The record-union., 1892-02-29
General MARITIME on the Political Stu
alton.

EDS. RECoRD-UNIoN: If anyone in
this city ever had doubt as to the urgent
needs of new charter to govern our
municipal affairs, that doubt should be
dispelled after a careful review of the in
cidents attending the political wire-pull
ing which has been going on in our midst
the past month. What a shame it is that
in this enlightened day and age an intel
Hgent lot of people, such as we claim this
city is composed OF, should allow such
Intriguing and dirty work in the selection
of their public officers as is, and has been,
done, and that by lot of self-appointed
political bosses
Is it any wonder, in the face of these
facts, that it is such a difficult matter to
get competent men to stand in for any Of
these offices? But the blame is not so
much with the up or downtown bosses
as with the taxpayers themselves, as they
have to foot the bills, no matter what par
ty gets elected to Office.
The great trouble with our people is
that they think themselves much too
good and respectable TO associate or
mingle with the class who make politics
"a calling, and the result is these ward
bosses and their followers select their own
men to attend the nominating conven-
tlonS, and of course these men select cam
didates to be voted for who are subserv-
lent TO the boss rule which has governed
this city for years.
But let the past bury the past; the ques-
.uon now is, are our people quick to the
realization that by a united effort this
state of affairs can be overthrown, under
the workings of the new Australion bal
lot system, and that this city in the future
can be governed by men who have no
political strings on them, men who, when
elected and they take their oath of Office.
will work for tho hnSf MT Of
city, irrespective of parties or factions.
But the question will be asked: How
can this happy state of affairs be brought
about? The answer is easy enough.
Previous to our next city election after
this one, let one hundred or more of our
foremost citizens, men who are known to
have no political axes to grind, select a
set of men TO govern this city who will
be acceptable TO us all: men who are
known 10 be upright and progressive;
and let 1t be understood that there will be
no expense attending their election, then
such candidates can go before the voters
of this city unpledged TO any one, and
only responsible to the people themselves.
And further, let this committee of citi-
ZenS request, and, in fact, urge upon every
business house to close half day on the
day of election, so that the people of this
city who are opposed TO boss rule can
show, when determined, their strength at
But will this be done? Everyone
knows it eau be, if our citizens and tax
payers wish it so and will all put their
shoulders TO the wheel. This would be
the death of boss rule, and it would be
the means of saving many thousands of
dollars to our City Treasury, and tighten
very materially the burden of our city
taxes.
This DONE let all city offices open for.
business ct a. VI. and close at = p. NJ, the
same as our business houses DO. What
reason is there why our city clerks should
not work the same hours as those en-
ployed at other clerical labor? In this
way less clerks would be needed, owing
TO more hours of labor, and it would be
quite saving to the taxpayer.
These few changes in our obsolete sys-
tenn of government would be a stepping
stone toward other reforms, and this city
would feel It's effects in the right direc-
ton. j. g. MARITIME.