The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1891-01-23
HOME JOTTINGS.
sHALLIT BIZ MAYOR WILLARD?

Admitting it TO be somewhat early 10
bring forward names of men for munich
pal affairs at the spring election, 1t Is,
perhaps. not too early to discuss the
mayoraltv question and ITS bearing up
ON Mankato's future.
Without intention or desire to cast re-
Elections upon those who have in the
past occupied the responsible position
of city mayor, and with no wish to i'm
pugn the motives of such, it is gener-
ally conceded fact borne out by expert
ence that hardly sufficient thought and
consideration have been given by the
mass of our people to the character and
Importance of this office, and of the pc
culiar qualifications necessary in the
man called TO act IN the capacity OF
mayor. Each year finds the city more
and more in need of a man at the helm
who is broad gaused, progressive, en-
terprising, sagacious and thoroughly IN
formed as to the demands of the office.
Things permitted last year must not be
year will very likely not be tolerated
next. Changes must be wrought to
meet the growth and developments OF
the CITY, and what is now most wanted
is man whose travels and experience
befit him as guardian to see into tie
future and so regulate affairs as to meet
increased demands with as little friction
as possible.
Some four years ago Mr.. John A. Will
lard, at the solicitation of many business
men of both the Republican and Demo-
cratic parties, consented to the use OF
his name for mayor. 1t was expected
and understood by Mr.. Willard as con-
dItion of his acceptance OF the nomina-
ton by the Republicans that no other
nomination should be made, as he stat
ed plainly that he would not permit
himself 10 be drawn into a squabbie Tor
the office The Democrats. however,
nominated a candidate and the result is
known. The FREE FREss feltat the time,
and the feeling was shared by a large
number of good men of al parties, that
a mistake had been made in refusing to
give Mr.. Willard clear field. His in
terests III the city were large. His de-
sire 10 see Mankato prosper and grow
was not questioned. His public spin.
and abilities were admitted by all. and
he was clearly entitled to what his
friends asked for him. But as Is too
often the case selishness was permitted
to defeat what might really be called
the ends of justice.
But all of that is in the past, and now
what we should do is to look to the flu
ture. An almost universal sentiment
prevails in the community to-day that
Mr.. Willard is the one man of all others
who should be made mayor. There is
little or no doubt but the field would be
gladly accorded him and he be placed
in the chair without dissenting vote.
Such compliment as this could not but
be gratifying TO any man and to have
Mr.. Willard as mayor would oe no less
a compliment to the city. Whether or
not the gentleman could De induced to
accept the position if rendered TO him
with that unanimitv of spirit which now
prevails and which will no doubt con-
Time to exist, we cannot say, but it is
truly to be hoped that he can.
When the time comes, let US have
John A Willard for mayor.
Never was the city in greater need for
such a man than now. The future of
next few years. If our ambitions de-
sires for commercial center and man.
ufacturing district are to be gratified
further procrastlnation must not and
cannot be tolerated. Time for some