The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-02-20

The Democrats are now bowling for
lower taxes and reduced expenditures.
They made the Same howl on the eve OF
the last municipal election. They have
now been in Office for two years. Why
we're the taxes not reduced and the ex-
penditure lessened while they were in full
possession OF every controlling agency in
the administration As matter OF fact
svery pretended effort to reduce salaries
has been defeated, and the only reduction
In outlay has been on the streets and In
psoyed. The cost would have been greater
only that the krug defaicatlon 80 depleted
the treasury that every department. was
ordered TO cut down expenses. The cut
was made; day iaborers were thrown out
OF employment, but not one salaried off,
Ger was dispensed With. not one dollar was
taken from salary.
The charter gives the city council the
power to surrogate" any subordinate Of q
department. That body had all the
necessary legislative authority to make
those retrenchments which the Democrats
now demand should be made. Why was
II not exercisedf
The Democratic administration has not
kept one single promise of the last cam
paign. 1t promised to abolish White
chapel. 1t has not done thiss 1t has
merely changed the location. II has
forced back one sore spot into the system
% that every part OF the city Is poisoned
by the contact. 1t promised to suppress
gambling. II only sought to turn gamb-
ling TO i.s own benefit, and the fire.
quent exposures In the public press
alone forced an apparent effort TO
keep IL in check. The history Of the trans
actions which Immediately preceded and
followed Ronald's election Is as shameful
~ any in the life of Seattle. When one
acting mayor sought TO enforce the laws.
he was ''downed." and his recent return
70 the ranks of his party. the dupe and
catspaw OF the machine, will not serve to
restore him TO political life.
The reform" administration promised
to put only honest men in Office. 1t kept
its promise with Krug and Galiaher.
The reform" administration promised
20 expose the corruption OF the Repub-
iieans. II has spent thousands of dollars
on expert accountants. but In two years
has never succeeded in finding one dollar
dishonesty taken by Republican office
holders.
A Republican member of the board of
public works was removed after as farciea.
and preiudioed an investigation as ever
shamed justice. The taxpayers will re-
member how pueriie were the charges
against the removed Republican. and how
elaring and monstrous tho corruption of
Democratic officials sworn to daring the
recent inquiry.
The contrast between the pledges Of the
campaign and the performances during
the past two years is fresh and lively in
the memory OF the people. II they now,
ut the close Of that period. can be cajoled
again by the affected honesty Of men who
have wasted the opportunity given them,
the character Of Seattles citizens is not
what has been Wanted
The Democrats were placed in power By
asote strong enough to insure them popu-
lar sympathy In any change they might
make in tentative effort AZ economy.
They were no sooner in power than they
laid their greedy NAV upon every Office
the charter had provided for the future
needs OF the city. They at once seized
upon every dollar Of every salary. And
they never lie; 80 Tor one moment. New
that they see themselves almost M tho
outer door they beg 60 he given vet one
more chance at the rublie treasury. Their
crime against the people Is the greater, be.
cause they now admit that the taxes
should have boen lower aud the expenal,
ture less