The Wilmingtonian., 1885-06-06
JUST BEFORE THEBATTLE.

that until seven in the evening the munich
pal contest will be fearful and strong.
While political enthusiasts are claiming
positive majorities for their respective party
candidates, yet tine cautious observer ad-
mits that the result hangs trembling in the
balance.
Notwithstanding the Importance of the
counoilmanic selections, the chief interest is
apparently centered in the Muyoralty and
Presidency of the Council contest.
Henry G. Conrad, Esq, who has been cleo
ted to champion the Republican cause, is a
representative of the better elements of Re-
publicanism and his candidacy is warmly
espoused by every shade of Republicanism,
and it is safe to assert that a Republican
who hesitates to vote for Mr.. Conrad needs
but slight excuse for getting beyond the
Republican lines.
Mr. Conrads canvass has been conducted
upon the plane of an exalted character, and
his manly conduct and modest demeanor in
this political contest has greatly strengthen
ed him in the confidence and respect of all
good thinking people.
To those knowing the man, it is work
of supererogation to state that no unholy
compacts, have been formed for the dstri-
button of political spoils in case of Mr..
Conrad's election. We can state authorit-
atively that Mr.. Conrad has made no "prom-
ises" whatsoever in case of his election,
but to one and to all he has said that if
elected to the Office of Mayor, he must be
left free to make just such appointments
as would rebound to the credit of his admin
istration and to the best interests of his
fellow-citizens. There will be no entaagling
alliances to handicap him in the discharge
of his official obligations.
Mr.. Conrad came to this city in early
youth and the record of his life has been an
exceptionally clean one. Manly but not
vain, dignified but approachable and at all
times courteous, he has insensibly entwined
himself around the hearts and affections of
his fellow citizens
1t has been claimed that there is a defec-
tion in the colored vote which will cost Mr..
Conrad the Mayoralty. This statement may
be true but we seriously question if any
considerable number of the African race
can be cajoled into antagonizing the election
of Mr.. Conrad.
The colored people of this city and State
are indebted to Mr.. Conrad as no other peo-
pie are or can be- When the rank and file
of the Democratic party were loud in ex-
preston of their belief that the negro and the
ourang outang were twins Mr.. Conrad was
laboripg with those people for the improve
ment of their intellectual natures, to the
end that they might be the better able to
appreciate their rights of citizenship.
When Mr.. Conrad first assumed his la
bors among the colored people he was sub
jected 10 the odium and indignation of his
fellow townsmen, but feeling that some one
must do the work Mr.. Conrad went straight
forward in what was considered most un-
inviting field of labor, and the result is that
to-day the colored schools of Delaware di
rectly through the influence of Mr.. Conrad
are receiving state aid to the amount of five
thousand dollars per annurn.
The colored people may not vote for Mr.
Conrad, but if they do not they will be plac
ed in the position of being the most migrate
ful beings on the face of the globe.
Mr.. Conrad labored for the intellectual
advancement of the negro race because hi
believed that their future as good citizens
depended upon their mental improvement
and this labor was performed without any
reference to pecuniary advantage or politi
cal preferment, and it seems most unnatura
that the colored people could be expected t.
turn their backs upon one who has been 81
devoted to their interests as Mr.. Henry G
Conrad.
DIR. E. G. shortledge, the Republican can
didate for President of the City Council, is
one OF our best known physicians and h,
stands at the head of his honored profes
sion. DR.. Shortledge in various civic posi-
tions has been found on the side of an hon
est and economical administration of az
public questions.
Prof. G. B. Rhoads, the Democratic star
dard bearer, is ''hail- fellow well-met' ant
has large personal following. He is on
of the most popular men Of his party and hi
political followers feel assured of success
Col. ]. G. Farra, the Democratic nomine
for President of the Council, is one of th
highest young men of his party. Col. Far
ra was rocked in the cradle of Democrac
and he has faithfully preserved the politica
faith of his fathers. Some years ago Mr.
Farra was elected to the responsible posi
tion Of Secretary and Treasurer of til
Wilmington and Western Railroad Co.
which position he has retained up to th
present date. Mr.. Farra is held in high es
TEEN by the management oi the B. & T
Railroad Co., which is the strongest com
pliment that can be paid to his efficienc
and fidelity to important trusts.
Industry No. 2.