Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1897-12-09

Hn9 W. Oh Munl''p~i :; .ss
course of his remarks took occasion to
give some good political advice based
upon his practical experience as may
or and governor. He is republican,
but he realizes that the course of that
party has not been in the interest OF the
common people, and that as political
party it will soon be sunk in oblivion
unless change of its principles are
made. He also recognizes the neces-
sity of municipal ownership of public
utilities, new and strange doctrine for
a republican to preach, although good
one. The governor stated that it was
the duty of every good citizen to take
an active interest in the politics of his
municipality, not only to vote, but to
take part actively in caucusses and prl-
mary elections.
Then, reviewing his connection with
the municipal affairs of Detroit, as
mayor. during the past seven years. he
told how under his administration, the
city had acquired its own electric light
ing plant, and was now splendidly illum-
mated at less than half the old rate;
how gas had been reduced at the least
one.third in price, how the toll roads
had been made public thoroughfares;
how the street pavements had been
wonderfully improved; how the public
school facilities had been bettered; how
the street car facilities had been greatly
increased and the cost of transportation
lessened so that one sells six tickets for
a quarter with transfers, and another
eight with transfers; how all street car
companies had been compelled to sell
working mans tickets at three cents
during certain hours, and how, by the
starting of an opposition company. tele.
phone rates had been reduced more
than IS per cent.
Continuing he said: ''This period
has been to me more like one of war
than peace. l was selected as candi
date by the most influential people. l
discovered after election that the rail
ways were paying less than their share
of taxes. said SO, and the railroad
support Immediately left me. l discov-
cred that the gas companies were charg-
ing exorbitant rates. l said SO, and the
owners of gas stock turned their back
on me. found the banker speculat-
ing with city funds. / denounced the
practice and they denounced me as un
safe. l attacked the turnpike roads
and their owners called me anarchist.
Every time l attempted to correct an
abuse, lost a large and influential class
of supporters. was four times elect.
ed mayor, but in each campaign was
made painfully aware of the loss of old
friends. although my majorities crept
up from !, 500 to more than 10000.
When the influential classes turned
their backs upon me, the common peo-
pie always stood by me. You will not
be surprised that have come to lean
upon the common people as the real
foundation upon which good govern
ment must rest.
s'As to a remedy tor these evils, my
experience has brought me to the con-
cluslon that the streets of city belong
to the people and no mayor or common
council has rig ght to barter them away.
The remedy against many of these evils
is municipal ownership and entire aboli
ton of monopolies, or. if monopolies
must exist which depend upon public
favor, their absolute control and de
pendence upon the people. This
remedy will not only solve many mnni-
cipal problems. but will bring forth the
genius of commerce under the proper
subjection. We are jobbing out the
power of the people to spectators.
My experience IS that those who stand
foremost in the synagogue on the Sun
day and are busy the rest of the week
in bribing aldermen and getting up
stock jobbing schemes to defraud the
widows and orphans are the most dan
gerous members of society. How long
can government last which increases
constantly the burdens of the industrial
classes. and gives to those who prey
upon the bone and sinew of the nation?
Here in New York, fear that my re-
marks may not be well received. but
hops snd believe that self-govsrnment