Bridgeton pioneer., 1900-03-08

CITIZENS MEETING.
wanted To Turn Down The Republican
Candidate In The Fourth Ward De-
spite His Pledges.

wanted To Turn Down The Republican
Candidate In The Fourth Ward De-
spite His Pledges.
The meeting at the First Presbyterian
Chapel Tuesday, to hear the reports from
committees appointed at previous meet
ing to wait upon the candidates of the
several parties, ond learn their views
relative to temperance and good govern
ment, was fairly well attended, about two
hundred persons from all parts of the
city being present.
Benjamin Hancock presided and Rev.
j. A. Ashworth acted as Secretary.
Thore was little friction over the re-
ports of the Councilmanic Committees
until the Fourth ward was reached. In
the First ward Robert McGear, Demo
crat was endorsed; Eli Loper, Democrat
in the Second ward. and Smith Bacon,
Republican in the Third ward.
The committee reported that both the
Republican and Democratic candidates
for Council in the Fourth ward had given
satisfactory answers to their questions
An attempt was made to railroad through
an enforcement of Joshua Ackley, Demo-
crat, which brought John S. Turner to his
feet with the remark that this meeting
could not afford to be anything else but
honest, "At the last meeting, when the
com mittees were appointed it was dis
tinctlg stated that when candidates were
equally pronounced on the question of
Temperance and good judgement no pre-
ference should be given"
President Hancock stated that to him
it seemed that the meeting had reached a
crisis. That if it should go out that they
were not dealing fair in this matter, it
would work injury. He insisted that
those present should act honestly.
Some of the over-zealous friends of Mr.,
Ackley insisted that he should ever be
endorsed, and the contention was kept
up for some time.
John Cheesman, of the Patriot, said he
was there in the capacity of reporter,
but suggested that if the meeting would
let the matter rest without an endorse
ment of either candidate "we will attend
to it and make a good report" So the
matter dropped.
The Fifth Ward Com mittee had moth
ing favorable to report, and some one re-
marked that there did not seem to be
much bope rom that direction. A gentle
man present suggested that there was
one lone man of those nominated by the
! primaries. who was favorable to temper
ance md good government-Wa
| Oliver, Democrat He was accordingly
endorsed.
Oscar Kellum, for two years, and Jona-
than Parker for one year, were then
nominated for Council from the Fifth
ward
Chas. E. Sheppard said that Finance
Committee was necessary. He suggested
that tickets would have to be purchased
at rs cents hundred and other expenses
met, at least $l00 should be raised to de-
the expenses.
At this point Mr.. Hancock left the chair
in the hands of S. F. Pennell, as he was
| called out on business.
Just how to raise the necessary $l00
seemed to bother the Injecting for few
moments; but some present suggested
that as Rev. q. III. Elder was an adept in
raising money, he be invited to come for
ward and take charge of that part of the
programme, and for about ten or fifteen
minutes the reverend gentleman gave an
exhibition of how Methodist minister
could meet an emergency. $120 were
raised
J. Owen Spencer was made treasurer of
the fund. the money being turned over to
his account.
Rev. D. r. Harris suggested that
committee be appointed to bring to JUS
tice any one detected in the illegal use of
money at the elections, which was car
| ried.
Later, the question as to whether the
meeting would endorse a candidate for
Mayor occupied considerable time. Both
candidates received praises and censure
by their respective friends and enemies,
but it was finally agreed that the COM
mittee wait upon them again, and see
what pledges could be secured. If one
should make more positive pledge than
the other, he would have the favorable
consideration of the organization.