Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1895-01-21
PICKED UP BY THE WAY.
THINGS SEEN AND HEARD IN THE
TOWN AND VICINITY.
The Saunterer Finds Few Subjects of
More or Less Importance to Write
About-Some Timely Remarks Upon
the Political Situation.

,
done more to relieve the monotony of
Freeland's small boy since the ice be-
came covered with snow, than all other
forms of amusement combined. The
Norweigians appeared on Walnut street
one evening last week to give free scope
to the pleasures of youth in their native
land on the fresh snow. The pilxe-poles
which they used were curiosity, but
the snow shoes, which were seven feet in
length, excited the wonder of the urchins
who had gathered in groups along the
hill. In the hour the Norweigians spent
on the hill the boys dropped" on to
their mode of flying over the snow, and
since, barrels which have been doing
household service for years have disap-
peared and nothing of them can be seen
but the slaves with boy standing upon
them flying over the snow with the ex
pertness of Laplander
Though it is question of much local
Importance, there is little being done
about changing the location of the hose
house and apparatus from where it is
now situated. Whether the council
feels that it is not equal to the task
or whether it is one of mere Indifference
no one seems to know, but the present
condition of affairs, with the increased
area under borough control, should
demand that this matter receive the
earliest attention, not only from the
council but from the public. The two
last fires which were in town demonstra-
ted the disadvantage of having fire
apparatus and no means of getting it to
a fire without the united efforts of a
small army of men, who through ex
haustion are not able to fight fire for
some time after arriving at it.
There is not much opposition or diff
ference of opinion to be found regarding
the removal of the hose house to place
where a response to the alarm could be
prompt and with less exerton and delay
than is now required. In fact it is the
earnest desire, to not only have the re-
moval made, but to have it made as
quickly as possible. None know the
advantages of getting to fire quickly
better thau the firemen. A few minutes
delay causes "A destruction to property
that otherwise would not be and allows
the flames to increase to such an extent
that the fremen must double their efforts
to subdue them However, the non
removal is charged up by some to the
iiremen themselves, and it is claimed
vigorous demand from them would be
needed without delay
The political atmosphere which is
just now hanging over borough affairs
is so heavy and threatening that it
would be a great relief to many citi-
zens if the crash would come in any
shape. 1t is more than annoying
and keeps the mind in state of anX-
iety to be building hopes upon uncer-
tainty, and this is the very thing that
is being done in many sections of the
town. As an unbiased witness the past
month can be recorded as one which has
been silent, but continual sparring
exhibition for political points, on both
sides, with no visible advantages to any
or either. Nothing is so beneficial to
political ascendancy as to map out the
plan of campaign on a liberal basis,
but if personal ambition and ends are
the only results to be gained the mar
shaling of the forces usually produces
fresh obstacles.
1t may be said without much fear of
contradiction that it is a waste of time
to indulge in political science just at
this time for Freeland is one of those
peculiar towns where points made be-
fore the nominations count for little or
nothing at elections, especially spring
elections. 1t has always been custom
airy in districts where a nomination is
equivalent to an election to do the wire
pulling before the conventions, but
even with the Democratic majority that
has been annexed to the borough re-
Gently, there is not enough certainty to
wager dime upon. A look at the poll
tical field in this way by those who are
determined to get there may make the
surprise less surprising when the ballots
are counted on election night.
Freeland, since its incorporation, was
never more in need of able men to
take care of its interests than it is now
The very best in the town is wanted al
the heinz men who have convictions fol
the future of Freeland and its people,
and their own interests as only second
airy considerations, are the need of the
hour. 1t will not be an easy matter tt
induce men of this nature to take hold
as they are seldom found meddling tc
any extent in politics, but if a nomina
tion is given they usually accept it, and
with such men in office pettitogging il
relegated to the rear, as it should be
Freeiand has plenty material OF thi.
quality within its borders if it was only
given chance, but it is a question