The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1915-04-16
Some Moral Questions

case ana It relates TO gaHDlng.
i Some Moral Questions
Several years ago city council elected with the
understanding that the business of the underworld to be em
ated so as the responsibility the council went that licenses
indirect be issued and to be taken
into the city treasury from such Gambling to be
suppressed far possible and the saloons be rgdy
regulated This followed with msgvngs the part
of the council and by the election generally ap
proved that the question raised again openly but
the campaign of 1913 the Progresve made reference
practical business administration and the need of
business ability to the affairs of the city, and sd while we ap
prove of moral influences and the teaching of morality YOUTH
yet think such things may sometimes be carried too tar
|ec ~
II Pledge to The People
This taken by the Republicans hint to the public
that this old question of red lights and gambling might be reversed
f they came power and in the "toy newspaper issued by
the Republicans the of election they declared unequvocb
lagalnst such course
Diuegaded the Pledge
When they were into office, the mayor appointed
man to the position of city attorney who had reputation for
being fascinated with the gaming table the of negeng
his business and of throwing his influence to the most liberal
struon of the relating gambling For year the mat
the scandal of the administration The chief of police
made efforts stop gambling he understood it, and held
check and his efforts nuled BY the attitude and advice of the
cty attorney When the council held its meetings. seldom had
1.-THE presence of the city attorney except when they sent for him.
Much annoyance caused by his absence times when they
expected and needed him. 1t be standing joke that
they wanted him meeting they could locate him
by ringing the biggest and busiest pool and card town
the meeting 1t remarked in open council that he was not
doing his duy that his not satisfactory because ne
there when wanted and papers prepared and ready
when needed On there harsh words the lie
was passed and fight seemed One night sug
geed by councilman open meeting, that If they could not
get the services of the city attorney without all this trouble and
annoyance he favor of dsmssng him and appointing
one that would be hand when he wanted This remark
was endorsed by others who indicated their approval by remarks
lor by mods showing that to be their sentiments.
Editor Rebukes the Mayor
In the spring of 1914 the editor of The Republican told
1.-THE mayor that the existing of affairs keeping with
1.-THE principles which they elected That the attitude of
1.-THE city attorney the gambling question direct oppo
ton him and his administration and that could only be ac
for by weakness bad faith he they did right
the matter Mayor West said this was putting 1t little too
strong but that he guessed He said they had talked
lit among them and had been trying to find who
could 90 the city attorney and talk him about it. That t
he had done they thought to do that ne
be for get him the meetings and they sometimes
had for him. but that his Interpretation of the laws on
gambling might be right At any rate it would do harm o
have somebody labor with him if they could find the right o
lido it, Gle looking for substitute for mayor because ne
lacked the spine himself.)
Officials Exhibited Dishonor
At that time political campaign opening IN the state
and county The city attorney wanted to be county attorney and
there indications that the council found somebody with nerve
enough talk the city attorney else he woke up the sua
on for he turned leaf attended all the meetings and at
with them until the well along and then asked to be
excused Following this he announced himself candidate tor the
position county attorney and had article published the
local papers paid advertisement the signature OF the
mayor and every member of the council saying that city aor
he had been satisfactory every respect The statement was
long and sweeping and designed leave the impression with the
of the county that the mayor and council recommended his
candidacy the favorable consideration Of the people The fact
that every member of the council signed it added the strength
that always goes with unanimous vote. Nine who had
tried him and found him recommended him through the
public press the uniformed of the whole county, and then when
they why they signed and how much sin
cery there of them treated lightly and said they
sgned because they asked do said they signed
tT.+. Continued six