Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-03-23
SPECIFIC ISSUES
Up TO THE PEOPLE
Question of city's Moral Condi-
ton Involved in Present
Campaign
POPULAR
DEMAND
Principles of MIR. Blanding Fairly
Defined and He is Bound
by Them.

within the past 10 years that in local
politics the parties should be guided
in their campaigns by issues directly
affecting the community, and with
increasing frequency has it been
urged-particularI during the last
year-that some determined stand
should be taken on the moral condi
ton of the city. In other words,
the convention acceptance prom
Use on the part of a candidate
to give to the people IAN able or
clean or au honest admins
tration of city affairs has become re-
garded, although worthy, as some what
stereotyped and alto ether too mean
ingless and evasiVe to merit the con-
fidence of the people as a whole. Of
course none doubts the honesty of
motive and purpose of any candidate,
regardless of which party he may rep
resent. if he considers himself fit for
the Office of mayor. On the matter of
ability the people are TO judge by ex-
perience. The proper Interpretation
of the word ''clean" is what the
people are most interested in just
now. 1t will be recalled. that when
Mayor McConochie arose from
the dead two years ago and
was reuominated for mayor. he
used the weather-worn express
sion in acknowledgment of his re-
Mobilization that he would, if elected
give the people an "honest and clean"
administration of public affairs. Mr.
McConochie was elected. No one has
raised question as to the present
mayors personal honesty, but all
have had ample opportunity to Judge
of his ideas of what should constitute
a "clean" administration. And vet
Former Mayor Knox was reuominated
the other night he avoided any defni-
ton of what should constitute
the duties of mayor as applied 10
existing conditions. The only
satisfaction he gave was that
he would serve the city to the
best of his ability if elected. Mr.
Knox has never been found wanting
on the test of personal honesty, but
the people have had abundant oppor
tunity to Judge of his capacity as
mayor and OF his convictions of what
is meant by good government in its
general sense.
And so it has gone. Mavoral NOM
inees have been in the habit of max
ing their promises of giving the city
the idea of proper administrations. and
the people have had the results, until
under the administration now in pow
er the "clean" part of it in par
ticular has grown so conspicuous and
loud that the public can turn nowhere
without being impressed with its
presence
What the People Want.
Now come the people calling for a
better definition of the word ''clean.
They have dec Jared they are tired of
evasion and demand outspoken declar- |
alton specific in it's nature. The re- |
pu blican city convention met a week |
ago and made it's nominations, but |
passed over the matter of specific an
on the paramount point. |
The same old promise was made and |
it was let 60 at that. The following |
night the democratic convention as
ular demand, made, through it's |
frank, unmistakable
declaration of policy and principles
which, as they have appeared each
day in THE ARGUS since, represent the
platform on which the party goes be-
fore the people.
The test is thus to be submitted.
What has been so long and often asked
Of political party in local elections is
1t is now for the people
to say whether they approve of such
In outspoken policy, aud whether
hey will sustain the course of party
hat takes a stand for the crying re-
forms as they may develop.
No Question About Sincerity.
1t has been learned that an attempt
las been made by political supporters
IF MIR. Knox to belittle and cry down
,he stand taken by Mr.. Banding on
he ground that it is not sincere.
Right on that point THE ARG Us for
is own part desires to say that a
candidate who would exhibit bad
iaith in a matter of such vital con-
Germ ought to be regarded as moral
outcast, and a mayor, who, hav-
Dg been elected on solemn pledge
IF this kind would betray the
people trusting in him, would
lever again deserve any measure of
public confidence. When The ARGUS
loisted Mr.. Blanding's platform at
he head of its editorial columns. it
elt confident that it meant something,
md from his declaration before the
that nominated him, to-
yether with his own assurances
Iince. it is convinced that if elected.
lie will be true to such principles.
lie could not do otherwise and be true
o himself.
Briefly summed the stu alton is
imply this: The time has come
when the people are to have that
which they have for so many years
,etitioned for, an opportunity to pass
IN questions affecting their moral
condition. 1t is no longer a theory.
The condition is here. 1t is up to the
people to pass upon it. |
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