The record-union., 1892-03-08
THE ELECTION.

To what the REcoRD-UNIoN yesterday
said concerning the election of to-day, it
has little to add. 1t has vigorously and
with such force of argument as it could
command, given its reasons for the be-
lief that the best interests of the city de-
mand the election of Messrs. McLaugh-
lin, Hart, Rodgers and Scott.
1t believes that there should in muni-
cipal government be no party politics,
and that political considerations should
cut no figure in city administration.
Municipal economy, orderly government,
enforcement of the laws, restraint of the
criminal classes. progressive policies,
good highways, sanitary appliances, and
all the details of protection from fire,
flood and disease. conservation of good
tastes, stimulation of general education,
maintenance of the free school system.
and encouragement of industry and trade
these are the great ends to be attained
in a city. They can be best reached
through an administration that is cour-
ageous. free from political domination
and boss control, and pledges made
merely to secure place or reward seryi-
tors.
We believe that no Street Commissioner
efficient and strong can administer his
office without creating antagonisms and
building UP great deal of personal hos
tility. 1t always has been so, and always
win be. 1t is the best evidence that a
Commissioner is the right man in the
right place, when those who fatten upon
contracts denounce him. 1t is evidence
that the man has sturdy traits of charac-
ter necessary to the office, when, after
three years of successful administration,
there is found arrayed against him a bit
Ter opposition. due simply to the fact that
IN some matters he did not do as a few
thought be should have done, viewed
from their selfish and preiudiced stand
points.
The REcoRD-UNIoN likes positiyeness
of character, fxity of resolution, definite
ness of purpose in an officer, and finding
that, of all the candidates, William Nc
Laughlin possesses these qualities in the
highest degree, and is fortified by expert
ence of which the city should avail itself
in its own interest it advises his election.
Believing that the Police Department
has been for years mismanaged and made
subservient to influences that have not
city interests at heart, and that the de-
partment has not been brought up to the
condition of efficiency it should reach.
we have advised the voters to put aside
all the old political claimants and vote
into the Office of Chief of Police a sturdy
mechanic whose life has been identified
with the city, who has the requisites of
courage, good purpose, freedom from en-
tanglements of any nature, and who is
not subject to boss rule, party dictation
or managerial domination of any nature,
and such a man it believes Mr.. Rodgers
to be.
Concerning Mr.. Hart and Mr.. Scott,
they are too well known and stand SO high
in public favor from much activity in
public affairs, that it is needless to point
out their claims for consideration. We
have faith in the wisdom of the voters,
and under the new ballot law they have
such perfect security for the secrecy of
the ballot that we are confident the re-
suit of to-day's election will be the out
come of the sober, unbiased and intelli-
gent action of the citizens. 1t viii be
best manifest. most potential in the elee-
ton OF the citizens above named to the
offices TO which they aspira.