The Ely miner., 1903-04-17

OF the outgoing officials of this
enterprising city. there is perhaps
none better known than the subject
OF tile accompanying cut, Mayor NJ.
e. Gleason.
M. Gleason came to Ely six years
ago and purchased the hardware
business of M. Vail. During the SUBJ
seqBent years of his venture in Ely
business, times were not as prolific as
might have been and it was hard pull
| ling to weather the financial storm
that subsidized in '9S and 80. His in
domitable pluck and business energy
however weathered the gale and when
the prosperity era again dawned he
was among the first to profit thereby
andin consequence his business was
on the increase up to the time he dis
posed of his interests to the Vail
Hardware company few weeks ago.
Two years ago Mr.. Gleason was
elected mayor without opposition.
Last year he won one of the hardest
fought political battles this city has
ever witnessed and his election with
rousing majority over particularly
strong candidate was fitting testi-
monial of appreciation on the part of
the yoters. There was during the
campaign just ended, considerable
pressure brought to bear to have him
again enter in the mayoralty race,
but owing to reasons sufficient he
could not see his way clear to accept
the honor.
During the years lie has held the
reins of municipal management,
"Matt" Gleason has been an honest,
painstaking official, always alive to
the interests of the city and always
on the lookout for the betterment of
municipal conditions. Being shrewd
business man, he was quick to per-
ceiye the necessities of a growing
community and acted upon these
necessities with celebrity and success.
The meetings of the city council
have been conducted in very effici-
ent manner and rules have been
strictly adhered to. The business of
the meetings was done without fric-
tion and it was largely through the
prompt actions of the presiding
officer that this was accomplished.
The council, being composed of men
of recognized business ability, saw in
Mr.. Gleason fitting engineer and
while they furnished the motive
power, the engineer was in a large
mapner responsible for the safe con-
duction of the engine.
During the years he was mayor,
many notable Improvements were
made among which can be mentioned
the opening of the Wlnton road, Co,
nan street, Second and Third AYen'
ues. the erection of the water tower,
extending the water mains along the
eastern end of Sheridan street. the
construction of sewers and laying the
foundation for water and light
plant of which. when finished, the
city can feel justly proud. These i'm
proyements are all necessary and of a
permanent nature and rebound to the
credit Of the administration under
which they became material.
Besides being mayor, he was also
chief Of the fire department, posit-
ion he till sholds. Enough has here
tofore been said of the department
oyer which he presided, but it will do
no harm to state that it is one of the
best volunteer departments in the
state and one which has demonstrated
its superiority on several occasions.
When Mr.. Gleason arrived in Ely. the
department was struggling institu-
tion composed of only few active
members who trusted to the assist
ance of the populace in case of an
emergency. At present the depart
ment is composed of 20 men and the
chief and is one of the best drilled
and equipped departments in any
town of its size in the northwest. To
the chief is the larger share of the
credit for the upbuilding of this insti-
tuition due.