The Inside Scoop on City Hall Graft

To the Editor: It is perhaps of interest for the public to know a little about its appointed officers. I have been connected with the office of the building inspector from May 20th until July 16th, and I believe myself able to detail the doings in that institution. When the big change took place, a certain Mr. J. C. Helms was the lucky one to get the office. He is comparatively little known, and were it not for his family being prominent in the Salvation Army, he might be even less known. Another thing that pulled strong in his favor is that he is known to our chief executive as not being a man, which seems to be the only capacity required to fill an office. I was an applicant myself, but was put on as his assistant. This worthy Mr. Helms did this against his will, as he wanted another gentleman, Tom Nevins, as his right-hand man. He worked nearly a week to make the board of public works believe a third man was necessary, then put Nevins on as clerk. Nevins is not a mechanic; he is a fence post. All this gentleman has to do is issue permits, make out a weekly report (which Mr. Helms told me he has to write over to enable the board of public works to read it), and write a few requisitions. Nevins puts in his time talking politics and practicing writing. Permits are issued without examining the plans or investigating the grounds, as the ordinance requires. Mr. Helms told me not to serve notice on Mr. John Collins, as he had personal reasons. On June 20, Helms ordered 2,000 feet of 3x6 lumber for boxing in a water pipe, though we only needed 400. When I reported this, I was told to keep quiet so the board would not find out.