Searching for Efficiency in City Hall
A joint committee of the Municipal League and the Chamber of Commerce begins an investigation into the spending habits of King County officials.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The preliminary inquiry into the affairs of the county offices and the economical management of their several offices was commenced yesterday afternoon by the joint committees of the Municipal League and the Chamber of Commerce. The question of holding an open meeting or a secret session was started by Mr. Chapin, expressing the belief that as this was only a preliminary inquiry, questions and answers could be put and given with freedom and less restraint than in the presence of reporters. Mr. Twichell, in reply, said he courted the fullest and most open inquiry, and for his part he would rather the reporters be present than not. Dr. Mitten and Mr. Gordon echoed Mr. Twichell's sentiments. Mr. Graves and Judge McGilvra came to Mr. Chapin's rescue and encouraged the private hearing, and as they represented the majority of the joint committee, Mr. Chapin announced an 'executive' session, which was held, lasting for nearly three hours.
“Mr. Twichell, in reply, said he courted the fullest and most open inquiry, and for his part he would rather the reporters be present than not.”
The tension between transparency ('fullest and most open inquiry') and the desire for closed-door efficiency remains a hallmark of Seattle civic life, echoing modern debates over city council proceedings and committee oversight.
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