Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1898-01-21
Sherman's Platform;

Sherman's Platform.
John Sherman, ex-aldeaman,
ex-membcr of the board Of public
works and the ants MacVicar can
didate for the republican nomina~
ton for mayor issued his platform
recently. Upon it he will
make a campaign for the republi~
can nomination for mayor of Des
Moines. He says municipal own
ership is settle principle. That
he wants to see harmony in the
council, a better police force and a
reduction Of expenses. The plat
form is asfollows.
To the people of Des Moines:-
AS heretofore announced have consen-
ted to become candidate for mayor of
Des Moines, before the republican pri-
maries. A just regard for the opinions of
the people would seem to demand that
in some manner indicate and outline the
polices and principles Of municipal govern
ment which should endeavor to prom
ulgate in case l shall be the successful can
didate.
In my judgment mayor should contin
ually strive to obtain and retain the conf
dence and cooperation of all earnest and
honest officials whom the law contem-
plates shall be associated with him in the
affairs of the city. Success and the well
being OF the city demand this of him and
any other course must result in failure.
believe the majority of our people are
in favor Of municipal ownership and con-
troi of water works, electric light works,
etc. With this idea am in hearty accord
and beleiYe that this question so far -
our city is concerned may be considered
settled and is no longer an issue.
The only question: now to be considered
is the best method of accomplishing the
desired end. The statutes of our state
provide that before any contract for per-
chase or erection Of q municipal plant
shall become effective it must be approv-
cd by a vote of the people, shall always
be in favor of submitting to the people
any feasible or practical plan which may
be presented for the acquiriment of any Of
these institutions, and stand pledged to
carry out the expressed will on the sub
ject.
Another point to be carefully guarded is
the placing of these plants beyond political
influence that they may not become
through the employees powerful political
enignes to perpetuate the power Of Office
holders and furnish places to reward po-
litical service, for it has been demonstrat-
ed that public business enterprise cannot
be so managed either satisfactorily or
economically.
In this connection I will say that fully
endorse the sentiments of resolution re-
Gently presented to the city council re-
questing a change in the law of the state
which will prohibit the mayor and mem
bers of the council from holding two sue
cessive terms of office, as this would re-
duce to minimum the power of political
Influence in public business and serve to
place these institution and all other mat
ters to great extent beyond the reach
of place hunters and spoilsmen.
During the transition from private to
municipal ownership the.important power
OF regulation and control should be judi
ciously and firmly exercised so that other
citizens msy receive these benefits at q
fair and reasonable price and the corpor-
alton in control should be required to give
good and satisfactory service and at the
same time contribute their just share TO
the public expense fund.
To an economical expenditure Of public
money and the minimum amount of taxa
: ton all officials should be pledged. 1t is
also important that SO far as possible all
improvements made by the city should be
so conducted and managed that the money
expended therefore should find its way
back to the pockets of our people. To
this end only resident labor should be en-
ployed and at fair and reasonable wages,
and materials obtained so far as possible
which have been produced by the lebor o
our own peopll.
My observation and experience lead me
to announce unhesitatingly my opposition
to the poll tax ordinance of the city and ]
know of no reasonable excuse for its ex
istencs since the legislature has given u:
the power to appeal it. 1t is wrong ir
principle because it is per capita tax ant
, falls as heavily on the poor as on the rich
The honest investigator. will think, agret
with me in the statement thatit is moi
worth what it costs and the people ge
less return for their money than for any
other tax they pay.
BY another and higher duty of govern
: nlent is to look otter the moral as we'll a!
the material welfare of the people. W.
are paying large sums annually for police
protection and are entitled and should re
e ceive the service of men who are capable
and who will honestly and fearlessly en-
force the laws and ordinances of the city
To the police department is to q large ex