Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-03-09

TIuitofS henncDcc Journal.
come Of the non partisans who have
voted in the past for Frederick w
Plaistcd for mayor are troubled over
| what is their duty this year.
| As consistent believer in absolute
non partIsanship in municipal matters
] may be permitted to make some sua-
gestions why the non partisan vote
should be cast for Ira n. Randall even
against the genial and charming Shcr-
| if Mayor Leader Editor.
First: Mayor Plaistcd is using his
place and power as mayor to help him
self as sheriff in order to strengthen
partisan machine and re-elcct himself
to a $4400 county job
Second: His third election will make
him a dominant figure in Democratic
politics in Misunderstanding apart
from the question Of who should be
Mayor.
Third: Inspired by ambition he has
not hewn to the line but has permitted
and even approved breaches Of lie
Law of the State as shown in the cases
Of Aldermen who have supplied the
city contrary to law and their oaths
1t is no defence to say that this has
been done before. 1t is wrong and be
cause others may have been wrong -
no Justification.
Fourth: Mayor Plaistcd has boon
disinScnuous. He points with rrid."
to the fire department. He does not
explain why he has ignored the repre-
sensations Of his own chief engineer
as to the condition Of our one steam
fire engine our sole protection against
a CONFEDERATION in case Of trouble with
the water works. Is it 'busincsS'' to
ignore the representations of the chief
and leave the city unprotected? Is it
not politics" to let the city run this
great risk ana force a succeeding adj
ministration to spend $5on0 for a
steamer? What guarantee is there
that the Sheriff Mayor will buy 4
steamer while in Office?
Fifth: The Mayor is a business Of
ficcr. the general manager Of the Cor
poratinn Of the City Of Augusta lie
is supposed to represent the interests
and to project the interests of the
stockholders, that is 20 say the voters
of Augusta. Has he done So? Can he
10 50 as well as that able sterling.
successful business man and trained
General Managerial II. Randall?
Sixth: Mayor Plaisted wants Re-
publican votes, he needs Republican
votes, he must have Republican votes
to be elected. In what way save per
snnal graccs and charm Of manner has
he earned the right to such votes on a
non-partisan issue? He used the
prestige of his first election t. run ~
Il partisan Office thereby bctrayfnG
the trust of those who chose him AZ a
business Mayor. Either he is neglect
ing his duties as Mayor or as Sheriff
and 50 confcsscs thereby to unfitncss
for Office or if not neglectinE his duties
he is taking pay t$4400 from tin"
county and $500 at least from the city)
for work he docs not do and is using
his prestige as Mayor of the Capital
City to feather his nest. Mr.. Randall
comes forward not merely as a Re-
publican but as business man with
out political ambitions; without tn"
desire to use the Mayoralty to give him
standing 50 he may draw $1,000 from
tho County.
Seventh: Mayor PlaiStcd, 50 frank
and sincere in social relations. is ncith-
or in politics. Dare he pledge himself
to the Republicans who must vote for
him that if elected Mayor he will not
be A candidate for Sheriff on q partisan
ticket; will not use his office to build
up Il Democratic machine: will not
use his triumph in National politics
to the benefit Of his party or himself?
of course he will not make such
pledge.
Therefore, he is running on part'-
san ticket for partisan purposes try
ing TO befog the issue by saying his IS
"business" movement against poll
tics.
Such insincerity for political and
partisan purposes from man hat1raI-
" sincere deserves a severe robuk".
Every Republican, every non part'-
san and every man who wants real
business administration should vote on
Monday for Ira n. Randall.
Respectfully yours,
NON-PARTISAN.