Evening journal., 1913-07-24
OFFICIALS
NEAR FIGHT
In COUNCIL
Slower Criticism Of Mr.. Biddle
Brings Fight Threat
From Mayor
BOIL ON HONOR'S NECK
PREVENTS THE "SET-TOO"

All that prevented hsticuts between
Mayor Harrison w. Howell and Col
onel Weller Il. Stover, chairman OF
the finance committee of City Coun-
Gil, in Council chamber last night,
was boil on His Honor's neck
Colonel Slower started the trouble
by taking exception to Mayor Howell's
re-appointment of his father-in-law,
Samuel c. Biddle, as city auditor. The
latter has held the Office two years.
and when Dr. Howell was reelected
Mayor. he re-appointed Mr.. Biddle.
Last night the Mayor officially noti-
ned Council of the appointment.
When the communication from the
Mayor was read, Councilman Stover
arose and informed the Council that
he did not think Mr.. Biddle was
physically able TO hold the position.
Colonel Stover said personal feeling
did not enter into the matter with
him, but that the present administra-
ton was pledged to give the people
business administration. He said the
duties OF the city auditor included
the examination and audit of the
books OF the Street and Sewer De-
partment the weekly accounts of the
city tax collectors. the accounts OF
the Water Department, etc, and said
this had not been done by the auditor.
the work having been delegated to the
clerk in the auditors Office as deputy
auditor. Colonel Stover said he knew
OF no ordinance that provided for a
deputy city auditor. and referred to
the recent audit made OF the tax
books of former city tax collector,
which he said cost the city Sl,S00. Mr..
lBiddle. Colonel Stover said, threw up
his hands when the finance commit
tee of Council broached TO him the
subject of making an audit, saying he
could not do Il.
"The government Of the City OF
Wilmington should be no harbor for
men not able to hold up their end.
Col. Stover said.
IL noticed" continued Mr.. Stoyer
. ION the west side OF the city the Other
day ten men engaged in cleaning th'
streets. Seven of this number weri
r seated on the curb and the remaining
= three we're tinkerlng about the street
d not earning their salt, a condition 70
which somebody is responsible
d When Col Stoyer resumed his sea
G Mayor Howell. who occupied a seal
=. on the presidents platform. jumped
r up and made quick retort to the Coun-
Gilman from the Seventh ward.
The mayor said he sent the ap-
pointment OF Mr.. Biddle to Council
fiustly. as he considered him to be a
good official and one Of the best city
auditors Wilmington has ever had. Il
absolutely deny Councilman Stover s
charge that Mr.. Biddle Is physically
unfit to hold the Office and consider
his words the most contemplate at
| tack | ever heard made on a man.
am sorry I am not in physical
| condition TO make him retract his
+ statement"
Councilman Stover retorted: a
hope the mayors recovery will be
! speedy"
To this Mayor Howell replied that HI
was ready TO take up the matter thei
/ and there.
''You are becoming 'holier than thou
lately. and all the time you are doing
; irregular things" said the mayor.
, - stand on what 4 said rctorted Col
onel Stover. who then moved that actiol
on the confirmation Of Mr. Biddle's ap
pointment be deferred ono week. As 10
ono seconded the motion, Councilmar
Z Heal. of the Eighth ward. moved thai
the appointment be confirmed. This mo
I tion was carried with only Councilman
d Stovcr's vote against It, the Democrats
voting with the Republicans Ma~n
e Howell afterward personally thanked thi
= former for their assistance in the mat