Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-12
ASKING. FOR REFORM.
The New Platform of the Cit
liens Industrial Alli-
ance Causes a
VERY WARM DISCUSSION.
Important Changes Demanded in the
Conduct of City Affairs.
WANT TO VOTE FOR THE CHIEFS
Allegheny Republicans Mixed Up Over the
Nayoralty Contest
PIrTsBURG DEMOCRATS ARE WORRIED

The meeting of the Citizens Industrial
Alliance in Odd Fellows Hall, on South
Eighteenth street, yesterday, was we'll at
tended. The Amalgamated Association,
Window Glass Workers and Painters
Union were admitted to membership.
Many of the members expressed views so
adverse to the general purpose of the or
ganization that it was at times difficult for
the Chair to maintain order.
The question Of putting q ticket in the
| field for the spring election was warmly
discussed 1t has been the purpose Of the
Alliance to adopt an independent course of
action, not nominating their own candi-
dates, but simply indorsing the candidates
favorable to the interests of labor, ire
spective of party, but many of the MEM
bers want their own candidates and there is
some friction between the two factions
No action was taken on this quest ion yes
terday further than heated discussion.
Another meeting will be held at Third ave-
nue. and Market street next Saturday even
ing. The following platform or declaration
of principles was adopted:
ADemand for Municipal Reform.
In the interest of good government in this
city it behooves every citizen TO endeavor
to rescue our municipality from the gigantic
octopus which has for years past had con-
troll, and whose every act has been detri-
mental to the interests OF the taxpayer.
Franchises have been voted away indis-
criminately, and have never been a source
of revenue to the city, but have been tnstru-
mental In making wealthy and INSCRIPTIONS
politicians who have through their influ-
aT1Rn
Promises have on or about election
been lavishly made to the citi-
zens of the municipality. Industries
which formerly f1ourished in our midst are
seeking other fields to escape the excessive
taxation and are thus depriving thousands
of our citizens of their means of Likelihood,
and by this mode are retarding the natural
development and growth of the community.
To perpetuate the power of this system
the police, fremen and all other city en-
ployes are prizes to be given only on &C.
count of the political power that the recipi-
ents are supposed to WELD, and by assess
ments to the campaign fund from their earn
ings a corruption fund is raised, which in
the past has been able to defeat all efforts OF
reform.
In addition to this the favored contractors
have become wealthy at the expense OF the
city, using inferior material, doing unsat-
lSIdCuOIy WOrk, anu EuolE 0mplOy0S To r.
tain their positions must obigate them
selves and friends to assist on election day |
in the election of people who are favorably
inclined to the existing regime.
Thinks 1t Is Time to Audit.
Our city government, which receives and
disburses millions of dollars annually, either |
from la1ity, carelessness or fearful that dis
closures of a startling nature might be the
result, which they deem advisable to keep
from the public, have neglected to audit |
the accounts OF this city for the past 80 |
years.
ton of affairs in our city, it becomes ap- |
parent to all good citizens who are desirous |
of pure government that they must do their |
will bring about the desired result, and men !
of such sterling and upright characters |
who, from their actions in the past and |
sired reform and wrest this municipality |
from the hands of this gang of unscrupu- |
lous politicians who have in the past used |
it for their selfish purposes.
Platform of Principles.
A just and proportionate valuation on all |
taxa Dle properties.
Reduction of taxes to the lowest possible |
limit consistent with good government |
efficiently administered.
Taxation OF all street cars.
Franchises to be sold to the highest bid
ders. Purchasers to keep all streets or high
ways in repair.
Free intercourse to all sections OF the
city.
The annual appropriation for public i'm
provements to be limited to a reasonable
amount.
All public work where practicable to be
performed by the city direct. Taxpayers
and citizens to be employed.
Election of the heads of the various de-
partments of our city government direct by
the people.
Ali city employees to be separated from all
political influences by civil service law
rigidly enforced.
The city to own and operate the plants for
supplying light and water.
Investment OF the chief executive with
the supervision of all departments with full
power to enforce obedience to laws adopted |
lor the government of this municipality.
An annual audit of the accounts of various
departments of our city government