The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-01-04

compliments saying that he was hon
est. capable. efficient, thorough and en-
ergetic.' This version of the new city
engineer was agreed upon by a ma
jority of the councilmen. However, ac-
cording to the statements made by the
supporters of the Howard resolution 1t
was not on question of Mr. Fulton's
incapacity-it was a question OF pro-
curing an expert who co Id help out
with the work in. the office and check
up the records
The most startling charge made dur
ing the regular meeting of the council
(most of the charges were made just
after the council had adjourned-a side
show. SO to speak, was contained In
speech by Councilman Fink from the
First ward He said:
Some of the councilmen here are
trying to get us to vote for the ap-
proval of Mr.. Fulton just because the
mayor is for him. What is the use OF
US voting at all if We have to follow
out the Policies of the mayor. We
should have a few rights and if we are
against the appointment of Fulton we
have perfect right to say so.
Charges politics.
Il have canvassed the First ward"
continued Mr.. Fink, land 1 have found
that the people of this ward do not
want Fulton as city engineer. They
don't look upon. the appointment as be-
as engineer and am here to represent
my constituents
what do they object top interjected
Mayor Green.
They claim there is political deal
behind the whole thing-the say that
Fulton has been given the office for a
purpose"
This sentence came over the breath
less councilnen like cold water.
What is the political deal?' snapped
a moved forward
in his chair in the excitement.
Councilman Fink refused to make
direct answer to this question and men,
toned some of the charges made in the
Rogers letter to the council in which
the former city engineer had resigned
because he claimed that his office had
been made a political dumping
ground" of some of the city officials.
Mayor Green declared that the state
ments were false and Mr.. Fink sat
down.
Councilman Drew brought out the
hose but was unable to extinguish the
blaze. He said that he was sure the
Fourth ward would bear out the ap-
pointment of Fulton as engineer and
turning to the insurgents" of the
council he hollered:
IF you have any better men for the
position of city engineer than Fulton
why don't you trot 'em out?''
With parting shot at those who
Drew drew in the fire lines.
Finally the motion by Mr.. Stanley to
reconsider the vote was carried and
once more City Clerk Burge sounded
the spark plug for more Juice" He
gave the roll call again and for the sec
ond time the appointment of the mayor
was turned down. This vote brought
| out the two councilmen who asked that
| they be excused from voting and with
plain Noes" they voted against the ap-
prevail of Engineer Fulton.
This made the vote for Fulton and
| 3 against him. 1t takes seven votes to
| approve the appointment and it was
lost. Needless to say the blow fell
heavier than ever. Mayor Green simply
| stated that he reappointed w. S. Full
! ton as city engineer. This can be done
meeting after meeting and the council
| has no power to revoke the appoint
ment. The councilmen voting against
the appointment last night stated that
| they were aware of the fact that they
could not stop it but they wanted them
| selves placed on record as being against
| it and thus be free from responsibility.
| Lemon Party Afterwards.
| The real trouble came after the
| council had adjourned. The council
men had gathered together in groups
| discussing the action on the part of
| Mayor Green. The mayor went to
his office, put on his overcoat and hat
| and returning to the council chamber
/ llc Spl0Q simpson, K,
| Howard and Fraser together with the
reporters for the Daily Capital and
| the State Journal
| well, how many more are going to
join the Democrats" he sneered as
| he approached the group What do
you think of the action taken to-
night? %
1t will be remembered that Coun-
cilmen Fink, Lannan and Miller are
Democrats and they voted against the
| appointment. Just then Alderman
Fraser (who is also q Democracy
| stepped up to the mayor and said
II voted for the appointment
i well, let me congratulate you
| that's right, you did, said the mayor
and he shook Fraser's hand.
Councilman Howard. who is a Re
publican, but who voted against the
appointment spoke up and said: