take charge because
there Is a lot of work which will have
to be started and the sooner the bet
ter"
Mr.. Rodgers stated that he would
resign the office OF county surveyor
just as soonas he had Strengthened out
some of the work in that office.
will YOU mako very many changes
IN the force?'
mo, there will be but few changes if |
any," said Mr.. Rogers.
w. J. Arnold, draughtsnan. may re-
main but is not decided as yet. He can !
nave his old place back If he desires |
t.
The new city officers took charge this
for the first time. Mayor |
Green was at the mayors Office at $50 |
his morning and continued there until
4 o'clock Most of his time was oc-
,upied listening to the requests of ap-
1licants for city positions.
c. B. Burge, city clerk, took charge |
If his office this morning. J.. H. Squires, |
'ormer city clerk was busy moving |
tut his effects Mrs Anna Engle, as
;istant, is still occupied in the office
1ut will leave next week for Colorado.