The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1909-06-10
HOW LOCAL OPTION HAS HIT
NEW PHILADELPHIA.
The Public Library is Closed and

nc TGDlIG GIDIdIy is NIOSeO ana
Police Force Reduced.
A dispatch from New Philadelphia
says:
This city scwed the dry storm
some time ago and now it is reaping
the whilrwind of destruction and dis
aster. | append a report of some
recent doings which tells it's own
story. 1t needs no comment, for "he
who runs can read:"
THE councilmen did a good job
Friday night. Using the retrench-
ment AK, they whacked right and
left, seemingly regardless of where
the blows fell, and 'retrenched' with
vengeance. In fact, to the average
citizen, it appears as though the re-
trenchment policy had gone so tar
as to make us the ridicuae Of the
state. Think of it. A progressive
city of 10000 inhabitants unable TO
support free library and reading
room. Do you wonder that we should
cringe and shrink at the plying
glances which will be given by the
outside world?
Scattered throughout the state are
towns many times smaller, that are
supporting Carnegie libraries. And
their residents civic pride is not
confined to the library alone, for in
many instances they have the i'm
provements that we lack, paved
streets and proper sewerage.
THE first of May the library was
made a free institution, the ladies
turning it over to the city. In a con-
munication sent the council and read
Friday evening, they asked that at
least two councilmen be appointed
members of the library board. This
is pretty good evidence that the la
dies want to be fair IN the matter
Several of the councilmen have
walled that there is a lack of patron
age at the institution. Granted tneir
assertions are true, which reports
disprove, the institution, as a free
library, has not been given a fair
trial. Is the library patronized? Dur.
ing 1908 there were 1888 books is.
sued. Last December Gil persons
visited the library, and during the
summer the patronage decreased, as
could be expected, but at no time
did it fall below $50 Does this re-
port show that the library has been
a failure? And this was when 81 per
year was charged for books. Think,
just think, what free library would
mean. The councilmen have re.
trenched, but at sacrifice that will
have an effect upon this city for
years to come. They have done that
irreparable injury that even time
never can efface.
The minute that the motion cut
ting out the library levy was passed
Horning jumped to his feet and SAT-: :
Now you've begun on the little
things, let's go after the big. | move
| that another patrolman be cut from
our police force Second the motion
came from Darst And the trouble
started again.
Mayor Schell was upon his feet
in just about seven seconds. He
stated thai one patrolman had al
ready been cut off the force. This
left three men and the chief From
ten at night until six in the morning
the city is now in charge of but two
men. 1t WI be hazardous to both
property and life, continued the
mayor.
"Horning spoke very freely and
frankly in giving his opinion on the
subject. He stated that ne believed
the city would be Just as well pro
tected as now, giving his reason.
why. The motion was carried with
Graf and Bash voting mo- Here II
viii be seen that Mr.. Bash believe,
in policemen, but not libraries.
"Mr. Graf opposed tho motion he
cause Of the annexation agreemen,
between LoclSport and this city. Ac
cording to that contract, the citv I,
compelled to furnish a policeman To-
the south side. They can deman.
an oficer Suppose they do. Tina
Will leave shis city in the care a
one chief and one patrolman. AZ
other healthy condition for Me-
Philadelphia TO be in.r