EXPEEIEXCES WITH COEXSEL 



161 



found to be iti the utmost confusion. As a man of experi- 

 ence in model business methods, ^h. Bramhairs 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 liabiEties against the commis- 

 sion could have been secured for less amounts, earlier in the 

 proceedings, when lower values on contiguous propert}^ 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 conmiissioners 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. 



