Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-02-16
rCommunlcated.1
communicated.
An Interview With Ex.COunciImau John
wilhelm, Jr.. Of the sixth Ward, AlIe-
1honv

An Interview With Ex.COunciImau John
wilhelm, Jr., OF the sixth Ward, ALE.
gheny.
A gentleman prominent in politics in AL
legheny hes had an interview with ex-Coun-
Gilman Wilhelm, which is so pertinent to
the existing situation that it is here repro
duced as nearly as possible, to show M
Wilhelm's views of the candidacy of l. L.
Stsyton for Mayor:
I understand that you are not favorable
to the election of I. R. Stayton for Mayor Of
Allegheny City, is this correct?
Well, my dear friend, this is leading
question and one which would prefer not
to answer at this time. am out Of politics
and am no candidate for any office.
Well, the fact is that a great many Of
your friends, both Democrats and Republic
cans, would like to know your position in
this present fight and for this reason I de-
sire your answer.
Well, guess Mr.. Stayton is very good
fellow and a nice young man, but his sup
port and afiliation with the Republican
ring is against him and in my estimation is
great drawback to him in this contest.
81 understand that he and the Democratic
City Committee are scattering broadcast a
circular, which charges the Republican
Councils of Allegheny with extravaganza
and mismanagement. What do you think
of that?
If such is the case 1 think Mr.. Stayton is
the last man in Allegheny to undertake to do
that. 1t any bad or corrupt measures have
been put through Councils, he is more than
responsible for the same, because he has by
his vote and his acts assisted the ring, and
has helped them to get their schemes
through. The fact is that Mr.. Stayton is so
completely in the clutches of the ring that
he is unable to get away from them.
Ask Mr.. Stayton what great things he has
done while in Councils: what great good he
has done in the interest," of taxpayers.
Has he ever opposed any ring measures?
Has he ever voted against the increase of
salaries or the creating of new, fat positions
for favored politicians?
Is 1t not q matter of fact that he voted in
favor of the second-class city scheme and the
hltering scheme, which would have cost Al
legheny taxpayers not less than 100000
alone?
Has he not always voted for Mr.. Hunter
for President of Common Council when the
better class of our people were opposed to
him?
Who are Mr.. Stayton's supporters?
1 understand that the Republican ring is
principally for him because they expect to
use him If he should happen to be elected.
Stayton always helped them, and of course
they will now help him. 1 am really sur
prised that my Democratic brethren could
not find better material. presume, how
ever, they were not acquainted with his
record as well as some others are.
Don't you think he will get the full
Democratic vote?
No, sir, not half of il. There are lots of
good Democrats in Allegheny City who will
not vote for him simply because they do
not believe in rings or supporters of rings.
Who do you intend voting for?'
Ny dear boy, that is another leading
question, however am not ashamed TO tell
you. have always been Democrat and
am still one to-day, but want to 6e con-
sistent at all times, and will not support
for Office men who are not clean. want 70
vote for q man who know will be straight
forward and represent the taxpaying peo-
pie. Mr.. Griffith, I believe, possesses the
necessary elements to make good Mayor,
and would be credit to our city, and one
who would honestly administer all laws
without fear or favor, and shall therefore
cast my vote Tor him if 1 am living and
well on February 18, 1890.