The Alderman, the Streetcar Man, and the Offer to 'Make It All Right'

Seattle, March 1895.

To the Editor: Referring to the letter in your issue today from St. Louis, signed E. F. Wittler, I crave the privilege of answering it through the same medium that gave it publicity. I regret the publication of the St. Louis letter before it ever reached the board of aldermen, to which it was addressed.

Recalling to the public mind the fact that an investigation has been demanded at the hands of the board of aldermen by Mr. Wittler's former employee, Alderman Sweeney — the only member to whom, as Mr. Wittler admits, any of the courtesies of the road have been extended — it would seem that the proper course to pursue would be to await such investigation; but, as to the evidence in the case, 'the cat is out of the bag,' and the board of aldermen is already in possession of such information as conclusively sustains my statement and will deter any of Mr. Wittler's friends from pressing the matter. Fools rush in where angels dare not tread.

This unfortunate controversy was not the result of dislike to Mr. Wittler. I had nothing whatever against him, nor have I now. The insult offered by him was to the alderman's master — I am but a public servant. My remark in the council chamber was purely obiter dictum, and came about in the regular course of official business. The fact that Mr. Upper overheard only so much of Mr. Wittler's remarks to me as that 'he would make it all right with me if I would keep the bill from passing' disproves nothing I said.

The very next day Mr. Fred Sander and Mr. Wittler met me and introduced a conversation. I at once told Mr. Sander that I could not entertain the company or the conversation of a man who had so outrageously insulted me as had Mr. Wittler, and thereupon narrated, in Mr. Wittler's presence, to Mr. Sander the facts as I stated them before the board of aldermen. Then Mr. Sander censured him severely for his conduct, and Mr. Wittler offered an apology in terms of humiliation. Mr. Sander then insisted that I drop the matter. This I did, and it was my intention not to refer to it again.

Now here comes in the enormity of Mr. Wittler's second offending. Probably some one informed him of my leniency, and, banking too much on my forbearance, he — the man who insulted me first — now attempts to injure me by rushing into print with that outrageous St. Louis letter. I simply will not submit to it, and hereby give the facts.

J. EUGENE JORDAN.