The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-04-08
HIS FIRST ACTION
Mayor COfran Will Fire open
ing Gun Tomorrow.
To See That Contractors Keep
the Streets Clean.
new ELECTRIC MACHINERY
More Equipment to Handle
White Way Extension.
COfran Cannot Accept City
Work at Foundry.

Mayor r. L. Cofran's first official &C
ton will be the enforcing of the law
prohibiting contractors from leaving
dirt in the streets to be cleaned at the
citv's expense. This ordinance, passed
under the commission form of govern
ment. never has been enforced Inc
condition of Eighth avenue netWeeh
Kansas and Jackson was called TO the
mayors attention.
For contractors to haul dirt over
the streets in loose wagon beds Is qulIe
customary in Topeka Mr.. Cofran de-
clared. the dirt is scattered from one
end of town to the other; 1t IS cleaheu
up at the city's expense. rms shali
not be permitted. There is an ordinance
prohibiting it, but 1t has never pe PEI.
enforced l do not wish to be arpl-
trarv. but cannot permit the further
violation of law
Two hundred letters awaited Mayor
Cofran's perusal this morning. inere
were scores of congratulatory ePlstes'
and dozens of notes demanding posi-.
lions or city office. The mayor spent
most of the morning examining, an
swering and sorting his mail.
The commission spent today IN mas
tering the details of the routine WORK
at city hall No formal meeting was
held. The only officer to be sworn IN
was w. B. Bryant, a patrolman. Sew
for approval at the board meeting to-
morrow morning at nine o'clock. Com
missioner Bone will present the name
of G. T. Mattingly, license collector, at
that time.
Need New Light Machinery
Frank NJ. cJewland, commissioner OF
water and electric light, spent one
day at the pumping station and last
evening at the city lighting plant He
declares the extension of the white
way from First to Gordon streets can
not be undertaken until the installa-
ton of the new machine, scheduled 10
arrive in May. When Mr.. NeWland
was questioned as to the reduction OF
the water rates and refund of deposits
he responded he hoped for the former
and intended to begin the investiga-
ton of the latter at once.
Alberta Hale, appointed city treas
urer, takes office April Is, when john
Wrights term expires. E. Z. Roude-
bush has received much commentator
for his courteous withdrawal IN 1aNor
of Miss Hale.
Out of Town Foundry Work
one of the interesting points holding
the attention of the board is the stat
ute prohibiting any city officials dong
private work for the city. The People
Ice company has had the city contract
because ex-Mayor Billiard is the owner
of the Mutual. r. L. Cofran is presi-
dent of the Western Foundry and Ma
chine works; this company has been OF
inestimab BILE service both to the electric
light plant and the water department
The commission law Will neceSs1tate
the giving of the work to some out of
town company, either in Kansas City
or Leavenworth.
]. B. Billiard was at city hall on
business today.
This ordinance is right in princi-
pie, but wrong in practice" said he,
''it presupposes that all city officials
are what is commonly known as graft
ers!'
Mr.. Billiard is gathering up the reins
of his private business, and declares
he has forgotten all about politics.