The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-05-02

strange things happen IN fmiuue'pno'
and nre seen without surprise by that de-
lightful settlement. Consider for moment
the mighty powers or privileges possessed
by Mayor OF Philadelphia in regard to
controlling the public streets. few years
ago the Hon. EDWIN HALCYoN FITbER.
| gentleman who once had the happiness to
be candidate for the Republican nomina-
| ton for President. was Mayor Of Philadel-
| phia. Ono day he was crossing Market
| street at Fifth. when an incident occurred
which is thus described by our esteemed
contemporary. the Philadelphia Times:
| "Aheavy team belonging to the Milbourne Mills
Company. and driven by a man named Qr'cLsr had
started to Fifth street. when Mayor FirLxR raised
his cane In mperious STYLE indicating that he desred
the team to stop and give him right Of way QraLsv
refused to heed tho signal. whereupon Mayor FifLss
struck one of the horses blow the head with his
and ordered q policeman to arrest the driver.
"The latter was At taken to the Central Head.
Qunrters then at Fifth and Chestnut streets and tho
late Magistrate RoRHRr r. ssrn was giving him loo.
urc the enormity Of his offence PREDATORY to pres
sntaton Of charges by Mayor FtrLxR. when message
WAS sent by the latter ordering QuGLxr's release"
The Society for tho Prevention Of Cruelty
to Animals vainly tried to prosecute the
mighty Mayor. Philadelphia recognized
WINS supreme over man and beast. and that
no truck had the right to come between tho
wind and his nobility. We have seen the
power Of Mayor F1TLER rs a footman. Let
us now behold the majesty OF ex-Mayor
FrTLER in a cart. Again we quote from tho
Philadelphia Times:
ut was shortly nfter 10 O'Clock yesterday morning
when tho busy neighborhood Of Eighth and Arch
streets crowded with pedestrians. the large ma.
Jority Of whom were women All were intent on shop
ping AMI the passing OF the throng Arch street
AMI the intcrscng thoroughfare was attended by the
watchful of the stawnrt reserve officers whose
business Ia to keep cars carriages and other vehicles
from running over venturcsome pedestrians. and to
shield tho latter from unduly impering the safety OF
life and limb. Not incident had occurred to mar the
peaceful character Of the which, while spirited.
was also harmonious. until q bay horse drawing q
closed carriage and driven by coored coachman came
jogging down Arch street At rather lively gait. A.
the approached Eighth street there abatc
ment Of speed and. rs the crossing was crowded with
hurrying women and children. Reserve BLACKBURN
raised his stick in cautionary fashion, signalling the
driver to pause No attention was paid to the warn
ing and people scattered out of the way. tho
policeman brawny sxfooter seized mo horse by the
bride and backed him over the crossing.
"Instanly the occupant OF the carriage leaped out
and. rushing up to the officer with upraised cane.
shouted in angry tone:
"'What do you mean BY stopping my carriage am
exMayor filler. and III have You discharged for this
before night
"a crowd had gathered in an instant. and some
Of the spectators averred that the irate gentleman
brought his down upon the oficer's helmet.
Others say he merely held tho stick before his face in
threatening STYLE but all agreed that Mr.. Frr.ER
very emphatic in gsstculation and disturbed in
per. The episode did not occupy more than . few
minutes. and tho excitement materially abated after
tho exAayor had reentered his carriage and resumed
his journey down Arch street."
Doubtless the offending officer will be
brought to Justice. but that Is not the point
OF interest to tho outside world. To know
that Mayor OF Philadelphia on foot has
the right Of way against carriages and
carts. while an e1-Mayor Of Philadelphia
In a carriage has the right Of way against
pedestrians. Is interesting and instructive.
The duties Of policeman at a Chestnut
street crossing must be delicate We
make tho suggestion with dlfidence. but
it seems to us that Mayors and ex-Mayors
Of Philadelphia should blow horn and ring
q bell when they go along tho street.