Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-08-09
FOR PURE POLITICS.
The McKeesport Board of Trade in a
Non-Partisan Movement
TO SECURE HONEST GOVERNMENT.
AStirring Address Issued to Voters to Choose
Only the Best Men
TO FILL OFFICES OF RESPONSIBILITY

The McKeesport Board of Trade has for
some time been discussing ways and means to
lessen the influence of professional politi-
clans. The following address-or rather
the salient features of one-by that body to
Mckeesport people will be of interest to all
who think voters should have some control of
city government. The plan was intended
for use in the organization of the city gov
ernment, but owing to some opposition
within the board to public meeting prior
to thr charter election the plan devised was
not submitted.
The committee delegated to prepare the
address went on with its work, however,
and though the reform was delayed, the
committee has decided that an attempt
shall still be made to influence future
elections, and has published, by the sanction
of the board, an address to the people, and
has likewise printed 1000 copies for distri-
button among taxpayers and voters, the
main features of which are as appended.
SOMETHING LIKE THE QUAKERS.
1t is in some respects in line with the at
tempt of the Citizens Republican Associa-
tion OF Philadelphia, published in yester-
DAYS DISPATCH, though the McKeesport
movement was conceived previous to that OF
the Philadelphia people, and, further, is
non-partisan, not being intended for the
benefit of any particular party, but alone
for the purpose of getting better municipal
government. The committee, A. B. Camp
bell, James L. Devenny and Magnus
Pfaum, say:
''The purpose of the public meeting was to
recommend to our citizens the formation of
ward organizations under certain rules and
should be limited only by the applicant be-
ing a taxpayer and voter. These organiza-
tions to have regular places and stated
times for meetings for the discussion of the
needs and wants of the ward at large, for
ascertaining the rights and duties of its citi-
zens, and for scrutinizing the actions of Off
cials councilmen, and others who represent
them, and finally, if possible, to stamp out
the mserably inefficient method of self
nominations and, what is worse, political
nominations for municipal offices. When
the citizens have an opportunity publicly
to consult about the fitness or unftness Of
candidates, none but the best men would
have the courage of offering themselves for,
and fewer incompetents have the chance of
being elected to Office.
NOMINATIONS WITHOUT POLITICIANS.
"When citizens are organized for the pro-
lection of their interests, they will be able
to nominate candidates without the val
liable aid of politicians, young or old. Poll
tics in a small city is but scheme of few
to ride into power upon the back of party
When wards are small, voters are few and
they know each other sufficiently to select
men fit for the office, when now, by means
of politics, Offices are fitted to men, for
which the men are usually too small.
'It might as well be understood that pol
itics in municipal affairs means the organ
ization of few against the rights of the many
who are urorganized or often disorganized.
The very existence of political Organization
in political affairs is menace to free popu-
lar elections, as important local issues are
regularly ignored in favor of party lines,
and city rings leading to "boodle" are the
result. Against such evils, existing in
almost every city, the organization of the
taxpayers and voters is the only remedy.
And it is unfortunate indeed that our city
could not begin its existence with such
organization SO promising in results.
PUBLIC OFFICIALS, PUBLIC SERVANTS.
''But this would not be the only benefit.
Ward organizations would also be valuable
W lHulCdtt W lllG uOuOTdUlc OOuuClludu but
wishes of his constituents, and to deter the
dishonorable one from acting against their
interests. Such an organization would be
standing reminder to city officials that they
are but public servants. In case of mis-
representation or misunderstanding he, the
Councilman, could attend meeting and ex-
plain his action, or if doubtful how to vote
upon matter, receive enlightenment at
such meeting.
''These organizations would also, by,bring-
ing the citizens together, furnish correct in
formation to all, foster a public spirit and
engender an interest in public affairs which
in many ways would benefit the city.
each ward organization could easily
elect delegates to city committee, which
could discharge functions as to the entire
city in the same manner as the local organi-
zation for the ward"