The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-01-27
CITY AFFAIRS.
The Alignment of Forces Get.
ting Into Shape.

The welfare of Topeka is so greatly
involved in the forthcoming city cleo
ton that there is a pronounced disposi-
ton to make no experiments and take
no chances-but nominate and elect
men who have been tried and tested.
All questions are more or less over
Swallowed by the waterworks issue. The
company will make a struggle to have
its franchise renewed. Failing that to
sell out at figure which will save it
from losing over half the big price paid
due not to the actual value of the
plant but to the enormous profit made
by the parties who sold the works; di-
rectly and Indirectly to the New Jersey
company now in control.
There is only one candidate for mayor
whose position on this question is safe
and sound His views and votes are on
record His candidacy has been received
with an almost universal approval.
Why; because his record is one of in
tegrity, fidelity, ability and force
The question of councilmen is import
ant too and that of city attorney and
city clerk. Tt is a bad time, to modify
Lincoln's terse expression, to swap
horses till the waterWOrkS tide is
stemmed.
The contest for membership in the
council is opened. The alignment Of
candidates has commenced though the
openly shown their hand. 1t is believed
that they may try the still hunt plan
and that they will have a candidate
with whom they are satisfied in every
ward in the city.
Councilman Morgan of the Second
ward will be candidate. The plan of
the opposition will probably be to re-
serve their forces and try to defeat Mr.
Morgan in the election. But whatever
is done will be fruitless for the people
know where MIR. Morgan stands and
Democrats and Republicans will alike
support him. No candidate has yet
appeared in the field to oppose his nomi-
nation.
Councilman Elliott of the Third ward
VIII be candidate and no opposing
candidate has appeared. John Elliott
has served his ward faithfully in the
council and has always been on the side
of the best interests of the city. There
has never been any equivocation on his
part. The people have known just
where to find him and are satisfied with
his general course. He owns a great
deal of property in Topeka and his in
terests are naturally with the tax pay
er. He is one of the earliest settlers and
has watched with pride the growth Of
Topeka from a country village to the
metropolis of the state. When a man
like Mr.. Elliott is willing to serve
the city, they ought to elect him by &C
clamation.
Councilman Roundtree of the Fifth
ward will ask for denomination. He is
the only cO1Ored man who has ever
served in the city council and he has
filled his position with credit to his
ward and the city. His position on the
waterworks question has always been
straightforward and this ward COM
prises a large part of the dry district
his constituents wish to be represented
by man upon whom they can depend
No opposition to Mr.. Roundtree has
been developed.
Councilman Skinner of the First ward
who has made such creditable record
during the two terms he has served the
ward, says that he has not made up his
mind whether he will ask for re- cleo
ton or not.