The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1922-09-06
"A]l PreCedentS Broken and Steam Roller Used
In Placing Police and Firemen Under Civil
Service" Is Charge Made by Minority CounclImen

always tried 20 appoint members who.
in my Judgment. were able 10 act. play
inS fair and not farorites and have new
er been questioned concerning my SIN
certify In maxim appointments. con-
tinued Mayor Thouer. This action has
broken all presidents in the history OF
city council In Wheeling. | have no
complaint against the members or the
committee have been instructed TO APP
point. but when II comes 10 debating
who | shalt appoint. l absolutely re-
fuse" said tho mayor.
II was then agreed that the appoint
nents would be made by members OF
council in regular session.
In Regular Session
When council met In regular session
In council chambers, following the con-
ference in the city managers office.
Mayor Thorer announced that nomtna-
lions were in order tor the election or
thre members OF the civil service COM
mission. after council unanimously
adopted a resolution tavor!ng the plac-
Ing of police and firemen under civil
service.
The names ot Archibald w. PAUL..
Seaton Alexander and Walter II. Nc
C1ure where then placed In nomination.
The vote was unanimous.
Six to Three Vote
Councilman \. +. Clrich then moved
that committee OF three members OF
council be appointed by council 10 CO.
operate with the civil service commits
sion. The names Of Councilman Ves-
ter. McGregor and Metzner were then
placed in nomination. When the vote
was taken Councilman Metzner, Neon
key. McGregor. Clrich. Eester and Will
l.ans voted in saver or the motion.
while Mayor Thoner and Councilmen
Cunningham and Kress voted no.
Councilman Cunningham explained his
vote by saying that he had nothing
against the three councilman selected
and said II was not case OF sour
grapes" This is breaking all pre-
cedents Of council. Never before has
any such action been taken and II has
always been rule OF council 10 have
the mayor appoint comittees. voted
for the committee down stairs but after
thinking seriously over the matter. be-
believe IL 10 he improper and that tho
mayor IS right IN his contentious. said
Councilman Cunningham.
Councilman Kress said he was off the
same apinion az Councilman cunningham.
II never heard OF any such action and
not only Is the action Of the council ~
appointing instead Of the mayor, but
there Is no necessity or committee IN
the tirst place" said ouncilman Kress.
Mayor Thoner did not explain his vote.
having made his statements in tho Con
ference.
Councilman williams said ne also
wanted to explain his vote. and said
committees were not functioning any
how. referring to the traction pavins
committee.
Warm worT.
The member from the Ninth ward
don't know what he Is talking about II
he knew conditions ne would not make
such remarks. It's easy 70 talk when
you don't know what you're talking
about" remarked Councilman Cunning
ham in reply to Councilman Williams
remark.
Following the session last night =
member OF council told reporter that
he had expected such action. 1T was
purely a matter OF being steam rolleded'
the action having been cut and dried In
my opinion" said the councilman.
Among some OF the reasons given by
the councilman was the call sent out
without the purpose of the conference
the mayor being told Il was not neces-
sary the selecting Of three names
among Ave on the first ballot by six OF
the members alleged to have had hand
| in the calling Of the conference.