The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1876-02-19
A NOBLE EXAMPLE.

As Alderman TAtham'S name was mentioned
as likely Candidate tor The civic chair of Leeds,
and as il appears TO have been subsequently,
thought thai he might rot be inclined to dis
pense the hosplalijies attaching 10 that efice in
the way in which our mayors have generally felt
it their duty TO DO, it may be intrssting to our
readers TO know en- what principle the worthy
aldermen acted in the matter. Here is letter
which Mr. latham has addressed TO his friend on
tne subject 'MaDy questions having been put
to me, and some misunderstanding existing, as
we'll as ceDsure on my action in declining the Of
fee of Mayor OF Leeds, | ventufe TO Offer the fol-
lowing to such OF u, friends who may desire 10
be correctly informed. | am one holding strong
onvictions, both as Quaker and as a testotsl-
Ter, and whist il is of no practical importance to
the borough whether oficiaie as Mayer or net,
it is OF Every Importance TO myself that should
act up 10 my cohvIeiiuns. The municipal duties
are not those FROM which | shrink but feel
myself precluded from extending civic hospitality
10 distinguished visitors or strangers in Il way
which the public would consider appropriate.
~ | have a mission, it is to show ths princes,
dukes, and judges, magistrates aldermen, ceun-
cillors and others, that intoxicating drinks are
mol necessary for their due and proper reception,
and this | feel, that both the Council and the
public at large are not yet ready TO acc pit
Again, could not identify myself with the mil
ltdEy. we say over Tue entrance OF our DOUle
Victoria Hall, Except the Lord keep the city, the
watchman waketh but in vain, and this fslly
believe. The peace OF the borough is to be pre-
served by lawful MEANS and to me the sword
and bayonet are not lawful. | could rely on the
civil power alone draw clear, though it
may be a fine line OF distinction between police
man and a soldier; the policeman's duty is to
preserve order, and although in doing this, life
Ray be sacrificed, this is not mis- object-but the
military aim al securing order by the destruction
of life or limb. just laws, eQuitably administer
ed, are to my mind the best securities for peace
aud with these the civil power will, | believe,
always be found sufficient. | may be told that
this and other duties could be done by depHty.
would not do by another what would not do
myself and were Mayer, should allow no one
to exercise my function. No one in officiating
as Mayor is called upon, in my judgment, TO en-
croach seriously upon his private resources by an
undue extension of bis ordinary expenditure
After a free and unreserved expression of these
views in Council, feel satisfied that many, with
the best personal feeling towards myself, would
still feel insurmCuntable difficulty in supporting
my appointment l haEe-Ro idea that the Coun-
Gil is prepared to relinquish what has so leng
been regarded as a necessity, and to accept a
year OF utilitarian asceticsm, that they so far
sccep, the principles of peace and temperance as
to wish TO see them embodied in the person of
their chief magistrate and until that time ar
rives, il ever it does, have no wish TO be mar
tyr to my convictions by attempting to represent
such an embodiment Leeds Eng Times.