Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1840-01-16

CnARTER ELEcTIoN-We publish to-day the notice
authorised and required to be given 10y the Clerk of
the city for holding The charter election. That election
viii take place nett Monday week, and then will be
decided the character of our City Council and police
for the next year. There has already arisen an er-
element upon some Of the Offices that we arc sorry TO
see and hope viii snhside before the ensuing election.
The election IS important 10 the interests of the city
but ITS very importance affords strong grounds for re-
greet that any should be actuated by aspcrity orfecling
or highly excited in any way. The interest that should
be felt and which We hope actuaies all-is tho desire
to have suitable ofiicers-ofIicers who will discharge
heir duty faithfully. who are capable aud willing
we believe these can be had. and we believe these
VIII be- II the voters reflect, act oooily and dispassion-
aieiy-all act for the interests OF all. Among the pre-
sent members ofthc council there are some who are
objected IN, PcrhGps for n single vote on som, cues.
lions OF minor i'm portance-a vote given with honcsi-
OF purpose and a sincere desire TO promote the public
good. We think no man should be oslracised on such
trihing grounds. His general proceeding and charac.
Ter should be examined. Is he capable of doing Jus.
ice TO the citizens in his legisla;ionl Is he homes, in
his purpose and upright in his characterl When
these questions can be answered in the affirmative,
there can exist no doubt but he is worthy Of support.
A particular vote on n hog law, dog law or grog law.
is not a test Of mans worth. The test should be in
ms general course ofconduct. We have no intention
OF expressing whatever preferences vc may feel for
either Of the candidates Tor Mayor, or for anv Of the
various candidates for c~oUncilmen. Our purpose Is
Only TO eShori the voters TO cool. calm refeciion-to
act without passion-to act rs though they were acting
under the solemniiy OF an oath. To lay aside person
al preferences and animosities and act for the public
good alone.
We may, however. with ~propriely call the attention
Of the citizens to one object winch We consider very
and which Is worthy Of consideration, both
before the election and after IL. by tho council. IL is
The improvement Of our police. Il is deficient. worullv
So Tor all practical purposes, and il is well worthy the
consideration Of the council to sdopt some plan for the
organization Of il on a better footing. Ii is one sr the
most important branches Of n city government in a
place like ilus, 50 accessible To the rough characters
b~lacklegs, counicrcItcrs and scoundrels that inCest the
shores ofthe Ohio. II is important that The laws orc
linanccs, under which the police officers act. should
as severe as justice will pemit-and that the man
IN whose hands the execution OF these laws - placed.
should be a man Of sterling worth. and Of habits and
character for perseverance and energy no; often found
Amer enactBg the proper ordinances, PERHAPS there Is
no other way in which good officers can 80 well be Sc
cured as by making the duties and compensation as
large as practicable. We throw out these remarks for
consideration oflhe voters of The city and the new
council, with The hope that they will be received in
'he spirit they are made.