Tacoma’s Mayor Fires Public Works President After a Heated Exchange

Tacoma, May 7.—Special.—This morning President D. Demorest, of the board of public works, told the mayor that he did not like his administration, anyhow, and that he wanted no more to do with it. Tonight David L. Demorest is in a position to keep his word. He is out of a job.

The ax swung swift and fast. This is the way it came:

“Mayor’s Office, Tacoma, May 7, 1896.

“To Arvid Rydstrom and M. M. Taylor, Esq., Members of the Board of Public Works—Gentlemen: This is to notify you that the term of office of Mr. D. L. Demorest expired on the second day of April, 1896, and that I have this day notified him that his services are not required by the city of Tacoma from this date. I have notified him to turn over all city property to the board of public works. You will take notice of this disposition of the matter, and as the majority of the board of public works you will protect the city’s interests in all matters where Mr. Demorest has heretofore had authority. Very respectfully, EDWARD S. ORR, Mayor.”

Ever since Mayor Orr took office, April 17, 1894, Mr. Demorest and he have not been on the most loving terms. Mr. Demorest thought H. S. Huson should have been renominated for mayor, instead of having Mr. Orr put up, when the Huson faction was downed in the convention. Mr. Demorest said nothing, but he did not like the condition of affairs.

The mayor and Mr. Demorest have not thought alike on many subjects, but things have run along smoothly on the surface, though troubled below. Today the two gentlemen had an interview in the mayor’s office. There Mr. Demorest’s wrath blazed up, and he said several unpleasant things about the administration, intimating that it was in a somewhat decrepit condition. It is said remarks were caused by the fact that Mr. Demorest believed the mayor was not to reappoint him on the board.

When Mr. Demorest left the office the mayor wrote the above letter, made copies of it and took them to the office of the board. Having copies on the various desks he departed, saying never a word.

Mr. Demorest went to Portland on the 2 o’clock train. Interviewed before he left he said: “The mayor and I, you know, have not got along together very well. He sent a letter saying my term expired on April 2, and you know what is in the letter to the other members of the board. I have been contemplating a trip to Portland for a week or ten days. No, the Portland trip has nothing to do with the matter. I shall return about next Friday. I will see what is said in the newspapers about this matter and when I return I may have something more to say. If the mayor wants to tell what is in the letter he sent to me and what I replied, why, he may. That is his business.”

“Do you consider yourself as having been removed?”

“No, sir; I am a member of the board of public works till my successor has been appointed and qualified. If work is to be done I will perform my duties as an officer.”