10 Oct 1903
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 41 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Chicago Eagle
Location
Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Oct 10, 1903
Page
1
A sharp editorial laments graft charges within Chicago’s City Hall payroll and Democratic machine. It notes investigations, civil service tensions, and factional splits threatening political stability as campaigns loom and calls for reform echo through local newspapers.
At its last meeting the City Council appointed a special committee to investigate charges of graft in City Hall. In earlier days the council was well posted on such quarters and knew where grafting was going on, but times change and councils change with them.
City Attorney Simulski vows a strong stand against those trying to fleece the city through that department. He pledges an Invulnerable bar as a metaphor for firm enforcement and integrity in municipal actions.
Mayor Harrison attacks city leaders over drafting in City Hall and says the civil service law aims to improve public service, but current City Hall staffing reflects unintended outcomes. He argues citizens lose sight of the law’s purpose when judging results.
President Foreman of the Board of County Commissioners vetoed all coal contracts awarded this year, leaving the board in a more unsettled and undecided condition and failing to break the deadlock over the coal issue.
The mayor says he may close four hundred saloons to end handbook gambling, a move that would deprive the city of about $200,000 in annual revenue.
The Citizen's Association has undertaken to review the 831000 bill before the County Board for weed control. The noxious weed industry appears in a thriving state in Chicago at present.
City Council appointed detectives are asked whether long practiced permits to violate city ordinances will be investigated. The inquiry focuses on whether graft and permit issuance culture at City Hall will be examined, potentially implicating current council actions.
A civil action in the Circuit Court seeks to enjoin the City of Chicago from issuing 34 million dollars in bonds to discharge judgments. The suit argues the current city affairs justify citizen opposition to increased taxation under any pretext.
A correspondent notes a behind the scenes clash within the Clarrison wing of the Democratic organization. He argues the real struggle is between two gambler factions enjoying City Hall privileges. The public is urged to cheer their efforts.
Aspirants for the GOP gubernatorial nomination pressed active campaigns in the past week as Cook County hopefuls hammer out support from local delegations. Larry Sherman, Vespasian Warner, and other ambitious gentlemen from the country were also pursuing influence and backing.
The passage notes Governor Yates steadily mending his fence and forging ahead, with strong indications he will secure the plum. Citizens across the state are being wooed for suffrage support as he presses forward daily.
The Pure Food Commission plans a campaign centered on East St Louis to curb elder vinegar from Missouri producers. State manufacturers are reminded of Missouri’s motto and may be compelled to live up to it.
The so called Lexon Committee is likely to wind up like others of its kind seen in the past six or seven years. This fishing excursion has never yielded much benefit to Chicago taxpayers.
Hon John F O Malley a popular North Side Democrat and political leader has purchased a new home at 220 Superior street. He is described as widely connected and loyal with strong business and political influence. The piece notes his high principles, friendships, and wishes him long life and prosperity. It questions whether the Lexon Committee will investigate water meter graft.
The article notes Chief O'Neill is overwhelmed by inquiries about charges against the rank and file, leaving little time for handling the car-barn murders and daily street hold-ups.
Nine Central Station detectives are charged with being inefficient. As usual, the scapegoats are always handy when public indignation is aroused.
As Theagle predicted a short lime age, nearly the entire City Mall comes under official scrutiny. State's Attorney Deneen will soon gain a chance to distinguish himself by pursuing accountability and moving to consolidate leads.
The North Side figure is seen as the strongest Republican in Cook County and likely to increase his party majority in the next fall election. Opposition is forming in Fred A. Busse's Twenty first Ward, but Busse is expected to sweep all opposition and remain influential at county and state conventions.
A movement by Circuit and Superior Court judges presses for future appointments of a more competent class of revelers than traditionally chosen. If reform is needed this is the moment.
Slow but steady, investigations spread across the sanitary, detective, street cleaning bureaus, City Clerk's office, and other halls of city administration. Officials warn of tightening oversight as inquiries widen.
