A Mayor's Nomination and the Aldermen Laying Plans to Block It
Mayor Phelps names John J. Scurry to the board of public works, and the same aldermanic combination that fought his predecessor quietly organizes to sink the confirmation.
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 nomination by Mayor Phelps of John J. Scurry for the place on the board of public works about to be vacated by the retirement of Andrew Jackson, has caused quite a flurry among certain members of the board of aldermen. The candidacy of Mr. Scurry will come up for consideration before the board next Monday evening and it is said that already a combination has been made for his defeat. It is understood that he will be opposed by Leander Miller, president of the board, and one or two others. In fact the same combination that opposed Jackson.
It is impossible to learn just how strong the combination is, but yesterday those opposed to Mr. Scurry were quite active about the city hall laying plans to block his confirmation. Mr. Scurry's friends do not believe that the opposition has sufficient strength to defeat him, while those reputed to lead the opposition decline to talk.
“It is impossible to learn just how strong the combination is, but yesterday those opposed to Mr. Scurry were quite active about the city hall laying plans to block his confirmation.”
A mayor names his man to a city board; the aldermen who opposed the last one quietly close ranks to kill the confirmation. This is the durable machinery of Seattle City Hall — patronage, backroom counting, and a vote set for Monday night. Substitute a modern commission or board seat and the maneuvering would read almost unchanged.
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