The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-02-04
0'NEIt IN RACE.
He Announces His Candidacy for Of
flee of Mayor.

Edwin L. O'Neil, of the firm of
ONeil & Warfel. today made public
announcement of his candidacy for
re mayor of Topcka- Mr.. O'Neif is
the third to enter the race-Mayor
Billiard announced himself candidate
for reelection last Saturday, and Col
onel j. w. F. Hughes has already
thrown his hat into the ring.
Mr.. O'Neil has ieen considering en-
listing In the confess for several weeks.
He has taken up detailed points with
Els friends, and decided this morning
TO make formal declaration of his can
o1dacy Mr.. O'Neil is anxious to
tabllsh public comfort stations and a
1lrst class sewer system on the East
side He favors the reorganization of
the police department and thinks a
thorough lighting system in the Bot
TOMS would do mole to reduce crime
ana preserve order than two dozen
policemen. 4
Yes" said Mr.. ONeil to State
journal reporter today, 81 have re-
ceived sufficient encouragement from
the voters to justify tie announcement
that L will be a candidate for mayor of
Topeka. In making the decision I
fully realize all that must be involved
in the contest; if my friends will
buckle on the armor and rally to my
support believe We can win.
There are many worthy men in To-
pCka who could fill the office with
credit to themselves, and perform good
if there are other aspirants than those
already in the race, my candidacy
should not interfere with their plans
The contest should be clean cut one
between men and what may be eX-
pected Of them in performances as
mayor. During residence of more
than 10 years, L have contributed
money, time and personal effort to as
sist in electing what / thought to be
the best men to public office in both
have
port to every worthy cause for the bet
terment of Topeka.
There are a few things of public
Importance which 1 would like to see
accomplished for Topeka. One is the
Establishment of public comfort sta
lions, and another is more daylight for
dark places. More lights are needed
in certain parts of the city. I firmly
believe that a dozen large street lights
added to those in what is known as the
bottoms would do more to reduce
crime and preserve order than twice
that number of policemen, and at less
expense to the city.
Another imperative need is a first
class sewer system for the East side.
This IS an absolute necessity which
the city must face. and if it is too
much of a burden on property there, a
portion of the burden might be born
by the general property tax in the in
terest of public health.
<'By virtue of the office, the mayor
is the head of the police department,
and if 1 have any advance program or
promise, it is to say that I would re-
organize the police department with
the view of making it a force and a
power to better conditions in the city;
to protect life and property and prop
erty rights; to protect the weak and
the ignorant, from the strong and
vicious. and for the preserxation of
law and order and the good name of
Topeka. If there was a member of
the police force who did not know
when it was his duty TO arrest a boot
logger, a jointist, or any person violat-
ing the automobile or motorcycle
speed limit to the peril of citizens. he
would be retired. TO seek other employ
mcnt
'1n speaking of other candidates 1
want my friends. at all times, to be
considerate moderate, charitable and
tolerant concerning every question
which may arise, and in announcing
my candidacy L assure them of most
courteous treatment at my hands"