The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1884-08-05
CLEVELAND AS MAYOR.

Inc more GOVefnOr cleveland puOllC
record is examined, and his answering
fidelity to high sense of duty is disclos-
ed, the more is he shown to be the fittest
man for the presidency His exalted
views of public duties, his integrity of
action and unflinching independence and
courage are such that his election means
nothing but reform in the administration
of the government, for which there is an
almost universal demand by all classes,
except the Office holders.
The year 1881 brought Mr. Cleveland
into his first public prominence, Buffalo
had been badly ruled by ring of repub
lican politicians, and the conscience of the
party had rovolted against it, when the
democrats, conscious of the fine reputa-
ton Mr. Cleveland had enjoyed for up
rightness of character, called him out
from his retirement as a successful and
hard working lawyer to be their candidate
for mayor of the city. Buffalo is usually
republican by 5000 to 5000 majority,
and Mr.. Cleveland's election on the dem.
ocratic ticket by majority of 5000 was
a grand tribute above all to his personal
integrity.
His first communication to the council
contained this statement of rule of ac>
ton he intended to 60 by:
We hold the money of the people il
our hands to be used for their purpose
and to further their interests as members
of the municipality and in as quite ap-
parent that when any part of the FUNDS
which the taxpayers have entrusted TO
US are diverted to other purposes, or
when by design or neglect We allow a
greater sum to be applied to any muniCi>
pal purpose than is necessary, we have,
to that extent, violated our duty. There
surely is no difference in his duties and
obligations whether person Is entrust>
ed with the money of one man or of many
and yet it sometimes appears as
though the ofice-holder assumes that a
different rule of fidelity prevails between
him and the tax payer than that which
should regulate his conduct when, as an
individual, he holds the money of his
neighbors. 1t seems to me that a success
full and faithful ministration of the gov>
eminent of our city may be accomplished
by constantly bearing in mind that we are
the trustees and agents of our fellow cit
liens, holding their funds in sacred trust
ho cd for hi e.
should at all times be prepared to render
an honest account to them touching the
manner of its expenditure, and that the
affairs of the city should be conducted as
far as possible upon the same principles
as a good business man manages his pri'
vate concerns.
And he went by this rule. He put hi:
veto foot squarely upon all jobs thai
came in his way whether they originated
among democrats in the board of alder
mer. or among republicans. His appoint
ments were made on the score of fitness
He enforced econ omy in every branch o.
public expenditure, and redeemed an(
purified the city government.
His fame soon spread beyond the Dor
ders of Buffalo In September 1882, hi
was nominated by the democrats for Gov
ernOr, and in November in q contest il
which the whole power of the Fedora
government was arrayed against him h,
was elected by the phenomenal majorit,
of nearly 100000. He thus became tn
Reform Governor" of the most powerful
state in the Union. His reputation sool
spread beyond the borders of New York
Blaine's nomination made an issue 0
honesty and dishonesty-of pure admin
isiration and corrupt government, ant
Cleveland is now the candidate of Admin
istration Reform and Honesty, Personal
Integrity and Honor against Blaine.