The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1890-05-08
ONE VIEW OF IT.
spirited Comment an the Agitation About
Certain salaries.

spirited Comment an the Agitation About
Certain salaries.
To the Editor Of the Standard:
Alderman Shovelin, the consequential
member from the First ward, Ii now pos
ing before the public az the sole and
single champion of economy and reform
to he found In the city council. Evidently
he has for some time past labored under
the delusion that the existence of the city
government depends wholly upon him.
As q result he has ignored committee
limitations and undertaken the general
management Of municipal affairs TO an
extent that the mayor would scarce feel
warranted In going. For the past couple
of weeks IL hos become generally known
that this disinterested champion of the
groaninR taxpayers was going 10 have
the salaries Of the paid city officials cut
down. Ordinarily N alderman's voice
or vote IL insufficient In such matters, but
with a lofty disdain that has become very
marked since his reelection, Factotum
Shovelin ignored the usual mode of pro-
ceedure and himself decided the matter
Through some obstreperousness on
the part Of that body his de-
cision was not sustained, but the oc-
casion was q golden n for Dennis tn
strut about In his favorite role as an
economist and reformer, and he made
good use of II for the moment.
II occurring to the writer that Alderman
Shovelin Is neither properly understood
nor appreciated in the position he now
occupies, and to the end that full Justice
be accorded him, 1t may not he amiss to
state u fact or two.
pal corporations, Montana statutes, after
recitinR hat no nay or alderman shall
DC appointed to any municipal office
created during his incumbency, contin-
ues, "Lor shall any mayor or alderman
be interested directly or indirectly In the
profits OF any contract entered into while
The city erected a hose house recently
aud Alderman Shovelin Obtained from
James Richie, who superintendent it's con-
struction, n promise to have the job Of
painting II. A contract was to have
been let. but at Mr.. Shovelin's request
the matter was delayed for n few days,
and then, taking advantage of Mr.. Rich
les temporary absence from the city, Dem
mis- started on the job. II was half fin
ished by the time Mr.. Richie returned,
and that gentleman thinking that the fire
committee OF the council had made the
contract for the work. gave the matter no
omical but thrifty alderman sent in his
bill, II amounting to the modest sum OF
Sl76.OO. Incidentally IL then transpired
that he had never been explicitly em-
ployed, but had gone ahead on the
strength OF the few words that had first
passed between Mr.. Richie and himself.
Again at last Saturday evenings ses-
sion of the council. a half hour after he
had offered n resolution TO cut own the
salaries of the city attorney, clerk and
treasurer, he advocated the resolution al
lowing so per month additional to the
police Judge for Office rent. The above
noted instances will show just how sins
cere and consistent Alderman Shovelin
Is in his present attitude.
IL occurs to the writer that the worthy
gentleman instead of making Others Ego
through the first ward with tears In their
eyes" could perform a more graceful and
appropriate act by going through b. il him
self with tears of penitence in his eyes and
his resignation i'm his hand. IL that mode
of exit from a position he has disgraced
is too humiliating, he might once more
appear before the council in thee character
OF a reformer and prove his honest title to
II by introducing q resolution to impeach
one Dennis Shovelin, alderman from the
First ward, for a fragrant violation OF the
laws Of the state.
JAMES McNULTY.
Nav a 1SgO-