The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-05-29
Accuses Opponent of
D Eff e a tin G Bill to
Abolish His Fees.
SPEECH STIRS
ITALIAN CLUB
Candidate Challenges Mercer's
Discharge of His Duties and
Accuses Him of Bad Faith
in Opposing Fee System.
Howle After Franklin
Street Incomes.

AcCusdtionB or bad faith and of mis-
representation, with yelled illusions to
neglect of official duty. were made last
night by Stephen johnson against his
opponent City Sherir j. Herbert Mer-
Ger. at the rally OF tho Itaiian-American
Pohtical Club. The incident made the
hrst exciting feature of the speaking
campaign for city offices. which has
heretofore gone along with little in
terest, AZ far az public meetings. were
concerned.
Sheriff Mercer. who had spoken in
advance OF Mr.. Johnson, had no oppor-
tunity of reply last night. but IL Il,
assumed he will he heard from later
Mr. Johnson's remarks were brief
but they were exceedingly pointed
Challenges Record.
MT Mercer has just said to YOU"
he began. that he has faithfully per
formed the duties OF his office. II that
abatement were true / would to-day
be supporting him for re election. In
stead OF opposing him.
NO doubt you have noticed that Mr.
Mercer has been having himself quoted
In the newspapers as the bitter enemy
OF the fee system and an advocate Of
salary basis for public officials Let
me tell YOU that n bill was introduced
In the last Legislature abolishing the
fees of the office OF City Sheriff of
Richmond. and providing n salary.
Deputy sheriT Sam Shield appeared
before the committee In behalf OF the
bill II passed the House. but Mr.. Mcr-
Ger killed II in the Finance Committee
OF the Senate"
sumed his seat Sheriff Mercer sat
quietly In his. The applause seemed
about evenly divided between the two
candidates.
HilI Nns Not Reported.
1t is recalled that there was such a
~ NJ Inh ,.ny. tiNat
II was never reported from the Senate
Finance Committee. In making up it's
estimates of incomes OF city officials.
on which to base its primary entrance
fees for the present campaign. the
finance committee OF the City Demo-
cratic Committee estimated the fees of
this Office at only sI.S00
Mr. Johnson did not develop what.
ever he might have had In mind con
corning his opponents failure to per-
form the duties OF the Office.
Fraternity Hall was packed with
members OF the Italian American Poll
ucal Club. President Louis Biagi was
in the chair. and Frank Ferrandini in
troduced the candidates. Peter Bonini
IS vice president OF the organization,
and Louis Corrcri is the secretary.
Italians Keep Out of jail.
Very few Italians ever land in the
City Jail according To Sergeant John
L. SatterHeld. He asserted that all the
supplies for that institution are bought
in Richmond, except perhaps soap pow
der, for which the brand is selected
by the matron, and on which Rich
mond people get the profit.
Wilbur j. GriRgs who is a candidate
for Sergeant. said he favored good
hours and good salaries for the en-
ployes Of the office. He said he would
buy all supplies In the city. including
soap powder. Further, he would not
confine the patronage OF the Jail TO
two or three or five or ten merchants,
but would distribute II around.
Sheriff Mercer simply said. as his OPP
ponent quoted. that he had done his
duty and would keep on doing it.
a mule car In Richmond gave T.
Peter Howle his start In life, said that
candidate for Commissioner of Reve-
nue. Answering what Commissioner
Tresnon has previously said about the
compliment paid him by the grand jury
that investigated tax returns, he prom
ised to conduct the office so that grand
jury Investigations would be unneces-
Sary.
Live without Income.
There are people on Franklin and
Grace Streets" said Mr.. Howle, with
three or four servants, an automobile,
and paying $500 or 5000 year rent.
yet report no income in excess of $4,000
the year for taxation. I don't see how
they do 1t, and If elected l will try to
nnd out AS to the deputies in the
office. the Bark sdale election law pro-
hibits promises of rewards by candi-
dates, but these men have nothing TO
fear. l can employ three or four more
deputies and still make d living out of
the office"
Frederick Peasants, who wants to be
commissioner, said he is the only can
didate for any city office not now on
the pay roll at the City Hall. He has
given up his position as State agent
for a life insurance company, he said,
because of some losses he has sustain
ed through agents.
Commissioners Henry f. Tresnon came
last Grand juries. he said. are sum
moned each year under requirement
of law. His predecessor, Mr.. Hawkins,
had to appear before one every year.
Therefore the recent investigation was
no new thing, and he felt proud of the
commentator given him In the report.
He handles sl4S,000,000 of values, com
prising 10000 entries. and must be
familiar with 400 tax laws.