The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1911-05-20
Councilmen Blame Board,
the Board Blames Street
Commissioner, Who Hands
1t to the Police.
--
POLICE RETURN 1T
IN LIBERAL DOSES
One Being Administered to
Street Commissioner and
One to Council-City Hall
Is Wrought Up"

The ire Of Superintendent Gormon
Of the police department has been
aroused by the statement of d. c.
Gem. street commissioner. that the
police department should look after
obstructed alleys. Gormon said that
II Gem would attend to his duties he
believed he could attend to those Of
the police department. He stated the
department members do not have time
to 60 through the alleys and act as
trash men.
Upon hearing that Street Commits
sioner Gem alleged the police were at
fault ON the alley cleaning and OBJ
structing question. President Ham.
mond Of the board of works made a
statement in which he said. that while
the alleys are not in nearly 80 bad
condition 40 the councilmen alleged
last Monday night. Gem had full pow.
Or to keep the alleys In condition;
that Il was part OF his duties and that
he should 90 ahead with his work with.
out running to the board with every
little question raised.
What Hammond says.
Hammond said that 1t was all "rot
about the street commissioner having
no authority" 40 It was claimed by the
councilmen Monday night. "Of course"
said Mr.. Hammond. "he 10 not suppos-
cd to 60 ahead with any new improve
ment without hrst getting the consent
Of the board OF works. but as to EN-.
ploying enough men to run his de-
partment. that's up to him."
1T 10 not the duty of the police to
90 around inspecting alleys. but of
course II they see any serious obstruc.
tion Of alleys. they should report 1t. or
notify the property owners to clean
up the alley. Much trouble IL occa.
stoned by the property owners care
lessness. In placing trash, garbage and
ashes In alleys without receptacles.
One trouble also 10 that Richmond peo.
ple are used to better streets and al.
leys than the residents OF any other
cities. OF course they y'can't be blamed,
and the board wants to uphold the
city's reputation"
Chief 0ormon says II the street
commissioner doesn't want to attend
to his duties. "let him quit" and not
place the blame on the police.
This for Council.
"The councilmen are often sorry
they say things" also declared Sup.
erintendent 0ormon. because what
they say gets into print and then some.
body kicks. Let 'em do their duty and
not shirk."
The statements Of Councilmen En-
gelbert and Weishaupt at the meeting
last Monday night seems to have
stirred up . big row" at the city hall
for all departments are seeking TO put
the blame for the alleged bad alleys
onto some other department. Council
men blamed the board: the board
blamed Gem: Gem blamed the police
and now Superintendent Gormou
stakes q fall out Of the councilmen
and the street commissioner.
Mayor Zimmerman refuses to get In
the contention. claiming he knows
nothing about the matter.
One Of the city ohicials stated that
the alleys are not In very unsanit
ary condition. although 1t 10 admitted
some are dirty. This season. especial
~, Il 10 said. usually finds the alleys II
dirty and unsanitary condition.