Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-11-01
The Reform Movement in Allegheny
Is Captured by the Antis.
CH0KED OFF In ITS INFANCY.
The Proposed Bond Issue Indorsed With
out Dissenting Voice.
MANY PROMINENT PEOPLE PRESENT

200 were present when John Wilhelm, Jl,
called the meeting to order. Messrs Alex.
Wilson and Geo. Cochran were nominated
for chairman and a standing vote was
taken which resulted In the selection of
Mr.. Wilson, and Captain Barbour, David
Fulton and c. Gamble, secretaries Chair
man Wilson announced the object of the
meeting to be a discussion of the
proposed bond issue and OF measures for re-
form in the government of Allegheny CITY,
He then called for remarks A motion was
here made to limit speakers to ten minutes,
and after considerable discussion it was
adopted.
Attorney George D. Riddle, of the Sec
ond ward, was the first speaker to take the
stand. He said he believed the Mayor and
Councilmen should be elected Irrespective
of party and the city run by the best men.
He didn't know much about municipal af-
fairs now, he said. He then proceeded to
tell in what an excellent manner the city
was governed 15 years ago, when he was in
Councils, and what good men composed it
then.
How the Government Has Changed.
In the last Is years, however, a change
has taken place; councilmen have changed;
taxes increased 200 or 300 per cent; fran
chises worth millions given to railroads for
which the city never got cent; California
avenue has been opened and cost the city
S65, 900 and she owes S25, 900 more, though
land benefited had been greatly enhanced
in value and paid nothing. This, he was
told, was brought about by members in
L. ip}a foI "a L.
ON the electric light plant and the failure |
of the high towers On the bond issue the |
speaker said that they ought to have better |
water, better streets and more light, |
but were they going to give the men now in |
Councils s. 250, 600 more to expend. From |
their past record could they expect any
thing from it? He was in favor Of the i'm
provements, and If he was sure the money
would be used for improvements he would
vote for it. The remedy for it all, however,
was to elect the right kind Of men to Coun-
ellis next February.
John Wilhelm, JE, said he thought i'm
provements ought to be made and little
money ought to be spent, but the Council
men, from past experience, were not such
as to warrant the bond issue. He referred
to the failure of the electric light towers,
and remarked that the city should
have enough rent coming in from
and traction company franchises to keep
the streets in good condition. He next
spoke of the Silsby engine purchase and
said Allegheny did not need silver or
engines any more than any
other city.
Was There to Get Information.
John II. Rickettson was called on for q
speech. He replied that he came there to
hear how to vote. 1t seemed to be an old.
town meeting, and if there were
more of them they would have better city
government.
James B. Scott was called on and said he
indorsed Mr. Rickettson's remarks, but had
no speech to make.
S. S. Robinson, the next, said he objected
to an indiscriminate condemnation of all
He knew some councilmen
against whom not word could be said. 1t
was not gentlemanly or manly to attack all
in a general way. If they knew anyone
mad done wrong they should name him.
Some one exclaimed: "Tell US about the
5ilsby engine DEAL"
We'll, I'll take that up" said Mr. Rob-
nson. ut hasn't passed Select Council
yet, and If it should not pass you would feel
bad tor condemning Select Council for what
hey have not done" Mr. Robinson said
urther that there was not the slightest evil
ience there was any crookedness in the
natter.
George Cochran, an ex-Councilman, was
'alled on. He responded and gave his
easons in detail tor voting against the !
,ond issue. He would not vote for the
vatrr bonds because no plans had been pre-
up the river" He was in favor of street =
nd sewer improvements and more lights,
'ut they should pay as they go and keep ,
own the bonded debt of the city
Dyed in the Blood OF Corruption. {
Thompson Walkup, of the Eleventh ward,
ook the stand. Alter sarcastic references S
o Councilmen and city officials he said AL h
egheny was in a bad condition, and is sur V
'assed by even country towns The reason
ras that the finances were not handled
properly; "the officers were incapable, n
nd their skirts were dved in the 4
lood of corruption" Mr. Walkup then !,
ook up the revelations of the Auditing tsj
committee last year and proceeded to recite
hem. After some time he reached the
flee of Chief of Police, when calls for :,
,oints of order were raised.
Mr.. Waikup tried to continue, but his a.
'oice was drowned by cries from all parts of {,
he hall Shouts for order were heard, and t.
ne man exclaimed: Its not fair for a lot | .
f policemen to try to run this meeting"
When quiet was finally restored motion
'os dooptcu w cAtenu mr w &lKupS time, |
lie again started, but when he mentioned
he name Murphy the cries were repeated
gain.
John Trimble exclaimed that il was a I
hame. They invited gentleman to come
here and speak and then CRY him down.
lie was ashamed to be citizen of the Sixth
ard.
John Wilhelm indorsed Mr.. Trimble and
oped that the persons making such furore
ere not citizens OF the Sixth ward.
Gave Up in Despair. =
MI. Walkup tried again, but he could not
} heard and finally lett the stage. c
Councilman Lee Frasher here arrived and
as called to the stage. Referring to the
,nd issue he said Councils had laid the
after before the people for their decision.
rested with them. What more could
" set of Legislators do?
A. M. Marshall was the next sneaker
e said there are 1,500 vacant houses in =,
llegheny, and people are going every day
the East End because they have more Inn
ovements, better streets, etc The good
Eissns should turn out, elect good oficers.
d elect such men to Councils a. they