The 'Kid Committee' Sinks Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson, member of the board of public works and superintendent of the city water works, was turned down by the board of aldermen last night. The street expression was that he was defeated 6 to 3, but in reality the vote was 5 to 4, because Dr. Sweeney voted against Jackson so that he could move to reconsider.

To explain Jackson's defeat required only a look at the crowd and some knowledge of the past. The 'kid committee' had been fighting him ever since he was superintendent of the Lake Union tunnel and ran affairs instead of being run. He incurred Miller's displeasure when chief of police in connection with the gambling question, and since becoming superintendent of the water works he had stepped on the toes of a certain alderman by discharging some of his friends. J. M. Wolfe, an ex-member of the board of public works and the tool of the 'kid committee,' had been prominent in the work against confirmation.

When the board of aldermen met, the lobby was filled with discharged employees of the water department and henchmen of J. M. Wolfe, all eager to see the old fight revived. There was no discussion on the appointment; every member evidently had predetermined his action. Anderson, Brewer, Dunston, Jordan, Miller, and Sweeney voted against confirmation; Lovejoy, Clise, and Compton voted in favor. After the appointment was rejected, Sweeney arose and said he had voted against Jackson so that he could move to reconsider at the next meeting. He gave notice that he would bring the matter up next Monday night. This explanation made it evident that the real vote was 5 to 4.