Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1901-01-31

Councilman Couch could give a
satisfactory reason why they are
against progression, and tell why
they are opposed to the water
works franchise and the protection
to the city other than that States
man Bell says it is not a good
thing.
These blind followers of the big
non.progressionsl boss afs as tick
led when their trucking seems to
please their chief, as a small boy
when he is praised and compli-
menled by his parent.
Saturday night Councilmen Da.
venport and Miller and Mayor
Sheehan represented at the meet
ing the progressive element Of the
city. That element who realize
that the town has grown out Of its
municipal swaddling clothes, and
that il is time to secure for the
people some Of the benefits to be
derived by legislation.
These three gentlemen could not
pass any measure over the heads
of the non-progressionists. Coun-
Gilman Hall was not present. 1t
is believed that the latter is enter.
prising enough to really be, at
heart, a progressionist and would,
on a pinch, vote for what the peo-
pie want and certainly need. Mr..
Hall stays away from meetings,
however, because. it is seriously
asserted by those who claim to
know, he does not want to vote
against the interests of the people
and is equally loath to cast a bal
lot against the wishes Of the pom.
derous statesman.
The Chieftain asked Mr.. Bell af.
ter the meeting Saturday night
what the objections were to the
water works franchise. At first he
replied ~ don't know" This was
not surprising to the reporter be-
cause the belief is very prevalent
that he don't know.
When pressed for an answer the
statesman, who was trying to get
away from answering a few ques-
tions Of vital importance at this
time TO the people Of Vinita, said:
81 object to the city paying any.
thing for waterworks." With that
unsatisfactory answer the Estates
man" made his getaway.
Mr.. Bell knows, il he knows
anything, that waterworks are
needed and badly needed. He
also knows that the city is called
upon to pay simply for the fire
plugs they use, as is every other
town in the country where the
municipality does not own its owD
system. The presumption that
Mr.. Bell has no reason for his op-
position that he dare make public,
is certainly fair when we consider
that he refuses TO acquaint the peo.
pie with his objections when asked
to do 30 by the Chieftain.
You are a public official, Mr..
Bell. Be square with the people
who, for some inexplicable reason
elected you to Office and endowed
you with three and possibly four
counciImanio votes. Tell them
your TRUE reason for opposing the
franchise, or would the truth hurt
your candidacy for the mayoralty2
We think but little, Mr.. Bell, Of
your wisdom, but your dignity
surpasses, certainly, your states.
manlike qualities.
Picture the entrance into the
council chamber Saturday night Of
some noted visitor, or a stranger
who might be in Vinita contem.
plating the investment of capital.
How impressed he would be with
our city government or that por.
tiOn represented by Mr.. Bell when
he saw him the central figure
seated performing the duties Of the
Recorder sans coat, sans vest, with
bis shirt front thrown open and
the top two or three buttons Of his
trousers unfastened.
We're Mr.. Bell the mayor Of
Vinita, now that il has grown TO
its present importance aud would
become greater we're the obslruc-
tionists weeded from The council,
how impressed the gentlemen who
are coming from 81. louis Iomor-
row morning would be with the
intelligence Of our people, when
be walked up aud announced his
official right 70 give them the free-