Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1895-02-28
PICKED UP BY THE WAY.
THINGS SEEN AND HEARD IN THE
TOWN AND VICINITY.

The Saunterer Now Wants Information
Upon Another Subject of General In
terest to Freeland's Citizens-The Divi-
sion of the Borough Into Wards.
1t is seldom that Freeland is treated
to such spirited political contest as
that of last week, and it must be mani
fest to the people residing in and out of
the town that Freeland's citizens are
capable of discerning the difference be-
tween right and wrong when the de-
cision depends upon their own actions.
1t was campaign of bitterness which
was all caused by the proposed new
school building, but that costly orna-
ment will not haunt the Freeland public
again for some time to come. If the
people of Freeland could be induced to
continue keen vigilance upon public
officials, whether imported or resident,
who dabble in the affairs of the town,
believe the conditions would be such
henceforth, that men would think twice
before tampering with the interests and
welfare of the people. Now that the
school question is settled, another
troublesome question is about to be
thrust upon the people in the division
of the town into wards.
The latter question was lost sight of
In the recent political struggle, but If
common report is worth anything the
dividing of Freeland into two wards, as
recommended by the viewers, is likely
to be confirmed by the court at any
time. This, like many other affairs
which concerns the Freelland public,
might be the better il it received little
airing. For plain, everyday purposes,
the action of these gentlemen, who
were appointed by the court to recon-
mend division of Freeland into wards,
lis not as satisfactory as it might be, and
how they reached such conclusion,
and upon what calculations they based
their Judgement, would be interesting
information to many of Freelands
citizens.
The recent election showed that Free
land borough has more than 800 regis
tered voters, and many people are sur
prised that the viewers should attempt
to crowd over 400 voters into each ward.
The votes cast in the election districts
last week numbered about as follows:
First district, 1872; second, 22O; third,
l41; fourth, 219. Compared with other
towns of the county there are sufficient
voters in each of these districts to have
them become wards. If the number of
voters in ward is not the making of a
ward, the viewers would enlighten many
people by explaining upon what grounds
they based their decision, or letting the
public know of what benefit it is to the
borough to have but two wards. There
must be some cause for the recommen-
dation to divide it so, and it can do no
harm to tell.
I'm speaking to prominent member
s1 the bar this week he informed me
THAI there is no advantage whatever in
two wards, but that there is an advan-
tage in three or more. Three or more
wards would increase the membership
in the school board, also in the town
council, and this would give each part
of the borough equal representation in
these bodies. Assuming that my infor-
mant is correct, as tAIDk he is, there
would be great advantage to Freeland
in having three or more wards. If two
wards will leave matters as at present,
viz, have the school and council candi-
dates elected by the whole borough,
there is nothing gained by changing
from election districts. 1t would be
quite difficult to divide it into three
wards, but an easy matter to divide it
into four by taking the same boundaries
las the election districts.
The viewers, in their attempt to per-
form their duty, probably exercised their
power of Judgement conscientously, but
the decision they have rendered is not
satisfactory to all the people, and were
1T residents of the town who made such
"a report there is every reason to believe
that the expressions of disapproval
would be much louder than they are
now. Should the court see fit to con-
firm the recommendation of the viewers
it will doubtless be an approval of great
Importance to these gentlemen. II
they have acted wisely, and If a large
number of people are accusing them in
the wrong, an explanation might help to
clear away the dissatisfaction and let all
know the benefit of having two wards.
LlNLI ANTI MIRO