Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1903-11-23

CITIZENS TICKET.
For Mayor-A. J. WEST.
For Clerk-P, F. CLARK.
For Attorney-E. E. BONER.
For Treasurer-PHIL S. LOCKE.
For Health Officer-DR. SCHUMA-
CHER.
For Councilman at Large-F. E..
JONES.
For Councilman First Ward-J. H.
LEITCH.
For Councilman Second Ward-CHAS.
r. WILSON.
For Councilman Sixth Ward-GEO.
II. PARR.
The citizens caucus in Firemen's hall
Friday night was the largest and most
representative gathering OF the kind ever
seen in Aberdeen, 54S votes being cast in
the mayoralty contest. Never before had
the businessmen OF the city turned out in
such numbers, and their presence was
an establishment to the politicians who
had figured on making the city of Aber-
Ieen a pawn upon the chessboard OF
county politics. Several causes operated
to produce this effect. The tax levy Of
25 mills-rendered necessary by past ex-
travagances-an the proposal to sell
the waterworks were among the leading
motives, although the activity Of few
would-be local bosses during the last two
weeks contributed to the attraction.
1t had become understood that E. B.
Benn would seek the nomination for
mayor at the hands of the Anstie forces,
and that his friends had been doing some
strenuous work in his behalf. 1t was
also known that Mayor West would be
selected as the standard bearer of those
desiring business administration of the
city's affairs, with politics eliminated.
Both sides were there in force the Benn-
Anstie crowd boastful and sangulne of
success, and the West followers not SO
sure. but ready to stay to a finish.
The selection OF chairman worked an
SAotOuLoilIllCub VII UOVll cIuCSs W. W.
Sherwood, an ardent supporter Of Benn,
was nominated for the position, while
the West contingent named John G.
Lewis. The result of the ballot made it
plain that West had the caucus, hands
down. When the count had reached II
for Lewis to 81 ior Sherwood, the latter
threw up the sponge, and moved to make
Mr.. Lewis chairman by reclamation, and
the West people were as much surprised
at their strength as the other fellows
were at their weakness. N. G. Wheeler
was elected secretary, and Walter Cram
matte assistant, and Chairman Lewis
announced that nominations for mayor
we're in order.
Before the nominations were made, J.
J. Carney introduced the following plat.
form, pledging the candidates to the
wishes of the caucus:
PLATFORM.
Whereas the financial condition OF
Aberdeen is such as to require an able,
efficient and honest administration OF its
affairs during the coming year, and de
mands the election of such officers as are
known to favor and able to give the city
business administration.
Be it Re solved, by the caucus Of citi.
zens held this Goth day Of November,
1908, that We are opposed, and pledge
the candidates of this caucus to oppose,
the appointment to a salaried city Office
anyone holding salaried Office for the
county. And futher, that We oppose,
and pledge our candidates to oppose. the
sale of the city water system. as has been
proposed by the present city council.
The reading of the platform carried
the house like tornado, and the hall
rang with the shouts of faye" when the
vote was called on its adoption, while
only desultory no or two could be
heard against it. 1t was as good refer
endum as could be had on the subjects
embraced, and precluded the nomination
on that ticket OF those who are minded
to persist in selling the waterworks and
depriving Aberdeen OF peace officer
paid by the county in order that one Off
cial may draw down two salaries. The
unanimity OF the house on the platform
demoralized the Benn forces and concen.
trated the support Of those who favored
it on Mayor West, as was seen when the
vote for mayor was taken few minutes
later, and resulted in the nomination of