The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1859-07-20

WEDNESDAY MORNING.. .............JULY 20
< IA Ihs Enquirer in its Jealous and
msgnani noas sspport of one whom il has
often de. lgnassd as "a Black Republican"
recommends TIA. The Mayor be allowed q
salary of $1,000 instead of $500 per anuum.
The services rendered by Mayor Baker
would be no more than Justly remunerated
by compensation of $1,000 a year; and
if his services could not be secured for less
sum, It would be for the interest OF the city
to paw twice that sum rather than return to
the old order Of things. But the honorable
posts in the municipal government are not
sought for the pay attached to them; and
the arduous services of Councilman are rem
dsred without fes or reward. In the fire.
qaent meetings of the Council, and in at
tending 10 the multifarious duties assigned
them on committees, q considerable portion
of the time and attention Of every Council
man is consumed in gratuitous labors for the
city. It Is their interest as property holders
aud their public spirit as citizens, that induce
them to render this public service. II has al
ways been presumed that citizen in ac-
cepting the Office of Mayor, was actuated
OF like motives; II has always been an hon
CRADLE sacrifice Of private interests to public
good It vss supposed that Mr.. Baker
would give US one Of the noblest instances
Of public spirit in this respect He was
supported by all parties as an independent
reform candidate, who was TO institute
sJstem Of rigid economy and accountable
:ty, that should reduce the expenditure in
e7erT department he published his pro-
zramne OF reduced expenditures, and ap-
pealed to the Council to keep undeviatingly
within it. Did this programme contemplate
a double salsry to the Mayor and City At
torney, while it was providing for the re-
duction of all other expense? If it did,
the Council may vote the salaries and keep
within the line of the Mayors Injunction.
We admit that the services are worthy Of
the proposed compensation, and should be
glad 10 know that His Honor went TO bed
every night with the full consciousness that
he had got the pecuniary value of all his
services during the day. But we believe
bis sIumbers would be sweeter ii he would
take his reward in another and more dura-
ble, though not so substantial, form in the
worlds eye. II he, like Louis Napoleon,
understands his epoch, and has learnt " that
he who rules by moral influences governs
most supreme, he will reject at least for
this year, the profiered increase OF salary.
His power fer good win be decreased just
In proportion as he seeks 10 raise his pay,
and the perplexities of his position will he
increased by the same ratio.
Ii we double his salary, his usefulness
will he reduced one-half, and his services
will be worth but one-half What will be
the value and force of his appeals for econo-
my and reduction, while he and his relative
is receiving double pay ? He cannot give
a more fatal blow TO his own Interests, or
more effectuany defeat the objects which his
friends hoped TO secure by his election. We
trust for his own usefulness and the good
of the city, that the Mayor will not I've tempt
ed; but will be satisfied with the hearty ap.
prevail and..co-operation OF his fellew-citizen'
in good work, till the finances OF the city
will afford a more ample pecuniaTy reward
When the city is so reduced in finances il
denies its public spirited Ere companies 8
pittance of $50 each, it win create n most
anfavoIsble popular impression TO doublr
the salary OF the Mayor, who was mo7I
tfenaoGs ia protesting against the aPpro-
priatious to the 6remen.