Omaha daily bee., 1891-04-05
NOT ALr0G ETHER n PUBLIC SPIRIT.

a man who will devote his entire time
to the duties of a city councilman, mt a
| salary OF 5000 per annum must either be
public spirited or very thrifty or very
venal. 1t generally costs man his sal
ary for most or all of the first year to Sc
cure his election. Current reports place
the cash outlay of one defeated cand.
date for ward councilman at the last elec-
tion at $4,6O Perhaps $3.50 represents
the election expenses of the average
member. 1t is not less
In the face of these expenses candi-
dates spring up at each municipal cleo
ton anxious and willing to be sacrifi ced,
and, upon securing the election, proceed
to neglect everything but public busi-
ness. Ordinarily this would mean finan.
cial ruin to a man of moderate means,
but it does not. On the contrary a
glance backward over the history of
local politics reveals the fact that many
men now enjoying competency
began to save and make money on
the day when they entered the service
of the public. A few years ago when
large gains possible, this was not neces-
sarily suspicious circumstance. In
the last three or four years, however,
wealth has not been grabbed up by
handiuls on the streets, and men who
make money by neglecting their private
interests are not found outside of official
circles.
Floating about in the air are rumors
that this councilman receives a fiat sal
ary OF 800 Il month from corporation
which has fat contract with the city:
another sells two big institutions de-
pendent upon the council for "cour-
tesles' all the materials used for certain
uses; third is said to be available any
time, on any measure for $500 or less;
and still another is reported to be finan-
cially Interested in city contracts and
other public works. RumOrS are rife
and gossip general regarding the Doodle
that is offered and received by members
of body which should stand between
the taxpayer and those who would di-
rectly and indirectly flch the earnings
of property owners.
Unfortunately the actions of members
OF the city council give credence to many
OF the reports. 1t is an open secret that
certain men owe their election to fran
chlsed corporations and their votes are
as certain to be favorable to these cor
porations as the roll is to be called.
What is to be done about it? Nobody
in the city government is charged with
the special duty of spotting municipal
thieves. The newspapers are the only
monitors whom councilmen need fear.
TIE BEE is becoming very weary of the
old story. 1t has struck effective blows
on behalf of the people and many times
has exposed the tricks of rascals. de-
feated Others at elections and prevented
great deal of scoundrelism If the
facts reported be correct, the time is
coming again when it will be necessary
to make public some transactions which
look very damaging to several city
fathers When corporations deliberately
and without apparent fear Of conse-
quences attempt to purchase votes in
their favor it is nigh time the people
were apprised of the methods which are
applied and the corrupt bargains which
are made by public servants. The day
of reckoning for boodlers comes sooner
or later. Citizens of Omaha are patient.
but even good nature may be imposed
upOn