The San Francisco call., 1907-01-04
MOTT DECLINES To
SERVE COMPANY
Mayor of Oakland Prefers
to Accept the Nomina-
ton for a Second Term
ISSUES A STATEMENT

OAKLAND, Jan. 3.-Mayor E0tt has
declined the OFFER 10 become president
OF the Peoples Water Company.
The Mayor viii be a candidate for re-
election in the spring, and this de-
cision was made public today
Mayor Motifs action is remarkable in
many OF it's aspects. On the one hand
he had placed before him an Oppor-
tunity to become the executive head
of one OF the largest corporations in
California, with a salary and other
emoluments which would have meant
his ultimate acquisition OF an inde-
pendent competency. His position
would also have placed him in a prom
inent position in the financial world
and would. so far as the future could
be forecasted. have given him high
standing ia that sphere OF activity.
Mayor Motifs statement follows:
In view OF the publicity given by the press to
the statement that ] had accepted the presi-
dency OF the Peoples Water Company. con
pie OF Oakland TO the facts in the matter.
II is true that the gentlemen controlling the
presidency Of that corporation. The oner came
great surprise and was made under such
circumstances as. l felt. justified my serious
consideration OF the proposition.
After much thoughtful and careful deiibera-
ton 1 have hnally and irreyoeably declined 70
after much study OF the whole situation my
own closest desires and the conditions existing
as relating 10 my own career.
the question resolved iseif into one Of two
proposit1ons-either voluntarily TO retire from
eli participation in public affairs and 10 assume
private responsibilities exclusively, or 70 re-
main free from all possible interests that might
tend 10 cOnstrain my independence OF thought
and action, and IL people should 50 express
themselves, continue for the time being in the
The determination 10 take the latter course
was reached in great measure because l have
forward OF certain projects for the city which,
Il might be considered, were nurtured by the
great extent a part OF a. Much OF the work
which was begun during the present term has
beer compieteo. much more Is under way, ano
many good citizens OF Oakland who could per
form this service as well, yes even better. than
yet there is an element Of personal pride in It
that impels me TO continue, II the people Of
Oakland shall so elect
Ny fellow citizens have reposed q great trust
ana confidence IN me- Ny sentiments are those
OF profound gratitude for the many evidences OF
cheerful. unhampered cooperation that have
been manifested toward the administration.
] can only express my thanks IN q heartfelt ap-
probation OF this display OF goodwill.
II must be evident TO every observing person
that the city OF Oakland IS advancing with tre-
menoous strides, that its future as one Of the
most Important municipalities west OF the
Rocky Mountains is assured and that there is
and private TO meet the new conditions 1t
would be a distinguished honor 10 any In
tlllh CITY 70 De cdlleQ Df MS ntEIDoIh 10 llGn
official post. More than ever-will this be true
community presses forward 10 higher
FRANKfK. MOTT.
The Peoples Water Company. ac-
corG.ng TO Frank c. Havens. one OF
the heaviest investors, will not take
over the Contra Costa Water Company
and the Syndicate Water Company for
two weeks. He explained today that
q vast amount of detail was, necessary
10 complete the transfer. AS TO Mayor
Motifs declination, Havens said:
Mayor Motifs decision not TO accept
the tender leaves affairs IN the same
shape they were before the offer was
made. The board of directors OF the
Peoples Water Company cannot organ
ize for a couple of weeks. Until that
time the matter of choosing a president
Will be in allegiance"