The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-12-09
DIR. DUNCAN'S PLATFORM.
His Letter Of Acceptance Of the MayOr-
atty Nomination.

Consideration in His Conduct of the
Government, if He is Elected-sani-
tary Matters to Receive Careful At
tention-A System of House Drainage
Advocated-The South Sides Claims.
DR.. Dunean's Resignation From the
Citizens Club.
DR.. Duncan's letter Of acceptance Of the
nomination for mayor rendered him by
mass meeting Of citizens at the theater on
the night Of Nov. q. was received yester-
day by the committee appointed to notify
him Of his nomination.
DIT. Duncan completed his letter night
before last and handed it to Mr.. George
W. Owens, chairman Of the committee. 1t
was too late for Mr.. Owens to see the
other members of the committee how
ever, and the letter was held until yes
terday morning, when It was considered
by the committee. 1t was tlren given out.
The letter is as follows:
savannah, Dec. Z, 1S94.-Messrs. George
W. Owens, A. r. Lawton, Jr., j. r.
Saussy, W. 7. Leopold, b. A Denmark
Gentlemen; l am in receipt of your com
munication of Nov. 80, in which you con-
vey to me the announcement of my nom
lnation for the mayoralty of the city of
savannah, at a meeting of citizens ire
spective of any club or faction, held at
the theater on Wednesday evening.
Nov. 2S.
1 am deeply sensible of the compliment
thus rendered me, and 1 duly appreciate
the good will of my fellow citizens ex-
pressed in this declaration Of confidence.
The movement thus inaugurated I'M
derstand, to be in purpose to maintain for
the city OF Savannah good government
and an administration of municipal af-
fairs in the sole interest of the COM
munity.
In a clear recognition of this purpose
ana with a full intent to subserve il, so
far as my individual efforts may con-
tribute to the result, I cheerfully and
with pride accept the nomination.
Before proceeding to the expression of
any views l may entertain as to matters
or public concern, 1 beg to premise with
a statement distinctly personal.
Under an impression that the Citizens
Club was organized to work for and Sc
cure measures of reform in all matters
connected with registration and the con-
quot or elections, united with them in
prosecution of such laudable purpose.
succeeding events induced the opinion
that some of the members were not work
ing on the lines above indicated and
that their methods tended to a different
conclusion. 1 was never a candidate be-
fore that club for nomination to the
mayoralty, believing that Mai John
Schwarz was the choice of the majority
or them. l steadfastly refused to allow
me presentation or consideration of my
name in that connection. His retirement
was IN consequence of proceedings that 1
deemed manifestly unjust, and in the con-
tlnuance of which resulted the precipitate
selection of a nominee
could not approve of these proceedings
and was unwilling to be bound by them.
Hence my resignation. Since my retire
mnt from the Citizens Club l have not
sought for a nomination at any other
hands. The action of the meeting on Nov.
y emanating from citizens Irrespective of
other animation than such as a common
interest in the welfare of the community
suggests, prompts me to a dutiful com
pliance with their request
AS 10 matters of public policy con-
corning which the citizens may naturally
desire some assurance, am free TO an
hounce that economy in the administra-
ton of the city government will be the
FIRST and primary consideration. and the
opJects upon which the public moneys
are TO be expended should be limited TO
what IS necessary. Every effort, there
Iore, VIII be directed to a diminution of
the burden of taxes, which at this iunc-
ture IN the general condition of business
is onerous.
Inc sanitary condition of the city Is
always entitled to anxious and watchful
attention. Existing ordinances and pro-
visions of law which are intended to pro-
tect the health of the CITY ana gnar1
against the Introduction of disease should
De lnVlolably executed. A rigid enforce
meht OF the quarantine laws both ma
tune and inland, should be insisted upon
ana every aid and assistance given the
health department in purpose to make II
thoroughly efficacious. NV record az an
alderman attests this But while tbs
health OF the city is matter for the first
consideration, 1t must be remembered that
the principal business of our CITY is com
merce and the hghtest possible restric-
tiohs should be imposed upon it. We
should always seek to maintain for orr
port every facility and ADVANTAGE so
that these may equal, if they do not ex-
ceed' such as exist in competing ports
Inc question of house drainage has al
ways claimed my most earnest consider
"etoh' anu TO us advocacy l am heartily
committed. Its immediate prosecution in
advance of determining and creatine, n
proper outlet seem to me impossible Rut
the matter should receive pronnt ana CO
nous attention to the end that proner
plans may be adopted, and the CITY be put
~ a.i ieaulhess 10 act promptly and ener-
seticaAy When 1t is opportune to put them
in execution. ii'
me great public benefit which has ac-
cfued to the city by the construction Of
aspnalt pavements and other improved
i.odu"ays INDUCES common desire to
I UDOD Ofhap
sections and streets of the citv whic+
very properly might be improved. But as
the cost or such improvements invol.,os
the imposition of heavy assessment unon
contiguous property all further work in
TINS direction should be cautiously en-
tered upon, and then only upon the aImoe+
unanimous assent of those upon vUbo,o
VIII devolve the greater part of the cost
me claims of that section of tbe cit,
winch is south of Anderson street snI
winch within the past year has been
brought under taxation are entitled 70
prompt and liberal recognition. The cjtil
zens of this section contribute taxes rnor
the same basis with other citizens. and
upon tnem should be conferred like
benefits and conditions. Streets shou1d he
opened, water mains extended. lights fur
nished, fire and police protection ~
will secure such results. mat
A compliance with the ordinances of tho
CITY which regulate the conduct of ca.
looms on Sunday ,as also with other ordiv-
ances' should be required and their snirit
and intent subserved spirit
cd l1xrf he