The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1901-11-09
THE MAYOR OF SPRINGFIELD

Mayor Hayes Of Springfield has is
sued a statement declining to be can
didate for denomination for a third
term. Springfield is a Republican city,
but Mayor Hayes is a Democratic
mayor.
The conditions in Springfield last year
We're very similar to those in Worces-
ter this year and Worcester may easily
follow Springfeld's example in re-elect-
ing young Democratic mayor for a
second term; but this is by no means a
foregone conclusion and it does not ac-
count for the peculiar shyness of the
strong candidates in the Republican
party.
This year the path should be clear for
Springfield to pick a strong Republican
candidate, TO elect him. Perhaps it is
unfair to say that Mayor Hayes is
afraid to run again.
He says, indeed, in his statement:
My decision is not affected by any
fear of again placing my candidacy for
the mayoralty before the people MY
confidence in the people of Springfield,
irrespective of party, has been and is
so great that ! would be willing to
trust my candidacy for reelection to
their determination, upon the question
Of an endorsement of my administra-
ton of the office. During the past few
week many men of all stations in our
local life, and of different political be-
lief than my own, have urged me to be
a candidate for a third term, and have
assured me of a continuance of the
support which has been given to me in
the past. And I also feel that I would
have the continued support of all but
a very few of my own party, the same,
In TACT, as during the past two years.
All this | say with all due Difference
and respect for the probable Republf-
can nominee, my friend and neighbor in
business, Mr.. Ellis, and with a proper
regard for the fact that his nOmina-
ton is one of the strongest that could
ne made. But even if I felt certain of
defeat, and any great principle i'm
PEELED me to seek reelection, I would
be a candidate regardless Of the result.
as ] was last year when my first ad-
mlnistration came before the people for
endorsement. The result at that time
was such as I must ever remember
with pride. and the honor that the pao-
pie OF my city repOsed in me | have en-
deavored to reflect upon them and upon
the city if Springfield upon every pos
sible occasion. And I trust that OBJ
portunities may come in the future to
show the gratitude I feel to the people
OF this city, and I know that nv in
terest in our municipal affairs will not
cease because Of my ceaslng to actively
participate in them.
During my administration the work
OF the office Of mayor has increased
considerably because of the desire to
do all that the people demanded for the
public good The office is one that de-
mands and should command the nav
or's full time, and the interests of the
city and the people are entitled to his
fullest service. The time has passed in
Springfield when the mayor can devote
a few hours each day to his municipal
duties and I feel that the people will
not tolerate any return to that prac-
tice. No greater honor can come TO
any man locally than the honor of serv-
Ing as mayor, of this city. and for that
reason alone I regret that must de-
cline TO be again candidate for re-
election TO the office"
The statement of Mayor Hayes as to
the Importance of the office and the
length Of time required applies in even
greater degree, we believe. to the city
of Worcester. The mayor Of Worces-
ter should be a man of business ability.
who has demonstrated his fitness for
the office, but he should be a man who
had the time to devote 10 the office;
not man who is already overcrowded
with work and absorbed in money
making in his private business. The
man at the head OF a great manufact-
uring concern is seldom able to yield
the control for year or two for the
sake Of gratifying his political ambition
and serving the state.
Lawyers and tradesmen are more
fortunate in this respect. Occasionally
there is to be found a retired business
man Of just the proper qualifications.
Worcester only needs one mayor and
the Republicans only need one candi-
date for mayor. but they seem to have
an exceedingly hard time to pick out
the man.