Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1913-04-10

Ottumwa's new commission form OF
government is in active operation. It
was created at s:171h last night when
the oath Of office was administered to
Mayor Patrick Leeny by City Auditor
M. l.. Byrne. At 8:18 G. E. Mcdaniel
had been officially indicted into Office,
and H. J. Bremhorst accepted the oath
at S:18A. 1t took just seven minutes
for the old councilmen to vacate the
seats they have used for the past two
years and to rearrange the chairs for
the new officials, and at 1925 Mayor
Patrick Leeny commenced his inau-
gural address. His associates also
spoke briefly, and the business Of the
initial meeting Of the commission
form of government council was then
! In order. Ordinances were passed
creating city offices and naming per-
sons therefor One set forth the
money appropriated for use during the
fiscal year. The council chamber
was not large enough to hold the
crowds present.
The changes in the city officials were
confined to the head Of the police de-
partment, legal department, health de-
partment and operation Of the public
library. The police and fire commits
sion was abandoned and the COM
missioners will act therefor. The
waterworks control and operation was
taken by ordinance out Of the COM
mission and left entirely with the
present trustees, who were reap
pointed. r."
Transactions calling for comment
from the new city council was the re.
placing Of four men with four women
as library trustees and the action of
the waterworks trustees in accepting
re-appointment.
The appointment Of successors to old
officials follows:
Lloyd L. Duke succeeds w. D. It's
dale as city solicitor.
DR.. ]. A. Hull succeeds DR.. E. T.
Edgerly as city physician.
Pete Gallagher succeeds H. A.
Fielder as chief of police.
Mrs. w. T. Harper, Jr., Mrs. c. M.
Myers, Mrs. L. A. Gordon and Mrs.
James F. Powell succeed w. B. La
Force, G. M. Myers, ]. J. Smith and
F. w. Simmons as members of the
board of library trustees. ..s ..-
In commenting on his vote for the
new library trustees, Mayor Leeny
said: 1--WE have put four ladies on the
library board because you have
mayor of Ottumwa who favors wom-
ans suffrage. I believe they should
have voice in the conduct Of the
city as long as they remain within the
bounds of reason" -. ..,-.
/ The magnanimity of Chairman H. l..
Waterman and his associates on the
board of waterworks trustees was re-
ferred to by the resolution unanimous
ly passed reappointing them, and also
by City Solicitor Lloyd l.. Duke, who
declared that it was deeply appreciate
ed by the mayor councilmen and him
self that the old board retained their
posts at the sacrifice they are making
in not expecting salary for their serv-
ices. 1T was their suggestion that no
salary be attached to the Offices" said
Mr.. Duke, land this gracious decision
saves the city $780,"
All ordinances and resolutions read
for passage met the affirmative vote
of the mayor and councilmen except
that referring to the appointment of
city officials. Mayor Leeny voted
mo" on this resolution and it carried
by the AYE" vote of Councilmen Nc
Daniel and Bremhorst.
officials Make Speeches.
The first actions Of the new officials
were speeches of acceptance. Mayor
Leeny addressed himself to the COM
missioners and the audience, saying:
Il have a few remarks to make. II
am glad that was elected the next
mayor. and l want to tell you that 1t
isn't any joke. realize the respon-
sibility and want to go out of this