, 1877-03-04
THE APPROACHING LOCAL ELECTION

1dE .AEfhVAGd1N0 LUtAL ELEET10NS.
Now that the protracted uncertainty of the
issue of the Presidential struggle has given
way to the certainty Of the peaceablc inaug-
uratlon of the man who was adjudged to
have the clearest title to the Office, the pub
Lie may turn its attention to subjects OF
scarcely less importance which have been
oyershadowed and neglected for some
months. Chief among these for the people
of Chicago is the approaching local election.
The passage in the House Of Senator
KEHoE's two bills for holding tie city aud
town elections on the same day, and con-
ducting both by the same machinery, if ac-
complished within 3 few days, will bring the
regular city election for Mayor, Treasurer,
Attorney, Clerk, aud Aldermen On the first
Tuesday in april, a little less than month
from now The urgency felt by the people
Of Chicago, and, for that matter, by the
people Of the entire State, to have these two
elections occur on the same day will proba~
bly, induce the House to pass this measure
ear7y in the week. In that event, the people
OF Chicago will choose on Tuesday, April 3,
both the men who assess and collect the
taxes for the County Government and the
men who administer the City Government
for the ensuing year. Both these important
elections occurring on the same day, they
should command m attention commensurate
with the vital interests and large amount of
money involved in the result.
AS to the town officers, the experience of
Chicago people ought to teach them that
their selection is Of the greatest importance,
and that apathy as to their character is pro-
ductive Of the most serious nbuses. Hereto
fore the taxpayers have been at the mercy of
the bummers. The Offices and tie con-
troll Of the election were in their
hands They established but few voting
places, which we're occupied by gangs Of re-
peaters, aud stuffed the ballot-boxes to any
extent that was subsequently found necessa-
r. But if Senntor kENoE's bills pass the
Honse, as they have already passed the Sen
ate, there will l'c as many voting -places for
town officers as there are for city officers.
mud there is ,.o reason why the aggregate
roia Of the tlrce towns located within the
limits of the city ahonld not be as large as
the city vote. At all events, it will be the
fault OF tie taxpayers themselves if they
neglect the town election under the circu:n-
stances. The same electiou-iudees will
serve for the towns as for the city, and every
reasonable protection seems to be provided
against fraudulent voting, repeating, and
ballot-box stuffiug. It should l,e matter of
pride and duty with both political parties to
place in nomination reputable and compe-
teat citizens for the different town places.
and the importance of the trust has been so
fully demonstrated of 1ate that lcafing citi-
zens can now be induced to accept it,
As to the city election, We are nenaced
With new attack Of the bumm.er element.
under the leadership Of 31r. Gown, who
presided over a two years aud half adminis-
ration Of reckless extrarageree, undiseuised
lot, md confessed corruption. It is stated |
Fith confidence that tie Democrats will |
'om'nate this man for Mayor. We have no
influence with the local Democratic maua~
'ets; but If they run Co1v1s for Mayor it