The Mayor Who Acted as Judge, Jury, and Prosecutor

The hearing of the charges against Republican members of the Board of Public Works, George H. Heilbron and William V. Rinehart, preferred by the Mayor, began yesterday morning and lasted all day. The Mayor's jurisdiction was demurred to, but overruled by him. Evidence was taken to show the truth of the charges against Major Rinehart, but nothing new transpired, and his case was closed. The Mayor will give a written decision. The large chamber of the house of delegates was packed all day with a gathering apparently of all classes. Commissioners Rinehart, Heilbron, and Cochran were present. Mayor Ronald presided, with City Clerk Stoneman keeping the minutes. Counsel for the defense argued that it was a mystery that the Mayor should formulate charges and sit as a judge to try those charges himself—the first time in the history of such proceedings that the man who initiated the charges also sat in judgment. Defense attorney Orange Jacobs protested the 'indelicacy' of the situation, noting that the Mayor was acting as judge, jury, and prosecutor simultaneously. The Mayor overruled the defense, stating he possessed the power to try the case under the city charter. The controversy centered on whether the officials had violated the charter by holding an interest in companies with city contracts—specifically insurance—while also voting on those contracts. Major Rinehart denied any corrupt intent, testifying that he had sought legal advice beforehand to ensure his actions were permissible. The proceedings concluded with the Mayor announcing he would file his findings, with the case against Mr. Heilbron scheduled for the following morning.