Seventeen million dollars is the enormous sum which the Chicago City Railway is said to have proposed to expend in improvement of its plant stock and service as an incident to a reasonable and speedy settlement of their franchise interests by the City Council. Municipal ownership dreamers would deprive the public and the working classes of this tremendous benefit for the sake of a theory and all impracticable one at that.
Under current management the central detectives are deemed inefficient and the department described as no good. Officials face pressure from authorities to evaluate the return of capable officer Luke V. L. Colleran to leadership duties amid ongoing concerns about effectiveness.
Alder man Herrmann urges a wide inquiry into anything that looks bad and stresses the need for careful scrutiny of all matters before the council.
Mayor Snarrison issues a statement directing department heads to cooperate with the Lexow committee investigation. He warns officials to be cautious and diligent in providing information and maintaining proper conduct.
Legal and administrative efforts led by Colonel BE aim to resolve the Bliss city railway franchise issue as a final decision approaches. Authorities push through remaining steps to formalize the agreement and address regulatory concerns.
A city worker injured during duty delivered salt for dam maintenance and support, assisting crews in ongoing project efforts and safety measures.
A fragment questions city governance arguing that clerks fled a case before the City Civil Service Commission involving a stone mason tender on Seventh Street intercepting sewer. It challenges Democratic party stance on the Employers Mobility Act and party attitudes.
The downtown saloons keep operating as the Mayor warns of license revocation for 400 saloonkeepers. Secretary Singleton of the Citizens' Association argues District Attorney Folk could free St. Louis from handbooks and suggests Chicago could be similarly directed, citing incompetency in City Hall.
A terse comment laments potential exodus of many police officers seeking better pay and working conditions, noting the impact on public safety and morale. The remark implies widespread dissatisfaction and possible turnover in patrol ranks.
Anxious remarks arise about poll participation after police dismissals. Queries surface on marching styles tested by the Gir Chik and dock step metaphors. Debate on bond propositions and contrasts between state and city governance persists as no candidates offer themselves for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.
In a Monday night message to the Council, Mayor Harrison cites unnamed citizens who accuse the civil service law of fostering graft and the spoils system. He argues the current administration could not nullify the merit system, as the tools exist within the law and commission rules since the beginning.
Illinois Democrats rally around John T Hopkins as trusted champion for 1904. Payroll graft worries loom in City Hall as Hopkins and fellow leaders press for reform and continued control of state party machinery while staunch allies push for reappointment to courts and to head the State Central Committee.
Democratic aspirants fear endorsements from the July VoL brigade as Aldermanic politics loom, with wild state politicians set to focus attention and influence the outcome.
Health Commissioner Reynolds rules his department does not gain exclusive control of the town stage. The decision critiques agency limits and asserts jurisdiction over civic performances.
The six Superior Court judges in Cook County face term expirations next fall and the parties will again nominate the best available candidates. Judge Philip Stein, noted for one of the finest bench records, is expected to be renominated by Democrats and re elected by the people, seen as a model of integrity and juristic ability. It illustrates the high standing of Stein as a jurist.
City experts lower the needed funds for Chicago City Railway improvements by six percent versus the company's estimate. The Eagle questions the claim that the company overstates outlays to justify high compensation, asking who loses if the city accepts the offer.
The daily Press reports energetic campaign agents working to suggest Cook County leaders turn away from Governor Yates. The piece asserts the governor is stronger with real Republican leaders in Cook County than at any prior time.
The mayor stands as an obstruction to a favorable street car settlement. His policy supports obstructionist labor unions and aligns with populistic, socialist, and anarchistic elements, with terrorism echoed in the specter of the labor vote.
In the melee report, officials note an alleged bribery attempt aimed at a school board member. The Aldermanic committee may cooperate with the Board of Education on this charge.
Reports from the County Central Committee meeting say the supposed plan to remove Robert Burke from the Democratic party did not succeed. The assembly was called to order at 4 oclock by Chairman Carey after the Executive Committee adjourned, but the attempt appeared dull and uneventful.
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