The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-12-18
STRICTLY NON-PARTISAN.

In the course of his remarks before the Elm
wood club last evening Mayor-elect Mccarthy said
he fully appreciated the great honor conferred upon
him by his election as the citys executive and that
he would endeavor to merit the confidence OF all
citizens. even of those who did not vote for him, by
giving strictly non-partisan administration of
municipal affairs
By this declaration Mr.. Mccarthy made no de-
parure from his ante-election pronouncements.
Throughout the campaign he insisted that the need
OF the city is a sound business-like and non-part-
san administration, and that he would give just that
kind of an administration should the people entrust
10 him the duties and responsibilities of the execu-
tive office.
That the people placed implicit confidence in
this pledge the handsome plurality given him on
election day is ample proof. That Mr.. Mccarthy
will fully redeem that pledge citizen who appre-
oates his sincerity of purpose and the strength of
his desire to promote the welfare and progress OF
the community, will entertain shadow of doubt,
1t is because of their complete trust in his
honesty of motive and soundness and sanity OF
judgment that the people entertain neither question
nor misgving as to Mr. McCarthy's action in the
matter of the police commssionership.
He has pledged himself to non-partisan adj
rninstraton; and his remarks last evening
strengthen the conviction that appointment to the
police commission will be made in conformity to the
principle of non-parisanship in the conduct of
municipal affairs.
Indeed, the mayor-elects latest statement will
be taken by the community an indication that he
recognizes the futility well as the danger OF at
tempting to secure Justice to the Democracy by
naming one of its members for the coming vacancy,
and will instead exercise his power of appointment
SO as TO continue the present efficient and non-part
san administration OF the police department.
"The municipal affairs" said the mayor-elect,
Should be strictly partisan just as much as the
affairs of any corporation" With this sentiment
there will be universal agreement Moreover, is it
not reasonable basis for the assumption that 1t
points to an ultimate decision on the part of the
mayor elect to retain Colonel Gross in position in
which he has been materially potent in securing to
the city and its citizens the best police adnnstra-
ton they have had
APPOINTMENT of Colonel Gross would not only
be in full accord with Mr.. McCarthys frequently
declared policy of non-partisanship, but it would be
ulhllment of duty he owes the city and the con-
stituency that elected him The insistent demand Of
the citizens generally is for continuance OF present
satisfactory conditions
Should the mayorelect fail in attempt to
make the commission bipartisan, every fair
minded man comedies it ought TO be, but which
every citizen knows it cannot be so long hostile
board of aldermen retains the power TO confirm and
elect whom would the people hold responsible Tor
the change from efficiency and fearessness in police
administration to inefficiency and favoritism, and
for the transformation from the decency OF clean
city to the depravty of a wide-open town.
Not the board of aldermen, for its probable action
having been well known IN advance could nave
been defeated There is little doubt that under such
circumstances the mayor would be held accountable,
and Justly so, because knowing the danger and
having the power to avert such calamity, he failed
80 do so.
Happily no such menace confronts the COM
munity. The mayor-elect assures the citizens that
his administration will be strictly non-partisan, and
that means that the present adequate, fearless and
effective police administration will not be destroyed
In futile attempt to secure confirmation OF an
appointment made on partisan lines.