The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-04-19
new MAYOR
OUTLINES
His VIEWS
John Linden of Enid, Upon
Taking His Office.
ADDRESSES THE COUNCIL
He Is to be a Business Not a
Partizem Administration.

1 Enid, o. T, April 1s-Last night, the
new city government, with Mayor John
| Linden at the head, took the municipal
reins in hand. The new mayor delivered
| an address. which was full of praise for
Enid and her future OF the moral rule
in the town. Mr.. Linden said but little.
| However, his promises along this line
| are all that the best element in Oklahoma
can expect.
Mr.. Linden spoke as follows:
Gentlemen of the Council:
In entering upon the duties OF mayor
OF the city of Enid. it is proper that 1
I should indicate in general way the poll
icy which 1 regard as essential to the
| business interests OF the city, and which
should guide the course of the city ad-
ministration.
You and I have been chosen to the
places we occupy by the votes of politi-
cal parties in a sharp partisan contest
but with the close Of the election parti-
san conditions end and our duty now IS
to serve the people who have entrusted
their material interests to our care, unin-
fluenced by partisan consideration
The various subjects with which we
must deal concern all the people in their
business relations, and have no partisan
character. Our loyalty is due first to
the prosperous city that has honored US
with the responsibility rather than TO
the political parties by whom we were
elected and this our respective parties
expect Of us.
Gentlemen: The period during which
Ston - uNxfl
be one of more than ordinary RESPONSE
bility. Throughout Oklahoma young cities
are struggling for future commercial
supremacy. Only very few of them
can accomplish their ambitions. In all
OF the older states from one to three
or four cities have attained large popu-
lation and wealth. All the rest have
fallen TO the rear. 1t will be so in Okla
homa land with the rapid developments
of the territory now in progress, but q
short time will be required to demon
strate this fact
1T is for the city government in CO.
operation with the people to determine
whether Enid shall be a successful con-
testant for the first place. or to be out
stripped in the rivalry of the race.
I'VE are now we'll to the 'front.' and
whether we shall go nearer or lag be-
hind will be determined during the period
of our official terms. The opportunity
to become a city of commanding import
ance is before us and il lost it Will not
return, but will be lost forever. The
responsibility of making the opportunity
available rests largely upon US. Much
is expected of us. Conditions are now
prosperous and full Of encouragement and
promise. 1t is for us to keep them so.
and give increased impetus to the pro-
gress made. Let US consider briefly how
we shall meet the requirements of the
occasion. We must bear in mind first
that cities Of wealth and influence are
the fruits of public spirit and enterprise.
and not of chance They grow where
energetic and broad-minded people deter
mine that they shall grow. They are
not born where narrow ideas and tinid
conservatism prevail. Population and
wealth are attracted where opportunity
for profitable business and employment
of labor are presented, and where home
life is made attractive and agreeable.
Therefore II is essential that railroad ia
cilities should be ample. that the water
works would afford an abundant supply.
that the sewerage should be sufficient
to insure the cleanliness and health Of
the city. that protection from fires should
be efficient and thorough, that useful and
ornamental public buildings should be
provided. that the streets. sidewalks and
alleys should be well improved and kept
in proper repair. and that the city should
be sufficiently lighted.
We should also keep in view the fact
that Enid by reason OF her rank among |
the cities of Oklahoma and of her super /
ier transportation facilities is entitled to /
one of the best territorial institutions. /
that we may be able to cooperate with 1
our cIizens and encourage their efforts TO 4
secure such an institution when she op- /
portunities arises for doing so.
Neither should the fact be overlooked \
that next TO a profitable business con6i- /
ton a beautiful city and a city orna-
mented with public and private buildings. I
well improved and beautiful streets. to-
gether with the comforts and Injuries
Of modern life. attract the best and most
thrifty class of people. Those things
that are pleasant TO the eye and crafty
ing 20 the taste are only second In in
portance 20 the desire for financial gain.
II nose VINO desire 70 i've atlpAEr+ Pl'6t- ]
ant SURROUNDINGS and have access to TIE
best social enjoyments and comforts viii
PASS by the locality that does not Offer
them and establish homes In the more
inviting cities. These influences are i'm
portant essentials In promoting a healthy
growth. and should be kept vel IN view
TN the matter Of railroads are are now
better supplied than any other city IN
Oklahoma. and our lines reach more tr1h-
1tary territory. but this condition VIII
not long continue unless other roads are
secured. and 80 fs- IS the city govern
uent has power Il should aid IL bringing
! cdittonzi Hines Of roads into the city
IN thu other essential improvements
md conyenieuces % which have refer
ID commercials progress has been made
but enforcement and extension aud coz
inaztsor OF the work = progress VIII
---s.ire constant attention and care y
necessary work % With 7 have csslef
attention can not - carried out vfthosi
sxpend.tur, Of Fn@rcy ara
h resulting taxation. tUt with prOaeft
md economical un2rsFeEnsnt IN the cosi
!. improvements ard the expeFsci;8re n I
money 70 more p-oetsbie Investment
,ossh Be made every dollar vii - I
ZIP. mann tines IN TIE eEbz-oet Tz3rs :
z property. in The Increase = euHlrs%s |
nd IN tse co-uPensatso1 q sa.9r 10 Z
49, who xzzv - tLE,soe~d 20 cor 7@<i7