The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-04-07
HARVEY PARSONS
CHIEF OF POLICE
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clerk. 1t was reported today that c.
B. Burge, present occupant, is con-
sidering engaging in private business
which he has had under consideration
for some time. There may be new
city clerk.
There will be more than the usual
number of appointments to be made
by the incoming administration. Head
ing the list will be twenty-four addi-
tional firemen. The fire department
and mental examinations must be
passed. The double platoon system
will not become operative until jan
uary 1, 1916, but Joseph Hanlon, chief
Of the department, already has TWEEN
ty-five applications and this does not
include a large number who were not
considered on account of physical dis
qualifications.
It is necessary for the chief of the
fire department to hold his office by
recommendation of the mayor and
confirmation by the city commission.
No criticism of the present chief has
been offered, but rumor has it that
E. E. Babcock, who held the position
of assistant chief during the entire
time G. o. Wilmarth was chief, and
who was next in line of promotion
when Hanlon was made chief, will re-
ceive favorable consideration, possibly
be made chief for a short time
that he may retire with the honor and
pay of an ex-chief, and given an op-
portunity to resign and make room for
Hanlon to again be made chief. In
this way no harm would be done any
one and Babcock would receive the
Just reward of long and faithful
service.
''It is not my intention to in any way
injure Joe Hanlon, chief of the fire
him displaced, but 1 do intend to see
to it that justice is done in behalf of
E. E. Babcock, who has been badly
mistreated," said Mr.. House.
a ne will InN t6o
pointing of a private stenographer.
Miss Blanche Bates, who has held this
position through three administra-
lions, has expressed a willingness to
begin the fourth.
Edward Stewart, electrical inspect
or, has accepted a position with the
Kansas inspection and Fire Proven
ton office. so there will be new cleo
trical inspector to appoint.
Few changes, if any, are ex-
pected in any of the city departments
except those of which the mayor or
commissioner of finance are the
heads.
w. H. WATSON, newly elected COM
missioner of finance, and who is at the
present time city auditor, is unde-
cided in the matter of filling the va
cancy caused by his promotion.
Yes. I will appoint a city auditor
because the law requires it, but have
not made up my mind whom I shall
appoint. 1 am considering the ques-
ton now, but I have made no prom
iSes and have arrived at no decision"
If Mr.. WATSON has had any particu-
lar person in mind for the position, he
has kept the matter a secret to him
self. No one in the city hall has even
a guess to make as to whom his selec-
ton will be.
Into Office Monday.
Jay E House. mayor, and W. H
Wasson, the only new members of
Topeka's city commission, probably
will begin their tenures of office Mon
day morning. The old or present city
administration will resolve inself into
a canvassing board Friday morning to
officially check over the returns of the
election. After it's findings have been
reached and a report made it will
then resolve itself back into a meet
ing of the city commission and adj
jOurn sine die.
Legally, the newly elected mayor
and commissioners can take their
oathS of office and assume their duties
Immediately after the report of the
canvassing board has been made, but
long established custom is that the new
mayor takes office on the Monday fol-
lowing his election and the oath of
office is administered by the retiring
mayor.
This has been the custom since To-
peka had mayors" said Mayor r. L.
Cofran today, land only once was it
not adhered to. When / was mayor
in the early days, 1 was succeeded by
DR.. Jones. Joseph Reed had been his
manager. For some reason
Joe decided to take no chances and
brought the doctor down to take the
oath OF office just as soon as possible
after the election returns had been
properly certified.
OF course I am ready to turn the
office over to Mr.. House any time after
the canvass of the votes, and 1 will be
pleased to administer the oath to
him.
Topeka's new mayor, will take his
oath of office Monday.
1T viii be the GROWING triumph of |
my life," he said today. He was back |
at his desk in the Daily Capital build |
ing, and it seems to be a good guess
that his typewriter will remain there
and continue to be used by him.
Il will leave for Excelsior Springs
Friday and will return Monday to be- |
come mayor of Topeka