The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1907-10-25
DEMOCRATIC. .
Campaign Details Were
Discussed At Enthu-
slastic Meeting
JOHN T. BLAKE SPEAKS

An enthusiastic Democratic meeting
was held In the Democratic head
quarters In the Houser block last ev-
ening at which details of campaign
work we're considered. The meeting
was presided over by Ray Harbert,
chairman of the Democratic commit
tee, who introduced. as the principal
speaker Of the evening, John I. Blake.
Mr.. Blake expressed his regret at
the inability of Charles Kreichbaum
to be present, as had been arranged
for, who by reason of other pressing
engagements, was prevented from at
tending the meeting and delivering
an address. Mr.. Blake stated that
there are no national or state issues
entering in the present campaign and
that such attempt is being made
by speakers of opposition parties Tor
the purpose of divertlng the attention
OF the voters from the excellent
achievements OF the present Demo-
cratic mayor and board Of public
service, during the past year.
The past two years have been char
acterlzed by unprecedented activity
In the management OF the city's fin-
ances as they have been appropriated
by the city council. In the matter
OF street lighting contracts alone, as
entered into by the present board OF
public service, the city has been saved
the sum OF s85, 900 during the past two
years This saving TO the city Is
largely due, said Mr.. Blake to the sys-
tenn OF competitive bidding, as inaug-
urated by the present Democratic
board of public service.
Mr. Blake called the attention OF
the audience to the increase in the
revenues of the water works Depart
ment during the year 1905. of over
Gil 900. which amount will be exceed
ed by the increase OF 1907. When
the present Democratic water works
board came into control OF the de-
partment. IL was found that many
Of Canton's citizens who we're heavy
consumers of city water. had not been
paying any water rentals. Whether
this fact was due TO favoritism or In
competent management is not known,
but whatever excuse Is offered for
such a condition, the fact remains
that IL was 70 say the least. a gross
iHjustioe TO those consumers. whose
rates were necessarily increased by
such policy,
Under the Republican management
Of this department OF the city's gov
ernment, during the year 1905. the
water rentals amounted to s59475.4S, !
while for the year OF 1908, under the
management OF the present Demo-
cratic board. the rentals were increas-
cd TO t7I.32i.63 and II is estimated
that for the year 1907 they will reach |
at least $75.O00. which is equivalent
to an increase OF more than rs per I,
cent. which has placed the depart
ment upon a paying basis.
The extensions made In the water I
mains and service lines during 1906
and 1907 aggregate 2O.s0s feet while
the total length OF street and sewer .
for tho same period Is
more than SO miles.
Mr.. Blake emphasized the fact. that |
the engineers department is not re-
sponsible for the condition OF the in
adequate sewerage on Walnut street. Z
Mr.. Blake stated that not only DEM
ocrats but all the citizens OF Canton
may we'll feel proud OF the present ef-
aciency OF the police and Are pro-
tsction. which has been perfected un-
der the careful and considerate man
agement OF the Democratic board OF
public service.
Appointments In these two depart
ments have been made without re-
gard to political preferment but with
a single view to competency and per-
sonal merit. with the result that no
other city In the state enjoys better
police and fire equipment and pro-
lection.
The street cleaning department is
no execution TO the other departments
said Mr.. Blake. and he
challenged inspection OF the city's 1875
miles OF streets. saying that In no
city would be found streets In more