American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-08-11
g4,41erfran 8eprbltra1l,
AND BALTIMORE CLIPPER.
MONDAY MORNING, AUG. IL, ls45.

B
are shown to be too large, and to abolish offices
which are proved to be useless; for we are OPP
posed to paying unnecessary taxes Tor any Pn'-
posc--and are therefore, perfectly satisfied tha'
the question shall be put to every candidate tor
either branch of the City Council, whether ne
will, if elected abolish useless offices ana re-
trench unnecessary expenses 1t our cofeSPo''-
dent can point out where this can DC sa'eiy
done in either case we will cheerully unite
with him in the cndeavor to effect his object
He has been rather unfortunate IN the instances
stated of suppose extravaganza on the part oil
the late Council viz: the increase OF the May
or's salary: the new offices created, and the
building traditional watch-houses. lie Is IN
correct in the first, inasmnch as no addition was
made to the Mayors salary; and in regard to
the new offices created, we know not to what
h. refers unless it be, the increase IN the police
establishment. This increase was indispensi-
bic to the protection of the persons and proper
ty Of the citizens and we venture to say, that
tn public voice will demand further aug
mcntation in the course Of few years. This |
is necessary result of the increase in popula-
tion, and extension OF the city Improvements
In reference to the new watch-houses, has one
been ordered to be built which was not demand
ed by the necessities of the people! We reply
in the negative. The new watch-house on
Fell's Point will be paid for by the sale of the
old one, so that no additional cost will be re-
CURED in this case. We hardly presume that
our correspondent would desire to deprive those
citizens who reside in the Southern and South
western section Of our city of protection by
night; and yet such was, in fact the case, until
the erection of the new watch-house; for the Ii
mits of the district were so large, that watch
men who had to conduct prisoners to the watch
house, necessarily left their districts unprotect-
cd for long while. We see no extravaganza
in the appropriation for watch-house in that
section of the city; but on the contrary, think
that great injustice would have been done, had
the Councils refused to make the appropra-
ton. oar correspondent believes that the late
Council was disposed to be extravagant, and
vet the taxes are somewhat lower than they
were last year, Notwithstanding the measures
of which lie complains. There is a false and a
true economy. 1t is false economy not to have
enough public officers to perform all duties re-
qured for the public, or 10 require them to la
Dor for less than fair compensation. True
economy is to have the public business faithful
" and punctually done by officers adequately
remune rated; and TO spend no money for an ex-
trlvngant or unnecessary purpose. But even
were orr correspondent correct, and that the
late Council had been unnecessarily profuse in
its expenditures, we cannot see what bearing
that fact would have on the question of reform
in State affairs. They are separate and dis
tuct matters, and can be discussed and acted
upon independently. We go for correcting
abuses OF all kinds and repeat our perfect will
ngness to aid our correspondent in removing
any Which he can shew to exist in Corporation
affairs.
No INCONSISTENCY. The Hagerstown Torch
Light quotes part Of an article fIom our paper,
which contains the sentence-'lf the subject
(of reform) assume party aspect, it will be
because the opponents of the measure choose
to rive it that chlracter'-and charges that
this is inconsistent with a former article in
which we expressed regret that reform meet
ings had not been called in this city by the
agency Of both parties, instead of by the dem
ocratic convention, Bat where is the incon
sistency' We were fearful that the act of the
democratic convention might be construed into
design to make party question of that which
should be taken up without reference to party.
The design was promptly disayowed, and all
parties were at full liberty to attend the meet
ngs and participate in the selection of del
egates Those who are in favor of reform will
throw aside party considerations to achieve
their object; whilst those opposed to reform
will most likely endeavor to give it party
character. We can see no just reason why
wings should hang back on this important sub
joct; for if they have majority of the voters
of the State, they can secure the public Offices
under all circumstances; if they have not the
majority, then the public offices should 90 to
their opponents, if party lines are to be drawn
in the distribution. But, in truth, which side
shall grasp the loaves and fishes, is a matter
which engrosses very little OF our considera-
ton. Both parties have enjoyed power, and
both have abused it--therefoIe it is about "six
of one, and half a dozen of the other" We
look at the proposed reform, no, as it may pos
sibly affect oifice-hoders or ofice-seekers, but
as it will promote the general interest of the
State. If it will be Of general advantage let
us have it, whatever may be its result upon
parties; for we are sckened with the perpetual
ding-dong about party, party.
W. ,rree with the Torch Light that sSihe