The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-04-01
SHALL WE P0LITICK?"
Mandolin Club M.mb,rs Say No Poll
tics in 'Their'n.
LET THE CITIZENS RULE
Primary of the Republicans-Each
Party Claims Superiority
over the Other-Rather
Mixed

MIssOULA, March 31.-The Mandolin
club met a little later than usual this
evening. some of the members having
been to church and others having been
out driving. 1t was o'clock when The
Presidents gavel called the meeting to
order. Everybody was present and even
The Secretary was quietly attired. Little
Bllee, the new member, not being ac-
quainted with the customs of the club,
wore red cravat, but promised not to do
so again until after Easter. The Profes
sor asked that dispensation be granted
in his behalf, which would permit him to
eat beans this week. He had eaten none
since Lent began and felt the need of
them very much. The President said that
he would allow him to eat two meals of
beans during the week and, as soon as
the club adjourned, The Professor hied
him to a restaurant and ordered baked
beans.
The President announced that The
Scribe would make the weekly address,
and that gentleman came forward. He
stated that mis- theme would be 'Shall We
Politicl ?'' and added that this topic had
been selected by the presiding officer and
handed to him the night before. He con-
sidered it a very seasonable one and one
which ought to be treated seriously by
every citizen of the city at this time.
"As far as it applies to the Mandolin
club" said The Scribe, "thc question is
easily answered. This club does not poll
tick at all. 1t is not political concern,
but is devoted solely to the advancement
of the interests of Missoula. 1t was or
ganized when there was no board of trade
and has always done whatever it could
for the good of the city. But it does not
politick at any time.
"As regards the IN embers of the club as
individuals, we ought to politick W hen
politics will do any good or when any
political issue is at stake. But l consider
that the question which we are to con-
slider tonight applies to the approaching
city election and l answer it in an en-
phatic negative. No good citizen ought to
politick this spring. Thas is a broad
state ment, but think that careful con-
sideration of facts will bear me out in
making it.
"For several years the city election has
been conducted on partisan lines and we
have had a party government During
that time the city's financial condition
has not improved. We are fast losing
our credit. Our streets are in wretched
condition. Only last week a prominent
/ store was burglarized upon the beat of
one of our night policemen and more than
$1,000 worth of goods taken. There is no
clue to the thieves. Now, if there is any
thing that will reform this state of affairs,
it seems to me it is n city election con-
Quoted on nonpartisan lines, with no end
| in view except the securing of the best
men for the responsible positions in the
city government-men who are sound
business men and whose interest in the
city is not factional or sectional, but is
broad-gauged and liberal. That is why
say that politics should cut no figure in
a city election in times like these. There
is no political issue at stake. Only the
good of the city is concerned"
The Scribe was warmly applaudeI as he
sat down and the Mandolin club is evil
IDENTITY on record as opposed to discord in
the management of local affairs. 1t i.
doing its best to maintain its record as q
harmonious organization.