Los Angeles herald., 1907-10-18
POLITICS.
THE WOMEN
ALLEGE
PLAYGROUND COMMISSION IS
DIVIDED
WHO SHALL BE BOYLE HEIGHTS
ARCHITECT
Male and Female Commissioners Dif-
fer, While Fair Lobbyists Work
for Candidates Connected with
Christ Church Flock

Who shall be architect for the new city
Fairgrounds in Boyle Heights? is ques
tion that threatens to split the play.
ground commission.
Apparently the case has narrowed
down to the issue whether the lucky
man shall be member Of Christ Epis-
copal church or another who is known te
be a warm friend OF certain prominent
Democrats.
Two men in the commission are, 1t Is
understood, arrayed against the women
commissioners in this proceeding, and
only the return of Mayor A. G. Harper
from Nevada will settle the controversy
Rev. Baker P. Lee holds the deciding
vote were he to attend meeting, and
on the other hand. Mayor Harper could
also sway the selection were he present
Rev. Mr.. Lees ministerial duties have
prevented him from attending more than
a few meetings of the commission. but as
the two women members are identified
with Christ church the playground inter-
ests have not been allowed to suffer.
Men VS.. Women
The question came up at Wednesday
session of the commission, but the male
members adroitly switched consideration
until the next meeting. This will be
two weeks hence. 1t is probable. how
ever, that a special meeting will be held
to take up the troublesome issue at once.
The architects plum is worth having,
as the structure will cost $4,000, will
bring publicity to the designer and Will
launch the new modern playground move
ment in Los Angeles.
Aside from the fees. however, the male
commissioners see a principle which they
will assert in this case.
The women members say that the prin-
ciple is merely politics, and that the plan
Is to appoint a friend of the administra-
ton: while the men say 1t is simply a
question of giving the work to one of
several competent architects, and every
thing else being equal, a man friendly
to the administration deserves the honor.
Women Lose First Inning
Acting Mayor Niles Pease attended
Wednesdays session while Mrs. Will
ioughby Rodman, president Of the CON-
mission, presided.
Near the close Mrs. Rodman suggested
that it might be well to take up the
question of discussing plans for the new
grounds In Boyle Heights.
The men said that there seemed to be
no urgent need, and as Mayor Harper
was absent it would be discourteous to
him to take it up now
The women suggested that If work was
not started quickly the city's appropria-
tion might be endangered, as unspen'
funds at the end of the year may revert
to the city treasury.
The men said the expenditure could bt
arranged without trouble even after Q
weeks delay.
In view of these remarks the chair
man asked If discussion would at thi'
time be harmful, sweetl3 asking Com
missioner Fernand Parmentier, who is or
architect II he had any choice.
The commissioner in his blandest voice
eaid he had, but would not at this time
reveal the name.
Commissioner Scarborough, who Is ar
attorney, satisfied himself that the pub
lie service would not suffer by weeks
delay and also sided with the delay side
Thus the question was left open, this
meeting adjourned and Immediately th'
outside friends of three architects, whC
are mentioned, began lobbying.
Two of the architect specialists II
playground work who are in the race are
said to be members of Christ church
congregation. while the third has affilia
tions said to smack strongly of the Lib
eral alliance element.
On these issues some lively debates ar
anticipated at the next session of tn
playground commission.