The weekly tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1891-1894, 1893-05-05
THE WEEKLY TRIBUNE.
FOOLISH
FRIDAY, MAY 8. 1898.

If the republican members Of the
council who set their faces against the
appointments made by Mayor Gels
thorpe on Monday supposed that their
action would meet with public approval
they were badly fooled.
Universal condemnation was hurled
against them yesterday by all classes of
citizens, while nobody approved of their
action save a few henchmen OF some OF
the men who are now holding offices the
duties Of which they are not performing
to the satisfaction OF the community.
Reviewing the appointments made by
DR.. Gelsthorpe it IS not toe much to say
that they are absolutely above criticism.
Robert Pontet is probably as good a
man as could be selected for the mar
shalship. He is a man Of family who is
personally interested in sustaining the
mayors plan of reform, and his expert
ence qualities him for the duties of the
office. Mr.. Pontet owns a saloon, it is
true, but it is his intention to give Eup
the business ii he becomes city marshal.
No man in the council who opposed his
appointment Is a better citizen than
Mr.. Pontet, or more interested in the
welfare and responsibility of Great
Falls. Mr.. Pontet will be the city mar
shall.
Mr.. Robbins would make a competent
and trustworthy city engineer, He is
largely interested ir the city's growth
and development, a man of honor and
character, and an cnterprising citizen. 1t
is well known that the councilmen who
voted against Mr.. Robbins have nothing
against him, but were moved by a de-
sire to retain Mr.. White. Perhaps some
Of them are interested with this gentle
man IN tine North side street railway
franchise: The gentlemen must yield,
for Mr.. Robbins will be the city engi-
neer.
In the matter OF the city clerk, what
string has the new city attorney on the
republican members Of the council to
cause them to insist on his being given
this office: As justly pointed out by
last nights Leader, the mayor will be
held responsible for the work done by
his administration, and he has a right TO
name the men who shall aid him in the
transaction of the city's business. The
clear duty Of the council is to confirm
his appointees unless there is some
urgent reason for rejecting them or any
Of them. 1t is the course pursued
throughout the republic in national,
state, and municipal affairs, and it is
difficult to sec why a lot of obstruction
lists in the Great Falls council should set
aside a t~ime-honored precedent.
a large majority of tho citizens be-
lieve that Marshal Treat has fulfilled his
mission in his present office, and that
retirement to private life is the best
thing for him at this time. New times
require new men.
As to Mr.. White, he showed offensive
partisanship in the campaign which
would render him entirely unfit to serve
in the new mayors cabinet even if he
we're otherwise satisfactory.
Cur candid advice to the recalcitrant
members is, Come off the perch" You
have made a spectacle OF yourselves and
your only way to win back a modicum
OF public respect is to admit your mis-
take, retrace your steps like men, and
remember that you were elected to CO
operate with and aid the mayor in all
that will tend to the city's interest and
advantage. Your own political organ
points out your error, and The TRIBUNE
hopes to see you ONE in out Of the wet
as soon as the opportunity IS presented