Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1870-05-16

The people of Washington have no political
representation in Congress and in one sense NAV
be said to have no political influence; for
neither their voices nor their votes exert any
control upon elections. AS individuals We have
our preferences, and strive probably to assert
them a. earnestly, as other American citizens
do, who reside in the States. Hence our local
elections have no real significance whatever,
though they are usually contested with as much
partisan zeal If the fate of the Republic
depended upon the vote Of q doubtful ward.
If this proposition be true as a general rule,
how much more so Is il under existing circum-
stances, when the two candidates for the Mayor
atty both belong to the same party, when both
claim to support the same Administration, and
when both avow an equal fidelity to the same
cause? Measured merely by q partisan rule,
there Is nothing to chose. Consequently, every
Republican Is free to vote his choice of candi-
dates, without sacrificing any principle, or
deyiating from any sense Of duty. In this state
OF facts, the simple question which should
address itself to every voter, and particularly to
every taxpayer, is, which of the two candidates
is the better fitted to promote the interests of
the city, to aid in its development and to assure
integrity and wisdom in the administration of
Its affairs?
Let rs compare them fairly. Whatever Mr..
Bowen may be, he has achieved entirely through
Politics and as chronic ofice-holder. He came
here poor, and that trade has made him rich
By what means this change was brought about,
is not for us to inquire. The fact speaks for it
self stronger than criticism could do. Mr..
Bowen has been Mayor for two years. He had
a great opportunity to signalize himself, with a
Republican Administration and q Republican
Congress In power to aid in every reasonable
way. These were extraordinary advantages.
And, besides, large impulse had been given to
the prosperity of the city by foreign capital and
enterprise. His term is now about expiring.
and what are the results? Let exorbitant taxes,
diminished credit, increased debt, and prodigal
administration, corruption, ard wanton waste
Of the peoples money answer. Look anywhere
and everywhere over the length and breadth of
the city, and no honest man can find SPOT
where any reasonable part Of the money extort-
ed BY oppressive taxes has been expended
Where has il gone, then? Into the pockets of
plundering contractors, of favorite jobbers,
and of scurvy politicians. The streets to-day
are crowded with idlers, who are hired to do no
thing and to vote TOR Bowen at the public ex-
pense. The outrage is visible in every ward.
and will not be forgotten by those who have to
foot the bill.
On the other hand, Mr.. Emery is not a pro-
fessional politician. He is a mechanic who, by
industry, thrift, honesty and perseverance, has
attained respectable position and ample
means He is of Us and with His prosperity
IL linked with that of the community His in
terest is that Of every other ax-payer-economy
and integrity in city affairs. He is practical
business man, who has grown up with Wash
ington, who knows what its wants are, and who
has the capacity and the will to see that they
are cared for properly. This is the sort of man
that the people now need We propose to try
him, and if he fails, a. Mr.. Bowen has sadly
done, then we must seek for better the next
time. Mr.. Emery per Sc is nothing to US, nor
We TO him. What We want is an upright, ener-
getic and competent Mayor for this city, no
matter by what name he may be called.