The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1891-06-11
THE DEMOCRAT PUBLISHING co.,
CANTON, OHIO.
REMINISCENT.

There has been much discussion in
this city, during the past tbirty-six
hours, on the proposition, why did the
Republican members of the city council
back down from their caucus agreement
to reduce the salary of policemen.
Some claim they were afraid it would
prejudice laboring men against the
Republican party, while others claim
they backed down because they expect
to get in lot of Republican policemen,
under the ordinance to bull-dose the
mayor.
The bulk of opinion is that they
backed down because they feared the
political effect. Councilman Russell
put some points at these gentlemen
that will stick. He referred to the
fulsome promises made by Mckinley
and his idolators in the last campaign
10 raise wages and make times better
with his tariff bill. Then Mr.. Russell
reminded them Of the fact that Re-
publican Council, pledged to Mckinley
ism, proposed, as one of the first Official
acts, to reduce the pay of la6oring men,
and of men too, employed in the most
hazardous pursuits. 1t was about this
time that the discreet and diplomatic
Tom Turner (city law giver) rushed
over to councilman Campbell and
whispered in his ear. The vote that
Campbell afterward gave to put the pay
of policemen back to $50, tells the story
of Tom Turner's whispering.
Tom probably told him it would not
do for the Republicans to make the
first official move to reduce the salaries
of laboring men in Canton.
Here let us make some observations
for the benefit of Democrats, or those
who claim to be Democrats.
With the exception of the new mem
ber from the 7th ward, every one of
the recently elected Republican coun-
Gil was elected by Democratic votes
They were elected on promise of re-
form. They were pledged to devote
themselves to the best interests of the
city, regardless Of politics.
Now what has been the result. Every
move by the present majority has start
ed in a caucus. Every official action
this far has been based on the idea of
some partisan advantage. They are
using their official positions to advance
party interests, with no regard what
| ever to the business interests of the
city. They are trying by indirection to
usurp the legal functions of the mayor.
1t is conceded, even by Republicans,
that this council is the most narrow
partisan body that ever afflicted our
city; and every tax payer knows that it
has seriously impaired the good name
and credit of our city, and the worst is
yet to come.
Year after year certain Democrats
of Canton have been voting for Major
Mckinley and other leading Republic
cans, on personal grounds.
What have they to show for 1t?
Can Democrat be named who has
ever received any benefit for his viola
tion of political convictions for per-
sonal friendships sake. Has Major
Mckinley ever favored Democrat in
any official manner? We can think of
none.
Did any Democrats get places as
census enumerators?
Have any Democrts been appointed
postal clerks, or route agents, or letter
carriers by Major Mckinley? We can
think of none.
1t is all give and no take, an entirely
lop sided arrangement, 80 far as the
Major is concerned.
There is plenty of "you tickle me-
but there is nothing that tickles any
Democrat in return.
How would it do to try and stop this
kind of business?