The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-02-20
To the Vict0rs.

Our best wishes go to the three gen
tlemen on the Democratic ticket whom
the election of Tuesday summoned 10
municipal office. During the heated
prediction canvass we took pleasure
IN according to them that personal
courtesy and consideration which
should prevail in all campaigns where
the opposing nominees are reputable
men; and now that the battle Is over
we can chesrfully look each one Of them
in the face.
Although they were elected on party
ticket for party and personal purposes,
their paramount duty will be to the
whole city regardless Of party. and we
shall watch with interest how they Will
proceed to discharge this sovereign OBJ
legation. 1t 10 no misstatement of fact
to say that in the years during which
the administration Of the executive af-
fairs of the city has been in Republi-
can hands, a high standard OF official
character and conduct has been estab-
lished. Whatever minor mistakes may
have been made-and In the manage
ment of SO complex an enterprise as Is
the government of this complex city
certain number Of errors are inevitable
the general tendency has been for
ward and upward. This is shown in
the present financial credit of the city,
which, had carelessness or culpability
characterized the Administrations would
quickly have reflected the fact in
1t Is also demonstrated by the general
testimony Of men who, after having
moved here from other cities, have no
ticed and remarked the comparative su-
periority in our municipal officials and
in their official methods. 1t is not par
tisan fustian, 1t Is the simple truth to
say that under the Republican mayors
of Scranton, beginning with Colonel
Ripple. this city has grown to be one
Of the most progressive. most prosper
GUS and best-governed cities in the
United States. Its officials, during that
time, have been men of influence, char
ing; and the work which they have
done toward the improvement of mu-
nicipal methods and standards has
been Of a nature to command from dis
cerning observers earnest and genuine
commentator.
We mention these facts not with any
wish to reflect upon the incoming DEM
ocratic administration, which is entitled
to a fair showing, but simply to make
plain to Mayor-elect Bailey and his two
future colleagues in the executive
branch of the municipal government,
Messrs. Boland and Robinson, that they
need to be prepared to stand compar-
ison with predecessors of established
reputation, in whose hands the city has
been governed with rare success. We
trust that they will not deem us I'M
kind II We remind them that in the
minds Of many there is q fear lest the
change from Republican to Democratic
administration in this city this spring
may prove a repetition, on a smaller
scale, Of the national change from Har-
rison to Cleveland in 1892. No doubt
this fear Is without substantial founda-
tion; for the welfare of the city we
trust that the sequel may prove it to
be wholly unfounded. But as a circum-
stance which undoubtedly exists, it is
entitled to mention, to the end that the
gentlemen at whom it is aimed may in
advance outline a policy Of official con-
luct which will quickly allay all ap-
prehension.