Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-11-02
BAT TIE FOB
POWERS Of
POLICE: BOSS
CROWS HOT
Fain, Vernoy King and Smith
Candidates to Succeed Mason
asChairman Of Commission, but
Dark Horse Has a Chance,
Retiring Leader Neutral, and Mayor
Remains SiIent-BeIieved That
0De-Man Control of Municipal
Whip Will Be Continued.

Political speculations Saturday cen
tsred about the question of who would
BE- AJ,anta's next police boss.
The failure Of every one of several
candidates ambitious to succeed Car
los II. Mason, the retiring chairman
Of the Police Commission, to gain any
commanding support has brought the
light to bewildering state. II almost
would seem that the mantle of politi-
cal power Is about to fall on some OBJ
scura member Of the Police Commits
sion and the grand old days of boss
sn" In Atlanta, a system that has
lived in the police department for
more than generation, brought to
sad END.
There is no lack of effort on the
par, OF d number of members of the
Police Commission to secure the
craftsmanship. Also one of them is
sure to get 1t; the commission must
have q chairman But the chairman
ship does not necessarily mean the
boss. though the two have been
autonomous for more than a quarter
oi a century. To be boss the chair
man must be able to swing a major
lty OF the votes in and out Of season.
WITH Chairman Mason out, no mem
Der Of the commission has been able
% show anything like that ability.
Fain and Smith in Race.
William P, Fain, vice chairman Of
the Commission, has viewed with
longing eyes the seat at, the head of
the table, Many obstacles in his way
have stirred the hope in B. Lee Smith
staunch and faithful supporter of
Chairman Mason, that he might be
the favorite. If the fervid Chief
Beavers enthusiasts are 10 win, and
Mr.. Smiths election would mean just
that William A. Vernoy has whis-
pered TO one and all that he Should
have the honor
Equally ambitious is Andy P. King,
AA'~S "ASCNlOll ny NOuilC1l W LiAC \ "
lice Commission was marked by the
fact that he was first supported by the
anti Beavers faction and later and
with finahty that was crowned with
success by the pro- Beavers faction.
George E. Johnson, who has never
developed the ardor of affection for
Chief Beavers that some other mem
oers have, is out Of the running on
account of being on a ticket for
Sheriff. It is understood that men
with sympathies akin to Mr.. John
sons would like to elect Robert Clark
as compromise candidate.
Chambers AS Compromise.
one suggestion of a solution, about
as simple as any of the others, is
mat Mr.. Johnson may resign as the
sixth Ward representative and AL
dine Chambers, former councilmanic
leader, elected in his place and raised
10 the seat Of chairman.
Mayor Woodward has kept remark
aolY silent about it all. Once he said
mat he would like to vote for Ora
nam T. Dozier for chairman, but Mr..
Dozler has announced his intention of
'eSlgning and George p. Dickson is
slated for his place.
Viewing the situation by and large
S''Ne OF the unmentioned members
nave about as good a chance Of being
made chairman as any of the candi-
1''es' Chairman Mason declares that
7lI'ce ne is to retire he VIII take no
part IN the selection of his successor,
""len makes the whole affair consid-
'aply more uncertain.
Little Hope Of a New DAVID
'A.ef Beavers has had the reins
,o' tA4 past year through moral per.
.I''s'oh, If no new boss is elected o.
'''"eo to assume control throug
common consent Of the members Of
''1'ee Commission he is likely to
"' them Indefinitely.
conduct Of the police depart
menu Dy one-man power has been so
'''Aouaced that the chances are ten
~ 'e mat new David will arise.
'''''e department is the whip Of
municipal machinery and politi-
10y. ,..,' Always are striving for the mas
tssS a gl H. There are few o saw tina;
Uav,, JOSS system is particularly OH
'or the term does moi meah
.. --...IL.y IN Atlanta as when APPLIED
Jam. u, Billy Brothertou. CAPTAIN
~. English and Carlos II. Ma
ne. ere. 5f,.ee gained the good win Of