Semi-weekly herald., 1912-05-09
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\ large number of citizens of nu-
rango, many of them large "a .pay-
ers, attended meeting of the ..ty
counol last night and took an active
part in the discussion OF several ,,ues-
| tlOns. However, the one that chiefly
ittcr'f ted them was that of the n q.
tor fire truck Somehow an erroneous
report had been circulated that the
council had purchased, or was about
to purchase, motor for the fire de
partment. When that matter came
before the council for consideration.
it was explained by the mayor and
Councilman John Meuser that the only
action the council had taken in the
matter was the appointment of com
mittee to investigate the matter and
report to the town council. Some of
the large taxpayers, Messrs. Graham,
Jackson and others, took part in the
discussion chiefly in the way of ask
ing questions for the purpose of Sc
curing information concerning the mo
tor car and the expense connected
with it as compared with the keeping
of the horse equipment Then they
We're advised by the council that no
further action had been contemplated
than to discuss the matter thoroughly
and have everybody in Durango do the
same with the idea of determining
whether or not it would be paying
proposition for the city. According
to the report given in am inforlnal
manner by Mr. Meuser it would ap-
pear to many to be good investment,
but those particularly interested in the
matter expressed themselves as will
ing to give the matter due considcra
tior and report to the council at its
next meeting. Everyone there gave
evidence of desiring to do what is best
for the city, however, they might diff
fer in opinion. The question of the
expenditure of large sums of money
by the city is always a matter of vi
tai interest to the taxpayers and the
council showed the best of judgment
in seeking their advice. There is no
doubt that, when the matter is well
understood by all concerned, good
sound Judgment will prevail as it US
ually does. 1t is true that city ccun-
ellis sometimes act too hastily in such
matters. Oftentimes they act unwise-
Iy in the management of the business
of the people, but more often they get
uncalled for criticism from individuals
who are either unable or unwilling TO
be fair. 1t is not to be presumed that
al! of us can be satisfied by any coun-
Gil. We have never yet seen a city
council that got the praise of all the
people. They have done their duty
when they have taken plenty of time
to investigate every proposition ac-
cording to its Importance and TO de-
termine the will and general vel
fare of their community. When they
have informed themselves as to the
facts and have acted upon an honest
Judgment, then the members are not
to blame for their acts. III they then
make mistake it is because they are
not qualified and the people are to
blame for electing those not qualified
for office. Dishonest and selfish men
should never be permitted TO transact
business for the public. Narrow-mind-
ed and uniformed persons are very
dangerous to the welfare of the com
munity when placed in official posi-
tons AS yet we are unable to un-
derstand that any criticism is due for
their procedure in the investigation
of the advisability of considering the
propositions made by the various deal
ers of motor car trucks for the fire
department.