The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1893-08-30
TIE QUESTION OF THE HOUR.

The very general interest attaching TO
the movement inaugurated on Monday
evening by some OF our most substantial
business men, to unite the better ele-
ments Of the municipality IN the forma-
ton and support OF Citizens ticket,
shows that those gentlemen struck a
responsive chord in the popular heart.
This is not saying anything in deprecia-
ton of other steps that have been taken
leading to similar result. They all
indicate the trend of public opinion.
The sentiment which is now being
materiaiized, incipienE though the organ
ization may be, has been agitating the
city with more or less Intensity for
months. 1t has now reached point
where it must find expression and it looks
as though the time had come for action.
In order that tnis may be effective 1t
must be united. A number OF organiza-
tions having the same end in view would
counteract each other's efforts. II there
is to be Citizens movement in which
party politics are retired or kept in re-
serve for national issues, it should be one
grand and determined uprising of the
people who want pure civic government,
and solid crystalization of parties to
effect common purpose.
That this may be brought about, per-
sonal ambitions and predictions must
be set aside. The grand purpose in view
is the sweeping away OF the present cum
berers OF the municipal ground, and the
selection of higher and more substantial
class of men, whose established reputa-
ton is guaranty of their honor, public
spirit and ability to manage the peoples
affairs with credit and fidelity. To effect
these ends individual aims and likings
must be made subordinate.
What has been done seems to meet with
general favor. If but few gentlemen,
comparatively, have engaged in the pre-
liminary work, that has no invidious
or exclusive meaning. As soon as the
movement can take more effective form it
will, no doubt, be made broad enough to
afford scope for the energy and co-opera-
ton of all respectable citizens. 1t must
not be sectional or fractional. Above
all, it must cut entirely clear of that
class of Liberalism which has misgov-
erned the city and brought SO much re-
proach upon it. Any afiliation with
that element and it's leading spirits will
bring distrust to the masses, and at the
same time disgust the most conservative
of our citizens of all parties and persua-
sions.
THE HERALD is prepared 20 say this
no. Oh in regard to a movement OF this
character: Ii the public demand is such
that Citizens organization for the COM
plete reform of the city government will
paper will support that which seems the
best adapted to meet the general require
ments and such men as appear to be the
men for the time and the emergency.
At present we are all waiting and
watching. Let The energetic, thinking.
bona ride citizens OF all classes and par
ties come to the front, confer in friendly
non-partisan spirit, and unite on
some plan to accomplish what is
needed, and there will be a clean sweep
of obnoxious distinctions and the estab-
Iishment of d pure and stable. progress
sive andreputable municipal government
which will place our beautiful city on the
high plane which it is entitled to occupy.