The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-04-04
EATON FOR CHIEF.
Probation Officer, Head of Police
Department.
One appointment That Is
Practically Made.
ARE MANY CANDIDATES
Nearly Every Position Brings
Flood of Applicants.
Old Soldier Preference Law
May Cause Trouble.

Winfield Eaton, at present probation
officer attached to the probate court,
will be chief of police.
1t was understood that either John
d. Norton, under sheriff, or Winfield
Eaton would be named. The former
does not care to relinquish his present
office and the political possibilities it
presents and this leaves Eaton secure
in the appointment which is something
in the nature of a promotion. Eaton
was a hard, consistent worker for
Green in the late campaign and did a
whole lot of work in the Second ward.
Eaton is barely in the thirties and re-
sides in the Second ward. 1t was
down on the slate to give him some
reward for his work and with efficient
law enforcement men in the offices of
county attorney and sheriff it was
figured that the office of chief of po-
lice would not present unusual diff
cultieS and that Eaton could take care
of the position. The new candidate
for police honors served two years at
the Reform school as an instructor
and had under immediate charge
number of the incorrigible boys. Fol-
lowing this he was given his appoint
ment as probation officer He mas
never served on a police force and If
he is appointed this will be his first
connection with the Topeka depart
menr In any capacity.
Tim Donovan, at present chief, While
not an active candidate for reappoint-
ment, would accept the position again
if it were rendered him. Donovan as
chief understands what it means to
carry out the wishes of an adm1nlStra-
ton. No one obeys better than he nor
more faithfully. He does not inaug-
urate any policies of his own AS
thief catcher he has an established
reputation.
Some objection however, has been
entertained against him by certain in
f1uential law and order forces and
charges placed on Donovan's shoulders
that probably don't rightfully belong
there.
Frank Snyder was talked of in con-
nection with the place but this is only
a vague possibility contingent eup-
on obstacles which may present them
selves in making other appointments
F. NJ. Stahl of Auburn has been
mentioned but there is no indication
that he would care for the office again
or that it will be rendered.
w S. Parkhurst, a former police Of
fcer of Chicago and later with the
Rock Island, is another name men
toned, but his record will not bear
close investigation.
The Old Soldier Law.
The old soldier preference law is
making all sorts of trouble. 1t is
causing considerable worry to those
who have in their power the making
of appointments. The law now pro-
vfdes that an old soldier shall be con-
sidered preferably in making an ap
pointment to public office-his abil-
ity does not come up for question,
whether he is better fit for the po-
sition than another applicant does not
count.
1t is probable that in making some
one of the appointments Mayor Green
may run afoul of the law and that its
,c4i ffxy ha n q
courts.
James Ramsey, street commissioner,
and an old soldier, stated this morn
ing that he would apply for his old
position back.
This is the position slated for Frank
Snyder and the only one which he
shows a disposition to accept. He has
held this place on several other occa- |
sions.
"Will 1 take advantage of the law
and contest ?" said Ramsey, "Well that |
is something that 1 haven't fully de- |
cided on yet. My friends have been I
urging on me to insist on an appoint |
ment under the old soldier preference |
of thing" Ramsey probably could be |
induced not to make a fight if he is /
offered some other position, such as |
inspector. He is hanging on |
however, and has all of the best of the |
argument.
Mr. Green wants to give Snyder any
thing that he wants and it is up to an I
which will make possible |
the appointment to the office of street |
Every position of any Importance
has brought out a flock of old soldiers
Who want in, and back their insiStence
up with the old soldier preference law.
H. K. Goodrich, superintendent of
the city electric light plant, is an old
soldier and an applicant for reap
pointment. He has no opposition.
M. DeBow, an old soldier, has come
out for the place of food inspector.
DeBow was formerly in the meat busi- !
ness in Topeka. J. P. Farnsworth, for
candidate. w. H. Gilhllan, at present
food Inspector stands strong show of
being re-appointed. He has had con-
siderable experience and is well quail
fed.
A. NJ. Russell, an old soldier wants
the appointment of sanitary sergeant
J. D. Pattison, at present sergeant is
an old soldier and may continue in
office. Pattison Is especially efficient.
R. P Pay is another applicant. He
yundthal regime. He is an old soldier.
The sanitary department seems to be
4 special haven of refuge for the old
soldiers. George Dusenberry, Hallock
Hill and It. Y. CoddiHgton, at present
members of the force, are all old SOL
inue their tenure. This would leave
,nly one appointment open on the
,orce.
H. Ward Page, it is acknowledged.
will get the place of license collector.
He had this same place two years ago.
Levi Hawkins has a long petition en-
iorsing him for the office. An old SOL
iier by the name of Miller has been
mentioned in the same connection
A spirited fight exists for the ap-
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