The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-07-25

night made an announcement of their
platforms to more than five hundred
voters Of the city of sumter. who
gave both candidates very atten-
tative hearing. literally applauding
the speakers at intervals. The au-
dience seemed about equally divided,
n one might Judge by the applause
received by the candidates. which
showed that each of them had many
ardent advocates.
The meeting. which is the largest
which has been gathered in the city
to hear city candidates within a num-
ber Of years, was called to order w
Chairman j. W. McKiever of the
Democratic organization Of the city of
Sumter. Mr.. Levy spoke first and de-
hvered an earnest and interesting
speech, telling plainly what he advo-
Gated and what he did not advocate.
His chief plank seemed to be the uni
form enforcement OF all laws and
city ordinances and the giving OF the
City Manager plan Of municipal gov
crnment a better test than, no said
II had had In the past.
Mr.. Rowland read his platform
statement. reviewing his work on
council and telling what nc advocated.
He was an economist and was willing
n ~ -. In l.xtt n In 70 hn|
city that could be done as long as
the city had the money and IL 1t did
not too greatly increase the already
large Indebtedness of the city. He
showed where by his work on the wa
ter works department the city had
been well supplied with equipment
which would furnish the city water
for q long time to come and tho op-
Grating expenses were reduced from
fourteen to seven dollars n day
Mr.. Lcvy's platform. briefly outlined.
was as follows:
Mr.. Levy introduced himself as u
citizen 32 years OF age seeking Of
In tho city practically all of his life
and the people know him for what,
ne In by his acts In the past. lie has
always taken n deep interest I'm the
affairs of the city. and was seeking
election this time as a free agent, not
as the candidate of any class Of
men or corporations. but unhamp-
cred and willing to represent the
whole people OF the city.
He then took up the workings of
the "City Manager Plan" of municipal
government. outlining wherein II was
different from the old Des Moincs
plan and how II was intended to op-
crate. as he saw It. He did not think
that II had been given a fair test, for
IL was rot being operated as Ii was
intended To or as tho people thought
II would be when they voted il In.
IL had advertised Sumter throughout
the whole country and should be made
a success. He pointed out Wherein its
cess under the admi .istration of the
present city manager. whom ne deem
ed an able and competent man i'm city
affairs. He went into the matter OF
tho water works department. quot
ing from the report of the city man
ager. to show that the pumps In oper-
70 ~.
To furnish sufficient water supply for
the city. and two pumps of twice their
capacity were needed. IL was stated
In his report. quoted by Mr.. Levy.
that Il, would he well To- have a side
track from the railroad to the water
works plant to supply coal. I'm case
tho steam pumps were much needed.
Mr.. I evy did not consider this invest
ment good economy. as by getting
larger electric pumps when the city
was Installing them the steam pumps
would not have been needed at all I'm
furnishing the city It's daily water sup
ply.
Mr.. Levy ADVOCATED n pluy ground
for children. saying that ne vas look
Ing tn the future needs of the city
He advocated tn" conversion oi the
city farm" at tho water works plant
into park and children's Iplay
ground. This he said would bc cs-
peciaily needed. as the city grew. and
as street ears were pu, i'm operation.
and II would bring about better health
among the children.
He advocated an adequate appro-
priatlon and a complete equipment
for the nrc department. He stated
that he had always had the kccncst
interest I'm the department ever since
there was such rivalry between the
two companies years ago. lie hclicv-
ed that tho city should Supply thc