The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-10-22
Decision Influenced BY Petition
Signed BY Large Number
Taxpayers Who Wish
Him To Remain At
Head of City
Govt

SPOKESMAN lor the party, made a
brief address to the mayor, in which
he stated that the people of Lake
land had chosen Mr.. Eaton for this
position because of his fitness, his
ability to handle the problems con-
fronting this growing city, and his
experience covering six years of |
service in connection with the city |
government. In view of these facts,
the speaker called upon Dir. Eaton
to reconsider and withdraw his res
fgnation as chairman and member |
of the board of city commissioners,
and not to subject to disappoint-
ment those who had put him in the
position. Mr.. Drane closed his re-
marks by presenting petition,
which was worded as follows:
Lakeland, Fla, Oct. II. 1914.
Hon. O. NJ. Eaton, Mayor,
City of Lakeland, Fla:
Dear Sir-We, the undersigned
citizens of Lakeland. have learned
with a feeling of much regret that
you have presented your resignation
!! to take effect Jan. I, 1915. and.
while we do not presume to question
your action which we believe may
appear to be justifiable in your own
mind, we nevertheless feel con-
vinced that at this time such
change would not be for the benefit
of the city.
We recognize the fact tnat many
things have transpired since You
took office on Jan | to worry and
also to discourage you in handling
the financial affairs of the city,
, which you and your associates
found in a very unsatisfactory con-
dition. We believe, however, that
Won can work out a satisfactory So
luton of these matters, and we de-
sire to express our perfect con1-
dence in your integrity and ability
to conduct the affairs of your or
fee.
Thereec~o we respectfully ask
YOU to withdraw your resignation
land continue to carry out the plans
Won have made looking to the more
satisfactory administration of the
iritv's affairs. pledeing you at the
same time our confidence and nearly
cooperation.
This petition was signed by ABOUT
900 representative citizens OF
Lakeland. all property owners ana
most of them prominent in the busl-
ness affairs of the city. The signers
are from all walks in life. indlcat-
ing that the great mass oil the peo-
nile heartily endorse the work OF Mr'
Eaton in behalf of the city ana de-
sire him to continue his career oi
,,sef,,Iness in the management OF
municinal affairs. The gentlemen
who circulated the petition sta'eu
that less than FIVE per cent OF those
- whom il was presented Declined
10 sign it; that common expires
sion when the petition was pre-
or+od n business man was, es
I'll siqn II. and would be glad TO DC
ca a dozen times and that scores
, Of others would gladly have signed
- if tbev had the opportunity hu'
those circulating it, being pus'
non had been compelled to SATISFY
themselves with presenting 1t u
.hoso whom they chanced to en-
+ counter readily.
E Mr. Eaton was. of course. touche'
E with this manifestation of the con
: 1dance reDosed in him by the GU
,ens and he responded, to the enec
that he could not ignore the "ishe
l .,ob large proportion OF IN
t.vnavers and would give the peti
! tion due consideration and annouhc
his decision today. He stated Una
: :. hod heen made very hard for MN
r a., other commissioners II
horast endeavors to act for IN
host interests of the citi, by IN
criticisms and knockln
- small but noisy contingent
ond that he had been wearied an
: disgusted with these attacks; ma una
10 had served with several board