The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-06-22
A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE.

A tH0ag1AhE 01 a<@<>@~s -H~s The great and stirring events which have been taking place in the Far East have to a great extent detractsc from the Interest felt in the remark able war going on in Philadelphia just at this time; remarkable in its incep- lion and in it's results. The beginning was so unexpected coming from the
 source it did. that people were aston ishsd, and 1t Is not at all to be won- dered at if there was something like . general feeling of doubt as to the continuance of the work inangurated by Mayor Weaver.
 To begin with, the Mayor was looked On as thoroughly reliable part of the Republican machine of Philadelphia. He belonged to the crowd of Penrose. Me-
 Nichol, Durham and the other corrupt
 bosses who have controlled Pennsyl- venia politics generally and those of
 Philadelphia especially. No more cor rupt and interruptions gang of iooters and grafters has ever controlled city
 than this one was, and none was sup posed to be more invulnerabie than it.
 With and of this combination was
 Weaver, and no one supposed that he
 would abandon 1t or antagonize it.
 These facts and considerations mado
 1t so astonishing when he made his
 first move in the direction of civic hon.
 esty and good government, and hence
 those who witnessed this move refused to believe that he would persevere.
 Yet, surprising as 1t might seem, he has not only stuck to it, but has be- come more and more earnest and de- termined, and has convinced the public that he intends to rid Philadelphia of the gang, root and branch, and give the city a clean and honest govern ment, at least during the continuance of his term. Those who have watched him thus far are convinced that he means what he says, and that he will fuIhli his pledges.
 But the work and the example set by Mayor Weaver will extend far beyond the present and beyond his own city. All that was needed was for an earnest man to get to work and stir up a
 
 dead. For years the city had been in the grip of pirates and each year saw that grip growing firmer. All the bet ter sentiment had grown hopeless and dormant. Those who wanted better things had apparently abandoned all down to endure whatever was given them. The better sentiment was there and 1t only needed a spark to set it off. Weaver applied the match at the righ. time and in the right way and the ex- piosion followed; m explosion which has scattered the poodle element in all directions and bids fair to silence it forever or drive 1t out. He has them on the run and appears to have no in- tention of stopping while there is one of them In position to do harm.
 But the redemption of Philadelphia. even though 1t may be complete and permanent, is not the only good to come of his efforts. There are other cities which are treading in Philadel- phia's footsteps. There are other cities which are dominated by the worst ele- msnts of the population. There, also. the honest citizens have become hope less, discouraged and resigned. The better element which exists in all com munities has despaired of better things and has lost all ambition for a change, The example of Philadelphia should convince them that there is always a way if they will look for 1t, and al- ways 8 time and opportunity if they will seize them. Mayor Weaver and lis achievements should bo an inspir- ation, and to the cause of honest mu- nicipal government a moving example. Such has been the work of a man who could see the right and had courage to embrace 1t.