Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1905-01-28
MOONS PHASES
GOV. WAKEFIELD SPEAKS OUT IN
MEETINc-A TIMELY
WARNING.

The annual banquet of the Merchants
and Manufacturers Association of Balti-
more held at the Hotel Belyedere on
Thursday night was according to the
Baltimore Sun, the scene of the most
dramatic situation ever enjoyed by men
gathered around the banquet board in
the city Of Baltimore "The Governor
Of the State" says the Sun, threw doa n
the gauntle. TO the political managers IN
an appeal for the elimination oflpolitics,
not only in the great Improvements that
are planned for the city, but IN the gen
eral conduct OF the city's government
without regard to politics.
The following is a part of what the
Governor said
II believe that the affairs of all cities
and towns should be administered in
business way, uninduenced by politics;
that the taxpayers and all patriotic citi-
kens should unite, regardless of party
affiliations, in the nomination and cleo
ton of men for municipal officers who
will consider the public interests, the
peoples welfare, above mere partisan
ship.
I'VE are informed through the press
that there is q determined effort upon the
part OF the so-called managers of the
two leading political parties to prevent
such nominations; and We are told that
they have agreed upon a plan by which
primary elections upon political lines
will be conducted for the selection of
candidates to be voted for At the coming
spring election.
s'Some OF these so called managers.
srstwhile political BOSSES, have pro-
claimed that independent citizens will
not be considered or tolerated in the Sc
lection Of candidates; that the men who
are 10 pass the legislation required in
making the improvements and the de.
velopments that are outlined for this
city shall be the henchmen of the self
constituted party managers
"Both Republican and Democratic
managers have decided upon the same
policy--that this municipal election shall
be conducted upon strict party lines and
that the next Council shall be partisan
body, If they can make il So
"Gentlemen of the Merchants and
Manufacturers Association, now is the
time, IL there ever was q time in the b s
tory Of Baltimore, when the business
men, the taxpayers and all good citizens
should come together, irrespective of
political utilization and party ties, end
select the very best men that caa be
found 90 represent them in the legisla-
tive body of the city.
You can be potent factors in this con
test if you will but do your simple duty
as citizens and take part in the prelimi-
nary work in selecting candidates. Do
not sit idly by and let the men who make
business of politics select your candi
dates for you. Their present interest is
ominous, anx you can we'll understand
what motives prompt their activity.
These politicians are holding daily
conferences and entering into deals by
which they can make this contest for
political supremacy in this city. Are
they working for the good of the city or
striving to advance their own political
fortunes and ambitionsy
Are you willing TO have the City
Council made up of men who will do the
bidding of these political manipulators.
IL you are, then calmly fold your arms
aud do nothing.
II firmly believe that il would be ca
lamity If the next City Council should be
controlled by Republicans, and equally
misfortune il ii should be under the domi-
nation OF partisan Democrats.
What you need 1t this time, and what
you should demand, is body OF leSisla-
tors who will be uninduenced by politi-
cal considerations, body composed of
men representative OF the material inter
ests of the city and actuated by but one
purpose, the public welfare,
Let the people of Baltimore for once
in its history ST this crucial period act
up 20 the true spirit of your new Charter
and lift this municipal election cut OF
politics. Il eau be done il the $4,000
taxpayers exert their influence and stand
together.
The small taxpayer 10 more interested
in this contest than tire large taxpayer.
than the one who has q surplus income
out of which TO pay his tax bill. The
taxpayer who owns his little house is
more seriously affected when taxes are
increased, because he has TO lay aside
out of his weekly wages an amount witt
which 70 pay bis share of the public ex
peases and Improvements, an amount
means TO him some self denial and per
sonal sacrifice.
Then why should these taxpayers
stand aloot aud allow the practical poll
ticisn TO manage aud disburSe the money
that they pay for public purposesl
II believe that when the good citizen
ship OF Baltimore is aroused, when the
bugle call TO daty is sounded, that the
$4,000 taxpayers will rally TO their ranks
all the people who want good govern
ment. They can then give notice that
this is not 8 political contest. but bust
aess election, one in which politics will
count for naaght.
do not forget, gentlemen, that this
incoming City Council win have much
10 do with the disbursement OF the
$2s, 600 ,000-the estimated cost of the
public betterments outlined in the plans
adopted by thu Mayor and his associate
enm.masffaea