The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1910-05-19

their complaints in whispers; and
leave by the route they entered. Us
ually those who are the loudest in de-
manding the enforcement of ordi-
nances offer the least assistance in
the matter OF pro- ecutions, and when
forced to take the witness stand their
knowledge usually consists of hear
say, and when brought face to face
with the accused admit under oath
that they did not believe the charge
when they heard il. Numerous So
cieties and associations are continual
ly being born, the members Of which
become gray headed Immediately af-i
ter birth, and who, during the exits
tenee of their society, industriously
labor, as they would have you be-
lieve, for the elevation and better
ment OF mankind; but the service Of
a subpoena and the sight OF the Wit
ness stand causes them to hesitate,
doubt, and forget and the society to
dissolve, not by re oluti0n, but for
want of truth, and tho lady members
are left to take up q collection to pay
the rent and burn the badges.
In all municipalities, great or small.
there are numerous would-be candi-
dates criticising those charged with
the duties Of municipal affairs, anil
whose criticisms are loudest abort
the matter Of enforcing ordinance
and who never fail to state to the
listener just what they would or
would not 10 II they were called mp.
on to fill the position. The listener
too often agrees with them as the
easiest means Of Kidding himself Of
them, but as the listener walks away
he makes a solemn vow never to sup
port that fellow for anything. Some
times the critic will be given a pa
tient hearing and IL asked to specify
in detail the UNPUBLISHED violations,
but, instead of the listener obtaining
facts, he hears the usual responses,
ooh. well, you know how It II, you
can't just say you know it, but every
body believes it," and yet the would
be candidate Is unable to give the
name Of a single person believing as
he does, HI always asks you If
you do not believe as he does, and
If answered in the negative, how
quickly he changes the subject, and
has nothing to say about the number
Of persons who arc urging him to be
q candidate.
A few OF the foregoing incidents
will put an execulWa to thinking
and he finally concludes that there
must or should be some way to rid
oneself OF the deInasogte, and OF the
person persons, or society who have
much to say but no assistance to
give.
In my Judgment ystenatiging the
matter of enforcing ordinances is not
only the true relief. but the means
whereby ordinances may he systemat-
ically and thoroughly enforced; with
tho same results tbst the system
will bring in all municipal affairs.
There are 80 ma7y and varied quc-
lions pertaining to carry on the az
fans Of a city THAT t1e mayer can
only give lts Feiacrai attention 10
4 Eaancsal and ri ncss interests,
and o general supervision to the sew
eral departments cf city government,
Consequently the matter of enforcing
ordinances bould be systcmatized.
The respective heads of the several
departments of city government can,
and of right should be required to
look after the matter of conducting
the department strictly in accordance
with the ordinances pertaining there
to- While this may bring RESPONSE
hility. ID insures independence and
security. not only to the head but to
the entire department. When the de-
partment is once launched in this
manner it .hould be supported and
encouraged by the mayor, who should
In all things lend his encouragement
and counsel instead of criticising the
acts and dongs of the department,
and in such manner that the head Of
the department will not only be On.
couraged, but supported THIS you
have all ordinances Of a department
understood and enforced
Heads Of departments usually DC.
cupy appointiye petitions, and great
care should be exercised to obtain
department heals who do or viii
know aE ordinance pertaining TO
their respective departments.
In my Judgment af-, best results
are obtained when the bead Of de.
partmentis chargeable with conduct
ing the affairs Of hia department by
his own personal knowledge Of the
ordinances pertaining thereto II Is
but idle to say that department
head cannot learn and knew TIE Jaw
and ordinance pertaining 10 his de
partment. for the city attorney and
| legal department. Of a city are ever
ready to lend counsei and advices if
the premises, A department head
that does not know, and can not Of
wilt not learn the ordinances pertain
| Ing to his department, or who know
Ing, refuses or neglects to enforce
same Id not entitled to the position
H., hold and should be removed as