The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1942-04-22


said. N o'Nell could not get
EASTWOOD % change nj. mind
about ignoring future council
sessions. the council would
have that problem 10 solve.
Cain said he considered II a
practical impossioihty to take
over the reins OF the police de-
partment IN one particular fune-
ton. but agreed 10 do what the
rest Of the council decides
The mayor started his special
session by having his letter 10
Eastwood read. II called attention
to his authority 20 order absent
members 10 council meetings He
said he knew II reached the com
missioner's hands
Then he brought forth his
plan Of drastic action.
The commissioner. stated Cain.
g. has decided. a. he has every
right TO do. 10 refuse the mayors
suggestion that he take q leave
Of absence with fun pay for the
duration Of his term. He has re-
fused, N he has absolutely no
right 10 do. 10 attend further
legislative or administrative SEES
sions Of the council. That
r>naiftor u.htrb n. ~. ..~x A.
one Of clear evidence that the
commissioner Ia DESTROYS OF nd
ding himself Of that responsibility
and obligation which goes with the
office.
As the mayor and under
authority which il given TO him by
Section 20 Of Charter article No.
Z. I have an order to propose and
this order II approved by the
viii BE- binding upon the
commissioner Of public safety.
For the duration Of his term,
which expires. June !, 1912. the
police department and fire depart
ment and all other divisions now
under the present commissioners
jurisdiction, viii be managed by
the mayor and council This
II adopted, would take
effect Immediately and the present
Of public safety
would become. In fact, as he has
himself suggested q mere figure
head"
Cain said there could be
only one compromise.
II the commissioner responded
TO my plea. and II he says TO all
Of us that for the rest OF the term
he will vigorously perform his
duties and permit the director Of
health to work out with him an
effective procedure. As such a pro-
cedure would be concerned with
the elimination OF things distaste-
ful To the military and TO our
selves. ! would have absolutely
no grievance against him"
The councils procedure Tues
day morning suffered one inter
ruption when r. I. currier. sx-
perienced heckler OF all members
OF the council. arose to defend
Eastwood and attack Mayor
Gains plan.
Eastwood has made q tactical
mistake" he said. He should be
here and fighting thia But the
whole city council ought TO take
a vacation with pay and let some
one else try to do the Job"
Ne sAid II the council was
going 20 take action against
Eastwood. u should have done
20 months ago when he was
away for 50 days and no one
knew ~.here he WAS.
The council had spent most Of
an afternoon and night puzzling
over Eastwood's decision Of Mon
day afternoon.
When time came at o'clock
Monday afternoon for the COM
TO appear and answer
the mayors request Of that morn
ing he responded instead with q
letter. though he was in his office
across Pacific ave from the eity
hall.
Eastwood declined fatty 70
take = leave of absence for
the remaining six weeks Of
his term. ~ Mayor Cain sus-
gcsted. hut presented . new
problem which had the mayor.
other ceuncilmen and Corpora
tion Counsel Howard Caroth-
er thumhing the laws and
city charter well into the
night.
After listening to the remarks
contained IN the letter read at
the city council meeting this
morning" declared Commissioner
Eastwood. 1T becomes incumbent
on my part to advise you that !
shall not accept this offer.
AS u h the desire Of the
mayor 60 take over this prob
lem himself. ] would suggest
that you allow him 10 do 30
and allow him 90 choose his
own men. and shall be
pleased 10 reitnquish this part
Of the work 20 him. 1 shall
carry on with the balance of
the department and assist with
this matter under discussion
- much - possible, but shall
assume no responsibility for