San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-04-29
STEVENS HAS
BEST CHANCE
FOR SHERIFF
Political Tide Turns and
Captain Jim" Looks
Certain.
WHO WILL SUCCEED?
Speculation Turns to Po-
lice Job as Time
Draws Near.
WHO WILL SUCCEED?

Shifting political winds which
earlier in the weel; seemed 10 favor
Chief of Police Albert o. Van Ripper
for the job Of Sheriff of BeZar county
to fill the uncxpired term Of Sheriff
John W. Tobin. seemed to have
turned the tide in favor of Captain
James Stevens Saturday afternoon
and every indication pointed to his
selection by the commissioners court
to fill that office. No action toward
naming Il successor to Sheriff Tobin,
however, is expected until after the
general election on May s.
Friends and supporters Of Chief
Van Ripper who were urging his ap-
pointment as sheriff seemed confident
on Friday that he would be the choice
OF the county judge and four COM
misSioners for the place. In, fact one
of the commissioners who was sup
porting him felt positive that he would
be the successful candidate. He adj
mitted, however, that all of the mem
bers of the court had not committed
themselves.
Looks Like Stevens.
1t was admitted at that time that
the race nad narrowed 10 two aspir-
ants, Chief Van Ripper and Captain
Stevens. 1t was suggested that at
least two members of the court, Joe
Newton, who will succeed J. s. Nc
Neel on Monday, and John II. Cow
ington would cast their votes for the
police chief. Out of the other three
members of the court, il was claimed
that at least one was doubtful.
Chances were, however, supporters Of
Chief Van Ripper claimed. that he
would swing to the side of the police
chief. H-.
Late Saturday. supporters of Cap
tain Stevens were claiming that they
had three votes among the commits
sioners' court which would insure the
selection of their favorite for the
shcriff's job. While no definite state
ment could be secured from the COM
missioners, it is generally believed that
this assumption is correct.
Selection of a successor to Sheriff
Tobin. it is claimed, involved qucs-
ton of strength between the respec-
tive candidates. Friends of Chief Van
Ripper insisted that he could bring
more political strength to the court
house than Captain Stevens. Friends
of the latter, on the other hand.
pointed out that Captain Stevens has
strong following among the. rail
road men and would be virtually as
sured of reelection at the expiration
of his appointive term.
Deputies Under Stevens.
Selection of Captain Stevens to
fill the office, it is declared. will
mean that the force of deputies at
the sheriff's office will remain vir-
tually intact. Chief Deputy Alphonse
Newton Jr., whose friends had urged
that he be appointed sheriff, probably
will retain his position and it is not
likely that any of the deputies will
be displaced. in view of the fact that
all have been thoroughly trained in
their duties. The chief deputy is con-
sidered one Of the most efficient men
in his line in the state.
providing Captain Stevens is APP
pointed, vacancy will occur in the
office of captain of police and much
has been INDUCED in as
to who will be selected TO fill that
place. Although it is known that
certain men outside the police depart
ment will become applicants for the
job. it Is believed Commissioner
Wright will select some man from
within the department 10 succeed
Stevens.
If, on the other hand, Chief Van
Ripper We're TO receive the appoint
ment. it is generally believed that
Captain Stevens will succeed to the
chiefs post, which still would leave
a vacancy among the captains.