Opinions Differ in Wilmette

Reporter Gets Contradictions of Story About Local politics Printed a Week Ago.

The peaceful suburb of Wilmette was suddenly aroused last Thursday by an article which appeared in the Lake Shore News concerning the political status of the present occupants of the town offices. Officials in the administration and other residents were strenuous in their denials of the criticism attached to the officers in the town government. When interviewed by a reporter for the Lake Shore News, Mr. Frank Forrester, the town collector, who was the only officer in the town hall, stated that he had never heard the term "Bathhouse John" applied to the present president of the board of trustees, and thought that it was used, if at all, only by disgruntled politicians, who ere not able to break into the town administration, or by friends who used the name "Bathhouse" as a joke because his one first name happens to be "John." Other business men and residents of the town stated that while the present coterie of office holders had controlled the village government for years,in fact they could not remember when they did not, yet far be it from them to say they that a "ring" as designated by the Lake Shore News was at the helm, for the town is well and satisfactorily governed, as most admit.
When questioned as to the probability of an opposition party at the April election, it was stated that rumors of opposition were in the air and that there would undoubtedly develop a strenuous fight for the offices which are to be filled. It is understood definitely that President John D. Couffer will be a candidate for reelection. No definite candidate for the opposition party has as yet been suggested.

Story Upheld by Old Opponents.

Persons connected with the campaign against the present administration at the election last April stated that the article in the Lake Shore News stated the status of conditions in Wilmette and that the paper should be commended for telling the story frankly as it had been related to the reporter. Against this faction is the body of officce holders and business men of the viillage, who decry any attacks on the present administration. Between these two factions, it is certain that a lively fight will develop in the spring election.