The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-06-28
Philadelphia Citizens Protest
Against Further Rule by
Corrupt Administration.
I INDEPENDENT TICKET.
Leading Republicans Join a Move
ment to Rebuke the Men Who
Are Charged With Gross
Political Jobbery.

Philadelphia. June cs.-What promises to
be fierce local political war was inaug-
urated at the Academy of Music tonight
when 5000 citizens in town meeting nom-
mated District Attorney p. F. Rcthernsel.
Jr.. to be a candidate for the office Of Dis
trict Attorney. against the candidacy OF
John Weaver. who was nominated for that
office last week by the Republican organ
ization of this city. The speakers of the
evening severely arraigned the present city
administration and the State officials.
telegram from Postmaster General
Charles Emory Smith was read and was
enthusiastically cheered. 1t was as fol-
lows:
Can YOU use my name as a vice cresi-
dent? 1t is time for new Declaration of
Independence. Philadelphia ought to rise
In her might against jobbers In her pub.
lie rights and the ravishing Of her sacred
safeguards Of law"
that OF Colonel A X. Mcclure. the retired
editor Of the Philadelphia Times.
Republicans Arraigned.
Mr.. Mcclure did not mnce words. and his
arraignment OF the whole Republican or
ganization. both city and State. was ex-
tremely severe.
District Attorney Rothermel. he said. was
three years ago and elected. Now this same
organization. controlled by the same men.
refuse him another term. They have named
a man. he continued, who is untried and an
unknown quantity. Mr.. Rothermel sent to
prison ballot-bOx thieves. the masters OF
whom are the political leaders of the city
TODAY
He had also made II 30 uncomfortable for
others of the same stripe that they were liv'
ing in distant lands and could not cons
home until Mr. Rothermel was out OF Office
That is the reason. he said. why Mr.. Roth
ermel was not named.
Samples OF Public Robbery.
Colonel Mcclure then told of Mr..
Viewers unknown quantities and said:
"Mr. Weaver has been nominated by
these men because they have been either
assured or reasonably believe that he will
prosecute or not prosecute crime as theiI
interests might demand. The issue has
been intensified. by the most bewilderinG
public robbery ever witnessed in the State,
and the men most interested are: Mayor
Ashbridge. Insurance Commissioner Dur
ham. Contractor McNichol and their assO-
ciates They are committing public rob-
berry by criminal conspiracy.
Colonel Mcclure told how the street rail-
way bills were rushed through the Leg;sla-
ture and how the Governor had signed them
at "a convenient hour SO that the gang!
Representatives could be first at the dool
saying the battle was not one Of party. but
one Of self-preservation against organized
crime. a corrupt ballot and the lootins Of
An Independent Ticket.
Former District Attorney George G.
Graham. who served eighteen years in that
ONCE. followed Mr.. Mcclure. He strongly
urged the citizens to stand united. and he
felt confident that the patient and suffer
ing public will rise and annihilate the rob-
ber crew and give back to the people the
civil government"
Addresses were also made by ex-Postmas-
ter John Field. Reverend Doctor Henry C..
McCook and others.
The resolutions adopted by the meeting
pay a tribute to Mr.. Rothermel for his
fidelity and integrity. and formally nomi-
nate him AZ a candidate for District At
torney to succeed himself.
The resolutions also instructed tho chair
man Of the meeting to appoint q commit
tee ito conduct the contest and confer with
all organized friends OF reform In complet-
ing an independent ticket"