New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-10-13

eminent Of the city. The problem OF organizing
political party to obtain this object was referred
10 committee Of Ave, then 10 committee OF
seventeen. and finally to a general committee Of
1872. which still exists, and which has formed sub
ordinate associations in all the wards and in most
OF the election districts Of the city In appeal
which the Citizens Union made for popular sup
port Its oflcers said:
The Citizens Union confidently appeals 10 you
because II believes the time has when sober
men, irrespective Of party, nationality or occupa-
ton. desire to lay aside party differences and unite
for better local government. We ask no one TO sur
render his political opinions. We ask no one 70
Lave his party. We not opposing party organ
isation or party discipline. We simply say that
questions Of National State politics have moth
ing to do with city affairs. and that no party or
ganzauon should demand that the vast interests Of
the City Hall. involving the health. comfort and
prosperity Of rs 90 people be sacrificed for the
benent Of any political organization or ring. We
believe that National issues should be left TO Ma
tionaI parties Local affairs should be considered
on their merits Men should be elevated to Office
not because they useful to tho party organiza-
tion but because they are fitted by character ard
ability to serve faithfully the public
Austin c. Chase. a leading citizen. was elected
president Of the union. and George W. Driscoll
secretary. Then the union went 10 work 10 IN
crease It's membership. So successful was Il that
its leaders felt emboldened July 70 to nominate
D
Donald Dey, a member Of one Of the two largest
, retail drygoods firms Of Syracuse. Mr.. Dey was
Republican IN his political faith. but the real rea-
son OF his nomination was that it was believed he
would give business mans administration OF the
affairs Of Syracuse IL he should be elected as its
Mayor The platform upon which he was nomi-
mated also was a non partisan appeal 1t said;
The heavy burdens imposed upon the properly
owners of Syracuse during recent years by the
large number OF local improvements. many or
haye heen through excessive
cost. while the performance OF the work MI, has N
s. wR h
In q few years. entirely out OF proportion to our
Increase IN wealth and popaas .aqo,y
the growth and business prosperity OF the city the
granting Of valuable franchises without SSmpe on
Ion BE- used for purposes Of sale and speculation
~ puSio oficias for the peoples rights and the
duties and responsibility Of their office. the shame.
r nr nnbc ssrvIcethose and many similar abuses
compel the people to face the TACT that continu-
a9GS IN ns vaues and renders doubtful any prom
future pssyc ana rSa, these unfortunate
co"dsiens have resulted largely from the system
Of party politics which has heretofore conro.ed
SSsa ees many sssns and
politicians whose chief aim Is to use o'ncial power
h propoote their own personal interests. $500
We Therefore. for the better government OF our
city In the future, having organize S 9uIseNes
the ,ss % The saemen Hn Of ri
-. smnport OF which We invite the earnest CO.
cneraton of ali citizens regardless OF party alia-
tons . -. 800. ot,,. sho,,a
BE- absolutely divorced from State ana Natonai
nolifcs: that character and fitness, ana not parry
s~rvice should be the controlling influence In the
election and appointment TO public ONCE that our
eity afYairs should not be administered IN the IN.
terest Of any man or political organization; that
unnecessary ofices should not be created and the
peoples money squandered for the purpose OF as
fessionaI politician in line for coming campaign
that our municipal government should be conducted
upon strict business principles. and the interests
OF the people guarded and protected. and their af.
fairs administered with that same economy and
efhciency which are observed In the management
Second-The streets of Syracuse belong to the
people. A franchise which confers the right 10 use
them for special purposes and which becomes more
valuable each year should not be given away. but
should be granted only In return for q just AMI
reasonable compensation TO the city We further
urge that no franchise should be granted except
for a limited number Of years. and then only upon
such conditions and under such penalties as Will
guarantee the performances OF the work and stop
Third-We favor the employment of home labor
upon the public work without regard TO party
Affiliations. and by practising business economy In
city affairs and utiIzng In the interest OF the pub