17 Oct 1903
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 34 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Chicago Eagle
Location
Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Oct 17, 1903
Page
1
An in depth look at mounting graft allegations tied to Chicago city hall and the aldermanic investigation. The Payroll Brigade faces growing political heat as charges multiply across departments, threatening Democratic influence and prompting calls for direct votes and reform measures.
It is proposed to compel all City Hall employees to make a daily work detail in writing. For most workers, a sheet of paper the size of a postage stamp would suffice for this purpose.
The text questions whether the Lexow City Hall probe will collapse as the Board of Education inquiry did. It suggests outcomes depend on whether the investigation was started to achieve real results or for ulterior, perhaps self serving, reasons.
Report notes sudden punctuality and courtesy among City Hall staff since graft probes began. Chicago Undertakers' Association hints at involvement in the municipal inquiry, accusing police of bias in corpse handling for favors to certain undertakers.
The Eagle notes that rival reformers back the Mueller bill but fear its submission to a popular vote. It asserts the measure favors streetcar interests and warns that owners may spin defeat of ratification as a result. The paper agrees with contemporaries on the political maneuvering and potential obstruction ahead of campaigns.
The West Side club women plan small subscriptions to raise 30000 dollars for a museum to house the C F Gunther collection of curios. West Park commissioners will provide the site and the Eagle hopes for success. The gift is for the people of the West Side and reflects well on Mr Gunther. The article notes a proposed segregation of black and white children in public schools.
The Eagle notes the proposition appears feasible and Board of Education members favor it. Tat Salle should face stricter city oversight. Additional theater personnel on duty at performances are urged, and wiring aisles must be punished under the law.
Lawrence Y. Sherman, authority on civil service reform, spoke on government needs in Chicago during the campaign week. The address did not discuss the Allen bill’s merits or demerits.
Citizens demand decisive city action as claims of payroll fiddling and deferred services stir anger. Pressure mounts on police and central detectives amid accusations of graft and mismanagement in city departments.
In the Appellate Court Judge Stel rendered the opinion reversing and remanding a case brought by contracting firms seeking around two hundred thousand dollars. The decision, favoring the Drainage Board, marks a notable victory for the city in personal image cases.
At least six Republican candidates spoke to the Union League Club Tuesday evening with the remark and there are others. No Democrats were mentioned as seeking the state’s top executive post.
By careful selection and good judgment the Board of Drainage Commissioners have saved 858,000 to the taxpayers in letting the contracts for the development of the water power at Lockport.
The piece notes minimal Republican coverage of ex President Cleveland's Chicago visits and reports a Council vote 47 to 16 approving a trolley repair ban and pole removal by May 1. Health Commissioner Reynolds calls the Sanitary Bureau headquarters unsanitary, raising questions about Aldermanic investigations and the direction of the affair.
The Chicago Tribune urges year end focus on gambling and racing issues while stressing the importance of next year’s Superior Court judges election. It calls for full party tickets from both sides and favorable consideration of strong judicial candidates who narrowly missed seats after a Supreme Court ruling.
The Board of County Commissioners contemplates spending 8.5 million on improvements to county institutions at Dunning. Only the advisory committee has voiced opinion so far, and residents must hear from their elected representatives before approval.
The piece notes the opening of George Silvers saloon and frames it as the final feature of the incident with the city administration. It characterizes the affair as a mix of loud claims and minor outcomes, implying a resolved dispute.
The lengthy traction debate has impeded essential city administration tasks and stalled millions of dollars in projects, underscoring the broader harm of the prolonged discussion.
The remark suggests nonpartisan use of shush funds in city campaigns and questions the civil service law. City Engineers De Long and Goebel are cited as confirming discussions, with hopes that all facts emerge during the inquiry.
For one day last week the water meter graft was given a slight airing in the columns of some daily contemporaries, then it was dropped. Why the sudden lapse remains unclear as editors moved on to other items.
A brief note suggests that a comparison of figures will reveal that all settlements were concluded in a consistent manner.
City officials discuss resuming evening and Sunday hours for the Public Library with a modest estimated cost near 85,000. They urge proceeding to implement the extended access.
The Drainage Trustees select the Chicago firm Joseph J. Duffy & Co as a leading bidder for the 1800 contract to develop water power at Lockport. The firm is described as enterprising and reliable, with the trustees approving the choice.
The Wednesday graft investigating committee pressed Mayor Harrison to explain his plan of action as he appears to have fallen into a deep slumber after his initial public outcry in City Hall.
Analysis shows Governor Yates leading among candidates with a strong Cook County presence likely to split into three sections at the state convention. Deneen and another Cook County candidate vie for influence as Chicago headquarters expand, while upstate contenders trail. The U S Civil Service Commission will test for several posts in Chicago and Nashville, including a soil management assistant and steam vessel inspector with salaries noted.
Civengo Democrats fret over ex President Cleveland's Chicago stop as the Commercial Club guest. Some forecasters hint at a possible campaign boom, while Cleveland's friends insist the visit has no political motive. The episode has generated wide interest and gossip across factions.
Among the most important duties for voters in Cook County next fall is electing six Superior Court judges. Of the outgoing jurists, none is more able or worthy of re election than Judge Philip Stein.
It is announced that Governor Yates will serve as his own campaign manager. If true, the governor's campaign prospects are considered strong, with his leadership trusted to steer the effort.
The affairs of the Republican State Central Committee will be ably handled during the coming year's campaign by Hon. J H Rowe.
Postmaster Coyne traveled to Washington last week to press for additional staffing to manage a rise in mail volume. He was aided in his effort by Congressman Bou.
A federal judge dismissed a drainage suit brought by Corrigan Transit Co owner of the barge Algeria claiming damage from higher river tow. The Drainage Board’s litigation proceeds despite the setback, aided by a capable legal team.
San Francisco voters defeated a $710,000 bond to take over the Geary street cable road, mirroring last year’s result. Despite persistent publicity from newspapers and a lengthy education campaign, about 25,250 votes were cast from roughly 80,000 registered, showing residents think for themselves.
It might prove interesting to inquire into the manner and form of the specifications for water meters. There are those who say these specifications are designed to produce a monopoly and it could be profitable to investigate this issue.
Peter Kiolbassa, an active member of the Board of Local Improvements, is considering building a magnificent residence on Washington boulevard. The report notes his current role and ambition to undertake the project.
The Eagle confesses difficulty in seeing any great wrong in an alderman who is a lawyer taking a client with a personal damages claim against the city if the case is bona fide. If the alderman, as lawyer, should refuse to handle it.
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