The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-02-18
THEMUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
MOEOPOLIZING THE ATTENTION
OF FORT SMITH.
What the Democrats and Republicans
Propose to Do and the Men They
Are Putting Forward.
Ioo.nrsroSDEScE :oY rHI APPEAL.l


class CITY. and be BON again as n city
NJ the frst-class ?' This regeneration
under Arkansas law means much and
brings about many changes. To be
CITY OF the frst-class means popula-
ton over 5000, the election OF mayor,
police Judge and treasurer, together
with aldermen, by the people, and
the appointment OF clerk and chief
of police by the Council; the compen-
sation Of officers by salaries stipulated
nv the Council, and the turning OF all
fees into the hands Of the treasurer;
power OF making improvements and
creating debts; extended powers TO
the MAYOR. Whereas, the second
class system, with few minor excep-
tions, makes all officers elective, COM
pensat!on by salaries and fees. The
mayor is the presiding and executive
officer.
BY the law any city having popu.
lation over 5000 may by resolution OF
the council petition the Governor,
Secretary and Auditor OF the Stats to
declare 1t city OF the first class. III
this board believes the city named in
the petition has this population II
will declare such city first class, with
powers to act, and be governed by the
laws regulating cities OF the hrst
class.
Whatever evils may exist in the law
APPLYING 10 cities OF the second class,
and whatever benefits may be in the
FIRST class city law, our people, as a
rule, seem opposed to change, pre-
ferring 10 live as a second class city,
believing that II the people at the
election elect good officers we will bs
prosperous and reap harvest OF good
government
The present Council is made up OF
two Republican and six Democratic
aldermen. The resolution TO petit
ton the State Board 10 de-
clare this city OF the
fnt class will come up for consid-
Grafton in the Council tonight, and
there Is strong belief that 1t will
pass.
The Times flvor the change, and
by course OF rear oning almost ire
sistible brings into prominence the
advantage flowing from the new form,
while the Tribune takes stand for
the present system.
In some street arguments ia found
measure OF politics. 1t is claimed that
the Republicans will at the April cleo
ton place Alderman Williams on
their ticket as may or, and by vigor-
GUS effort try TO capture the city gov
eminent; that the plan Is well laid
and will not work 30 well II the change
L. .s..Ia .o,., Nhta ont ~ Tho Hia-
cussion, make the best government we
can have under the law, whether as
hrst or second class city, and when the
election rolls around let the Demo-
Gratis do what their numbers and quail
ity qualify them 10 do-elect good men
and hold the city in their hands. The
party has men in Its ranks who are
competent TO ably discharge the du-
ties a every Office known under the
law governing cities. II our men do
their duty land II they fail in their
party duty they should be driven
from the party, the next election will
deliver 10 the town Democratic ad-
ministration. 1t requires no prophet
10 make this declaration.
j. Henry CANAL has faithfully met
every requirement Of him as mayor
in the pat three years, but declines
10 ask for third term. He ia now
senior editor OF the Elevator. Candi-
dates are numerous, but are slow to
give notoriety to their desire TO serve
the people. The Democrats will hold
convention and put out full ticket.
The people are throwing deal OF
push and energy into all affairs affect
ing the city. With an unQuestioned
population OF 10000, growing re.
sources and excellent railroad facili-
tiee, our strength aud importance is
not underratsd Mt home. One circum-
stance after another adds new life to
our business. The bridging OF the
Arkansas for our trade is no longer an
open question. Through the enter
prise OF the Frisco line fine bridge
equal in all respects TO the demand
has been constructed across the Ar
kansas five miles from this place, near
Van Buren,, at a cost OF 100000. This
bridge was completed and the first
run made across II on last Monday az
ternoon. Quite large number OF our
citizens went down 10 witness the az
fair, which is 30 important in the des-
tiny OF this town. Trains now arrive
and 60 out In the usual way, the engine
in the proper p'ace. The Little Rock
road still holds on TO the boat transfer
system, which in no way increases
the attractions OF Its line, and gives
no additional comfort TO its passen-
gers. 1t declines to grant its patrons
the easy havel TO be had in Joining
with the 'Frisco line in the use Ct
their bridge.
THE HACKKTT CITY
people are all alive on the prospects
OF having the Frisco road to 20
through their town. This road is be-
ginning the extension OF its line from
here to Paris, Tex, and it Is thought
that the course will be due south in
the State for distance of sixteen
miles, which carries the road into
Hackett City, thence southwest into
the Indian country toward Paris.
The Hackett City people, with
an interest and zeal that
does them great credit, have
undertaken to secure the right OF way
from here 10 Hackett. In this under
IAklDB tney nave nhu great success,
but some obstacles have fallen in their
way. A few owning lands along the
proposed line decline TO transfer with
ont excessive consideration any part
of their land as a right Of way. Ben
Hackett, the son OF the father Of the
town, is putting his whole soul into
the matter and is trying 10 induce the
people to come to the front and aid in
q plan which must bring increased
value TO all lands lying in the neigh
borhood of the extended road, and
give fresh start to business OF every
kind. An open air meeting was held
in Hackett City Saturday TO consider
the report Of the committee 10 secure
the right Of way.
II is hoped that those who are &c
arbitrarily hindering the success Of
this plan will yield and do something
for the welfare OF their section.
NOTES.
Up to date hut one man has an
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