, 1892-01-09
THE OPPOSING PARTIES.

Both municipal tickets are now in the
field. Here they are side by silc and let
the people carefully judge them as to the
comparative fitness of the men:
FIRST WARD.
Democrats. Republicans
Fred Post. Ed Hofmann.~
A. Fl. Reel. Gaspert L. Gilmore.
SECOND WARD
Democrat. Rcpublican.
+. s. Johnston, Chas. w. Riner.
THIRD WARD.
Democrat. Republican
James Talbot j. A. England.
We do not believe that any unpreju-
diced person will claim that either indi-
vidually or collectively the Republican
ticket or nominees have any advantage in
point Of fitness over their Democratic OPP
ponents. Allowing that the Republicans
have no advantage IN this respect las they
certainly haven't), let us show wherein
the one side deserves success and the
other defeat.
1t is perhaps unnecessary to remind any
reader OF THE LEADER that business was
dull and money scarce in 1891. Pretty
nearly everybody felt the stress Of the
times and everybody was searching for
means to cut down his or her personal ex
penses. Few wasted anything 10 e1trav-
~agances, the very great majority because
they didn't have anything to waste aud
the rest because prudence demanded that
an0hs,. ha aaant awna.t So chocolate
necessities. What was true of 1891 was
measuIably true of two the preceding
years. In view of such conditions it would
naturally be expected that public servants
would curtail expenses 10 all possible d.
r%ecticns so that taxation would not add
additional and almost unbearable bur-
dens to the already heavy load.
The charge against the city coun-
ell is that 1t continued serencly on
its way, totally unmindful of the
condition of the people and apparently
oblivious u the struggle for existence go
ing on about it. New Offices were created
into which to fit favorites and find new
avenues to spend money. Salaries were
kept up to the top notch. When the
chairman Of the 6nAnc, committee "a Re-
publican, too) at the last meeting reported
in favor Of paying the city marshal 81, 900
instead of $1,000 a year the recommend;
atiun was voted down by every
Republican in the council with
a solitary exception. When it came to
renewing the electric light contract, a
service that has ALWAYS been inadequate
and unsatisfactory, and but for the kind.
meas of Providence IN providing clear
nights would be OF no avail to nine tenths
Of the people Of the town, n new contract
was hastily signed. The city now pays
s., $50 a year for this service when it is
not worth half that SUI. In the matter
of the street cars crossing the viaduct. the
city went to all the expense of putting in
double car tracks, aud while they are
being daily used not a cent has ever been
paid for the privilege.
In this and all other such matters the
council followed it's own sweet will with
out regard to the ability OF the people to
meet the increasing obligations. The
people now have it 10 their W hands to
work a radical change and bring about a
period Of strict economy after the whirl Of
extravaganza through which we have re-
Gently passed. To be effectual there must
be a clean sweep OF the board, for II
one Republican is elected this will allow
the majority to rest where it now is and
continue the system which has grown so
irksome to many OF the people. 1t must
not be forgotten that it is not a question
of party success but of change. Radical
change is exceedingly desirable and can
be effelted if the people are so minded
as re believe they are aud will be-on
mex. Tuesday.