The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-10-15
MELDRIM NOT READY TO TALK.
SAYS HE HAS NOT GIVEN THE COM
ING ELECTION MUCH THOUGHT.

ne mayor SUcukA Gil u w nut Aht
Present Administration Has Ac-
cOmplished, But Declines to Say
whether He VIII be "a Candidate
for denomination - His Attention
Is Being Devoted to City Matters,
and Besides, He Says He Considers
Any Statement as to the Election
Premature-Lberal Club Leaders
Looking for a Winner.
Mayor Meldrm's friends are getting
anxious to know where he stands with ref
erence to a denomination, and especially
since the municipal campaign is rapi-
dly approaching. His possible intentions
have become a topic of conversation,
mainly because he has made no statement
whatever from which even an inference
might be drawn.
When approached in his office yesterday
Mayor Me.drim was enjoying a brief rest
from the work he has been doing in con-
nection with the location of military
camps, and the selection of a government
hospital site. He feels the city is doing
its part and is fulfilling its promises,
which were made when Savannah was
first contemplated as the point of embark
alton. Everything has been done TO facil-
itate matters, he said and while the city
has made certain promises to the govern
ment in regard to getting the camp
grounds in proper shape for the accom-
mediation of the troops, il will even go
further in assisting if il is found neces-
sary to do so. He said the city proposes
to cooperate with the government In its
undertaking. and will assist in every legit-
innate way, and show the officers every
courtesy while they are. here.
The recent demonstration by the fire de-
pertinent was highly pleasing to Mayor
Meldrim who took occasion incidentally
to express his approval of the improve
ments that have been added, and the
excellent showing the companies made.
While the inspection was not of a criti-
cal kind such for instance as the ex-
animation of all equipment to see wheth-
er it was polished and busted. still the
aldermen saw enough TO satisfy them
that this branch of the public service is
being properly conducted. He said furth-
er he thought Ii would be we'll for the
board to review other departments in
similar way, as the demonstrations were
not only object lessons for the people, but
showed the tax payers an important ele-
ment of the public expense.
There are many Inquiries as to your in
tentions about denomination" it was
incidentally suggested to the Mayor.
Now, there you go; let's talk about
something else besides politics. was the
reply.
Mayor Meldrim has avoided any public
discussion of politics, and thus far he has
succeeded in keeping his friends in the
dark. Any reference to the subject in the
course of a cCnversat ton, has had the eff
feet of sealing the Mayors lips. and he
has declined to say what he would do in
case the Liberal Club leaders offer 20
again place the nomination in his hands.
The near approach of the election has
given rise to much conjecture as to who
the nominee will be- and while some as
sert Mayor Meldrim should be extended
the courtesy of a denomination if he de-
sires it, they say little, because he has
kept quiet on the subject, and none seem
TO know whether he would accept or not.
NoF2a few are leading spirits in the Lib
erai9Club, and the fact they are ignorant
on this subject is said 10 be a matter that
can be construed in more ways than one.
The names of other prospective candidates
for the mayoralty have been mentioned
from time to time, and they have come
out In their opinions on political questions
but the conservativeness of Mayor Mel
drim has kept everybody guessing whether
ne intended to again become a candidate
ANY discussion of the election now
would be premature" the Mayor said.
What l am giving the most attention to
at the present is the proper administration
of the affairs of the city government. 1
have given no thought of the coming cleo
ton, as there is ample time yet to con.
slider these matters. My object has been
to direct close attention to city affairs all
along, to give the tax payers clean, eco
nomical administration, and have some
thing at the end of my term of office to
| speak for what has been ACCOMPLISHED
| There has been no concerted action of
the leaders for nominating a candidate for
Mayor. 1t is generally conceded this will
be decided on soon, but. in the meantime.
it appears one of the tasks will be to first
find who will run and then determine
which will make the strongest fight before
the people.
THE selection of our candidate for
Mayor said a Liberalite yesterday 'is
not matter of fear. favor OF affection.
What We want is a winner. The lines are
check full of recruits, the prospects Tor
victory in January are bright, and what
we want Is some one to tilt us over the
brink without faltering, or allowing our
lines to break before the election"