The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-08-20
WATSON and NewIand Almost
Come to Blows.
The Short and Ugly Word Ex-
changed Between them.
WAS ALL OVER The BUDGET
Water and Light Estimate
Stands for a Huge Cut.
The Mayor, Tandy and WATSON
Are Standing Together.

Angry words and hostile gesticula-
tions were exchanged in the city hall
today between w H. WATSON, city
commissioner of finance, and Frank
ter and lighting. The alteration
started in Wasson's office and was
continued out in the hall
You know you did, and you are a
liar when you deny it," declared New
lard, angrily.
You are a liar when you say L did
You are two of the three biggest liars
in town." WATSON shot back. This was
only part of what was said. Both men
had fists clenched. Wasson's face
was white and Newland's was red
w. L. Porter, city commissioner of
parks, induced Ncwland to come into
his office and a visitor jollied WATSON
into a better humor and accompanied
city commissioner of streets. and
George P Hayden. city attorney.
ducked into the city attorneys office
to escape becoming involved, and also
to laugh without restraint. Mayor
House missed the fun by arriving a
few minutes after quiet had been re-
stored.
What was the row about?
Here's What It's About.
Newland accuses WATSON of at
tempting to make a "dicker" with
him.
favor of denying an increase of $500
a year in the budget for Harold b.
Wood, city physician, he would rec
ommend that my amended budget re-
quest, including money for additional
machinery at the electric light plant,
be granted just as nave asked. He
was simply playing politics. He fig
ursd that DR.. Wood is unpopular and
it would be GOOD politics to strike at
him. L still maintain that he made
me this proposition.
Il should have known better than
to have gone to WassOn'S office be-
cause 1 was angry before 1 went in.
L am very glad did not hit him for
# / had he would have gone down. L
took boxing lessons three nights a
week for two years when l was young
and 1 became extraordinarily good
and l know what would have happen
ed had 1 struck Wasson."
WATSON Denies 1t.
WATSON denies NewIand'S charges.
What Newland says is ridiculous"
said WATSON. Il will not permit any
man to come into my Office after MAX
ing such statement and call me a
liar, and not resent it. The only inter-
est 1 have in making the recommen-
dationS for reductions in the budget
requests is to get the general fund
levy within the necessary four mill
limit and with this in view it is absurd
to say that [ even suggested granting
a $4,000 increase to get $500 re-
duction.
''Newland is asking for something
he does not need. He says himself it
will be an auxiliary equipment. He
was granted $4,000 for new gener-
ator last year, but did not buy it, He
had the money and still has it and if
new equipment is needed, it is up to
him TO explain why he has not pur-
chased it. He also has $1,000 left
over from the operation of the plant
last year. He had that much more
money granted than he needed and
he gets $1,000 increase in the new
budget. or $4,000 more than seems
Commissioners Are Ready
Newland's request for money for
more machinery seems slated to be
tabled by the other commissioners.
1T looks to me like foolish in
vestment,' said w. G. Tandy city COM
missioner of streets. THE machinery
he has is good enough and even if it
should break down, the city can fall
back on the Edison company while re-
pairs are being made. There is no
necessity for buying new machinery
while the present machinery is doing
the work.
81 have looked the matter up and in
the last three years the city has paid
the Edison company only $500 for
current in emergencies" said w. L.
Porter. IF we figure interest on the
proposed s12.500 investment Newland
wants, and depreciation at 5 per cent,
the city will be paying approximately
$500 to save $780,
'AH Bunk Says House.
'Newland's talk is all bunk" said
Mayor House. IF there should be
breakdown at the light plant, the
Edison company will help the city
OUT
If 1 cannot get the machinery I
need, the city will be playing into the
hands of the Edison company" de-
clared NeWland.
He says it has been two years last
April since the city secured assistance
from the Edison company. Mr.. New
lard said his records old not show
how long the city secured current