The St. Louis Republic., 1903-03-19
s"V's'----
SUPPORT THE MAYOR.

St Louis now has, all taxpayers know actual
good government. Public money is not wasted There
stuffed pay rolls. Results are evident for all
expenditures The departments are better equipped
than ever. More money is being collected through
the ordinary revenue channels and more money is
being invested for the public good and to better ad-
vantage. On the other hand, there exempt or
preferred taxpayers; every taxpayer is treated alike
AS the chief executive officer of the city Mayor
Wells is primarily responsible for this healthy i'm
provement in municipal conditions. In carrying out
this policy he has, of course had the assistance Of
the department chiefs and, in legislative matters
that of the City Council. The affairs of the city are
IN excellent shape.
Every taxpayer and citizen is undoubtedly desr-
Gus that this condition should last long possible
for assuredly citizen would wish for Interrupt
ton obstruction TO good government. Not only
from public but from selfish, standpoint is busi-
nesske municipal government welcome. The GER
ainty that every taxpayer obtains equality and that
his tax payments used for public benefit is per-
sonal solace
If the voters of st. Louis are satisfied with the
Mayors management of the city's affairs. and there
is ample reason why all should be satisfied they will
support him by electing next month the Democratic
nominees for the City Council. The Democrats have
4 majority of one in the Council, but this ones
friendliness to the administration is somewhat in
doubt, he has not worn the blue ribbon on all oc-
casions
The Council is more important than the House to
the Mayor in this respect-that it approves all ap-
pointments made by the Mayor. Within about a
month the terms of five members of the Board of
Public Improvements and of the chiefs six other
important departments will expire. Should the Conn
ell not be properly disposed toward the Mayors pro-
gressive policy, should 1t be partisan and there
fore obstructive his selections would be held up and
his plans for advancement nuified.
The citizens of st. Louis well know by this time
that Mayor Wells is imbued with the sole motive of
giving the taxpayers the best government within his
power. They know that the appointments which he
has so far made have not been made political
grounds, but with strict regard to merit. They be-
eve that in making the important appointments late
next month he will be guided entirely by the compe-
tency Of applicants
1t would be detrimental to the interests of the tax
payers and the city should Mayor Wells be opposed
in the City Council by partsans The voters cannot
AFFORD to have politics interfere with good govern
ment The morning Republican organ has appealed to
the voters to elect the Republican Council ticket in
order to get benecia opposition" In the City Coun-
Gil. That is exactly why the Republican Council
nominees should not be elected. The machine would
control them and the machine will not permit an op-
position that is beneficial.
The taxpayers that public business is we'll
managed and they must see to 1t that there is no
change in the condition. Beneficial opposition would
be partisan obstruction; it would be political tring
and calculated vexation; 1t would not be business
The best thing that the voters of this city can do is to
support Mayor Wells and elect the Democratic Conn
Gil ticket