Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-01-13
Principles VS.. Persons and PARTIAL

principles Vss Persons and PARTIAL
ity.
Editor Morning NewS: The two tickets in
the field for Mayor and Aldermen are elicit
ing much discussion. There is much per-
sonal feeling displayed by some parties, and
criticisms sharp, severe and pointed in
obliged In according to the peculiar temper
aments OF the takers.
But this is not a time for personalities;
there is something more to be considered
and voted upon. The mass mseting OF the
18th made distinct issues as to the future
policy OF the city government. l say mass
meeting, for no objections were raised
against them, and silence is generally con-
sidered as giving assent. What were they?
AS follows:
l. That the Mayor and Aldermen shall
have the right to regulate and determine
the salary OF any official elected by said
Mayor and Aldermen.
What sensible man can or will object to
that9
2. The Mayor and Aldermen shall not
have the right or power to elect any officers
for longer term than three months beyond
the time for which they themselves are
elected by the people.
Who ever heard of one set of legislators
having officers elected by another set going
out OF office for them? The idea is absurd,
and how it was ever inaugurated in the city
OF Savannah was sal QeneriS, and should be
subject for Investigation; tor the idea is of
that 'rich, rare and racy" kind, so odd, so
violative Of common sense. aud SO over
strained as to rights Of legislative bodies,
that the world should know the reasons
therefor.
:. 3. That the system for the registration Of
voters for municipal elections in this city is
fraught with danger to our city.
From the discussions in the City Council,
as to certain classes who were registered
and by what means they were induced to
register, should say IL there was not fraud
there was premeditated corruption, for a
man who will allow himself to be carried
to the polls is himself corrupt or a mere
tool for corruption, and the man or men
who carries him are corrupt, for they have
corrupt intentions of personal gain, influ-
ence, power or Interior objects.
4. The requiring of the Sheriff of Chat
ham county to perform the duties of jailer,
and to fix the salary at 81, 900.
That Is question upon which there may
be differences of opinion. In the days of
slavery the Jail was comparatively empty,
and the duties could be performed easily
for 81 900. But as now, filed with violators
of law, it requires the especial attention of
some one distinct from the Sheriff.
There are, it will be seen, distinct, clear
and important issues made, independent OF
men. 1t is to be presumed that Mr.. Purse
indorses the action of the meeting How
stands Mayor Wheaton on those issues, and
the gentlemen whose names are associated
with his? This election is not one of per-
sons or Partially, but of clear, open issues
Of city policy and city government in the
future.
Do or do not the voters of the city ins
dorse the resolutions of the mass meeting |?
That is the question. 1t is not Purse or
Wheaton or Democracy, but the future gov
eminent Of the city. Personalities are out
of place, not to say contemplate, In the
coming election. l cannot vote for any
man whose position l do not know on the
above questions.
INnFPRNDENT V0TEp