The Indianapolis journal., 1903-09-24

penS6tlOn TO the city or Indianapolis. here
was a chance to test the sincerity OF the
mayor on the grade crossing question. and
for him to keep faith with the people by
compelling this railroad 10 enter the city
upon elevated tracks. He says however,
that he had no authority or power 10 COM 1
pei track elevation. The mayor knows
full we'll, if he knows anything, that he
had full and absolute power 10 compel this
company 10 come in upon his terms or stay
out. Ii was purely a business propositions;
purely matter of contract between the
a step forward on this proposition and pro-
tecting the interests of the people of this
city. he has taken a step backwards in the
interest of this corporation.
while l am in favor of encouraging
railroads TO come into the city of Indianap-
oils. / know that if he had insisted upon
track elevation. they would have not stayed
out. because the value of the franchise
granted them by the city of Indianapolis
is far greater than the cost would have been
to have elevated their tracks within the
city.
But the mayors record on the grade
crossing question was trifle shady prior
10 the letting of this franchise BY de-
cision of our Supreme Court the city was
left without power or authority TO compel
the railroads 10 elevate their tracks with
III the city. The Legislature of the State
was the only source from which the city
could obtain such authority. and when
Republican member from this county in
troduced bill empowering the city TO
compel track elevation. il became one or
the scandals of this administration. that
certain members OF his official household
We're found lobbying against the measure,
and our mayor. who is now solicitous
about the good name OF indianapolis, and so
anxious 10 protect it. was quoted as say
ing that such a bill could not pass the
Legislature. because OF the railroad lobby,
which was too powerful.
AN OPEN CHARGE.
There was mistaking the language of
the mayor 1t was an open charge that
the members of the Legislature of the
State of Indiana were open to bribery and
under the influence of the railroads of the
State. lie was willing to slander the
great State of Indiana, and its legislative
body. and yet. now. when his administra-
tion is criticised for its shortcomings, he
crys slander and persecution. This admin
istrations record upon the grade crossing
question has been such as to disgust all
concerned.
Il believe that the railroads are willing
TO meet the city of Indianapolis upon
fair basis, but they must first be assured
of the good faith of the officials of the
city Of Indianapolis.
LAS / said i'm my speech to the convention,
when nominated the grade crossing danger
must be overcome The people not in
the humor to tolerate any further delay
The vacillating course of the present adj
ministration is apparent 10 everyone, and
will meet with just condemnation.
I'VE must face this question. and it
shall be my purpose to solve it in fair
and business-like manner While 1 shall
endeavor to solve this grave problem with
as little burden upon anyone possible,
and shall not wantonly confiscate and de-
stroy property. yet L regard human life
more sacred than property, and / shall
credit the railroad managers If assured of
good faith. with a willingness to cooperate
in reasonable and imperative work.
AN OPEN BOAST
'It is the open boast of the supporters
OF Mr. Bookwalter that they have a large
campaign fund, and that the administration
has the support of all the evil influences
of the city of indianapolis. and IL you will
permit me. 1 will quote from the state
ment of one of the ardent supporters of
Mr.. Bookwalter. Ex-Judge McCray, in an
effort to convince some of his Democratic
friends that there was no hope for them
TO win. made the following statement:
with 600 saloon keepers seven brew
cries. 1000 negroes 1,500 bungaloos. and the
boo-gang, the houses of ill-fame, the strong
arm man with lead pipe in his sleeve and
a jimmy in his hip-pocket the policy kings
Eissel and Royal Hammer all of the
gamblers marshaled by King Rahke. the
Courthouse ring from the cellar to the gar
ret. the station, workhouse and jail, DR..
Carter. the independent Democratic candi-
date for mayor. a grand jury to indict you.
100000 for a campaign fund.- the election
boards and inspectors to count you out,
1000 members of the Marion Club to do
the work-how in the HI can you beat
Bookwalter?'
every time you have heard anyone say he
believed BoOkwalter would be elected and
you have asked him for the faith within
him, If his answer has not been similar to
the language of Judge McCray?
Let me assure you my friends. that we
not fo and sna n9 and apr to such
want the support Of any but the decent.
law-abiding and respectable citizens of In
dianapolis.
I'VE have endeavored to conduct a de-
| cent and honorable campaign. We have
permitted no assessments to be made
against members of the police force and
fire department, nor have we permitted
saloon keepers to be blackmailed into pay
ing assessments into our campaign fund
THE BREWERIES.
1--WE do not believe that the breweries
have any place in politics. We have wit
messed the disgraceful spectacle of rival
breweries, fighting for the affections and
good will of the administration, in order
! that they might be able to own the SUPER
intendent of police. In fact, we have seen
them play both ends from the middle, in
order to be safe, matter which candi-
date would win, and contributions in like
sums were made to both committees, and
II ultimately became a question which kind
of beer a saloon keeper must sell i'm order
TO enjoy special privileges at the hands of
the s6nmId sisnd aoa we 6eeYe We that all
1t shall be my purpose to deal with all men
| fairly and impartially, and if 1 am elected
| these elements will be eliminated from the
| field of politics and relegated to the field
| of business, where they properly belong.
| The best evidence OF our good faith is the
| well-known fact that we have no favors to
expect from and nothing to sell to law
| breakers.
"It has always been my opinion that a
| candidate for Office could not honestly and
| rightfully make and promise as to the
appointments to the positions under him
| prior to his election. He can much better
| judge after his election as to who should
| receive the appointments than he can
| thirty or sixty days before hand, and II is
but fair to all concerned that each man
who desires a place may have his name
| fairly and honestly considered when pre-
sented after the election.
with these things in mind no promises
| for places have been made by me. and
shall not be made by me before the cleo
tion. Neither is anyone authorized by me
| to make any such promises for me, and
promises will not be regarded as binding
upon me- But in all fairness l will say
! that / do not believe anyone has assumed
| such authority, except some of the sup
porters of my opponent, who have taken
| il upon themselves to make my appoint
ments for me.
CHARLES POLSTER
For instance, the mayor in his opening
| speech said that If reports are to be be-
! lieved Charley Polster will, after Oct 15
grace either the position of superintendent CT
police or chairman of the Board of Public
| Safety