Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-04-07

Asked to Pledge Their Efforts for
Execution of the Laws.
The movement for a publication OF
local politics and an improvement in
the administration of affairs by the
municipal government, took tangible
form last night, at a meeting of the
committee of one hundred, which was
held in Odd Fellows hall. The COM
mittee, which really consists of 1z5
members, was we'll represented. The
roll call showed sixty-four present, and
eight members came in later.
The meeting was called to order
shortly after eight o'clock, and its OBJ
ject was explained by Rev. ]. L. Sooy,
D. D., pastor of the Fourth Street M.
E. church. A temporary organization
was formed by the selection of Judge
G. L. Cranmer as chairman, and Capt.
c. ]. Rawling as secretary. The dis
cussion was opened by Gen. Alfred
Caldwell, who made vigorous ad-
dress, and concluded by offering the
resolutions which were adopted by the
committee as its platform.
1T is an axiom in this community"
said Gen. Caldwell, that there is an
imperative demand for reform" Con-
tinuing, he said that a stop should be
put to the character of municipal gov
eminent in Wheeling, yet he did not
consider it the part of wisdom to at
tempt too much. No element in the
community should be antagonized, I'M
less it be found absolutely necessary.
There were two things to be accom-
plished-frst, to hereafter elect men
of clean records; and second, to have
laws to enable the detection and pun
ishment of men in Office when they
violate the law. If it be made unpro-
fitable for Councilmen to hold office,
the undesirable class will not be seek
ing office.
Theory VS.. Practice.
In theory the Office of Councilman is
a position of honor. In practice, if
common report may be accepted, it is
decidedly the reverse. 1t is said that
large sums of money have been paid
out at elections for the privilege of
serving the city without pay; but it is
said, and charged publicly, that men
do not serve the city without pay. The
law should be amended to punish every
man who accepts trust from the
hands of his fellow citizens, and then
accepts a bride. 1t is time to have laws
strong enough to put striped suits on
men of that character. Not only law
to punish, but law to detect, is desir-
ed. There should be laws to enable
grand jury to call before it party
to the criminal proceedings, and COM
pei him to testify. There should be a
law which would hold over the heads
of the bribe-giver and bribe-taker, a
sword of Damocles, by single hair,
liable to fall at any moment upon eth
err head. Another great object is to see
that not only the proper persons are
put in Office, but to prevent them from
backsliding. Apply the remedy. ana
see afterward that it works. Then we
will have decent municipal govern
ment. 1t will require a united effort.
There is danger in being too radical.
If there are too many eggs no chick
ems will be Matched at all.
Gen. Caldwell closed by offering the
following:
The Platform.
In order that no doubt shall exist
as to the purpose of this committee or
organization to combine it's efforts to
the election of Councilmen and other
city officials of clean records, pledged
to the maintenance of an honest city
government for the interest of all the
inhabitants and without regard to the
advancement or welfare of any polit-
ical party, and the amendment of the
laws OF this State so that bribery and
corruption of Councilmen and other
officials of the city may be investigat-
ed, and, when discovered, adequately
punished; therefore, be 1t
Resolved, That we will devote our
best endeavors to the accomplishment
of such purposes; that we do not de-
sign to interfere with, antagonize, or
in any way attempt to change the laws
relating to the sale of spirituous,
vinous and malt liquors in this city,
or to any other lawful business. or the
laws pertaining to the licensing of such
sales
Mr.. Henry M. Russell took the floor
and endorsed everything said by Gen.
Caldwell. He pointed out that the Or
ganization could be made very useful
but conservatism was essential. Trou-
BILE would inevitably follow an attempt
to pass radical measures. Opposition
must be anticipated. Mr.. Russell said