The Anaconda standard., 1895-02-27
BEES IN THEIR HATS
The Spring Is Bringing Out a Crop Of
Candidates.
ABOUT THEIR RECORDS
Smith Davis Won't Run for Mayor
But II He Did There Would Be
a Kick Against Him Be-
cause Of HIS Sidewalk.

sparks uGTG anu Aht Dtlth9 DAt'NNS N'fN
have floated gently down the valley have
famed more than one of these sparks
into merry blazes until the political cir
cles of the University City are in n fair
way to warm before long. The man who
isn't n candidate for something is n rare
exception and for every Office from dog
catcher to mayor there are a dozen appl-
cants, at least. The call OF country
sounds loud in the ears OF many good
Missoula citizens and If we don't get
good government this year, II Will be the
fault of the people, for there is an abun-
dance of good material, plenty OF men
who are willing to serve the city Tor honor
and who will guarantee to give an admin
istration that will make the hair curl.
Some of the democrats are strongly
urging Frank q. Higgins for the position
of mayor. They believe that he Is just the
active, progressive man that the city
needs TO handle municipal affairs now
and TO lend cooperation TO the new board
of trade. Other democrats do not seem
disposed TO endorse Mr.. Higgins, al
though there has been no other man
named as likely TO head the ticket of local
democracy this spring. Unless an active
canvass is made it will remain for the
convention to decide who will lead the
anxious to make a fight at present.
For the republican candidate for mayor,
Col. Thomas c. Marshall has been sug-
gested by some of his numerous admirIng
friends-just TO show the doughty colonel
that the republicans appreciate the late
flop of the tIll-latcly democrat. The colo
mel is a busy man and, although he has
not yet expressed himself publicly, it is
doubtful if he can find time to attend to
the city's business to the detriment of his
private affairs. The mayoralty is an
empty honor at best. Dwight Harding
has also been mentioned as n possible
candidate and is certainly fitted by eX-
perience to manage the city. He has been
n member of the city council for long
time and is familiar with the business OF
the city. Robert Fisher is also possi-
bility that should not be lost sight of by
the slate makers, and p. j. Kline's record
for economy while OH the board of county
commissioners has demonstrated his fit
ness for the position of mayor when, as
now, retrenchment is not only desirable
but absolutely necessary.
The workingn.en are talking n good
doal about putting L. j. Bruins in the
field, if he is not placed on the republican
ticket. Mr.. Bruins is n good man, con-
servative and popular with all who know
him. He would carry considerable
strength and, if he should consent to head
an Independent ticket, would he apt to
make "Bill B rry" run. ~ u. Tietjen
is also mentioned in this connection, and
j. L. Powers has some friends who be-
lieve that he would grace the mayors
chair with dignity and credit.
In all this ante-electIon tax there is an
undercurrent of opinion that declares for
economy. That the city is being eNtraya-
gantly run is admitted and somo policy
must be a lopted that will reduce the eX-
penses of running tho municipal machine.
The taxes that were paid last December
only served to meet the outstanding city
warrants to August, 1893 and If this sort
of management continues there will soon
be outstanding two years warrants.
Everybody admits that retrenchmeut
policy must be adopted. The city must
stop building unnecessary and expensive
bridge extensions and such eXtragigances
and get down TO a business basis. This is
the tenor of the remarks of men of.all po-
litical faiths and the supporters of all the
candidates urge the fitness of their men
for this very line of action.
There is n prominent element in this
city, and it is not inconsiderablc in size,
that believes that this retrenchment can
best be accomplished by laying aside
party preferences for once and uniting on
n citizens ticket that shall be made up of
business men, regardless of political
faith. These people urge that such
ticket would be endorsed 10y the business
men of the city and that good men could
be induced TO accept municipal positions
who would not under other circumstances.
They assert that similar movements IN
other Montana cities have resulted in
great benefit to the cities and that Mis-
soula's ono experience with citizens
ticket was altogether satisfactory. There
are, they say. plenty OF good men who will
get out and work for ticket of this sort,
who would take no interest in a local po-
litical fight.
A STANDARD reporter visited n number
of local poIit cal leaders to-day TO learn
their views on the question. lie found a
wide difference of opinion. One man
who has led numerous hot political fights
in city and county said: IL will take no
part in any city city election that involves
politics. But Will work for a citizens
ticket" Another man said: IL will not
endorse such a plan. Let's have party
tickets" The other opinions vary be-
tween these Two extremes.
Other questions that may be made an
issue IN the election tins spring are the
city streets, sidewalks. crosswalks, dog
pound, wandering cattle in the streets,
police system and city licenses. All of
these subjects are discussed by the curb
stone conventions and are belicged to be
important features IN the desired reform.
which We are all hoping for.
In this connection u may be we'll TO
state that Smith Davis is uoj candidate
for mayor. lie has been requested TO al
low his name 10 20 before the people. but
he will not consent. Mr.. Davis would un.
doubtediy make good mIyor. He is a
shrewd lnaucier and is deeply interested
in the prosperity of the city, where hc has
numerous investments. BIt there Is one
blot on his record, which wog.d cost hlm
the vote Of the Third ward. suogll hc de-
eide 10 make the UIu-4N winter there la.
been big suowIrift ou A.s sidewalk an,