EXPERIENCES WITH COUNSEL 161 
found to be in the utmost confusion. As a man of experi- 
ence in model business methods, Mr. Bramhall’s attention 
was at once attracted to this situation. It was not long be- 
fore reports were in circulation of the conditions being so 
bad that some of the leading attorneys were considering the 
advisability of sending a protest to the Park Board against 
Munn’s retention. Some remedy must be found. Two of 
the commissioners determined to get rid of him. They 
made an earnest effort with that end in view. 
Upon further investigation, it was found there was ample 
cause. The neglect to advance the very many cases in con- 
demnation proceedings was resulting in higher awards. 
These awards for increasing liabilities against the commis- 
sion could have been secured for less amounts, earlier in the 
proceedings, when lower values on contiguous property had, 
by purchase and otherwise, been established. The failure 
to have deeds and other legal papers of the land acquire- 
ments promptly and properly recorded, as required under 
the Martin act, was making the commission liable for taxes 
and other charges. Valuable papers of the law department 
could not be found when wanted. Much inconvenience, de- 
lay and loss was being occasioned by the absence of the 
counsel when important meetings of the commissioners were 
held to take testimony in condemnation proceedings. The 
failure to attend meetings of the commission when matters 
of great importance and urgency were to be considered, 
continued. 
With these conditions before them, the minority mem- 
bers endeavored to secure the necessary third member to 
constitute a majority for action. Commissioner Peck’s atti- 
tude was felt to be too uncertain. Commissioner Shepard’s 
position, in persistent advocacy of Counsel Munn, was well 
known. Commissioner Murphy went to the Park Board 
rooms, looked over the situation there with one of the other 
members, and admitted that the case was serious. The im- 
pression received was that he would unite in the vote for 
dismissal. 
At the next board meeting the subject was brought up. 
