The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-02-19
FORT SMITH, ARK,
DOES NOT WANT TO BE A CITY
OF THE FIRST CLASS.
Al Least So the Board OF Aldermen,
Representing the People, Voted
The Coming Election.
IcoRREsPosDENoE on rHE ArPEAL.l


FoRT SMITH, Ark, February TO-
The City Council met in regular semi
monthly session last night. The City
Hall was crowded by a number OF
citizens, who congregated there to see
how the council would act on the reso-
luton OF Alderman Baker, submitted
at former meeting. This resolution
petitions the Governor, Secretary and
Auditor of the State to declare this
city OF the first class. The resolution
had stirred up our people and every
man was presumed to have q decided
view for or against the resolution.
These opinions were gathered by the
newspaper reporters. Some advo.
Gated, tome opposed the measure by
collecting the statutory laws. on the
subject in lengthy and enthusiastic
commune atoms to the papers; some
unkind words were spoken; some al
lusions not counted courteous and
friendly were freely made; the news
papers did not stand on the fence, but
maintained their sovereignty and In
strong editorials edited the people by
commanding one side and rousing the
other. Thus the fight for form went
on, and ended last night by the
resolution being called up for dis
position. The first and second
class city forms OF government each
had jealous friends in the audience;
II was an interesting scene rarely wit
messed in that legislative hall there
was a buzz and talking among the
crowd before the council was called to
order, which clearly indicated the
pitch TO which the matter had been
carried; Republicans were ready to
say: I'VE are In the minority at the
polls, but we propose to take q hand
in this matter" Republicans showed
they were faithfully endeavoring to
make friends for their coming April
ticket by their firing opposition to the
resolution.
The council was called to order, and
in due course the resolution was called
up. Each member made q set speech,
and when Recorder Eberle called the
roll the count stood three aldermen
for and five against the resolution,
which meant that the present form OF
government gives US all the power we
need. This conclusion, 80 far as we
know, meets with the Endorsement Of
a majority OF our people. The change
had some poisonous features in the
minds OF many leading citizens.
A gentleman OF sound judgment and
discreet tongue says: "Sam Williams
may count this victory for his mayor
atty case, but he is mistaken. Look
at the gentlemen opposing the resolu'
ton with him, Two are Republicans
and three are Democrats. 1t was no
party question and he can't put that
stamp on it, aud can't ride into $1,000
per annum Office on the questions
raised in this resolution; in fact, he
can't be mayor too many Democrats
here"
This gentleman meant that Sam
Williams would be candidate for
mayor, but II the Democrats put out
a good man the good man would be
elected. The cold of early April will
bring frost that will kill the Repub-
liCans who ask for municipal honors
at the ballot-box. These views are
based on the presumption OF Demo
cratic faith and unity; they should
stand shoulder TO shoulder and work
like men intending to hold the fort.
No Democrat with the true blood in
his veins can fold his arms and claim
that politics should not be mixed into
local affairs. Such men want an ex-
Cuse for voting out Of the party. Let
them take stand against the faith at
such time and then let the party
vote them out Of it until they learn
the rules-the laws of faith which
which bind any number OF men to-
gether in good purposes.