1915-04-29oo

“Convinced beyond persuasion that the City Hall  is permeated with politics and corporation rule, Controller T. S. Morris is determined to overthrow these interests”

Hamilton Spectator.    April 24, 1915.

Never shy about speaking his mind, Controller Tom Morris was a bold reformer at Hamilton City Hall, and not always the most popular of the local civic political contingent.

Still, by the end of April, 1915, he had gained the support of Mayor Walters and Controller Robson, so that with his own vote, he had a majority of 3 out of five votes on the board. He then set his sights on getting the Hamilton City Council equally supportive of his efforts:

“He hopes that there will be enough to insist on civic affairs being conducted along purely business lines, and not from the viewpoint of personal party concern.”¹

¹ “ Civic Affairs Are ‘Rotten’ Once More”

Hamilton Times.   April 29, 1915.

Speaking to reporters on the undue private sector and political party influences which successfully seem to have overwhelming influence at Hamilton City Hall, Morris did not mince words:

“In a statement today, the Controller was terse, but emphatic : ‘These interests have the city by the throat,’ he declared. ‘The most recent instance is the most flagrant case of hold up that I have ever known,’ ”¹

Controller Morris was referring to a five-year contract awarded to a friend of an alderman, a contract which had been awarded so quickly that no other firms had a chance to make a bid.

Controller Morris’ analysis of the situation was written up by the Times reporter :

“He figures that there are three ‘bosses’ interfering in municipal doings. One of these, an alderman, is merely a ‘straw’ man. The two others are a ‘corporation’ boss and a ‘political’ boss. The Controller does not care to mention names at this time, although in a safe position in to do so, he says.”¹

In 1914, there had been a major investigation into wrong-doing in the Board of Works department. Cases of theft , overbilling, paybacks to suppliers and more had led to a number of managers to be forced out from their jobs with the City of Hamilton :

“There is a strong feeling, growing around the City Hall that before the end of this year, there will be another investigation into the ways of city officials. The proposed inquiry will not touch the Board of Works, which is now regarded as the most business-like department in the whole City Hall, and which has been undertaking big work during the last year or so for cheaper than ever before.

“It was hinted today, though, that not only would a certain branch of the municipal service figure in this, but also certain members of City Council.”¹