Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1912-07-24

fair deal ng. They went beyond that. They even agreed to do everything that was suggested by the anti-Free Bridge people. They did not have to agree to anything-under the Free Bridge act-but they did. They wanted their brothers to know that they were dealing with honest men-firm honest and true Commissioners They had been misjudged and for no other reason than to create Senti- ment against the cause they repre- sent.
 The petitions were filed-for and against. They were sealed-all of then placed in a bank vault and will be opened again today to be reviewed There will be no star chamber pro- ceedings today. Those who wish to can see them, and witness the in spectF on that is to be made. A com mittee from the Taxpayers has been invited to be present.
 The Commissioners have nothing to hide. They wilt attempt to hide mo- thing. They have made no efforts in the past to shield their acts. They are men who are courageous and honest enough to transact their busi- ness, as public servants in the open before. the eyes of all skeptical ones.
 What was the result? Some of those who had been guilty of chaig- ing fraud and corruption before there was any ground for it showed the eff fects of their previous assumptions of bad faith. It showed on their faces rI n N1,nt nil hot honest men are misjudged and made to feel the bangs of misplaced con- 'dence? Men who have lived among their accusers since boyhood. Men of families. Mem whose word in busi- ness transaction are as good as their bonds
 When examples of this character come to our notice we sometimes wonder, and apprec ate the full mean ing of Mans inhumanity to man."
 The Bridge Commission wilE con- duct it's meetings impartially and legally There will be no crooked ness. The anti-Bridge people are now fully satisfied that the Comm ssicn- CTS can be relied upon. If they are not they will never be convinced of it.
 The Graphic has not urged con- promise just because some people were inclined to pre-judge honest men and accuse them of planning to force something upon the majority of the people against their will. This pa per did not urge the selection of two committees to settle the differences that existed between the anti-Bridge and Free Bridge people, because it believed that a silly and imprati- cable way to go about it, and further because il knew that the law, under which the Free Bridge district is authorized would net admit of such a proceeding. The Graphic does not claim credit for lighting situation hat some foolishly argued would lesd to 'blocdshed' and the destruc- ton of the good feeling that has exist ed here for years between our neigh bors in the country districts and the residents of the cities and towns of this county.
 The Graphic believes in the Free Bridge. It has advocated it fer years and it feels that large majority of the property owners and taxpayers of this county favor it. 1t believes that no matter how bitter some might have been against the Free Bridge that they will bow to the will of the majority like men, if they are shown to their complete sat sfaetion that there is a majority. The Graphic IFS spoken out without any "ifs or ands'. As usual it has taken al stand for what it believed to be fer the best interests of the city and county and all the people. There is no straddling the fence here. We have no favors to ask if we believe We are right and we grant to others the same privilege.
 Come on let's be men. Stop all this childish wrangling. and much of it has already ceased. and take our medicine If there is majority against the Free Bridge we will say all's we'll. But if there IS major ity in faor of it-naturally. we'll cele- brate. Nssf4 sse tS --s---o&o---
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