The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1906-10-25
LEST WE FORGET.

Unfortunately, but unavoidably. Spokane has
Gently received considerable unfavorabe advertising
Accounts of crimes committed almost nightly do not con-
sttute the sort of reading that attracts and holds the
prospective citizen. Neither is the publication of such
news pleasant task for Spokane newspaper. That
the civic administration is unable to meet the situation
with the energy and mness required is another dam
aging condition to place before the general public but
that cannot be concealed without inviting
harmful consequences. To this very exposure must be
credited whatever Improvement may be noted in the
local situation.
This statement is not intended as Indicating belief
that the city hall is populated with officials who be
moved to do their duty only by denuncaton and sharp
criticism. Such hint would in itself carry the implied
charge that the city administration is in league with
Notwithstanding which The Press has not con-
sidered. Rather, it takes the ground that Mayor
Dagget's administration is the victim of vacilating
policy in dealing with what is known the 'tenderon
element" which is in reality here everywhere the
haven of criminal natures of all degrees peculiar
dition Of city politics has aggravated conditions
The present administration has to be recognized
'free and easy form of city government. While
that may not imply liberation of crime it does convey
idea that not all precautions have been taken
sary to foresta far possible oenses that have
run the criminal gamut
In other words the 'tenderoin' is not afraid of the
mayor the police, condition really underlying all
the present trouble Why this is how it may have
been arranged does not enter into the proposition
Offering an immediate remedy That can be supplied
only by the intelligent, united and constant efforts Of
the better elements of this city.
In this is the hope Of the future and the antdote of
the past Not for moment afford to forget that
Spokane cannot be permitted to suffer seconds stay
of progress by any local condition. What civic disease
it engenders this city is also able to What hand-
caps may arise it able to And the prospec-
tive citizen may rest assured that anything Objectionable
he notes In looking is merely the debris thrown
out in eXcavang for solid and better constructed
foundation He sees our worst along with best and
the comparison is nothing to be afraid Of Placed side
by side with what other cities of the Northwest have to
Offer the display is something to be proud Of Remenl-
Der that but don't forget that only by tearing up and
roofing ont may the criminal conditions that vex every
commonwealth be erradcaed checked to the last DOS
sble limit. Ony within itself may Spokane suffer- and
with common regard to the demands of decent citizenship
such sefnfcted injury is impossible.
After all, II the truth were known, Mayor Daggett
may be suffering from lack of strong moral support
than from any other failing The forces opposing rigid
regulation are always organized, always interested al
ways insistent They quick to resent and combat
what they regard inringements and never unmndfu
OF favors. 1t is fact that this much cannot now be said
of the more substantial grades of citizenship